Grounded in love, UUCW is a joyful community
committed to spiritual growth, inclusion, and justice.
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This Sunday, February 25, 2024 - 10:00 AM CT | |
“A Just and Equitable Stewardship” | | |
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Rev. Julie Stoneberg
We know how to fairly distribute a pie. Cut it into equal pieces so that everyone gets a slice. But how do we distribute and share stewardship of this congregation? If we can’t cut it into equal pieces, what do we do? This Sunday is the kickoff for our annual pledge campaign, Mission: Possible. If you show up, there’ll be a piece of pie for you!!
Our theme for February is “The Gifts of Equity and Justice.” Kaleidoscope will be cooking up some good music.
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Please join in gathering with six to eight UUCW members and friends to share a delicious potluck meal, warm conversation and stories of how participation at UUCW has impacted our respective lives.
Click below to indicate all the options that work with your schedule.
- Friday, lunch or dinner (3/8, 3/15)
- Sat., lunch or dinner (3/9, 3/16)
- Sunday, dinner (3/10, 3/17)
The online signup form will allow you to express other needs or preferences. The deadline to RSVP is February 26th.
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Ministerial Search Update
The search team is continuing its discernment of candidates for our next settled minister. They are meeting with the third of their three selected pre-candidates this weekend. This phase of the search process continues to go well. Per UUA schedule requirements for the search, they will extend an offer to their final candidate toward the end of March and the congregation will have the opportunity to vote at the end of April.
If you have any questions, contact the Ministerial Search Team.
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The Board of Trustees Meeting
will be held on
Thursday, February 22nd at 7 pm.
Read the complete Board packet to see monthly reports and discussion topics.
UUCW Room UL4
or online - Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/97338727438
Everyone is welcome to attend.
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Member Dave Gross shared his joy and passion for building maintenance in his "Letter to the Future."
"... I am so happy with all the improvements that have been completed since joining UUCW..."
If you missed Dave's letter that was shared at last week's service, CLICK HERE.
Would you like to write a letter to the future UUCW expressing what you see, what you dream, what you promise? Contact Rev. Julie to share your letter here, or during a Sunday service.
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Each year the Nominating Committee is tasked with creating a slate of member candidates for the Board of Trustees, the Endowment Committee, and the Nominating Committee. We ask all of you to strongly consider being a part of the leadership and governance of this community – a community that means so much to us all!
On Sundays in February and March, the Nominating Committee will be in the community room with information about what serving on these committees entails and will answer any questions. Come see us!
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Covenant and Conflict at UUCW
On Sunday, Feb 18, a group of ardent and curious UUCWers joined together in conversation about the role a right relations covenant might play in UUCW's life.
There were so many good questions! It was a good time!
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Are You Interested in Representing UUCW at Regional Assembly?
The MidAmerica Region UUA Regional Assembly 2024 is meeting in Madison on Friday, April 19 – Saturday, April 20. We are invited to send members for the entire conference or a short visit. You may attend online as an option.
Are you interested? Contact Vicki Banville to sign up.
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Each year the Endowment Fund Committee accepts grant proposals to fund projects that serve the Endowment Fund mission. Previous grants supported various projects relating to spirituality, safety, youth, the environment, church operating budget support, building enhancement, and social justice.
Visit with members of the Endowment Committee in the Community Room after service this Sunday to learn how your funded project idea can help UUCW achieve its mission! Submit a project using the link below.
Request an Endowment Fund Grant
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The Annual Trustee Awards go to three members who took action exhibiting excellence, initiative, and commitment or enhanced the community in a manner that had definable outcomes.
A Long-Term Service Award goes to one member whose long-term activities or commitments to multiple activities or projects over a significant time.
To nominate someone for these awards, please submit the name and up to 75 words describing what the member has done to merit the award. Submit nominations by March 15 to either Kathy White or Barb Holzhauer or via the church office. If you have questions, contact either Kathy or Barb.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: A new coffee co-coordinator is needed. Duties for this important role include maintaining the online sign-up form, updating coffee-making instructions, and answering coffee service questions. A current co-coordinator would monitor and restock coffee supplies. Guidance is provided. Please contact Shawn Kalloway if you are interested. | | |
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If you or someone you know needs Pastoral Care, contact Rev. Julie or the Lay Pastoral Care Team. | Enter your Joy or Concern with the link below and choose whether you'd like them shared in the e-news or shared privately with Rev. Julie. | | |
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SOPHIA's Religious Leader's Caucus invites you to a 3-part series on Seeing Political Issues Clearly. For many voters, the terms and labels used in political ads, conversations, and debates can be confusing.
These thoughtful discussions on issues that have become politicized and not well understood are designed to help you make educated choices.
The two remaining Wednesdays are February 28 and March 6 from 12 -1 pm via Zoom, Rev Julie and Rev. David Kraemer are each presenting.
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UUCW Supports the
The Interchange Food Pantry
The Interchange Food Pantry's Mission is to improve the health and well-being of our guests through nutritious food and compassion. Their vision is to feed all guests who enter their door, until there are no more guests at their door.
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Library Update
Featured this month as part of the Soul Matters theme, The Gifts of Justice and Equity is “Strength for the Struggle” by Joseph Ellwanger, a UUCW pulpit guest last year. The book tells about his work, primarily in black churches both in Birmingham, Alabama and Milwaukee.
It was recommended by David Herrewig.
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Make Your Own
Non-Toxic Cleaning Products Class
Monday, March 4th from 6-8 pm
Led by Julie Toman
Many household cleaning products are expensive and some can be harmful to our health and the environment. Member Julie Toman will guide you in making two household cleaners to take home. Recipes range from all-purpose cleaners to sanitizing sprays to dish soap. You will also receive samples for other safe and effective cleaning products. Class fee is $15.
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Rainbow Connection
UUCW’s new affinity group dedicated to diversity & inclusion, aims to create a safe space to belong. We will be hosting our first event on Friday night, March 1st. This will be a casual social event, starting with an optional moving meditation, followed by unstructured social time with snacks, music, conversation, and games. Open to anyone who knows what it feels like to be marginalized, for any reason, or is an ally to those who do.
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Folk Dance Group Starts March 15th
Come and join us for an evening of folk dancing and community! Our monthly events welcome adults and children over 10 years old (accompanied by an adult) to experience the dances and music from various countries across the globe. Folk dancing has been enjoyed for centuries, bringing people together for fun and celebration.
On March 15th at 7 pm, we will mainly do walking dances. Please wear comfortable shoes and casual attire and bring a refillable water bottle. If you have any questions, contact Hank Kulesza.
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RE Committee Meeting
6 - 7:30 pm
Monday, Feb. 26
Open to all wanting spring faith formation opportunities for children, youth, and families to best meet their needs, and to help shape RE programs for the upcoming summer and fall.
RSVP to Dave Cicero, DLRE
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Beloved Conversations: Within
Embody racial justice as a spiritual practice in this 12-week program mixing online learning and reflection at your own pace, processing in small groups, and worshipping in community!
The Spring Term (different than Fall, so available to any wanting to continue their journey) kicks off March 12. Registration runs through February 29.
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Article II: Love at the Center
March 13 - April 13.
Single-session online workshops exploring the proposed changes to Article II of the UUA Bylaws. If approved at General Assembly in June, these will replace the “7 Principles” with a covenant of Values and commitments.
Sponsored by the Church of the Larger Fellowship and suitable for ages 14 and up. Registration now open.
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Peer Caregiver Support Group
Tuesday, February 27th
from 1 - 2 pm
This support group offers support to those who are gifted with caring for another’s life. Gatherings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Included are discussions on a chosen topic of mutual interest and sharing for support.
If this relates to your life, please reach out with comments or questions to Mary Ross or Susan Swearingen.
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"Lunch with Rev. Julie"
Friday, March 1 at 12 noon
Enjoy lunch and a time of open conversation with Rev. Julie and anyone else who shows up. Come prepared to participate…to both listen and share your thoughts about worship or anything about UU Church West that concerns or delights you.
There is no need to RSVP. Bring your lunch and favorite beverage. Contact Rev. Julie if you have questions.
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CommUUnity Connections provides a helping hand to support members of the church community in times of need.
Lynn Anderson recently joined the CommUUnity Connections team and is ready to assist you in February.
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Beyond UU Church West
Click below for community events and resources from outside our church that align with our UU values and may be of interest to members and friends.
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Our YRUU (High School) group recently held a Yoga Day. Taking a flexible pose is Matthew (front) with Miranda, Miles Bognar (advisor) and Valerie in the back row. | |
Next Sunday, March 3, 2024 - 10:00 AM CT | | |
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Rev. Julie Stoneberg
It would sure be easier to just stay the same, and yet a constant ‘becoming’ seems to be inherent to the human condition. Our ability to transform provides meaning, direction, purpose, and resilience. So, who are you becoming?
Our theme for March is “The Gift of Transformation.” The UUCW Adult Choir will provide a metamorphic music experience.
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Have you missed a past e-news
and need to get caught up on
UUCW announcements?
Visit the UUCW website and
click on the "news" tab for past
news and featured stories.
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