Website: uucw.org | Email: uucw@uucw.org | 262-782-3535

Worship with us in person at 13001 W. North Ave., Brookfield, WI 53005

or online at uucw.org/livestream

The Rev. Julie Stoneberg

If you could articulate which value is most central in your life, what would it be? New proposed changes to the UUA’s bylaws state that “Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love.” Let’s explore what this bold statement means for the future of our faith.

Our theme for February is The Path of Love.

Article II Study

Commission Report

Article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association Bylaws, Principles and Purposes, is the foundation for all of the work of our UUA and its member congregations and covenanted communities.

The Article II Study Commission has completed its two-year study. They submitted it to the UUA Board of Trustees on January 20, 2023. The report includes the Study Commission's recommended revisions to Article II.

Childcare provided upon request. Please contact Dave Cicero by Thursday, 2/9. 

"Where Do We Come From?

What Are We?" 

Saturday, February 11, 1-4 pm 

Join the Transition Team in exploring UUCW's past. We'll dig down, tell stories, share memories, and learn from one another. This is a participatory event for everyone...however deep or long your connection, however informed or involved.

This is part of the congregation's work during the Interim period. Understanding and appreciating our past means that we can better shape our future. Come!

"My Grandmother's Hands"

Small-Group Discussions

Please join members of local UU congregations to discuss and share insights in facilitated small groups from your reading of "My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending our Hearts and our Bodies" by Resmaa Menakem.

Participants will meet once each month in Feb, Mar, April, and May – online (via Zoom) or in person. Registration is required by Feb. 5th.

The Plastic Bag Collection Has Been Extended for Two More Weeks!

We are so close to our goal that it would be a shame if we didn't make it and earn another bench.

Our goal is 500# and we are at 400#. We need your help to bring in the last 100#. Reach out to your friends and family and bring in as many plastic bags, bubble wrap, bread bags, plastic wrap, and plastic film as possible.

Questions? Contact Vicki Banville.

Don't miss the next

Lunch with Rev. Julie

Friday, February 3 at 12 noon

Enjoy lunch and a time of open conversation with Rev. Julie and others. 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.

Got a Great Idea?

Each year the Endowment Fund Committee accepts grant proposals from church committees, official groups, and staff members for projects designed to support the financial stability of the church and allow for growth in perpetuity. Completed grant proposal forms for the 2023-24 church year must be submitted to Dave Herrewig, Committee Chair by March 1, 2023. Receive a form from the church office or print one below.

30 Days of Love is a gift to our whole community.

Side With Love is thrilled to announce 30 Days of Love 2023! The UUA's annual month of spiritual nourishment, political grounding, and shared practices of faith and justice. 30 Days of Love will go from Martin Luther King, Jr. Day through Valentine’s Day.

Each week will feature a spiritual theme overlapping with one of Side With Love’s intersectional justice priorities, and we'll share an array of offerings to help nourish your spirit and give gratitude and affirmation.

Volunteers are needed! Help with greeting, check-in, and passing out seminar materials. Please contact Vicki Banville if you are able to help with this event. Thank you.

Faith & Democracy

White Christian nationalism is a threat to our democracy and to our faith. Rev. Jennifer Butler will be traveling to Wisconsin on February 5-7 to train communities to reclaim their faith traditions and to push back against the white Christian nationalism that is attempting to take over our electorate.

UU Church West is honored to host Rev. Butler on Monday, February 6th. Other Wisconsin events are held in Waukesha and Madison. See one or all!

Exploring Darkness and Light…

Starts next week! Sign up now to join Betsy Gonwa, certified Spiritual Director, for a multi-session workshop/retreat exploring the mystery of Darkness, and finding the Light within it. Learn practices to help you understand and overcome any resistance to moving into this place with compassion and grace.  

• Fri, Feb 10 (6:30-9 pm)
• Sat, Feb 11 (9 am-noon)
• Sat, Feb 25 (9 am-noon) 

$32-60, based on Member status and ability to pay. Childcare possible. 

Share Joys & Concerns

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.

Usher Training

Sunday, February 12, after service

Have you thought about volunteering to be an usher but would like to know more about what is involved before you sign up? Join experienced usher team members to learn the ins and outs of this important service position.

All experienced ushers and new-to-ushering folks are encouraged to attend. This will be a brief but thorough review with answers to all your ushering questions. Kelly Bognar will offer homemade muffins for all who attend. Contact Kelly if you have any questions.

Sign up for this Sunday...

and beyond!

Ushers are a core element of our in-person worship. Join the Usher Team!

USHER SIGN UP

You can help make our church a welcoming place -- sign up to be a greeter on an upcoming Sunday.

GREETER SIGN UP

You can bring joy to folks just by making and serving coffee!

COFFEE SIGN UP

“Wow, that person

should get an award!”

How often have you said that about an amazing member at UUCW who is deeply involved in the church? 

It’s time for the Jewelry and Accessories Donation Rotation!

Sunday, February 5

The Earth Ministry Team invites you to save money and reduce waste - bring your unwanted jewelry, scarves, hats, gloves, and ties so they can find new homes and purpose. For display purposes, try to have jewelry in boxes or Ziploc bags.

Before the service, bring your items to the Community Room. After service, find treasures. Everything is free and you don’t need to bring an item to take one.

Celebrate Black History Month

with MICAH

Food, fellowship, and song!

Thursday, February 23 at 5:30 pm Dinner begins at 6 pm

Celebrate MICAH's 35th year and honor the birthdays of MICAH Leaders: Rev. Joe Ellwanger and Pastor Jackson

Canaan Missionary Baptist Church

Beecham Outreach Center

2964 N. 11th St, Milwaukee

Admission:$50; RSVP by February 20

Please contact Joyce Cable for more info and to participate in carpooling.

UUCW's Food Donations Support the Jewish Community Food Pantry

The Jewish Community Pantry, located at 2900 W Center St, Milwaukee, serves the neighborhood residents. Bring your food items to UUCW's East Foyer food bin. There is always a need for:

• Canned protein items - tuna, salmon, and chicken.
• Cooking oils,
• Beans (any type)
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Healthy snacks for kids

UUCW's Split the Plate Partner for February is

The League of Women Voters

For over 100 years, The League of Women Voters has been at the forefront of the fight to make democracy work for all.

Beloved Conversations: Within 

Registration is now open for the Spring term of this “deep dive into the personal, transformative, spirit-growing work around issues of race, identity, and justice”. Both beginners and those returning for another term (discounts available…) are welcome. 

Program runs Mar. 13 through May 29.

Contact Dave Cicero, DLRE, or a member of the ARTTeam with questions. 

Mandala Dot Painting Class

Wed, February 8, 6-8 pm at UUCW

Openings are available! Join Kelly Bognar and Vicki Banville to learn the art of Mandala Dot Painting. All supplies will be provided to create your own one-of-a-kind Mandala on a small plate. Snacks and wine will be available.

Fee: $25 per attendee. This fundraising event was offered during our fall auction and fees collected will go to the general UUCW budget. Contact Kelly or Vicki if you are interested in attending.

The Wisdom and Whimsy Group Discusses "Strong Women"

Bring your lunch and a beverage and join us for conversation and/or listening. We as a group will decide on future topics so you are involved in shaping the group. This is a group for 50-plus but if you are a bit younger and want to come, we welcome you.

The next meeting is February 8, 11:30 am – 1 pm, and continues every second Wednesday of each month. Contact co-facilitators Kathy Allison or Susan Foley with any questions.

Lost and Found Clean Out

Did you know that UUCW has a new lost and found area? It is located in the main level coat rack and will be cleaned out every 3 months.

At the end of January, April, July, and October, any unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity. Please take a look to see if any of these items belong to you.

Contact Vicki Banville if you have any questions.

All are welcome to join

Christian Spirituality for UUs

on Thursday, February 9th

at 7 pm at UUCW.

The topic of conversation will be Religion and Spirituality. These are 2 words used often, but what do they really mean? Do you have to have religion to have spirituality? Do you have to have faith to have spirituality? Many questions, but what do you think?

Online Chair Yoga  

Tuesdays at 10 am 

The start of a new month is a great time to start a new routine. Join Rev. Monica Cummings, Dave Cicero, and other local UUs for some weekly mindful movement from the comfort of home -- or when away! All ages & abilities are welcome. Accessible to most, and modifications are presented to suit individual needs. 

Men's Breakfast Group  

The Breakfast Group will meet on Tuesday, February 14 at 8 am at Panera Bread, 2095 N Calhoun Rd., Brookfield (second Tuesday of the month). The group also meets online on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 8 am.

For more information, contact Jerry Kashmerick.

The Wednesday Night Book Group

February 8 at 7 pm

This month's book: "The Paris Apartment" by Lucey Foley.

Join the group on the second Wednesday of every month. To get meeting information, contact Joanne Kopischke

CommUUnity Connections

provides a helping hand

or tangible support to members

of the church community

in times of need.

Julie Toman

is the CommUUnity Connections coordinator for February.

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.

It sounds like the Earth Ministry Team had a great BYO dinner and movie night last week! It's wonderful that everyone had the chance to come together, chat, and watch two inspirational films about trees. Thank you to Eath Ministry for organizing such a fun and meaningful event!

“Love and Belonging”

The Rev. Julie Stoneberg

Love exists in many forms and expressions. What kind of love is needed in order to express belonging? Do we need to be loved in some certain way in order to believe that we belong? Perhaps we need to find a new way to express our love in an increasingly pluralistic world. 

Our theme for February is The Path of Love.