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

Melissa Musante and the EarthSpirit Team

with Rev. Julie Stoneberg

Join the Earth Spirit team as we celebrate the first glimmers of spring with our Imbolc ritual. This service will be filled with music and magic as we sow our intentions for the budding year. Those of you joining us at home may want to have some seeds on hand so you can join in our prayer in action.

Enjoy the magical songs of our Solstice Singers. Our theme for January is Finding Our Center.

Antiracism and Reparations

via Restorative Justice

The UUA passed an Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) on Antiracism and Reparations via Restorative Justice.

This action necessitates immediate engagement among UU member congregations and the UUCW Anti Racism Transformation Team (ART Team) asks for your support in its work.

"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.

Come to the “Celebrate Our Community” party and enjoy appetizers, drinks . . . and art!

Can you believe it’s been years since we’ve seen some of UUCW’s cherished artworks on display?

Like seeing old friends after a long absence, our community party will feature a re-acquainting opportunity to see our art collection come out of hiding and to talk with others about them. Artwork that has a shared history with people is a wonderful way to engage in reflection, thought, and healing. 

We have childcare planned for this evening and volunteers are ready to provide transportation to anyone who attends. Let us know your needs with the registration below. Please RSVP by Friday, (that's tomorrow!) January 27th.

*Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable protein item or a package of diapers to be donated to the Jewish Community Food Pantry.

Questions? Contact Vicki Banville.

THIS FRIDAY!

Join Earth Ministry on January 27 at 6:30 for our community, conversation, and special movies.

In lieu of a potluck, we ask that you bring your own dinner. We will show the film two short inspirational films: “The Man Who Planted Trees”, which won the Academy Award in 1988 for best animated short. Our second short film “24 Hours of Reality: Field Report - Kenya's Greenbelt Movement.” The Green Belt Movement is an indigenous Kenyan organization that empowers women to plant trees.

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!

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.

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.

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 (Jan. 16) through Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14).

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…

Did UUCW’s Winter Solstice ritual stir your soul? Join Betsy Gonwa, certified Spiritual Director, for a multi-session workshop/retreat exploring the mystery and allure of the Dark. Learn practices to help you understand and overcome any resistance to moving into it 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.

“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? 

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

The Chalice Table

is Waiting for Your Creativity!

You can provide visual interest to viewers in the Sanctuary and online. Your one-month commitment lets you decide how often to change your arrangement. Use flowers (fresh or silk), branches, or other items that reflect the season/service theme. Contact Sarah Frey if you have any questions. Click below for further instructions.

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

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.

Plastic Bag/Film Recycling

This is the final stretch to reach our 500# goal in collecting plastic bags so that we can receive a recycled garden bench for UUCW.

Keep 'em comin'!

Only 150 pounds more to go!

The last day of the collection is February 5, 2023.

Questions? Contact Vicki Banville.

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 January is

The Women's Center - Waukesha

The Women's Center provides safety and support to all persons impacted by domestic abuse, sexual violence, child abuse and trafficking.

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.

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. 

CommUUnity Connections

provides a helping hand

or tangible support to members

of the church community

in times of need.

Kathy Lake

is the CommUUnity Connections coordinator for January.

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.

Congratulations to the Library Committee on their successful grand re-opening! It was a great way to introduce the new additions to the book collection and to show visitors the convenience of using the online catalog - all from their phones! Thank you to the Library Committee for all their hard work!

“The Beating Heart of Our Faith”

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.