UCN offers adult religious education classes of one to thirteen weeks in duration on various topics. If you are interested in finding out about these, email or call the church and we will provide you with information. We hope you take this opportunity to explore new horizons within a warm and caring community.

"The goal of adult religious education is to develop our minds as well as our hearts; our intellect as well as our souls. This personal and theological growth leads to the individual becoming more fully human."” Rev. Bill Murray

The purpose of the Adult Religious Education Committee is to nurture and stimulate the religious and personal growth of the adult church community and the community at large by offering a varied and cohesive program within the context of the larger Unitarian Universalist tradition and principles.

The Adult Religious Education Committee derives programming from a variety of sources: minister, UUA curricula, and committee . We strive to recruit experienced and knowledgeable adult facilitators for all classes and offerings. It is our goal to present meaningful Adult Religious Education programming for people at all levels of commitment to Unitarian Universalism as well as at different stages and milestones in their lives. Note: included are opportunities for growth and learning sponsored by the wider church community.

The Adult Religious Education Committee is largely self-supporting. We request a donation to help cover the costs of presenting the class: materials, refreshments, curricula, and /or supplies. The donation also contributes to purchase of new curricula, funding for guest speakers, or underwriting special events. Unless otherwise noted, the general fee will be $4 per class, or $10 for three or more sessions for members; $5 per class or $15 for three or more sessions for non-members. If you cannot afford the full suggested donation, please contribute what you can. Pre-registration is required for all classes, generally through a sign-up sheet in the church lobby and registration form submitted to UCN office with fee. Programs may be cancelled if minimum number is not met. Please call facilitator if you will miss class.

"Path to Membership" Series, sponsored by the Membership Committee

Winter Session: January 11, 18, 25 and Feb 1

Spring session: March 8, 25, 22, 29

If you have been attending Unitarian Church North for a few weeks, or months, and are ready to find out more about who we are, what we believe, or how you can become a member, plan to attend the next Path To Membership classes on January 11-18-25 (2pm-4pm) and Feb 1 (5:30pm-8pm). You will get to know others who are searching for a church home, learn something about how the church operates, and meet various church leaders. Rev. Marino will discuss the history and theological understandings of Unitarian Universalism. We ask that folks who are interested in joining the church attend at least 3 of the 4 classes. There is a signup sheet in the west lobby under the flyer; please indicate your intention to participate by December 28th.

There is no fee. Childcare will be provided if needed—please indicate this when you sign up. Questions about the course may be directed to Pat Mumm-Lovely, Membership chair (262-643-4630) or email her at patmumm@wi.rr.com.

Interested in exploring your thoughts and current knowledge of sexual orientation? Do you want to understand where your current thoughts about sexual orientation and gender identity come from? Would you like to test your attitudes and understand the experiences of bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people?
UCN is currently designated as a "Welcoming Congregation" by the UUA. As part of this recognition, the church must engage in continued discussion of issues facing the LGBT people in our church and our community. Join us for six weeks of discussion, based on UUA's The Welcoming Congregation Handbook: Resources for Affirming Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and/or Transgender People. Any questions may be directed to Jenny Elsner at spirit_canyon@yahoo.com.

Meditation Retreat with Rev. Marcia Marino

There will again be a weekend Meditation Retreat for interested members. For those of you who want to allow more time in your often-busy schedules for quiet, reflection, or re-centering, we hope this weekend will provide such a time--and also offer you some ideas for giving yourself the time on a regular basis.
The weekend begins Friday evening and ends before noon on Sunday, and provides time for several forms of meditation, and "free time" for reading, journaling, resting, or walks outdoors. Except for our group sittings and discussion, we will maintain silence from the close of the Friday evening gathering until breakfast on Sunday morning.
The Retreat will be held at the Cedar Valley Center, nine miles west of West Bend. The Center's one hundred acres feature trails through prairie and woods, an outdoor labyrinth for meditative walking, and streams and ponds.
Guest rooms are available as singles or doubles, and have private baths. The cost for two nights' lodging, three meals on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday, plus a share of the meeting space is to be determined, but will be about $200 per person.
Our attendance is limited to 20. If you register for the Retreat, a deposit of $50 to reserve your space is required in April. UCN members will be given first priority for participation, with non-members welcome as there is space.There will be further details in the Northliner, and a sign-up sheet available in the church lobby in February.

If you have questions, please contact Rev. Marino or Carol Browning through the church office (262/375-3890) or by email.

Dates: May 22-24, 2009 Time: May 22, 7:00 PM - May 24, 12:00 PM
Location: Cedar Valley Retreat Center, 5349 Highway D, West Bend
Fees: Members and Nonmembers: $195 single, $175 double per person (Members have priority for limited spaces)
Fees include Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, & snacks and
Sunday breakfast

Planning for Peacemaking Book Discussions

UCN's Peacemaking Group of the Social Justice Committee is presenting books for discussion.Discussions are open to members and non-members; choose a book discussion date and join us for our first discussion on September 14, after the second service.We will be discussing " Beginner's Mind/Zen Mind" by Suzuki.Some of the books chosen have been about peaceful communication and ways to resolve conflict.This book is concerned more with one's inner peace; persons interested in meditation may find the discussion pertinent to their practice.
The discussion leader and participants will schedule subsequent meetings.It is anticipated that each book group may schedule 2 - 3 (or more) meetings to discuss the book.Please feel welcome to join us even if you have not read the book. Our discussions may help you decide if the book is one you'll want to read. The books we will discuss have come from suggestions from memberswho responded to our Peacemaking Survey in 2007.
Location: James Reeb Room Time: 12:15 PM
Fees: You may wish to purchase your own books

The Ophelia Project is dedicated to helping girls form healthy peer relationships and creating safe social climates for all youth. Founded as a catalyst for positive change within schools and communities, The Ophelia Project strives to raise awareness of relational aggression (RA), a form of nonphysical violence that is particularly prevalent among adolescent girls. RA is defined as behavior that is used to hurt someone by harming his or her relationships with others. On September 23, Jane Finkenbine, presented a workshop for parents entitled "Harsh Words & Hurt Feelings, Helping Your Daughter Maintain Healthy Friendships." This workshop focuses on empowering parents who in turn empower their children. If there is a demand, we will seek to hold another session for parents this Spring. To express interest, contact Elizabeth Roat.
Dates: TBD if there is a request for this program
Location: UCN, Emerson Room
Fees: $10 fee
Led by: Jane Finkenbine, Director of The Ophelia Project of SE Wisconsin

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose

In January 2008, Oprah announced her 61st Oprah's Book Club selection, A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. Unlike past selections, this book isn't a novel or a memoir. In fact, Oprah called it her boldest choice yet. "Millions of people around the world have begun experiencing A New Earth for themselves and are awakening to the possibilities of their lives."

To bring Eckhart's spiritual teachings to readers around the world, Oprah and Eckhart teamed up for a live, interactive Web series. Every Monday, people came together from all over the world in the Oprah.com online classroom to discuss the chapters' themes and ask questions. Participants touched on topics like how to quiet the mind, how to put the ego in check and how to be fully present in the moment. The program offers methods for connecting to an individual's spirit, for the purposes of living your best life.

UCN member Marita Ritsche will share the 10-part series with a group, meeting once a month on Friday evenings. Participants will read a chapter in Eckhart's book before joining for the webcast. Contact Marita with questions: 414-352-1248, or marita1394@yahoo.com.

First Meeting Date: Friday, October 17, 2008 Time: 6:45-9:00 pm
Calendar of future sessions will be given out at the first meeting.
Location: 1527 W. County Line Road (off Port Road)
Led by: Marita Ritsche
Book: A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle, Namaste Publishing, 2005, approximately $14.95 at any bookstore

Science & Religion Discussions

Science and Religion discussions are back! We're talking about DNA, the genetic code, biochemical reproduction of DNA molecules, cells, and of the entire human body. We're talking about EVOLUTION and its subordinate processes. We're talking about the human brain, its dynamics, together with social and physical environmental interactions, in the formation of personality, self, the self's world, character and values.
In a related issue, we might provide most reasonable explanations, in our respective judgments, for alleged experiences of founders of various religions, of mystics, wise persons, philosophers, prophets, and scripture writers. Additionally, we might address the following question: Does science and our reflections about its methods and conclusions, in concert with our own reflections on experience, lend credence to any religious beliefs?
Dates: Certain Sundays after second service, watch your Sunday bulletin for details (next discussion is October 5) b
Location: James Reeb room
Time: 12:00 pm-1:30 pm Fees: None
Led by: UCN member Merle Reinehr

OWL: Our Whole Life for Adults

Our Whole Lives is a positive, comprehensive, and age appropriate educational program that promotes sexual health. OWL for Adults provides a forum for adults to discuss and learn about the many aspects of sexuality. If interested in joining us, please call Trudy Mandel, DRE, at (262) 375-4471.
Dates: every other Sunday, starting Fall of 2008
Time: 12:30-2:30 PM
Location: UCN, Clara Barton Room-lower level
Fees: $10 members, $15 non-members
Led by: Lori Holz and Doug Friedrich

We are offering the Owl (Our Whole Lives) sexuality course again this year for youth ages 11 years and up . If you have a youth who is interested in joining our program, contact Trudy Mandel, DRE.

There are many resources available to help an older or disabled person maintain an independent lifestyle. This presentation will examine various types of in-home services, community-based services, and residential alternatives. This presentation is good for those who may be near to needing services or for those who are just planning for the future.
Date: Monday, April 7 Time: 6:30pm
Location: Emerson Room
Led by: Ozaukee County Aging and Disability Resource Center

Look for updates in our Spring brochure and the Northlienr
Led by: Rev. Marcia Marino

The liberal church recognizes that everyone is a theologian. This 8-session program is designed to provide a systematic, communal approach for participants to "build" a new theology based on their current understandings. A small-group setting provides you the chance to create your own credo--your own personal articulation of belief and conviction. The format of the credo need not be a formal declaration; it can be prose or poetry, a schematic drawing or chart, an essay or narrative. The important thing is to make explicit in some way your implicit theological or philosophical assumptions.
The class includes about an hour of homework each week for writing, re-writing, or refining your credo statement in light of what you have heard during the session and reflect upon.