User login
UCN Scrip Fundraising
Contact
Unitarian Church North
13800 North Port Washington
Mequon, WI 53097
262-375-3890
262-375-3403 Fax
Past Services
Some sermons are available to read in PDF format, which requires the free Adobe Reader.
April Services
Faint-Hearted Crusader: Finding Thoreau in Milwaukee
April 29
Eddee Daniel
When Eddee Daniel set out to explore his local watershed, the Menomonee River, he thought he was going to produce a book that would be useful for environmental advocacy. What he discovered was far more personal and important than that: a spiritual connection to the natural world in the midst of an urban region. The book he did write describes in stories and illustrates in photographs his physical and spiritual journeys of discovery--of a wilderness within the city. His sermon will share vivid insights, images, and perspectives from these unique journeys.
Eddee Daniel is a fine arts photographer, writer, activist, and arts educator. He taught art at Marquette University High School for over 30 years and recently took up photography full time. He has worked with numerous environmental organizations, Milwaukee Riverkeeper in particular. His book, Urban Wilderness: Exploring a Metropolitan Watershed, was published in 2008 by the Center for American Places at Columbia College Chicago.
Earth Day Celebration
April 22
Rev. Julie Forest
If you think that you are right with Earth then there is no need to come to this service... unless you want your complacency challenged. If you suspect that there is room for improvement, perhaps repentance and even some restorative justice with regards to your relationship with earth, then please come to church today.
Transcendence
April 15
Rev. Julie Forest
We continue this sermon series on the seven virtues with a focus on transcendence. Transcendence is the feeling of transcending the bonds and the blinders that closed our eyes and hearts to our interconnection with all life. We will explore signposts of transcendent experiences. Please attend the important Barn Banter following the service.
Christianity at the Table on Easter
April 8
Rev. Julie Forest
There are many ways to engage with and practice Christianity and no one can agree on what pure Christianity is and what the accretions are and who they serve. However we can explore the powerful teachings embedded in the Easter story in a way that is meaningful to us as Unitarian Universalists.
Our Ferocious Love of Life vs. Catastrophic Climate Change
April 1
Eric Hansen
Humans, both as individuals and societies, have confronted towering crises before. What lessons and hope can we draw from those experiences? How do humans perceive that a crisis is at hand – and an immediate change in course is wise? Eric Hansen is a nationally recognized conservation essayist, award-winning public radio commentator, lifelong Unitarian, and frequent pulpit guest. Learn more about Eric Hansen at his website, http://www.eric-hansen.com/.
March 2012
A Good Listening To
March 25
Linda Hansen
We've often heard it said that so-and-so needs "a good talking to," but perhaps what most of us need instead is "a good listening to." Listening seems like such an easy thing to do but, in fact, it takes a great deal of patience and skill. Yet it's crucial for good relationships, both one-on-one and group relationships like those in our congregations.
Linda Hansen has felt at home in the Milwaukee area ever since attending graduate school at Marquette University in the early 1970s. She now shares a home with her mother and sister in New Berlin. Linda is currently the half-time Consulting Minister with the United Unitarian & Universalist Society of Mukwonago. She was ordained to the UU ministry in 1994 and served with two congregations before coming to Mukwonago: one in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and the other in Danbury, Connecticut. Ministry was a mid-life choice for Linda. Earlier she taught philosophy for seventeen years at two Midwestern colleges.
The Virtue Temperance
March 18
Rev. Julie Forest
Join us for the fifth in the sermon series on becoming a better person by allowing your behaviors to be guided by the seven virtues. Today we focus on temperance, the middle ground between two vices, the vice of excess and the vice of absence. More than just a Tarot card, it is the middle ground between self-indulgence and self denial. Temperance is the art of saying yes, but not too much. Aren't you glad we explore this after St. Patrick's Day?
The Broken Buddha
March 11
Rev. Julie Forest
What happens when you reach that perfect stage of enlightenment and peaceful equanimity and then somebody moves your cheese in the fridge or you come home from a vacation or retreat? Come, all you broken Buddhas, and we will celebrate our imperfect selves.
God, the Complete Makeover
March 4
Rev. Julie Forest
I am a farmer. I work the God fields. Over time, I have seen many models of God, some that work and some that don't. Today we will look at the potential unleashed in giving God a complete makeover.
February 2012
Death and Dignity
February 26
Rev. Julie Forest
What light is available to us in our time of dying or when our loved ones are dealing with issues relating to death and dying?
The Religious Mind: What Psychology Tells Us About True Believers
February 19
Phillip Chard
We will examine the stark differences in perspective, beliefs and attitudes between those who harbor unwavering faith in a particular religion or theology and those who are spiritual doubters and seekers. Recent behavioral science research has helped reveal these differences at both the psychological and neurological levels, with some surprising findings.
Philip Chard is a psychotherapist, award-winning newspaper columnist and book author, organizational consultant, nationally acclaimed speaker and trainer, accomplished wilderness backpacker and Great Lakes sailor.
Our Flaming Chalice and Child Dedication
February 12
Rev. Julie Forest & Rev. Joyce Palmer
Every Sunday almost every UU church on the North American Continent lights a chalice as part of the worship service. How did this practice develop and what does it mean to us? We are also extending an invitation to families with children who would like to have their children dedicated during the service but have not yet done so. If you would like to have your child or children dedicated please let Rev. Julie or Rev. Joyce know. The choir will sing and so will we!
Compassion
February 5
Rev. Julie Forest
Compassion and practices to grow our sense of compassion are part of most religious traditions. Aristotle also found compassion to be a key ingredient to living happily into ones full human potential. This is the forth in the sermon series exploring the virtues.
January 2012
Good as Gold
January 29
Rev. Julie Forest
Today marks the kickoff of our fundraising drive for the 2012–2013 church year. This is a special time in the life of our church. We want to celebrate our first 50 years of life and insure that we are financially healthy as we embark upon our next 50 years.
Justice as a Virtue
January 22
Rev. Julie Forest
The second in a sermon series on the virtues as put forth by Aristotle. What does it mean in our everyday lives to love justice?
Sacred Spaces
January 15
Benjamin Campbell
Benjamin will discuss what he believes makes a place sacred, how to look for, listen for and feel their presence, and the sacred places he has known.
Benjamin Campbell is an anthropologist with experience in Africa. His recent work on evolution and the human brain has lead him to an interest in the roots of ritual and religion. He teaches at UWM.
Wisdom
January 8
Rev. Julie Forest
We look at wisdom in the third of the sermon series on the virtues as conceived by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle. In addition to philosophical weight, wisdom is also a part of most religious systems.
All Souls’ Café
January 1
10:00 am
Rev. Julie Forest
Join us at this intergenerational service as we bring in the new year with joyous celebration and sharing from the congregation. Rev. Julie will open the service with a spiritual word or two, then turn it over to Brian Mitchell and the performers to finish out the service. You will be delighted in the variety of talents displayed. Please consider bringing a dish or bowl of treats to share during the service. Coffee and other drinks will be provided in the west lobby.
December 2011
Christmas Eve Services
Would You Like to Hold the Baby?
Holiday PageantDecember 24
Rev. Julie Forest and Rev. Joyce PalmerReception follows the service Celebrate the holidays with a traditional Nativity Pageant with the addition of a new character, a young stable girl. As Mary invites the little girl to hold her baby, we are invited to embrace the deepest meaning Christmas holds for each of us.
Christmas Eve Service
December 24
Rev. Julie ForestA traditional Unitarian Christmas eve celebration with scripture, Christmas stories, Carols, music and the passing of the light. The choir will sing. No service on December 25.
Courage
December 18
Rev. Julie Forest
Today marks the beginning of a new sermon series focused on the Virtues. We kick it off with a sermon on courage, what it is, where to find it what to do with it.
The Spark of Justice
December 11
Joyce Latham
Joyce Latham, chair of UCN's Social Justice committee, will examine different modes of power as put forward by the earth-based spiritualist/activist Starhawk. Through justice we can realize the strength and virtue of "power with," and address the need for social justice in the world.
The Power of Covenant
December 4
Rev. Julie Forest
Our forbearers came here 400 years ago to practice something they conceived of as the free church. The churches were held together by covenanting, not creed. We are the inheritors of this tradition, but what does it mean to covenant with each other? We also welcome new members today.
November 2011
Love Feast
November 27
Rev. Julie Forest
Bet on love, ‘cuz love wins. Our Universalist forbearers challenged Christianity in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries with their biblically-grounded theological belief in a radically loving and inclusive God and no hell below us. This powerful concept of universal love and salvation is now starting to permeate our Evangelical brothers and sisters. Why are they surprised? Love wins.
The Thanksgiving Door
November 20
Rev. Julie Forest and Rev. Joyce Palmer
Intergenerational Harvest and Thanksgiving worship service. This service is based on the story The Thanksgiving Door, by Debby Atwell. An elderly couple goes to the New World Cafe on Thanksgiving Day because the dinner has burned. The door is open and the tables are decorated--not only with Pilgrims and Native Americans but also with tiny, bearded, probably Russian dancing figurines. Everyone gets more than they expect. The final outcome? All things work together for good!
Gen. Robert Cocroft (Guest Speaker)
November 13
Gen. Robert Cocroft
Retired Brigadier General Robert Cocroft has worked tirelessly on behalf of black veterans and homeless veterans. He is CEO of the Milwaukee-based Center for Veterans Issues, which operates Vets Place Central, a 72-bed facility in west Milwaukee that provides transitional housing, life-skills training and other services for homeless vets in the area.
Atheism at the Table
November 6
Rev. Julie Forest
We explore atheism as a religious response. We look at what questions atheism answers and which questions it leaves unanswered, as well as its history in Unitarianism.
October 2011
All Souls
October 30
Rev. Julie Forest
Today we take time to reflect on our human responses to the dual awareness of being alive and having to die. Often part of the soul work involved in mourning those whose lives have been influential on our own is to reflect not just on the legacy they have left us, but the legacy we ourselves are creating in how we live our lives. Please join us for this annual celebration of those in our lives: family, friends, teachers and mentors who have died, yet whose lives have shaped our own. Together we will create an altar, so please bring in pictures of those you wish to celebrate as well as objects that are sacred to you. The choir will sing.
Faith in Crisis
October 23
Sensei Jiyo Andy Agacki
The word ‘faith’ seems to ring harshly in Unitarian-Universalist circles … something akin to the ‘big G and big J’ words. Truth be told, I’ve found the same reaction among Western Buddhists as well! What brings us to react to this word as we do? Yet, through the many crises of my life, it is my Faith that has sustained me! We need to embrace ‘Faith’ … own it … I think, if we are to survive as a … well … Faith. Please join me as I present some facets of that wonderful word, too hidden these days by the so-called people of ‘faith.’ Oh, and yes, I might just use those ‘big G and big J’ words along the way!
A member of The First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee for almost 25 yrs., Sensei Jiyo Andy Agacki has been a practicing Buddhist as well for over 15 of those years. An annual pulpit guest, both in the regular church year, or during the summer, Andy has also conducted Adult RE classes in Buddhist Thought, and talked to RE Youth about Buddhism, as well as speaking to various churches in Wisconsin and Illinois. Andy was inducted as a Buddhist Lay Minister in 2008, after completing 2 years training under the Rev. Koyo Kubose and the Bright Dawn Institute for
American Buddhism. Currently, he is serving as President (the first) of the international
association of Lay Ministers under the auspices of the Bright Dawn Institute.
Joseph and His Brothers
October 16
Rev. Julie Forest and Rev. Joyce Palmer
Imagine if you were a really cool dude—the baby of the family, Daddy’s favorite—who thought that the moon and the stars revolved around you. Imagine if your 11 brothers did not agree and successfully plotted your demise. Today we explore this rich family drama found in Genesis and listen for what it has to teach us about forgiveness. This is a multigenerational service, so if you’ve got kids or grandkids, bring ‘em.
Sown in Tears: Family Letters from Bleeding Kansas
October 9
Rev. Dr. Bobbie Groth
Rev. Groth will be speaking on her book recently published by Skinner House, "The
Incredible Story of Ephraim Nute: Scandal, Bloodshed, and Unitarians on the American Frontier," which is about her great great grandfather, the Unitarian missionary to the Kansas Territory in 1855. She will talk about "the story behind the story" of the book--how her family's stories sparked the research, and what it was like to find lost history.
Rev. Dr. Bobbie Groth is a UU community minister who has served the Milwaukee area for 20 years through her work with victims of violence, and in the areas of education and interfaith relations. She is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Alverno College.
Association Sunday
October 2
Rev. Julie Forest
Today we celebrate our association with the wider Unitarian Universalist movement and the
structures that sustain us. We will explore some of the historical highlights of Unitarian
Universalism and the work we are doing to insure our strong future. The choir will sing.
September 2011
Age of Wonder
September 25
Rev. Julie Forest
It seems our whole society is built and organized around the first half of our lives. We grow, we gain independence. We find a way to support ourselves. Many of us have families. But then what? What happens when we retire, and become old? What is the second half or the last half of our lives about spiritually? This is the kick-off sermon for a seminar that Rev. Julie will be offering called Coming of Sage, which will celebrate the transformations, potentials and reality of life as a senior sage.
The Blessing of the Animals
September 18
Rev. Julie Forest and Rev. Joyce Palmer
Calling two-leggeds, and four- or more-leggeds! Join us for the intergenerational celebration of the animals in our lives. You are welcome to bring the special animal in your life to the worship service, which will be held on our wonderful grounds. Or you may wish to bring a picture of a beloved animal. Because we will be outside, we will engage our joys and sorrows practice with stones and water. This would be an excellent time to bring either literal or symbolic waters from your travels for us to use. For your comfort, you may also want to bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
If it rains we will congregate in the fellowship hall. Linda and Poul Sandersen will be leading us in song.
Religion in Times of Travail
September 11
Rev. Julie Forest
What a momentous Sunday. This is our ingathering Sunday, the day when we go back to two services, a day to reconnect with folks we might not have seen for a few weeks. It is also the tenth anniversary of the attacks and aftermath of September 11, 2001. How does our Unitarian Universalist faith shape our response to historic events with major consequences? Part of the service will be based on your reflections.
Please join us for an Ice Cream Social between services.
Getting Beyond "How Are You"
September 4
Rev. Joyce Palmer
Today we reflect on what we can do to move beyond casual conversation and connect more deeply with one another.
August 2011
Your Questions
August 28
Rev. Julie Forest
The sermon part of the service will be constructed from questions that you have submitted by August 24th. Please send your questions to Rev. Julie at revjulieforest@ucnorth.org or write them neatly and slide them under my office door.
Second Time Around
August 21
Rev. Julie Forest
Come and hear which sermon from the past two years received the most votes to be redelivered.
Sing a Sing of Justice: Tell a Tale of Hope
August 14
Midge Miles
Midge Miles is a professional storyteller for adults and facilitator of programs in personal and spiritual growth. The focus of her professional life has been helping others identify, shape and tell their sacred stories. For nearly 30 years Midge’s story-based retreats, performances and presentations have enriched the lives of individuals and groups as well as faith-based and health care organizations. A published author of articles, and audio and video programs on storytelling and spirituality, she has also taught at universities, seminaries, and graduate schools across the U.S. She brings the wit, wisdom and humor of a seasoned leader who enlivens while she inspires. Midge is currently president of The Storied Organization, her consulting company that unleashes the levels of spirit and engagement in organizations, and she also leads the ministry of adult education for a United Church of Christ in Wisconsin.
In Defense of Religion
August 7
UU Ministerial Candidate Jim Parrish
"Religion" has taken some nasty knocks in this "post-post-modern" age. And further, for UUs, what does religion mean to us... as we UUs are on the liberal edge of this word and world? Sometimes we don't even be want to be identified as a "religion" because of the connotations and the history. I'm going to suggest the word is still useful to us. Let’s explore the possibilities of defining religion in a way that UUs might embrace, being a religious people. Maybe you'll agree, maybe not. Our speaker, UU Ministerial Candidate Jim Parrish, is a 22-year member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford, Illinois who left his engineering career in 2007 to begin UU seminary at Meadville Lombard in Chicago. He graduated from his four-year residential program at the school in May, and is honored to share a service with Unitarian Church North.
July 2011
Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice
July 31
As Unitarian Universalists, we need to ask ourselves questions, such as how do we currently engage with food as a part of our spiritual or ethical practices, and what ways can we enhance our relationships with food and the earth that are reasonable for our particular socio-economic situations in life? By reviewing the SOC and highlighting places where our faith tradition theologically supports ethical eating, Nic Cable will reflect on these questions with hopes of giving everyone tangible ways to eat and live more sustainably and consciously in our daily lives.
Nicolas Cable was born and raised in Milwaukee as a Unitarian Universalist. He has been and continues to be an active member of his congregation in Brookfield, WI, where he has participated in service trips to New Orleans and Nicaragua. He is the founder and former chair of the Youth and Young Adult Visioning Task Force. He has served at the district level for two years on the Young Adult Steering Committee and two years as the Young Adult representative to the Midwest Unitarian Universalist Summer Assembly Planning Council. Nicolas just graduated from DePaul University this June with B.A. in Religious Studies (Concentration: Ethics and Social Justice) and Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies (Concentration: Gender and Sexuality). This fall he will begin the Master of Divinity program at Chicago Theological Seminary.
Ozaukee County Jail Literacy Program
July 24
Nina Walker and Jane Goffin
The volunteers of the Ozaukee County Jail Literacy Program have helped hundreds of inmates the skills they need to lead productive lives and avoid becoming repeat offenders. Nina Walker and Jane Goffin join us to talk about the positive results this program has brought about and what we can do to help.
Good Enough
July 17
UU Rev. Linda Hansen
Watching sporting events or talent contests, it would be easy to assume that only the ultimate winners count. We live in a culture where it's important to be #1; anything less seems worth little. Is this the message we really want to internalize and pass on to our children? What if we could be "good enough" by being ourselves?
Although Linda Hansen was born and raised in the Chicago area, she’s felt at home in the Milwaukee area ever since attending graduate school at Marquette University in the early 1970s. When her sister moved here and graduate school friends remained, it became a second home wherever Linda lived. Linda now shares a home with her mother and sister in New Berlin, along with two beloved cats who moved with her here from Connecticut.
Linda is currently the half-time Consulting Minister with the United Unitarian & Universalist Society of Mukwonago. She was ordained to the UU ministry in 1994 and served with two congregations before coming to Mukwonago: one in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and the other in Danbury, Connecticut. Ministry was a mid-life choice for Linda. Earlier she taught philosophy for seventeen years at two Midwestern colleges.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and volunteering with her sister at a local animal shelter.
John Coltrane and the Truly Religious Life
July 10
10:00 am
James Galasinski
James Galasinski The great jazz saxophonist John Coltrane said, “My goal is to live the truly religious life, and express it in my music.” James Galasinski, a local jazz musician and Unitarian Universalist, will explore the inspiration for Coltrane's lifelong inner creative quest, his inspirational music, and what exactly the "truly religious life" is.
The Spirituality of Psychotherapy
July 3
10:00 am
UCN member Poul Sandersen
June 2011
Women and Children in Slavery Today
June 26
10:00 am
Sr. Patrice Colletti
When did slavery end? No, not with the Emancipation Proclamation. Slavery and human trafficking continue today, in every country around the world. Today, more than 27 million men, women and children are forced to work against their will in agriculture, manufacturing, domestic servitude, sex tourism, the restaurant and retail industry, and in the commercial sex trade. Slavery exists in Wisconsin and across the US; slavery exists just beneath the surface of our society. Learn about this hidden reality, reflect on its causes, and consider how you are called to join the modern day abolition movement. Guest speaker Sister Patrice Colletti is a Salvatorian Sister (Sisters of the Divine Savior) who, since 2001, has presented on this issue nationally to over 10,000 people from all walks of life.
If you would like more information about human trafficking, Sister Patrice Colletti's web site is http://www.sdssisters.org/slavery.
Tortilla Cloths
June 19
10:00 am
UCN Member Jean Woodmansee
Questions about legal and illegal immigration in the United States are currently being asked and addressed by both sides of the debate. UCN member Jean Woodmansee will lead this service based on a good Samaritan's view of immigration in Arizona. Captured in a DVD called "Tortilla Cloths," Laurie Jurs shows the dangerous journey of the immigrants who carry with them the hopes and prayers of family back home.
Peaceful Easy Feeling
June 12
10:00 am
Rev. Julie Forest
On this day, we explore the gifts inherent in the spiritual practice of Sabbath. We will also have our second annual lemonade communion. Church picnic to follow. Please join us at the picnic after the service.
Flower Communion
June 5
10:00 am
Rev. Julie Forest and Rev. Joyce Palmer
On this day, we celebrate and give thanks for all the gifts we bring and receive at UCN. Please bring at least one flower to contribute to the flower communion. The choir will sing at this intergenerational service.
May 2011
Hinduism at the Table
May 22
Rev. Julie Forest
Another in our continuing series of theological exploration of the different religions that are practiced in our world, and the questions they wrestle with.
Coming of Age
May 15
Rev. Julie Forest and the Senior Youth of UCN
The kids are alright! Come and bear witness to the way our senior youth are making meaning in their lives and what they hold to be true and how that will influence them as they move forward in the world.
Mothers and Peace
May 8
Rev. Julie Forest and Joy Schroeder
Mothers and peace go together like Reese’s Pieces. Before Mother’s Day was a Hallmark greeting card or a long line at the buffet, it was an organizing tool by created by Unitarian Julia Ward Howe. The choir will sing.
Maintaining Balance and Cultivating Compassionate Action During Times of Great Change
May 1
Rodney Sanchez
When one sees clearly the truth of Nature, of the way things are, one's heart naturally opens. However, sustaining our gaze on all that's unfolding in the world today is a tall order. Not turning away from what's happening in the world, and acting compassionately toward all beings and the Earth, is our greatest challenge in these times. It's vital to meet that challenge in order to see the wise way to act for a future to be possible.
Rodney Sanchez, Dharma Teacher and Buddhist practitioner for the past 23 years, has been teaching meditation and leading retreats since 1999. He works at the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee and is a loving husband to his wife Bethany.
April 2011
April 24
Rev. Julie Forest
We’ve all been there … from the gloom of the tomb, to the glory of new light in the garden. From betrayal of all that seems good and just in the world to an experience of new possibilities grounded in the steps we take every day. The Choir will sing.
April 17
Rev. Julie Forest
On this day we celebrate Earth as a sacred space. We honor the gifts she gives. We look at what endangers her health, and we examine where we are as individuals and as a congregation in responding with the spiritual leadership and discipline necessary to heal our planet.
Touch the Earth
April 10
Rev. Lori Hlaban
Unitarian Frank Lloyd Wright once said, “I believe in God, but I spell it Nature.” This is one way to express the theological perspective of religious naturalism, which we will explore in this earth-honoring service.
The Rev. Lori Hlaban was ordained to the ministry in May, 2010 by the congregation of Lake Country Unitarian Universalist Church, where she and her spouse, Tom, are charter members.
Buddha’s Birthday
April 3
Rev. Julie Forest and Rev. Joyce Palmer
Join us as we celebrate the life and teachings of the Buddha in this intergenerational service. I am hoping, as with any good birthday party, that we have cake too!
March 2011
Wisdom of a Peach Farmer
March 27
Rev. Julie Forest
How hard are we willing to work for what we believe in? Have you ever asked yourself that question? Today we reflect on the wisdom of a third generation Japanese peach farmer.
Judaism at the Table
March 20
Rev. Julie Forest
Judaism, with its history, stories and traditions, is the next guest at our theological table in this ongoing sermon series.
March 13
Rev. Julie Forest
Loneliness has become a particularly American situation, with consequences that we are not always aware of.
Jesus of the People
March 6
by Rev. Joyce Palmer
Artist Janet McKenzie's Jesus of the People is a powerful piece that invites us to re-imagine the role Jesus can play in our lives. Come explore the symbols and stories that helped me redesign my understanding of Jesus.
February 2011
May Your Life Be a Song
Feb. 27
Rev. Julie Forest and Rev. Joyce Palmer
Today we are joined by the MPS Alumni Choir and the Milwaukee Homeless Community Gospel Choir for an intergenerational service where we explore and celebrate the power of song to bless our lives.
Feb. 20
Rev. Julie Forest
Today we look at our house, here at UCN the house we have built to hold our hopes for a world transformed. How do these eight walls give our dreams shape and meaning? Why is our house a necessary and important part of the climate we find ourselves in?
It’s Fun to do the Impossible
Feb. 13
Ken Leinbach
Come join Ken Leinbach, Executive Director of the Urban Ecology Center, as he shares his experience and passion for promoting sustainable living and urban environmental education. Hear the inspirational story of how a group of neighbors in Milwaukee did the impossible by converting a crime-ridden "problem" park in the middle of the city into an outdoor classroom, research station, ecology center, and spiritual oasis. It's a rags-to-riches story where success is measured not in dollars but in changed lives. For Ken, it all started with an epiphanal experience -- a spiritual moment 15 years ago when it all just made sense. From that moment on, his life took a different path. This is a talk not to be missed if you are interested in community revitalization, citizen empowerment, environmental education, saving the world... and juggling!
Confucianism at the Table
Feb. 6
Rev. Julie Forest
This is the third in the sermon series devoted to having different theological guests at our table. We kick off the Chinese New Year examining the long tradition of Confucianism: the way of propriety.
January 2011
Keeping the Lights On Jan. 30
Rev. Julie Forest
What do we need to keep our caring, free-thinking lights on in Ozaukee County?
Join us as we kick off our annual budget drive to gather the resources we need to continue our work to love, care and transform ourselves and our world.
Dealing With Islamophobia
Jan. 23
Robert Ricigliano
The talk will explore the phenomena of Islamophobia, based on experience in diverse countries with majority Muslim populations (from Iraq to Indonesia) and decades working in the fields of peace-building and conflict resolution. As Director of the Institute of World Affairs at UW-Milwaukee, Rob Ricigliano provides a unique perspective. The focus will be on understanding what drives Islamophobia, and the need for "otherness" in general, and consider ways to deal with it.
Jan. 16
Rev. Sarah Oelberg
As we again celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., should we ask if his legacy is still relevant or if we have moved on to a new reality which might require different methods and messages? Retired UU minister Sarah Oelberg, frequent guest speaker at UU churches around the Midwest, returns to UCN to share her wisdom and perception of race relations in the current age.
Buddhism at the Table
Jan. 9
Rev. Julie Forest
The second offering in the sermon series focusing on different world religions is Buddhism. We will look at what they believe, how it differs from what we believe, and see where it complements our practice, where it challenges it and how it might enrich our own practice of Unitarian Universalism.
During the service, Rev. Forest shared a loving kindness prayer, which several people requested after the service. It is written in its entirety below.
May I know peace and joy
May I know healing and forgiveness
May I know the love that surrounds and sustains me
For just my being me.
May ________ (name and envision some being that you love so much it totally melts your heart)
know peace and joy
May ________ know healing and forgiveness
May __________ know the love that surrounds and sustains __________
For just (him or her)________ being ___________.
May _______(name and envision some being that you dislike or feel even stronger about)
know peace and joy
May ________ know healing and forgiveness
May __________ know the love that surrounds and sustains __________
For just (him or her)________ being ___________.
May all beings know peace and joy
May all beings know healing and forgiveness
May all beings know the love that surrounds and sustains them
For just them being them.
Coffeehouse Sunday with the All Souls Café
Jan. 2
Leigh Hoftiezer, Brian Mitchell, Rev. Julie Forest
Join us for the All Souls Café, the annual coffeehouse featuring talented church members and friends who help us celebrate the start of the new year. Adults as well as children will entertain with music, poetry and dance. Please bring cookies or other small snack foods to share. Coffee, tea and hot apple cider will be served in the west lobby during the show.
December 2010
Dirt
Dec. 26
Austin Hicks
Austin Hicks and the Sunday Services Committee will deliver a service based on Rev. Lynn Ungar’s sermon on earth-centered spirituality: patience, sustained contact, cooperation, and connection with the earth and all living things.
Festival of Candles Christmas Eve Service
Dec. 24
Rev. Joyce Palmer
Festival of Candles is a celebration and contemplative service on the deeper meanings of this holiday season. Join us for this participatory service with symbols, readings, candles, and carols. Children will act out the Christmas Story. Families will help build a centering table and receive a symbol and accompanying text to read aloud during the service.
Joy to the World Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Dec. 24
Rev. Julie Forest
Please join us for a traditional candlelight Unitarian Christmas Eve service for all ages with music, singing, celebration and Scripture. This is a joy-filled, sacred way to enter more deeply into the silent, holy, peaceful, night that can get lost in the commercial bustle.
The Woodcarver
Dec. 19
Rev. Julie Forest and Twila Bergeron
So many things shape us. We are formed by the move to a new community, grief, the hopes and dreams of children and the stories we tell and listen to every year. Enormous transformation often happens with just the smallest shift. Join us as we celebrate this shift at our intergenerational Sunday of music and story. Make sure you wear your pajamas!
Islam at the Table
Dec. 12
Rev. Julie Forest
Recently the UU World, our quarterly Unitarian magazine, reviewed a book called God Is Not One. The message was that sometimes we disregard the genuine differences in other religious traditions in our efforts to see the unity in all. Today marks the beginning of a sermon series on the different faith traditions, what they believe, how it differs from what we believe, and what we might learn from them. The first guest at our theological table will be Islam.
Cornerstones of Our Faith
Dec. 5
Rev. Julie Forest
Our long and illustrious Unitarian Universalist tradition is built on solid rock, allowing us to stand firmly on the ground. At the same time, our faith is one of many windows, allowing the light of truth expressed in many ways to shine in and out. Our faith is also like water, able to go into the smallest cracks and able to hold enormous contradictions. This service will prepare us for the sermon series to follow that examines other faith traditions and how they confirm some of our own beliefs and how they offer stark contrast to others.
November 2010
One Woman’s Journey Toward Serenity
Nov. 28
Bonnie S.
It has been reported that the disease of alcoholism affects at least 4 people in every alcoholic's life - parents, children, spouses, coworkers, friends and others. In continuation of the educational process which began last year, when our post-Thanksgiving guest speaker talked about his recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous, we will hear from a family member whose son still struggles with his addiction and whose father suffered from the disease. Bonnie S., an active member and participant in Al-Anon, will share her story and the recovery she has made to reclaim her happiness and serenity.
Baskets of Abundance
Thanksgiving, Intergenerational Service
Nov. 21
Rev. Julie Forest and Rev. Joyce Palmer
The children will serve Thanksgiving bread communion as we reflect on what it means toshare, give thanks, and celebrate all we have been given. Guest at Your Table materials will also be handed out.
The Prophetic Soldier
Nov. 14
Rev. Julie Forest
We celebrate our second Unitarian Universalist source, the words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to fight systems of evil and injustice. Our prophets today are the women and men who have served in our armed forces.
The Prisoner
Nov. 7
Rev. Julie Forest
Too many prisoners, not enough jails. Too expensive no matter how we measure it, and deficient in restorative justice. Who are we, as we cast this particular shadow?
October 2010
All Souls Service
Oct. 31
Rev. Julie Forest
On this day we honor our family members, close friends and mentors who though now departed had a nurturing impact on our lives. Please bring a photo, a flower, and or an object to place on the altar that we will create.
Intergenerational Service
Oct. 24
Rev. Julie Forest and Rev. Joyce Palmer
In our Unitarian Universalist community we celebrate our diversity, and disability is part of the rich diversity of human existence. In word and song, we recognize that talent and worth have no boundaries.
Oct. 17
Rev. Julie Forest
Although both Unitarianism and Universalism are offspring of the protestant revolution in Europe in the 1500’s, Unitarian Universalism and the UUA celebrate 50 years of existence in 2011. We celebrate what it means to be Unitarian Universalist in this age of lessening denominational identification. What do we want and need for the next 50 years from Unitarian Universalism?
Horton Hears a Who and Education in Milwaukee
Oct. 10
Alan Borsuk
Alan Borsuk joined the Marquette University Law School staff as a Senior Fellow in law and public policy in November 2009, and continues to write a Sunday column for the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel. Mr. Borsuk began his career at the Wisconsin State Journal and graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. A winner of numerous journalism awards, he is also an active leader in Milwaukee’s Jewish community, serving as president of the board of governors of the Wisconsin Institute for Torah Study, founding president of Yeshiva Elementary School, and former member of the board of directors of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. (From Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel online)
Communicating in an Era of Tweets
October 3, 2010
Rev. Julie Forest
Tweets, emails, facebook, faxes and phones, pillow talk, huddle hunches, locker room ruminations, dinner conversations. Does the way we communicate change our humanity?
September 2010
Immigrant Song
September 26, 2010
Rev. Julie Forest
Immigration and immigration issues have been around for a long time. Recently, with the law SB 1070 in Arizona and the national day of non-compliance in July, Unitarian Universalists across the country have been in conversation around the inherent worth and dignity of folks and how we are called to witness for this worth and dignity. Today we join the conversation.
Forgivishness
September 19, 2010
Rev. Julie Forest
Every year at this time our Jewish brothers and sisters celebrate Yom Kipper, the day of atonement. Atonement involves an honest inventory of what we have done to others and what has been done to us. Forgiveness is involved, but it can not just be willed, nor can it be faked. Sometimes all we can manage is "forgivishness," a term that Anne Lamott first brought to my attention.
September 12, 2010
Rev. Julie Forest
This is our ingathering Sunday celebration as well as a reflection on the nature of transition and what it will take for UCN to embrace the future that is leaning toward us, waiting to be born. Not only that, we will have ice cream to celebrate after each service. Yeah!
Kids, make sure your parents get you to church today of all days.
I’m On My Way, Water Communion Service
September 5, 2010
Rev. Joyce Palmer
The intergenerational service will convey a sense of what it is like to be part of change: to move out of the familiarity and comfort of what has been, into the liberation and excitement of reaching for your ideals – even though it requires great risk and some loss. Please bring water to share for the water communion, which celebrates the journeys we have each taken or discoveries we have made. In case you forget or don’t have any to bring, “representational” water will be provided. This is a wonderful ingathering service, and a portion of the water we receive is purified and set aside for the infant dedication ceremonies held throughout the year.
August 2010
Wouldn't You Like to Know
August 29, 2010
Rev. Julie Forest
A reflection on secrets.
Allyship and Transgender Issues
August 22, 2010
Jay Botsford from Project Q
LGBTQ people have made many gains in just the last decade: you can no longer be jailed for the relationship that you are in; many states and municipalities guarantee employment and housing protections based on sexual orientation; and more and more schools recognize the bullying problems faced by gay and lesbian students. Unfortunately, progress has been much slower for the transgender community: rights and recognition are hard to win, even within the LGBTQ community. Transgender people must be intentionally included in order to create a more socially just society for all people.
Allyship-often ignored or even derided as unimportant to the "greater cause"-is an absolutely essential to social justice work and movements. In order for the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning) Rights Movement to continue moving forward-and for the Transgender Rights Movement to be recognized and supported-allies are absolutely essential.
Jay Botsford identifies as queer, genderqueer, transgender and as a person with a disability. Jay has worked with at-risk youth for 15 years, starting as a youth. For the last 8 years, Jay has focused on the LGBTQ youth population, first as a youth activist in college, and for the last 6 at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center. Jay is a nationally-recognized speaker on transgender and LGBTQ youth issues, and a local social justice activist working to promote safer, inclusive communities and equal access for all. Jay holds a BA in Psychology/Sociology from Marquette University (2005) and will complete an MA in Sociology from UW-M in 2011.
Heart of a Buffalo
August 15, 2010
Dennis Hawk
Heart of a Buffalo is a 50 minute musical drama with Dennis Hawk playing the character of Black Elk, a 19th century Lakota Medicine Man who relates his childhood experience hunting buffalo in Canada in the days just after the death of chief Crazy Horse. Interlaced with the story is both traditional and original music by Dennis (Native American Drum, chanting, flute, guitar and vocals).
Everybody Eats: A Unitarian Universalist Response to Food
August 8, 2010
Young Kim
"Eat food, not too much, mostly plants." That is Michael Pollan's short answer to the complicated and confusing information around what humans need to eat to live healthy and productive lives. But how does that practice trickle down to people in our region that can't afford to shop at Whole Foods or don't have time to prepare meals from scratch? Young Kim will talk about the revolutionary efforts in Milwaukee to make wholesome foods accessible to all.
Young Kim is Executive Director of the Fondy Food Center, a Milwaukee nonprofit that connects North Side Milwaukee residents with local fresh food - from farm to table. A committed UU since 1990, he is past Chair of the UUA Nominating Committee and past Co-Chair of the UU Funding Program's Fund for Unitarian Universalism. Kim lives in Wauwatosa and is married to the Rev. Suzelle Lynch of Unitarian Universalist Church West.
Living an Intentional Life
August 1, 2010
Judith Tietyen
Judith will share some of her story and how it eventually led to her involvement in South Africa. She will describe the purpose of their work, how they work and why and lessons learned. She hopes all of this will demonstrate that "it is never too late to be intentional in how you want to live your life and contribute positively to your kin, friends and strangers." She believes her work and the work of fellow volunteers adheres to all the Unitarian principles, but will focus mostly on Justice, equity, and compassion.
July 2010
Judith Tietyen has been a volunteer for South African township development for thirteen years. She is originally a Wisconsinite and graduated from both Marquette University and UW-Milwaukee. She has had a long and varied career as a high school science teacher, probation and parole agent, manager of a family counseling program, a national consultant, community organizer and now a volunteer organizer for development in South Africa. She has worked in Milwaukee, Chicago, Cleveland and Port Elizabeth, South Africa. She has built 2 organizations, Ewe Masenze Inc (Yes, Let's Do It!) which funds the parallel organization in South Africa, Sinakho Trust (We Can). Judith turned 70 this year; even though retired, she intends to continue to engage life as an active volunteer involved in development work. She also has 2 children and 3 grandchildren who live in Mequon and Milwaukee.
Earth: Big or small, depends on your perspective!
July 25, 2010
David Stokes
Intergenerational Service
"It all began in the grade school room when the teacher told us what an atom was..."
Through the use of riddles, readings, songs and a couple live creatures, David will share a unique perspective on planet Earth. We are not alone. Who shares this planet? Do they matter?
David Stokes is a father, spouse, UU member, educator and entertainer. David has been teaching since 1974. He worked as a naturalist/educator in Massachusetts, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center and now with his own business, The Frog Chorus Nature Education. David joined the UU group when his son Jay was born in 1987, and Sarah and David are/were members at UCN since then. David splits his time now at UUCW, First Church and UCN.
Building your Beliefs
July 18, 2010
Marilou Johnston
We will internally look at how our beliefs have grown and changed over the years. Marilou is planning on each person building their own Theology tree during the service.
Altruism from Slime Molds to UCN
July 11, 2010
Dr. Sharon Whitehill
Are we humans the only species to engage in altruistic behavior? If so, might our acts of self-sacrifice still be selfish at base? Even if they are not, true altruism is not as simple and obvious as we might think. :
Dr. Sharon Whitehill was a professor of English at Grand Valley State University in Michigan for 32 years. Now retired, she enjoys writing and giving sermons for UU congregations in the Midwest and during her Florida winters.
Fuller Freedom
July 4, 2010
Rev. Julie Forest
Today we will celebrate the Transcendentalist Unitarian free thinker Margaret Fuller,
200 years after her birth.
We also welcome UU musician and songwriter Jim Scott to UCN. Jim is an exciting acoustic guitarist, singer, and composer of powerful music that furthers the ideals of ecology, justice, and peace. Jim has several songs in our UU hymnals. It is quite an honor to have him come to UCN. This is a not to be missed Sunday.
You can learn more about Jim at his website - www.jimscottmusic.com
June 2010
When Jacob Became Israel: How Maturity and Morality can Inspire Social Consciousness
June 27, 2010
Rabbi Steve Adams
Currently serving as rabbi of Congregation Emanu-El of Waukesha, Rabbi Adams has been a scholar and active in interfaith activities throughout his career. He was a cabinet member of the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee for many years, is currently a member of the board of the Catholic Jewish Conference of Milwaukee, a member of the Brookfield Elm Grove Interfaith Network, and has been a guest speaker at UUCW. Married to Gail for over 27 years, their 23 year-old daughter Rachel now resides in Jerusalem. Rabbi Adams' other talents include guitar playing since the age of 10, and he once built a balalaika out of wood, along with other items.
Summer Solstice Celebration
June 20, 2010
UCN women who attended the February CMwD Womanspirit conference will lead
service celebrating midsummer, the longest day of the year, in word, song and ritual.
