The Northliner

Sunday services are held at 10:00 am. Currently our services are held live at UCN and also streamed on Zoom. Coffee hour follows the service. If UCN closes due to weather or building issues, the closing will be reflected on our website, on our office voice mail, and, if possible, through a special email.

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/93364454692?pwd=U29yanFGZTUvOXAvcWM0UWQ1UFU0QT09
Meeting ID: 933 6445 4692
Password: 13800

Services begin promptly at 10 am. If you'd like to join in conversation before the service, you may join the Zoom meeting at 9:50 and wrap up your conversations shortly before 10.

Sept. 21: “The Abundance of Harvest,” Dana Lusk

Unitarian Universalists draw spiritual inspiration from six sources. The sixth source comes from spiritual teachings of Earth-Centered traditions, which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature. There are eight pagan holidays on the wheel of the year, which are rooted in agricultural traditions. The three harvest festivals, Lughnasa (Lammas), Fall Equinox (Mabon), and Samhain (New Year), are a time for reflection, gathering, gratitude, and celebration of the abundance of the harvest. Let’s explore the traditions of these three festivals, which may be applied to our modern world.

Originally from Texas, Dana moved to Cedarburg, WI from the Denver, CO area with her husband, Dan, in 2016. She is a lifelong, second-generation, Unitarian Universalist and grew up in a primarily atheist/secular Humanist household. In the early 1980’s she took her first ‘Cakes for the Queen of Heaven’ class at First UU Church of Houston and discovered Earth-based, Womyn’s spirituality. She is a recently retired Registered Nurse/Nurse Educator, serving on the faculties of University of Denver, Regis University, and Marquette University in Milwaukee. Additionally, she is an Army Nurse Corps Veteran.

Sept. 28: "The Qur'an or the Bible: Which Is More Tolerant?" Rev. Tony Larsen

Tony's sermon this Sunday will address the question of violence and intolerance in the scriptures of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It's true, he says, that the Qur'an contains some disturbing
content--but then, so does the Bible. Which religion is actually more tolerant? (And does a religion's scripture actually correlate with the actions of its adherents?)

Tony Larsen was our minister here at Unitarian Church North for 4 years (2019-2023), having served before that at Olympia Brown UU in Racine for 40+ years. He was raised Catholic, and studied to be a Catholic priest for 10 years before being ordained to the Unitarian Universalist ministry. He received his B.A. in philosophy from Maryknoll College in 1971, his M.A. in theology from Maryknoll School of Theology in 1973, and his D.Min from Meadville/Lombard Theological School in 1975.

This Sunday's OOS:

Use this convenient QR code to donate!

The link to the giving page, for the less tech savvy, is: https://ucnorth.breezechms.com/give/online

Here is the link to Rev. Scott's sermon, The 11th Commandment, from Sept. 14, 2025: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15RId4JtCCE2NAqvxWr_W5q0ZncN1_DqI/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109072791973067277249&rtpof=true&sd=true

The Sunday Services Committee has established a subcommittee dedicated to UCN’s vision for music ministry. In the short term that means scheduling substitutes for Cathy Reich, and simultaneously searching for qualified replacement candidates. The Music Sub-committee is chaired by Janet Jensen (608-217-6566, jan.jen33@gmail.com). Your help in locating candidates would be GREATLY APPRECIATED! Please contact Janet if you have ideas so that the music sub-committee can provide details and coordinate communications. Thank you!

Janet L. Jensen

Trunk or Treat is creeping up on us 🎃. Sign-up sheets are located in the front lobby and fellowship hall; please sign up to host a trunk. We are also hoping to give out children's books at the event. If you have any board books to chapter books, including graphic novels, please bring them in over the next couple of weeks. A collection box will be located outside of Jessy's office.

Sunday September 21st: (COA meets this week )

• The K-2nd Lego workshop with Brian and Emily Bunzel is based on the theme (and story) that we Accept and Value Each Person.
• The 3rd-6th, Faithful Journeys class will introduce participants to the first Unitarian Universalist Principle, the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Cindy Kotecki and Jessy Knox will be teaching, with Pat Kotecki and Laura Jach-Smith assisting.
• The Coming of Age (COA) class with Peggy Creer will explore various theological perspectives on the concept of “God.”

Sunday Outdoor Hikes

Outdoor Hikes the 4th Sunday of the month in fall: Sept 28, Oct 26, Nov 23, Dec 28.

A Note

Jessy will not ask you for a directory, or bank information, or people's contact info. Spammers are trying to get our information. If you get a request, please forward it to info@ucnorth.org.

Working for Fair Maps in Wisconsin

From the Fair Maps Coalition

We're reaching out to invite you to our upcoming Fair Maps Community Hearing in Madison on Thursday, September 25th. The event will begin at 6:00 PM and will include a presentation with opportunities for questions and discussion throughout. After the hearing, we’ll host a reception in the Atrium of the Black Business Hub. Please register for the event (and view our other upcoming community hearings) at https://www.fairmapswi.com/communityhearings and spread the word to your network! The more, the merrier!

This presentation is an opportunity for the public to learn about and provide input on our draft proposal for legislation to create an Independent Redistricting Commission in Wisconsin. This legislation would create an independent, nonpartisan body to draw Wisconsin’s voting maps, with the goal of permanently ending gerrymandering in our state. The draft proposal was written by volunteers from the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin ad hoc Redistricting Committee following extensive research and consultation based on best practices in redistricting, and the current version of the draft can be viewed at https://www.fairmapswi.com/draft-proposal

We’re also planning a rally at the Wisconsin State Capitol on October 16th and will be seeking co-sponsors for that event soon — stay tuned for more details!

Please contact Nicole Gabrail at nicole@fairmapswi.com if you’re interested or have any questions. We’d love for you to join us in discussing this important work.

Poetry Workshop Event

Held at First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee (FUSM) Sept. 27 and 28

Irma Morter Lecture Weekend with Poet James Crews

Unlocking the Heart: Words for Presence, Connection & Compassion in a Grieving World

Please see https://uumilwaukee.org/event/irma-morter-lecture-weekend-with-poet-james-crews/ for full details about this multifaceted event.

From the poet's website, jamescrews.net :"I write and share poetry that can be understood and appreciated by people of all ages and backgrounds. I believe that reading and writing can be gateways to kindness, gratitude, wonder, and joy - tools for slowing down and reflecting in a sped-up world. Through my courses, talks, newsletter, and books, I help individuals become more centered and less stressed. I look forward to connecting with you!"

Social Justice Reminders

• Support Black-Owned businesses: "MKE Black" offers a list of Black-owned businesses you can reference: https://mkeblack.org/

• If you would like to donate directly to Family Promise, the only shelter for homeless people in Ozaukee County, please send your donation to them, with “UCN Member” written in the memo line. This will give UCN credit for the donation. Their address is: Family Promise of Ozaukee County, 136 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington, WI 53074.

• The Social Justice Committee has an OPT-IN email list for anyone who would like to be notified on short notice to provide a physical presence at social justice activities. Please contact Sherryl Andrus, sherryla70@gmail.com, to be added to the list.

• UCN’s Share the Plate (STP) program supports organizations that help those in need in our community and across the world. You are welcome to nominate a recipient for a 2-month collection. The complete list of past STP recipients and their websites can be found at UCNorth.org, under Serve/Share the Plate/View Past Donations Spreadsheet.

Have you been visiting the church for awhile and find yourself wanting to learn more about Unitarian Universalism, are curious about how to become a member, or learn about different ways to get involved in the church? If so, please plan on attending our New to UU meetings, a 2-part series on October the 5th and October the 12th at 11:30 am in the Emerson room. A sign-up sheet can be found on the visitors' table.

A Huge Thank You

We are so grateful to Jim DeLillo and his assistant Dean Johnson for fixing the dishwasher and saving us hundreds of dollars. You guys rock!

Visitors

The following people visited our church recently:

• Sarah Benes, Brown Deer
• Mark and Jane Mawer, Cedarburg
• Bill Roegge, Fox Point

Thanks for visiting us. We hope that you come back soon!

From the First Sunday Lunch Committee

First Sunday lunches resume on Sunday, October 5th after a summer hiatus. We'll continue each month until June, when we'll have the summer picnic. You'll get asked a couple of times during the year to bring food according to that month's theme. Of course, you'll be contacted so you'll know when that will be, as well as that month's theme.

We all enjoy the delicious offerings that everyone brings! First Sunday lunches are a great way to get to meet new members & get to know others better. We are, after all, one big "family."

See you there!

Linda Sandersen, Chair - Lsandersen@wi.rr.com

Did you know that there is a UU’s Out to Lunch group? We go out to lunch on the first Wednesday of each month. Everyone takes a turn choosing the time and place for lunch. In October, we'll meet at Highland House. Great food – Great conversation! If you are interested in joining us, contact Ann Buchel at awbuchel@gmail.com or 262-470-6355.

Save the Date

Nov 15: Game Day 1-4 pm.

Events at UCN

• "Qi Gong and Tai Chi" class will be taking a break and hopes to resume in fall. Call Diane at 307-763-0903 for information about her classes at all locations.

• The next Wisconsin Singer Songwriter Series concert will be held on September 20. UCN members are offered a discount on tickets. Go to wsss.org for details.

• Al-Anon meetings, offering recovery for families and friends of alcoholics and drug addicts, are held every Tuesday morning at 8:30 am in the Fellowship Hall and online. On voting days, meetings are held in the Sanctuary, upper level.
  

Thank you for supporting the groups that use our facilities.

MidAmerica Nominating Committee is seeking candidates to fill several open positions on the Nominating Committee, Regional Board, and Midwest UU Conference. Questions or comments can be directed to MARnominating@uua.org

Calendar through October 5

Meetings are held via Zoom, unless stated.

• Sunday, Sept. 21, 11:15 am: Animal Ministry - Barton (Julie Konik)
• Wednesday, Oct. 1: UUs Out to Lunch (Ann Buchel)
• Saturday, Oct. 4, 10:00 am: FSL Setup - Fellowship Hall
• Sunday, Oct. 5, 11:30 am: First Sunday Lunch - Fellowship Hall
• Sunday. Oct. 5, 11:30 am: New to UU Class - Emerson

The monthly calendar for UCN events, not including rentals, can be seen on our website at: https://ucnorth.org/calendar/

Please remember to contact Lyn, info@ucnorth.org, to reserve rooms for your meetings, rehearsals, ceremonies, etc. To hold an event or ceremony at UCN, contact Lyn for date availability, facilities use forms, and answers to your questions.

All church committee meetings are open; visitors are welcome. Contact the committee chair (listed on the calendar above) for details or to receive the zoom info for a meeting. For information on classes and groups that meet at UCN, as well as future meeting and event dates, please see the website, www.ucnorth.org, or call the office, 262-375-3890.

Service and UUA Information

• Service Assistants are needed for Sunday Services. Please contact Sunday Service Committee Chairs, Dana Lusk (danalusk04@gmail.com) or CJ Winter (cjwinter01@outlook.com), if you can help.

• The Sunday Services Zoom Team is looking "for a few good zoom hosts." Please contact Gerry Schmitz or Dan Lusk if interested.
  

• Sunday Announcements: The Sunday Services Committee encourages individuals and committees to make announcements via the attached form (below). Giving this form to the Sunday Service Assistant before the service can streamline our announcements and make the service more engaging. If you have any questions, please contact Sunday Service Committee Chairs, Dana Lusk (danalusk04@gmail.com) or CJ Winter (cjwinter01@outlook.com).

• UU Women's Connection offers retreats, newsletters and resources for women: https://www.uuwomensconnection.org/. Click this link for info about retreats:

  https://www.uuwomensconnection.org/retreats. The October retreat will be at Cedar Valley Retreat Center near West Bend, Wisconsin.

• You are encouraged to subscribe to MidAmerica Region's newsletter, News page. More information at uua.org/midamerica .

General Information

• Becoming a Member of UCN is very easy. Simply make a pledge of record, sign our Membership Book, and provide contact information for our records. We also provide New to UU and UCN Classes in the Spring and Fall. It is not necessary to attend the classes, however they are very informative, providing information about Unitarian Universalism and our church (its history and how it operates). For more information, you can contact Cecile Duhnke at cecileduhnke@gmail.com or Tannie Bemis at bemis.tannie@gmail.com.

• Rev. Scott will never ask you to buy a gift card for him. Please don't fall for these scams. And if someone asks you for a copy of the member directory, please refer them to info@ucnorth.org, as they might not be who they claim to be.

• Our photo directory of members and pledging friends is sent out a few times each year.
  If you would like a printed black and white copy of the directory or the Leadership List, Lyn has them available in the office. If you would prefer a printed color copy, we can print them for $5. Just tell Lyn if you want one.

• You can find copies of the Annual Report and Annual Financial Report in the library.

• Caring Circle: a group of people who may be willing to bring meals, help with transportation, make visits, pick up groceries, etc. for members and friends of UCN in temporary need. Sign up at church or virtually: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A44ACA82BA75-caring

• First Aid Kits are located near the elevators on each level. Each kit is in a white box and mounted on the wall. AED Machines are near the first aid kits. Narcan (Naloxone) nasal spray, to reverse an opioid overdose, is also available there. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Bunzel at (262) 573-0045 or brianbuzel@yahoo.com or Jim DeLillo at jimdelillo2@gmail.com

• Are you or someone you know in need of help with basic food supplies? "The Family Sharing Food Pantry is here when you need us. Our Mobile Pantry travels to locations in northern and southern Ozaukee. We also offer in-person shopping and deliver groceries to senior living complexes. Call us for more information. 262-377-0634 x125."

Monthly Fellowship Gatherings

• UU’s Out to Lunch: Did you know that there is a UU’s Out to Lunch group? We go out to lunch on the first Wednesday of each month. Everyone takes a turn choosing the time and place for lunch. Great food – Great conversation! If you are interested in joining us, contact Ann Buchel at awbuchel@gmail.com or 262-470-6355.

• First Sunday Lunch: Join us after the service in the Fellowship Hall for lunch and fellowship on the first Sunday of the month, October through June.
  

• Update: UU Ladies' Lunch meets on the third Thursday of every month at 11:30 at Crave Restaurant, on Port Washington Road in Mequon. Contact brendaberg@spectrum.net with questions.
  

Fundraising and Donations

• UCN is able to accept donations via PayPal.

• Food Barrels for pets and people: Don’t forget to grab a food item out of your pantry for the food barrel as you leave for church. Donations go to the Ozaukee Food Alliance.
  We are also accepting donations for pet food and small containers of litter. These donations go to the Humane Society of Ozaukee County's Pet Pantry, serving individuals who need help feeding their pets.

• RaiseRight Fundraiser (formerly know as Scrip): Gift Cards are a great way to support UCN. For tutorials on using RaiseRight click the link: https://www.raiseright.com/resources/participant/. There are 3 ways to purchase and reload gift cards: (eGift, Reload and Physical). eGift and Reload options are available for use in seconds. For physical cards, select the “ship to home" option; shipping fees will be incurred by the purchaser. If you have questions about RaiseRight please view https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q3rZ3dXo96XBGI9we5yhWzCZGS3na22O/view? or contact Mark Muellenbach. To help set up the RaiseRight app on your phone, watch this video How to Earn Faster with Online Payment Setup (Mobile App) | RaiseRight

• If you order from Quill.com and tell them UCN recommended them, UCN will earn a $50 gift card.

Please submit articles for the Northliner to info@ucnorth.org. To keep the Northliner from becoming cumbersome, you are encouraged to keep these articles short, and to run them only twice. The deadline for submitting articles is every Thursday at noon. Items submitted later might not be proofed for errors or published.

Please submit articles for our website to webdesigner@ucnorth.org.

Rev. Scott Alexander, Minister

Cell phone: 772-359-0602. Email: UURevScott@gmail.com .

Rev. Alexander will generally preach two times per month and will maintain regular but sporadic office hours. Please call his cell phone to arrange in-person or zoom meetings with him.

Jessy Knox, RE Coordinator

Jessy can be contacted at refpc@ucnorth.org or 414-840-5377.

Office Hours: Wednesdays 10 am-3 pm.

Saturdays 10 am-1 pm: RE Prep (some of this time will be remote)

Sundays 8:30 am-12:30 pm: RE Sunday Time

Lyn Gust, Office Admin

Contact Lyn at 262-375-3890 or info@ucnorth.org.

Office Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 9 am to 2 pm. The office is closed for holidays and bad weather.

Please do not reply to the Northliner; we do not receive messages sent to lyngust@mailgun.smore.com, only to info@ucnorth.org.

If you are having trouble receiving the Northliner, please add this address to your contact list: lyngust@mailgun.smore.com .

Links

• Information on our Share the Plate Recipient

For more information about UCN, see our website www.ucnorth.org or call the office at

262-375-3890.

Email: info@ucnorth.org
Website: www.ucnorth.org
Location: 13800 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon, WI, 53097
Phone: 262-375-3890
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurchNorthMequonWI/