From Rev. Scott
June 19, 2025
Dear Members and Friends,
“These are the best of times, these are the worst of times,” is the opening line from British Unitarian Charles Dicken’s famous 19th novel “The Tale of Two Cities,” which he penned during a particularly tumultuous period in that nation’s history.
As summer finally arrives here in Wisconsin – suddenly turning everything warm, beautiful and green – we might feel the same way as we face a very troubling national, political and cultural landscape.
“These are the best of times,” as we gladly return to carefree summer pursuits like barefoot walks on the beach, family gatherings in the backyard, baseball games and evenings sitting outside with loved ones under the welcoming night skies. Summer is filled with such grace, laughter, enjoyment and ease.
And yet these are also “the worst of times” as right now we are obliged to worry about all the many troubling and terrible things that are happening in our nation and world. With the economy being swept up into foolish and unnecessary uncertainty, immigrants and refugees being cruelly rounded up and deported, the LGTBQ community under increasing attack, constitutional principles and freedoms being illegally abrogated left and right, foreign aid and the social safety for America’s needy being stripped away, and terrible wars raging in both Ukraine and the Middle East – our hearts and minds are constantly under duress. There just doesn’t seem to be any end to the trouble around us.
Please remember that Unitarian Church North is faithfully here this summer -- every week, and every Sunday -- to help us navigate our way through all of these realities and contradictions. UCN is here to help us celebrate and enjoy the rhythms of this wonderful summer season…and it is also here to help us keep focused on the many human challenges that require our attentions and effort on behalf of what is good, just and right.
And as your minister – even though I am a less-regular presence over the summer months – I am always available to you, and to the congregation. Over the coming weeks, I will mostly be in Southeastern Wisconsin, available for church meetings, and emergencies and special needs. I am also always available to you by phone and zoom should you need your minister, and for office appointments as appropriate and required. And I look forward to seeing you on Sunday, August 3rd, when we will have our First Annual UCN “Hot Dog” Picnic (vegetarian options available) immediately following the service. My sermon for the day will be “The Grace of the World” when I will further reflect on the ambivalent nature of this creation of ours.
Have a great summer, and be in touch if I can help you in any way. All blessings to you and all your love.
Unitarian Church North
Email: info@ucnorth.org
Website: www.ucnorth.org
Location: 13800 North Port Washington Road, Mequon, WI, USA
Phone: 262-375-3890
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurchNorth/