December October 2016 Volume 22, Issue 4. A Personal and Spiritual Journey

DecemberOctober 2016 Volume 22, Issue 4 201 Sunday, December 4th—9:15 and 11:00 a.m. Pulpit Guest: The Rev. Ron Ballew Black Lives Matter: A Persona...
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DecemberOctober 2016 Volume 22, Issue 4 201

Sunday, December 4th—9:15 and 11:00 a.m. Pulpit Guest: The Rev. Ron Ballew

Black Lives Matter: A Personal and Spiritual Journey Worship Coordinator: Quinn Bennett

The Rev. Ron Ballew is a minister in the United Church of Christ and has 22 years of experience in parish ministry. Ron is passionate about urban ministry and social justice. This year, in the time leading up to the memorial service of Jay Anderson, the young black man who was killed by the Wauwatosa police in June, Rev. Ballew was called upon to minister with Jay’s family. He shares with us today personal thoughts about Black Lives Matter and the spiritual journey of social justice work. Special music today from Jennifer Nicolosi, Lead Music Director.

Sunday, December 11th—9:15 and 11:00 a.m.

Light and Shadows—Annual Holiday Music Service

Ruben Piirainen, Music Director, and the UUCW Adult Choir, with the Revs. Suzelle Lynch and Joyce Palmer Take in some holiday joy and be transported across a winter wonderland! With music from the UUCW Adult Choir, spanning Christmas, Hanukkah, and the Winter Solstice, we explore the theme of light overcoming shadows and darkness. From the luminous "Northern Lights" by reigning choral composer extraordinaire Ola Gjeilo, to the poignant yet forgotten jewel, "Christmas" by Kyle Matthews, you’ll be inspired by this time to reflect on the presence of light in our lives during a dark month. As one of the songs proclaims, "shadows on the world before shall shadows be no more." We ask ourselves, how do I shine my light into the world? This lovely annual service is a wonderful opportunity to bring friends to UUCW.

Sunday, December 18th—9:15 and 11:00 a.m.

The Sun Returns! Winter Solstice Ritual for All Ages

The Rev. Suzelle Lynch, and Maria O’Connor, Director of Religious Education, with the EarthSpirit Team, Dancers and Solstice Singers The Winter Solstice, the rebirth of the sun, is an important turning point in the wheel of the year. It’s a “seed time,” the longest night and the shortest day, where the Great Goddess once again becomes the Great Mother and gives birth to the new Sun King. In a poetic sense, it is on this the longest night of the winter, “the dark night of our souls,” that there springs the new spark of hope, the Sacred Fire, the Light of the World. Today, we offer our traditional Winter Solstice ritual, with stories, drumming, dancing, and “bringing the light,” in a community of all ages. Nursery and preschool care provided today.

Saturday, December 24th—4:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight: The Heart of Christmas

The Revs. Joyce Palmer and Suzelle Lynch, with Jennifer Nicolosi, Lead Music Director and the Christmas Choir and Ensemble Tonight we call ourselves to be fully present in community, to seek the deeper presence at the heart of Christmas. With carols old and new, readings light-hearted and serious, and words of reflection from Rev. Suzelle, we honor this ancient holiday in our modern context. Special Music at 4:00 p.m. from the Christmas Choir, and at 8 :00 p.m. from the Christmas Ensemble and soloists. Note: Please plan to arrive early for the 4:00 pm service, and please invite your friends and neighbors, too!

Sunday, December 25th—One service: 1:00 p.m.

Christmas Afternoon: Carols and Kringle

The Rev. Suzelle Lynch and Ruben Piirainen, Music Director Rev. Suzelle and pianist extraordinaire Ruben Piirainen are hosting an early-afternoon “informal service” of fabulous Christmas carols, both sacred and secular, with yummy kringle, coffee, cocoa, and you! You can even bring the kids in their jammies if you’d like. Enjoy the warmth of all-ages singing and sharing in community. P.S. We might just have a visit from the jolly whitebearded guy in the red suit…

December 2016 — West Wind —

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Volume 22, Issue 4

13001 West North Avenue Brookfield WI 53005-5219 This month, our Soul Matters Theme is “We are a Community of Presence.” I’m writing more about that elsewhere in this newsletter, because here, in Phone: 262-782-3535 recognition of the upcoming holidays, I want to talk Fax: 262-784-9479 E-Mail: [email protected] about presents! Web Site: http://uucw.org Patrick McDonnell is one of my favorite cartoonists. Actually, I have many favorite cartoonists because I West Wind Editor: love the lift of laughter that comics bring me. But Ben Barker, “Mutts,” the comic strip McDonnell creates, not only Communications makes me smile, it touches my heart. Coordinator, [email protected] Earl and Mooch—a dog and a cat—are McDonnell’s main characters. They live next door to one another Minister and ponder life’s mysteries and enjoy its simple pleasures together. A few years ago, in The Rev. Suzelle Lynch, McDonnell’s first book, The Gift of Nothing, Earl and Mooch told a story too long for a ext. 12 newspaper comic strip to hold. Assistant Minister A special day was coming and Mooch wanted to honor Earl with a special present. But The Rev. Joyce Palmer, Earl already had a bowl, a squeaky toy, a bed—he had everything! What to do? ext. 14 Church Administrator Vicki Banville, ext. 17

Mooch wondered what so many of us wonder at this gift-giving time of year: What kind of present do you give someone who has everything?

Administrative Assistant Nothing! That’s the conclusion Mooch came to, after much thought. But where to find Liz Emmerling-Ginnow, ext. it? One of Mooch’s humans often said that there was nothing on TV… The 10 grandchildren were always saying that there was nothing to do… But it was only when his other human came home from shopping declaring there was nothing to buy that Director of Religious Mooch knew what to do. He went shopping! Education Maria O’Connor, ext. 11 Unfortunately, amid all the many somethings—the new and improved this, the latest and fanciest that—Mooch discovered that nothing was not for sale. So he went home Lead Music Director and sat on his pillow, and just stayed still for a while (as cats are often known to do). Jennifer Nicolosi I’m not going to tell you the rest of the story, because you may want to purchase the Music Director book for yourself (or as a gift for someone!). Ruben Piirainen RE Program Assistant Kelly Bognar, ext. 18 Communications Coordinator Ben Barker, ext. 13 Board of Trustees 2015 — 2016 Phil Kroner, President Kurt Gaetano, VicePresident Amy Taivalkoski, Secretary Jane Browne Vicki Brzeski Betsy Gomoll Larry Hawley Kathy Herrewig Joe Lange

But I do hope you’ll wonder with me about nothing. Many of us really do have everything. Everything we need. Some of us have everything we desire, too. So — what if someone gave you nothing for Christmas? No-thing. What if they gave you world peace? Or made a donation in your name to help someone in need? Or made sure you had enough quiet time to really take the sparkling moments of the holidays into your heart? Or what if the “no-thing” they gave you was their presence? A gift of time spent listening, or walking together, or simply sitting quietly side-by-side, watching the world go by… Could the gift of presence be the best present of them all? Happy Holidays, my friends. And I truly hope that somebody gives you nothing this year! With love,

Treasurer Leslie Peterson The Rev. Suzelle Lynch, Minister [email protected]

December 2016 — West Wind — Volume 22, Issue 4

Created by Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa is the first specifically African American holiday. Karenga said his goal was to "give Blacks ... an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history." The name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning first fruits of the harvest.

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need not replace the other. During Kwanzaa, African Americans reconnect with their African cultural and historical heritage. Families celebrating Kwanzaa decorate their households with objects of art, colorful African cloth such as kente, and fresh fruits that represent African idealism. Women wear traditional kaftans. It is customary to include children in Kwanzaa ceremonies and to give respect and gratitude to ancestors. People from all backgrounds celebrate Kwanzaa. I have celebrated Kwanzaa at community events, with UU congregations, and in my home with family and friends. It is a special holiday and a wonderful way to end the year and begin the next. On Sunday, January 1st, at 10:00 a.m. we will celebrate the Spirit of Kwanzaa in song, words, and ritual at UUCW. Please join me for a morning of celebration of the principles and spirit of Kwanzaa. All are Welcome!

At first, Kwanzaa was conceived of as an alternative to traditional holiday celebrations, but today, most people celebrate it You can contact Rev. Joyce Palmer via the church office at along with whatever faith they typically identify. For (262) 782-3535 or [email protected]. example, Christian families might have the traditional kinara candles near their Christmas tree. One celebration

But there is another side of that gift. When we chose to join this church community, we opted not only to find sanctuary within the church building, but to step out and stand up for the values of religious freedom and justice. That means being a sanctuary for others—friends, family, strangers—whenever possible. What could be more Last month, we welcomed a nice valuable for our country right now? group into membership at UUCW. In the New Member Recognition Think about your friends. How many of them are different Ceremony, we say to our new from you: politically different, different in race, religion, members, “When you join this sexual orientation, gender identity, economic status, age, church, you become part of a ability/disability status, or immigration status? Building a community that believes in culture that is more accepting, loving, and united can accepting one another’s start with each of us; it starts when we take our UUCW differences with love. You values of “loving become part of a community that across lines of believes it’s important to step difference” out into out and stand up for the values of our relationships. And religious freedom and justice. You become part of a when the divide community that believes our relationships with one seems too large, even another are a primary source of spiritual growth and a warm and genuine intellectual delight.” smile can help build bridges. Those words struck me as particularly important in these first few weeks after the November elections. To say that Whatever direction we are living in a time of great debate and division in our our country is taken in by elected officials, the shape of country—and our local community—is an our country is ultimately up to us, the regular citizens understatement. who elect those officials. In times like these, it’s clear that UUCW is a gift to us all, and we can be a gift to the wider community. The sanctuary of a place that truly does believe that we need to accept each other’s differences is a gift. It can be a place to rest and recharge, a place where others reflect back to us our own thoughts and ideas.

In our New Member Ceremony, we also say to new folks, “May you find comfort and challenge in this community, and help us to grow in harmony and understanding. May you learn and grow here, and help us to nurture compassion and action.” But really, that’s a message for all of us: together, we care for each other, we learn and grow, and we build a better world.

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Volume 22, Issue 4

and world you’ve yet to discover. See what happens, and share your thoughts with a friend! What does it mean to be a Community of Presence? “Oh, it means so many things,” says Rev. Suzelle Lynch. “Some of you have heard me say in worship services, after the offering, ‘… and thank you for the gift of your presence, for that is the most precious gift of them all.’” She continues, “ A Community of Presence is one that is made of our individual ‘presences,’ it is made when we each bring our best self to the table of our common life.” To live always aware of the “present moment” is a practice our Buddhist friends and neighbors have brought to us. A Community of Presence may be about that mindfulness practice. And it could also be a community in which we seek to touch a transcendent Presence woven within and through not just the present moment, but all moments. In addition to those mentioned by Rev. Suzelle above, below are some suggested Spiritual Practices on Presence for December: A) Novelist Henry Miller wrote, “The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” Pick one place, object or animal and give it your attention and presence until it becomes a world unto itself.

B) Civil Rights leader Jesse Jackson said, “Your children need your presence more than your presents.” But it’s not just our children who need presence—we all do! Who wants a new tie when they could have the gift of being seen? Yes, the grandkids want that check from Grandma, but what they will remember is you asking them to join them for a Saturday as you go through the boxes of old stuff in the attic and telling them the stories connected to that so-called junk. Pick at least one person this year and make their holiday present about presence! Offer your presence by making the gift something you do together. Show them you are present to them and really see them by picking a gift that reflects something especially unique about them. Or help them be more present to life by giving them a gift that helps them stay focused on what’s important or that helps them step back from the blinding busyness of routine life.

C) Take some time to consider your own physical and emotional presence. Read the blog post from Lisa Gardner, an acting and voice teacher in New York, called, “Do You Take Up as Much Space as You Deserve?” You Take your time as you chose your focus. Maybe it is a can read it here: blade of grass or a singular flower. But then again maybe http://www.tinybuddha.com/blog/do-you-take-up-asit’s that food truck outside your office at lunch time. Or much-space-as-you-deserve/ the old toolbox your dad passed on to you whose story

Lay Pastoral Care at UUCW is provided by a group of trained lay leaders whose mission is to offer comfort and support to members through compassionate listening. Lay Pastoral Care Team members may visit church members at home, in the hospital or a community setting, or talk by phone. Team members support those going through major life transitions or personal crisis. They show caring in a

non-judgmental way through active listening. They do not provide therapy or a cure. Lay Pastoral Care relationships are built on trust with a respect for confidentiality. People may refer themselves for support, or sometimes a concerned friend will suggest that the Lay Pastoral Care Team contact a person in need. A team member will make an initial phone call to introduce him or herself, and Lay Pastoral Care services, and inquire to see if this would be helpful. Contact Lay Pastoral Care at [email protected]; or call Rev. Suzelle Lynch or Rev. Joyce Palmer at (262) 782-3535. All inquiries will be handled confidentially.

December 2016 — West Wind — Volume 22, Issue 4

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The Stewardship Team also wishes to thank the following businesses for their generous donations to the Auction: UUCW’s biennial auction of goods and services on Saturday, November 12th was a wonderful success. More than a hundred church members and friends enjoyed food, drink, and each other’s company as they made bids on great stuff donated by other church members, friends, and local businesses! The Live and Silent Auctions netted $23,125.00 to support our church operating budget over two years.

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This year’s auction featured new activities to encourage more inclusive participation. The Stewardship Team wanted to make sure that everyone, regardless of financial means, could attend and participate in the fun. They researched and brainstormed, and added:     

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Balloon Pop ($10 per balloon, and each one contained a gift card worth $10 to $50) $5 Fabulous Photo Booth 50/50 drawing ($5 per chance purchased the opportunity to win a nice pot of cash) $5 drawing to win a seat at four “premium events” (regular admission for these events ranged from $25 to $85) Admission price for the Auction was reduced from $15 to $10 per person. Another nice feature of our Auction is the Boutique, where nice items are available for purchase at prices of $15 or less. The Boutique continued to sell items on Sunday morning too.

It was amazing that we raised so much money in one night! It simply would not have been possible without the help of the many volunteers who helped with setup, bartending, registration, check-out, auction details, food preparations, and of course cleanup The Stewardship Team (our Auction planner/coordinators this year, along with key volunteers and church staff) wants to extend a world of thanks to every person who attended, donated, or helped out in some way. Your presence, passion, and participation made it a great night!

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Danielle’s Deli Discovery World Fazio’s Harley Davidson Museum J.K. Lee Black Belt Academy Kathy Leahy Pulz Lake Front Brewery Muskego Performing Arts Council Pear Photography Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Penelope’s Renaissance Theater works Silver Spur Steinway Piano Gallery Sunset Playhouse Sweet Tooth Bakery The Milwaukee Repertory Theatre Verlo

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December 2016 — West Wind —

UUCW’s staff would like to thank everyone that helped with the Campus Clean-up on Saturday, November 5th. About 35 people helped to rake, weed, remove Buckthorn, clean up the ditch between the east and west properties, clean windows, paint, change light bulbs, and more. The day went faster than it ever had before, with the majority of the work completed in just a few hours. The grounds team, organized and chaired by Almuth Soffee, does a fabulous job of maintaining the plant beds throughout the summer. Almuth Soffee, Melanie Weston, Dennis Trinastic, and David Rierson can often be found on the property trimming bushes, adding mulch, or pulling weeds. If you have not been available to attend a Campus Clean-up day, please reach out to the office and to find a day that works well for you. For more information, contact Vicki Banville via the church office at (262) 782-3535 or [email protected].

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You many have noticed that UUCW’s current sound system isn’t what it used to be. Trying new things and hoping for a better service is all that the sound technicians and Sextons can do right now. A team of church members have been working to get a new system in place for the past few months. The new system is almost ready to be installed. Once that happens, there will be new microphones, new equipment for the band, new sound boards controlled in the Sanctuary with use of an iPad, and a new Hearing Assistance system. The new system won’t go live until UUCW staff have ensured that everything is working properly together. Please be patient and know that the project is moving forward. More information will be sent out once the system is up and running. For more information, contact Vicki Banville via the church office at (262) 782-3535 or [email protected].

Soul Matters Sharing Circles build community by ministering to each other and nurturing each person’s spiritual growth. Using the monthly church-wide themes as a springboard for small group focus and discussions, Soul Matters Sharing Circles provide the opportunity to delve more deeply into our own spiritual journeys and reflect upon how we live these themes in our lives.

Before you start your holiday shopping, consider a new way of thinking about presents. Most people don't need any more "stuff,” so how do you give a gift that's meaningful, personal, and memorable?

Each of UUCW’s three ongoing Soul Matters Sharing Circles can now accept another group member or two.

This event is open to the public so, you’re free to bring friends and neighbors! This event is free, but donations are welcome to cover the cost of the speaker. For more information, contact Amy Taivalkoski via the church office at (262) 782-3535 or [email protected].

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Group A: Third Friday Mornings: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Group B: Third Tuesday Evenings: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Group C: Fourth Wednesday Evenings: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Please contact Maria O’Connor via the church office at (262) 782-3535 or [email protected] to express your interest. Or register online at www.uucw.org/adult-spirituality/registration, noting in the comment section which group you wish to attend.

Join Kathy Miller (a.k.a. the De-Clutter Coach) for “The Best Presents Aren’t Things” workshop on Thursday, December 1st at 7:00 p.m. No matter what your budget, you'll gets lots of ideas for unique, practical, and earth-friendly gifts for all ages. Learn how to give gifts that are appreciated and not returned!

Have you read any good books lately? Are there some books you'd like to explore with the group? Help the Women’s Book Discussion Group make selections for 2017. Bring your suggestions to the next meeting on Wednesday, December 14th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. New members are always welcome. For more information, contact Kathy Schwei or Marilyn Swanson via the church office at (262) 782-3535 or [email protected].

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UUCW’s DUUversity Theater group is a collection of church members and friends who support diversity in the Milwaukee area by attending plays that feature cultural, class, and ethical themes. Join the DUUversity group on Sunday, December 4th at 2:30 p.m. as they see the play, “Unsilent Night” by John Kishline, hosted at Next Act Theatre (255 South Water Street in Milwaukee). The group will have discussion and dinner after the play. On December 24, 1953, Milwaukee, Frank is wrapping up his annual, offbeat Christmas Eve radio show at WNXT. Producer Liz has just left for her snowy drive to the Oostburg in-laws; all is reasonably calm. As Frank is signing off for the night he’s surprised by an unexpected visitor. The troubled intruder has much on his mind, and Frank jumps back on the air, turning to his listeners for help. Next Act brings you an ingenious tale of broadcast suspense, trimmed with the season's music, stories, nostalgia and the possibility of redemption. Purchase your tickets by contacting (414) 278-0765 or www.nextact.org . For more information and to RSVP, contact Kristin Fewel via the church office at (262) 782-3535 or [email protected].

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The Men’s Breakfast Group will meet on Tuesday, December 13th at 7:45 a.m. at Penelope's Restaurant (13425 Watertown Plank Rd. in Elm Grove). The group meets the second Tuesday of every month. Come again or for the first time for great food and unstructured, small-group conversation, touching on current events, philosophy, movies, and more. For more information, contact facilitator Jerry Kashmerick via the church office at (262) 782-3535 or [email protected]. Meditation creates awareness within us and also within our society. You're invited to a meditation group that will meet every Thursday evening. You’re invited to sit for 20 or 45 minutes during any of the following time slots: 4:30, 5:30, or 6:30 p.m. This group is open to both seasoned practitioners and beginners. For more info, contact Helen Klimowicz via the church office at (262) 782-3535 or [email protected].

Christmas is around the corner and it's time we start thinking about decorating our homes, offices, and school rooms. UUCW’s Earth Ministry Committee offers you a venue to declutter and recycle unwanted items and pick up some new decor. Bring your ribbons, candles, bells, lights, and other decorations to the Community Room before Sunday Services on December 4th and 11th. (No artificial Christmas trees.) You do not need to bring a decoration to take something from the table. For more information, contact Helen Klimowicz via the church office at (262) 7823535 or [email protected].

Wisdom and Whimsy, UUCW’s fun and fellowship group for mature members and friends, meets on Wednesday, December 14th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If you have a special item that you like to have out during the holidays, bring it along. Also, bring your bag lunch and partake in shared coffee, tea, and cookies. For more information, please contact Charlene Carter via the church office at (262) 782-3535 or [email protected].

The next gathering of drummers, dancers, and all who enjoy the benefits of rhythm will be on Friday, December 16th at 6:30 p.m. The group meets the third Friday of every month. Please bring your own drum and end your week with a fun stress-reliever! For more information, contact Tom Kotlarek via the church office at (262) 782-3535 or [email protected].

The Addictions and Recovery Affinity Group meets on the first and third Wednesdays of every month, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. The group explores the dynamics of addiction and gives support to those recovering from their own addiction or recovering from the behaviors of addicted family members of friends. This group is open to anyone affected by addiction and to those who want to learn more. For more information, contact Dennis Wanless via the church office at (262) 782-3535 or [email protected].

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Throughout this holiday season, you’ll have a chance to support youth victims of violence. The holiday giving tree is an initiative sponsored by the UUCW Second Service Middle School “Coming of Age” Religious Education Group, in collaboration with the UUCW Split the Plate Team, that aims to benefit Project Ujima.

December 2016 — West Wind —

Volume 22, Issue 4

Please join UUCW’s Social Action Council at a statewide transportation summit, titled “Arrive Together: Building a 21st Century Transportation System for Wisconsin,” on Saturday, December 3rd at 9:00 a.m. The event will be hosted at the Milwaukee Area Technical College (700 West State Street, Room 605, in Milwaukee). Transportation is an issue that touches everyone. Whether it’s a ride to church on Sunday, a ride to work, errands, or social engagement all of us needs access to transportation. Through UUCW’s work with Black Lives Matter and Common Ground, we’ve learned that lack of transportation is a factor in unemployment. Expansion of bus lines and rapid transit could begin to resolve the issue. A coalition of Waukesha county organizations—including UUCW’s Social Action Council, SOPHIA, Lake County Unitarian Universalist Church, Common Ground, and Grassroots Waukesha with the Sierra Club—has been working to highlight the need for safe, affordable, and green transit.

Project Ujima addresses the needs of youth victims of violence who come to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin's emergency room. It works to stop the cycle of violent crimes through crisis intervention and case management, social and emotional support, youth development and mentoring, and mental health and medical services. From Sunday December 4th to Sunday, January 8th, you can bring donations to the tree in the church lobby. Ideas for items to donate include:    

Personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, tooth paste, etc.) Diapers and wipes for infants and small children Underwear and socks for youths of all ages Hats, gloves, scarves, etc.

For more information on Project Ujima see http://www.chw.org/childrens-andthe-community/violence-preventioncounseling. For more information, contact Maria O’Connor via the church office at (262) 782-3535 or [email protected]. Thanks in advance for your UU generosity!

Transit must be an integral component of the state and county transportation budget to a build a system that connects more people to jobs, businesses, and services; is safe, effective, fair, and affordable for drivers and non-drivers alike. Justice demands that everyone have an opportunity to get to where the jobs and services are. When federal and state governments systematically reduce the amount of money allocated to transportation transit loses. When transit funds are reduced workers can’t get to jobs and seniors’ independence is compromised. Milwaukee County’s wheel tax is a start, but this would only be the first step in restoring funding for services for those most vulnerable and for those who need workforce transportation. So much more needs to be done! It’s important to continue this conversation and influence our elected officials to make transit funding a priority. This statewide event will include workshops and speakers that investigate the state of transit and transportation funding and offer solutions. Come for the morning, or join for lunch and spend the day. Registration is required. Here's the link for the Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/559897524198914 Here's the link for the registration page: http://www.transportationequitysummit.eventbrite.com For more information and for tickets, contact Peggy Fullmer via the church office at (262) 782-3535 or [email protected].

December 2016 — West Wind — Volume 22, Issue 4

Each year at this time, friends and families of Unitarian Universalist Church West participate in the UU tradition of Guest at Your Table, a human rights program sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC).

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Each month, UUCW gives half of all undesignated offering monies to non-profit organizations as a way to help us live our Unitarian Universalist values and serve our community. Project Ujima works to stop the cycle of violent crimes by addressing the needs of youth victims of peer-to-peer violence who come to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. The overall goal is to help child victims recover physically and emotionally and avoid becoming victims of further violence. Youth and their families are supported with medical follow-ups with a nurse, hospital and home visits with community liaisons, school and court advocacy, help locating local resources, mental health services, and youth development, mentoring and enrichment activities.

Pick up your Guest at Your Table box or donation envelope from the display in the church foyer. Boxes and envelopes will be collected during the Winter Solstice service on Sunday, December 18th. Participating households put their Guest at Your Table box or envelope in a prominent spot, often the family meal table. Then every time families and friends gather for a meal, they think about the people around the world who need our support, and put their spare money in the box or envelope. The UUSC puts our shared UU principles into action in the United States and around the world. Through a potent combination of advocacy, education, and partnerships with grassroots organizations, UUSC promotes economic rights, advances environmental justice, defends civil liberties, and preserves the rights of people in times of humanitarian crisis.

Important programs of Project Ujima include male and female youth mentoring groups, support groups for adults and children, summer day camp, an annual three-day camping experience, and family enrichment activities and events. The average child is involved with Project Ujima for 15 months, and the success of the program is demonstrated by a recidivism rate of less than one percent since 2004. For more information about Project Ujima, see http://www.chw.org/childrens-and-the-community/violenceprevention-counseling For more information about Split the Plate, contact the committee Chair, Phil Kroner, via the church office at (262) 782-3535 or [email protected].

And thanks to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, N.Y., gifts of $125 or more are eligible to be matched, dollar for dollar, doubling your good works! Your generosity with the Guest at Your Table is tax deductible! Be sure to turn any cash into a check made out to UUSC and complete the form on your box or envelope. If you would prefer not to bring home a box or envelope, you can support UUSC directly online at www.uusc.org. For more information, contact Maria O’Connor, UUCW Director of Religious Education, via the church office at (262) 782-3535 or [email protected].

Each month, UUCW donates non-perishable food to local food pantries. You’re invited to put donations into the food bin in the church lobby. Be on the look out for an announcement about who the December recipient is. Your contributions for the less fortunate are much appreciated. For more information, or to suggest future food drive recipients, contact Ellen Newbauer or Melanie Weston via the church office at (262) 782-3535 or [email protected].

NON PROFIT PAID PERMIT 243 BROOKFIELD, WI 53005

Holiday Services Sunday, December 11th—9:15 and 11:00 a.m. Light and Shadows — Annual Holiday Music Service Sunday, December 18th—9:15 and 11:00 a.m. The Sun Returns! Winter Solstice Ritual for All Ages Saturday, December 24th—4:00 and 8:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight: The Heart of Christmas Sunday, December 25th—One service: 1:00 p.m. Christmas Afternoon: Carols and Kringle

Opportunities for Giving Decoration Rotation — see page 7 Giving Tree & Split the Plate: Project Ujima — see pages 8 & 9 UU Service Committee Guest at Your Table — see page 8 Food Pantry — see page 8