Groups Directory

Adult Spiritual Development programs at First Unitarian Society provide information and support to challenge and inspire adult learners along their path. Join this team to help bring these programs to First Church.   Learn More

The Anti-Racism Team advances anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multiculturalism (ARAOMC) in First Church as a whole, focusing on anti-racism.   Learn More

The Audio Team supports the technical aspects of monitoring and mixing live audio during Sunday services. Training is provided, and team members are scheduled for Sunday audio duty based on their availability.   Learn More

Black Lives Matter is a movement in response to a legacy of slavery, racism and oppression in the U.S. To say that “black lives matter” doesn’t mean that all lives don’t matter. But the systemic devaluing of Black lives calls us to bear witness at this time.   Learn More

At First Church, we are engaged in conversations, learning, and action in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.   Learn More

First Church is governed by a Board of Trustees which is responsible for managing the affairs and property of the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee.   Learn More

The Book Discussion Group meets once a month on second Sundays from 1:00-3:00 p.m. This group has no “membership” requirement. We welcome readers at all or any discussion!   Learn More

We are a group of interested First Church members who wished to explore Buddhist teachings and meditation. We focus on a study of the Buddhist teachings of the three major traditions, Theravada, Zen and Tibetan, as presented by leading western teachers.   Learn More

This team preserves, maintains, and improves the society’s physical facilities, coordinating volunteer assistance and professional contractors.   Learn More

First Church provides meals at the Cathedral Center for women and families. Look for announcements of times when First Church members will be providing and serving food at the Cathedral Center.   Learn More

The Chancel Choir sings during the Sunday services approximately once per month. Weekly rehearsals on Thursdays, 7:15–9:00 p.m. from late August to beginning of June. Membership is open to all First Church members and friends, high school age and up. Previous musical experience is helpful but not needed to join.   Learn More

The Children’s RE Committee works with the Minister of Religious Education to provide and plan for a quality religious education program for our children, youth, and families.   Learn More

Fosters activities and relationships that allow members 60 and older to live and age well, including a social potluck after the second service on the last Sunday of each month.   Learn More

Gather with church folks in each other's homes four times a year for dinner and conversation.   Learn More

Meets regularly with the Senior Minister, functioning as a sounding board, engaging in reflection on ministry and processing feed-back.   Learn More

First Church is a member of Common Ground, an organization of nonpartisan, proactive, everyday citizens dedicated to identifying pressing social problems facing our community and bringing about solutions together.   Learn More

Our democracy needs defense, nurturing and protection. Join us to learn about our power and responsibility as citizens as we work to counter voter suppression and achieve fair maps in Wisconsin.   Learn More

The Denominational Affairs Team educates the congregation concerning the activities of the Unitarian Universalist Association and other denominational groups.   Learn More

We need Earth; Earth needs us. Let’s change our habits together for a livable future. Join us while we learn and take action for a sustainable lifestyle at church, work and home.   Learn More

Help organize First Church’s annual silent auction, usually held in the fall, where members bid on in-home feasts, events, one of a kind items, gift certificates, theme baskets, getaways, wine, and a 50-50 raffle.   Learn More

In compliance with Board policies, the Finance Team oversees the financial condition of the church by: monitoring and managing financial performance of investments, analyzing financial data and developing alternatives and strategies when necessary, preparing the budget for each new fiscal year, and serving as a resource for teams, ministries, and the Board concerning financial matters.   Learn More

A committee that organizes and promotes our excellent, long-running Sunday Morning Forum series.   Learn More

This committee selects, hangs, and administers sale of the art exhibits in the Leenhouts Common Room.   Learn More

First Church provides meals, usually every other month, at the Guest House shelter for men.   Learn More

These advisors help guide and chaperone our Habitat for Humanity trip for Youth each summer.   Learn More

Heritage Society recognizes those church members and friends who have committed themselves to include First Church in their wills and estate planning.   Learn More

This group collects, organizes, and maintains church historical records.   Learn More

Interchange Food Pantry is a nonprofit that feeds Milwaukee's hungry with kindness and respect by providing groceries (especially fresh fruits and vegetables) for well-balanced meals.   Learn More

For over 50 years, Interfaith Conference has connected with people of faith who are united for justice, work to bridge the divide.   Learn More

The IT Team maintains and improves our information technology.   Learn More

This committee identifies and trains new lay leaders.   Learn More

This team provides a welcoming atmosphere for both visitors and members and facilitates the integration of new members into the life of the church.   Learn More

MICAH (Milwaukee Inner City Congregations Allied for Hope) is a multi-racial interfaith social justice organization. First Church members are welcome to get involved in MICAH by participating in committees focused on criminal justice racial disparity and “mass incarceration,” education equality, immigration justice, and jobs and economic development.   Learn More

Believing in the necessity of people taking responsibility for their communities and working together, Irma Morter made a bequest to First Church in support of a lecture series on topics related to “Individual Responsibility”.    Learn More

Recruits members to fill leadership positions within the church, in particular Board and Nominating Committee. Committee members are elected at the Annual Meeting in May.   Learn More

Our Whole Lives (OWL) is an age-appropriate sexual education faith-based curriculum. This team commits to teaching our children and youth each year.   Learn More

Coordinates Pastoral Care Associates, members of our congregation whose talents, experience, and special training enable them to offer a listening ear to fellow members going through difficult times.   Learn More

Volunteers give rides or bring meals to other church members in need. For instance, when someone needs a helping hand if they have a new baby and need a meal or they break a leg and need a ride to the doctor.   Learn More

Facilitates the policies, job satisfaction, compensation and benefits of the church staff.   Learn More

The Pledge Team coordinates the yearly pledge drive campaign, which aims to engage our community on spiritual and practical levels.   Learn More

Listen, respond and rest with the words of selected poets and in the company of others in our community.   Learn More

This team arranges for pulpit guests in the absence of the ministers.   Learn More

This team worked with Rev. Jennifer Nordstrom to prepare the church for her sabbatical. They planned sabbatical pulpit guests and help inform the congregation about her sabbatical.   Learn More

Since 2011, our Share the Plate program has provided an opportunity for church members to make contributions to important social programs that embody our Unitarian Universalist values in the wider community. Recipients are selected by our Share the Plate team from nominations submitted by our members.   Learn More

In our Shawl Ministry program at First Church, members meet monthly to make shawls and lap robes to give to other members as a symbol of the gentle, caring embrace of our community.   Learn More

Serves as an umbrella organization of lay leaders who engage our congregation in member-led ministries of service, learning and action, addressing many compelling and urgent justice needs in our city and the world, while building relationships in the community.   Learn More

Provides organized silent retreats for members and friends of First Church, where attendees can reflect on where they are in life and where they are going.   Learn More

Join your First Church members and friends who volunteer to make church run on Sundays!   Learn More

S.W.A.N.S. is a group which functions as a social and supportive community for women of middle-age and beyond.   Learn More

These small groups gather to focus on the monthly worship theme, exploring guided questions, and spiritual exercises. Led by a trained facilitator, circle members engage deep questions of spirituality, with time for reflection and sharing.   Learn More

A group of members that work to learn about the UUA Article II initiative and what the Study Commission is doing, and communicate with our members about what this means and why it matters to our congregation.   Learn More

Find spiritual transformation as you explore historical and theological roots of Unitarian Universalism, reflect on your own spiritual understandings, and engage in spiritual practice.   Learn More

The purpose of UUUFDA is to provide fellowship for members and guests of First Church aged 40 and under.   Learn More

Wisconsin Unitarian Universalist Statewide Action Network (WUUSAN) was formed in 2017 to strengthen the web of 27 Wisconsin UU congregations and fellowships, build strong relationships with our allies, and thereby continue to uphold the dignity and worth of every person. WUUSAN joins together and enhances the energy of all Wisconsin congregations, fellowships, and their allies to bring about systems of social justice. Assistance in the form of guidance, volunteers, and resources are available to widen the scope of each individual congregation's social action activity to include other UU communities. By collaborating with statewide allies, WUUSAN also develops campaigns to advocate for specific social changes and organizes events to educate UUs on specific issues. Visit us at wuusan.org.   Learn More

Worship Associates are members who are moved and inspired by worship and want to contribute to the congregation’s depth of experience in the service.   Learn More