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1717 N 73rd Street Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53213
(414) 475-0105
A Summary of the Unity Center in
Milwaukee Congregation Survey
Dear Unity Family,
Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent Congregation
Survey. Your thoughtful responses, heartfelt hopes, and honest concerns
have provided the Board with invaluable guidance as we prayerfully
discern the future of Unity Center in Milwaukee.
One of the most encouraging discoveries from the survey was not how
different our opinions are, but how much we share a common vision.
While individual preferences vary, the themes that emerged were
remarkably consistent.
This report is not intended to list every comment. Instead, it reflects the
ideas that surfaced again and again throughout the survey.
What We Heard
1. Our Church Is More Than a Building
Perhaps the strongest message we heard was that Unity is not defined by
its building.
People spoke about wanting a place that feels sacred, welcoming,
peaceful, and spiritually uplifting. While a suitable facility is important,
what matters most is preserving the spirit of our community.
Many expressed the hope that our next home will feel like a true
spiritual home—not because of its size or appearance, but because of the
love and presence we bring into it together.
We heard you.
2. We Are Ready to Grow
Again and again, members expressed excitement about the opportunities
that lie ahead.
You spoke about:
• welcoming new members
• attracting younger families
• expanding children’s ministries
• offering more classes and workshops
• increasing outreach to our community
• creating opportunities for healing and spiritual growth
• becoming a vibrant and visible presence in Milwaukee
Rather than simply preserving what we have, many of you envision
creating something even stronger for future generations.
That is both exciting and inspiring.
3. Relationships Matter Most
Many responses reminded us that the greatest strength of Unity Center in
Milwaukee has always been its people.
Members consistently expressed the desire to preserve:
• our welcoming spirit
• our sense of family
• our friendships
• our support for one another
• our shared spiritual journey
The Board recognizes that buildings may change, but our commitment to
one another must remain constant.
4. Stewardship Is Essential
Many survey participants emphasized careful stewardship of the
financial resources entrusted to our church.
Several common themes emerged:
• Protect the proceeds from the sale of our current property.
• Choose a facility that is financially sustainable.
• Minimize maintenance costs whenever possible.
• Think about future generations, not just today’s needs.
• Build a lasting financial foundation for Unity’s future.
The Board shares these priorities and is committed to making thoughtful,
prayerful financial decisions.
5. Accessibility Matters
Many members emphasized the importance of choosing a location that
is:
• easy to reach
• safe
• accessible for everyone
• welcoming to visitors
• convenient for parking
• designed with mobility needs in mind
These practical considerations will remain an important part of our
search process.
6. Communication Builds Trust
One of the clearest messages we received was the desire for continued
communication throughout this transition.
Members asked that leadership:
• keep everyone informed
• explain decisions openly
• listen carefully
• honor our history
• involve the congregation whenever possible
The Board is committed to maintaining that spirit of openness as we
continue this journey together.
Looking Ahead
Although this survey included many different opinions and ideas, one
conclusion became unmistakably clear:
Our congregation is hopeful.
There is excitement about creating a church that is financially
sustainable, spiritually vibrant, welcoming to newcomers, and positioned
for growth.
This transition represents more than moving to a different building.
It is an opportunity to become the church we believe God is calling us to
be.
Together, we can build a Unity community that honors our past while
creating a vibrant future for generations to come.
Thank you for your prayers, your trust, your generosity, and your
continued participation in this exciting journey.
With gratitude,
The Board of Trustees
Unity Center in Milwaukee
July 12, 2026 Led by, Rev. Patty Pipia
This Weeks Lesson: “The Will of God For You.”
God only wants to give the Absolute best.
How would you feel about receiving the very best the Universe has to offer?
Musical Entertainment Performed By: The UCIM Musical Ensemble
Your tithing supports our church. Each and every gift is blessed and appreciated. You can send donations via:
-
Zelle – Unity Center in Milwaukee, ucim@wi.rr.com
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Website: UnityCenterinMilwaukee.com
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US Mail – 1717 N 73rd St., Wauwatosa WI 53213
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Stock Gifts – now accepted. Contact UCIM
We are a nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible.
Your tithes are greatly appreciated
Unity Church Begins Bold New Chapter After Sale of Longtime Home
MILWAUKEE, WI — After more than five decades at its longtime location on Milwaukee Avenue in Wauwatosa, Unity Church is beginning a new chapter—one focused not on preserving a building, but on investing in its mission.
On June 30, the City of Wauwatosa completed the purchase of the church property at 1717 N. 73rd Street. Under the agreement, Unity Church and its preschool tenant, Children’s Workshop, will continue using the building through the coming year while preparing to relocate.
For Unity’s leadership, the decision represents more than a real estate transaction. It is a deliberate choice to position the congregation for future growth.
“Our board came to realize that the greatest value wasn’t the building—it was the opportunity the property created,” said Russell Gnant, President of the Board of Trustees. “Selling the property allows us to invest in people instead of concrete. We believe the church is the people, not the building.”
Originally constructed in 1958 as the West Suburban YMCA, the building has served Unity Church since 1973. Like many aging facilities, increasing maintenance costs and infrastructure challenges made it more difficult to devote resources to ministry and community outreach.
Rather than continue investing in an aging facility, the congregation chose to embrace a different future.
“This isn’t about closing a church,” Gnant said. “It’s about creating a stronger one. We’re asking what church should look like over the next generation and how we can best serve our community.”
During the coming year, the congregation will identify a new location that better supports its vision of being an accessible, welcoming, and vibrant spiritual community.
Unity Church also plans to launch a long-range initiative known as Unity Milwaukee 2031, a strategic vision focused on growth, leadership development, community engagement, and expanding its impact throughout the Milwaukee area.
“Every organization reaches a point where it has to decide whether to preserve the past or prepare for the future,” Gnant said. “We chose the future. Five years from now, I hope people won’t know Unity because of where we meet—they’ll know us because of the difference we make.”
Church leaders hope their experience will encourage other faith communities facing similar decisions to view change not as a loss, but as an opportunity to renew their mission.
About Unity Church
Unity Church is an inclusive, positive-path spiritual community serving the greater Milwaukee area. Rooted in practical Christianity, Unity welcomes people of all backgrounds who seek spiritual growth, meaningful connection, and opportunities to serve others.
Media Contact:
Russell Gnant President, Board of Trustees Unity Church
414-640-0753
rgnant\@wi.rr.com
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Unity Center in Milwaukee is dedicated to teaching
spiritual truth; awakening individuals to the indwelling
Christ – I AM; and putting into practice
Universal Laws of Love, Peace, Prosperity, and Healing.
AFFIRMATION;
We are divinely guided to the perfect new home for our Church community.
The right building and location are already being prepared- a place filled with peace, purpose, growth and opportunity.
Doors open with ease, resources align, and the right people come together at the right time.
Our new space will be welcoming, impactful and a blessing to everyone who enters.
We move forward in faith, unity, and confidence, knowing that what is meant for us is finding us now.
WE BELIEVE;
1. There is only One Presence and One Power in the Universe and in our lives, God the Good.
2. Our essence is of God; therefore we are inherently good. This God essence was fully expressed in Jesus, the Christ.
3. We are co-creators with God, creating reality through thoughts held in Mind.
4. Through prayer and meditation, we align our heart-mind with God. Denials and affirmations are tools we use.
5. Through thoughts, words and actions, we live the Truth we know.
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