Connections Newsletter
News you need to know to connect, grow, and serve.

Join Us This Sunday for Worship
Sunday, March 25, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.

BALANCE: GIFTS OF LIFE’S IN BETWEEN STILL POINTS
Sermon by The Rev. Beth Miller, Temporary Senior Minister

Despite the snow falling outside my window, the Vernal Equinox arrived on schedule this week and it is Spring. It is also the season of Palm Sunday, Easter, and Passover. Our Soul Matters theme for March has been Balance. Achieving balance requires a still point that sometimes feels like an emptiness. But, all of the world’s religious traditions point to deeper truths about these in between times.
New date: March 27
Transmissions Spring Equinox and Labyrinth Walk
Due to this week's spring snowfall, Transmissions had to be re-scheduled to next week. You have another chance to come for an evening of contemplative meditation with music and chanting. The evening will also include drumming and walking meditation on the Labyrinth. Music and soundscapes provided by Woven Green .

New Date: Tuesday, March 27, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Center Gallery
Kol Ami Community Seder
UUCA members and friends are invited to join the Kol Ami community for their Community Seder on March 31. Kol Ami is the progressive Jewish community that meets here at UUCA. The Seder is participatory and mostly potluck. For more information, contact Herb Levy, herbcl1@gmail.com. To register, click here. After registering, sign up for food here.

Date: Saturday, March 31, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Fellowship Hall
Church Matters
Congregational Listening Circles
with The Rev. Beth Miller, Temporary Senior Minister

This Sunday after the second service at 12:45 p.m. will be the first of three opportunities to share your feelings and hear others in a large facilitated group session. Rev. Beth has designed and will facilitate the process using deep listening and fishbowl techniques to provide a safe space for sharing. If you’re interested in sharing your feelings about Rev. Aaron’s departure and where things currently stand at UUCA, come. If you’re interested in how others are feeling, for we are diverse in our reactions, come. Just come with an open heart. This is not a time for questions and answers or debate, but of simple sharing and listening. Members and friends holding similar feelings will be invited to sit together and share as others listen. You may choose to speak or only to listen. By hearing each other in this way, greater clarity for the state of the congregation and deeper empathy for one another will move us forward in this time of transition.

Congregational Listening Circle dates: 
Sunday, March 25, 12:45 p.m.
Saturday, March 31, 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, April 4, 6:00 p.m.

Small Group Sharing Circles
DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

Facilitated by volunteers using a simple process similar to our Covenant Groups, several groups will be scheduled at a variety of days and times so that as many who wish to have more intimate discussions about their experiences and feelings in the wake of the current turmoil will have the opportunity to do so. Groups will be no more than ten and each group will have the same agenda. An online signup process will be offered soon. 
Still Time to Get Your Pledge In

We continue to gather pledges for the 2018-19 fiscal year so that the church can project income to use in the budget currently being developed. 

We have reached 75% pledge participation with a pledged total of approximately $1.1million.

You may register a pledge by completing a blue pledge card and returning it to UUCA by mail, dropping it by the office, or placing it in the Sunday collection.

You may also register a pledge online here.
Tamara photo
Budget Meetings
By Tamara Srader, Acting Executive and Chief Administrative Officer
This year we are doing something that is outside the normal process in the spirit of transparency, with an attempt to provide congregants with all the factors that go into budget decisions. Our Board Policy dictates that two meetings take place to discuss the budget. This year we are exceeding those requirements by hosting six meetings. Two of these have already occurred. I want to thank all of those who have attended as they have been fact-based and informative. The first meeting had 19 participants and covered the overall financial picture of UUCA; the second meeting had 11 participants and covered the past five budget years and where we have spent out money outside of staff costs.

Below is the list of scheduled meetings and topics:

First Meeting--Financial Big Picture
Second meeting--Historical Budgets and Decisions past 5-years
Sunday March 25, 1-2:15 p.m.--Staff overview
Sunday April 8, 1-2:15 p.m.--TBD
Wednesday April 11, 6-7:15 p.m.--Draft Budget
Saturday April 14, 1-2:15 p.m.--Draft Budget

The six meetings are designed to provide congregants with a complete and comprehensive view of the budget and the budget process. We'd recommend that if you are interested in the budget that you attend all of the meetings, as each meeting builds and provides context for the next meeting, and provides a window into the difficulty and complexity of balancing the needs of the church with the limited resources available. If you would like to view the slide presentations given at the first two meetings they can be found on the counter in the staff office. We will not be sending these out or posting them electronically. 

The annual giving team has been working hard on wrapping up pledging for this year. We currently have 579 pledges totaling $1,095,032. With the 95% pledge fulfillment factor in play, we expect that we will be able to plug 1,040,280 into the budget calculations for next year. What that means is that we would need to find $632,000 to come up to where we are this year in our operating budget. It is important to know that if we are not able to do that, we will need to begin the process of cutting programs. 

I look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting!
Monthly Board of Trustees Meeting Re-scheduled
Due to the weather, last night's Board meeting was re-scheduled to next Tuesday, March 27, 7:30 p.m. Board members are available for casual or serious conversation a half-hour before most Board meetings (7:00 p.m.), and members are welcome as observers. The Board of Trustees is available by email at uuca-board@googlegroups.com.
Looking to Connect - Grow - Serve?

The Nominating Committee continues to search for members to serve in various capacities:
  • Trustees to the Board, Board Secretary, and members of the Nominating Committee. All are 2-year terms, starting in July 2018. 
  • Members to serve as delegates to the annual UU Association General Assembly to be held June 20-24, 2018, in Kansas City, Missouri. GA details here. Online delegate application here.
 
As the Board has recently shared, we are now also in search of members for ministerial search groups being formed. We encourage those interested to indicate their interest as soon as possible. Interest form and more details, include tentative timelines, can be found here
  • Interim Senior Minister Task Group
  • Contract Assistant Minister Task Group
  • Senior Minister Search Committee
 
We particularly welcome candidates of diverse backgrounds including gender and ethnicity. If you're interested in learning more, nominating someone, or nominating yourself please stop by the Nominating Committee table after services on Sunday or contact the Nominating Committee at UUCANomCom@gmail.com . Members of the NomCom are Ben D’Avanzo, Liz Fuchs, Tina Hinh, James Tsai, and Bill Turner.
8th Principle image
8th Principle at UUCA

A call to adopt an 8th Principle within the UU Association ( UUA), which would focus on anti-racism work as part of journeying toward spiritual wholeness, was proposed at General Assembly last summer. To date, three UU churches in the United States have adopted the 8th Principle, and UUCA is on a mission to do the same. Join us for a Town Hall Meeting on April 5 to learn more about adopting the 8th Principle. Paula Cole Jones from All Souls Unitarian - D.C. will lead the discussion, facilitated by Tracey L. Rogers. 

Date: Thursday, April 5, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Fellowship Hall
Ministry Matters
Christin Green photo
Balancing Out The Bittersweet
By Christin Green, Ministerial Intern

I am filled with bittersweet emotions as spring emerges. I have heard that bittersweet chocolate is better for you. All I can really do is try to adjust my taste for the bittersweet things in life. Or I've also heard that a spoonful (or few) of sugar can help restore the balance. Join me?

The bitter: I will be finishing my term as your intern minister on Sunday, May 27. I will be preaching that Sunday and have heard rumor of a farewell reception to follow the service. More information is forthcoming. That could be sweet, right? Let me share some of the other sweet things that balance out this bitter news.

The ultimate sweet: It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve as your intern minister for this academic year! I am deeply grateful for the nourishment, encouragement, education, and rich opportunity provided by this congregation, staff and clergy. I have heard some of you worry that this wasn't what I signed up for. I signed up for a formative experience and have received some of the most precious gifts in return! I know now more than ever that this -- ministry -- is the work I want to do with my life.  READ MORE
Lifespan Religious Education
Youth Group Seeking Baked Goods for April 1 Fundraiser
The Youth Group is still working hard to raise money for their service trip fund. You can help by signing up to bring baked goods to church on April 1st for us to sell after each service! Cakes, pies, cookies, donuts, brownies...you bake it and bring it, we'll sell it! Simply click here to sign up.
Child Dedications this Spring
If you would like your child/children dedicated this spring, please contact either Rev. Beth or LeeAnn Williams, Director of Lifespan and Religious Education. 

Read the rest of RE news below.
6th Graders Take an Ultimate Spin
Two Sundays ago our 6th grade learners tried their hands at the game of Ultimate. It was a beautiful day for the outdoor activity, and all benefited from the expert coaching of Miranda and Chloe (high school Ultimate players who volunteered their time) as well as that of John Lawther (6th-grade RE parent). Thank you to all who supported and/or participated. As you can see in the above photo, it was an “UUltimate” experience!
Faith in Action

RESCHEDULED! Make Signs & Get Tips for the March for Our Lives 
The March for Our Lives sign-making event has been rescheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, March 22, 6 to 7:30 p.m. , and is now in combination with the UUCA Happy Hour hosted by VOICE this month! BYOB. Food provided. Join seasoned and novice protestors in Fellowship Hall to make signs and get tips for successful marching in preparation for the March for Our Lives (MFOL) on Saturday, March 24. Learn more about the cause here.

Date: Thursday, March 22, 6-7:30 p.m.
Location: Fellowship Hall

Convene with UUs at March For Our Lives
This Saturday, March 24, UUs from all over the region and nation are attending the March For Our Lives in Washington DC to demand an end to gun violence. Delegations of UU youth and congregations are expected from Florida, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and the District.

Date: Saturday, March 24
UU Convening Point: Indiana Ave NW & 7th St NW (Corner with Starbucks & Potbelly) near the Archives Navy Memorial Metro Station Area (Green & Yellow Lines). 

Schedule
8:30-11 a.m. Welcoming by UUs for Social Justice  
11 a.m. Youth delegations arrive
11 a.m.-12 p.m. Enter Rally corridor
12 p.m. MFOL is scheduled to begin at Noon on Pennsylvania Ave NW between 3rd St. NW and 12th St. NW. Three (3) entrances to the rally corridor have been planned. Check the MFOL webpage marchforourlives.com for details and a map.

Follow this Facebook event for up-to-date information.
March your calendar: May 6
Screening of Film on Solitary Confinement
UUCA will host a screening of the 2016 HBO Documentary, “Solitary: Inside Red Onion State Prison,” followed by a panel discussion with Johnny Perez, Director of US Prison Program at the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, who is a returning citizen from solitary confinement, and Kimberly Jenkins-Snodgrass, Vice-Chair of Interfaith Action for Human Rights and the mother of Kevin Snodgrass Jr., who was in solitary confinement at Red Onion State Prison. A light lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m.

Date: Sunday, May 6, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: UUCA TBA
Families Building Peace Together Workshop
Children of all ages are welcome to attend the Families Building Peace Together workshop at UUCA on Wednesday evening, April 18, 7-8:15 p.m. For more information on this donation-based workshop for parents and children, contact MJ Park at 240-838-4549, mjpeace@gmail.com.

Date: Wednesday, April 18, 7-8:15 p.m.
Location: TBA
VOICE Makes Strides and Continues Efforts for Transportation and Affordable Housing
Richmond’s approval of $154 million in dedicated Metro funding earlier this month was another milestone for VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement). Over the past year, routine transportation board meetings were transformed by the presence of unexpected guests wearing yellow buttons and sitting alongside ATU Local 689 (Amalgamated Transit Union) members. VOICE held actions in Fairfax, Alexandria, and Arlington, and had listening sessions with riders and operators. Our gubernatorial candidates received a strong message at our 1500-strong statewide action in October 2017: Metro service quality and jobs will be lost at your peril. Additionally, local schools and social programs are no longer in danger of budget cuts to cover costs of Metro system upkeep and repairs. We can now focus our influence with WMATA toward keeping our most crucial bus lines from being cut, and steering land use toward affordable housing. VOICE strongly encourages you to let Arlington County know where the county needs improvement as they work on the FY 2019 budget. The county board wants your feedback before making a final decision on the county manager’s budget proposal. Please take this survey and come to the public hearings on April 3 and 5. The deadline for the survey is April 9. You can take the survey here.
Voices From The Holy Land Film Series
The annual Voices from the Holy Land film series features the latest documentaries about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Now in its fourth year, the series offers a different perspective by including the voices of the people who live in the Holy Land, a region sacred to Christians, Jews, and Muslims. UUCA will be one of five venues throughout the DMV to host the series on three consecutive Sundays, beginning on Sunday, April 8, 2:30 p.m. Each film will be followed by a moderated discussion with the audience. Please email Tracey L. Rogers, tracey.lynnelle@gmail.com, for questions or inquiries. More details can be found below.
Spring Allyship Workshop Registration Now Open
As part of our congregation's Live the Pledge campaign to end racism, UUCA has partnered with Service Never Sleeps to offer a racial justice Allyship training. Over 100 UUCAers have already taken this training. Now it’s your turn. This workshop will teach you about the causes of racial injustice, how to be an effective ally for marginalized communities of color, and how to actively influence and educate others. This is a natural follow-up to the two-day Live the Pledge to End Racism workshop but is also appropriate for first-timers. More information and sign up here. UUCA contact Alex Ziehm,
Music Ministry
Announcing
Voices United Community Chorus
Lend your voice to the change you'd like to see in the world. Join this new community chorus led by our own Mimi Bornstein and our friend from Zion Church, Charles Brown.The choir will meet in the spring and end the season with a concert. The first concert will be held at Howard University and benefit one of our community Service Never Sleeps. For more information and to sign up, click here.
UUCA
is pleased to host
National Chamber Ensemble
"Strings Fever"
Saturday, March 24, 7:30 p.m.
Experience two of the greatest works of chamber music by two masters: Johannes Brahms and Felix Mendelssohn, featuring the lush sounds of the strings. For tickets and more
Here's to Life!
A Coffee House Concert
Spend an evening with Ron Cima as he entertains us with some of his favorite songs to live, laugh, and love by. This coffee house concert will include wine and munchies. Freewill donation. All proceeds go to UUCA.

Date: Friday, April 6, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Center Gallery
Peter and Crew: Starstuff is real!
The cast and crew of the Chalice Theatre production of Peter and the Starcatcher wish to thank the 910 folks who came to see our show, the dozen or so volunteers who worked on the production and the front of house, the staff and congregation who support our endeavors, and all the family members who shared their loved ones with us as cast members for nearly two months! We now know that starstuff is real, and can make you whatever you want to be - even mermaids! See you next year!
Congregational Life
Happy Hour Re-scheduled
Our spring snow storm has pushed our Happy Hour to Thursday, March 22. Catch up on everyone's snow stories and meet new friends at tomorrow night's happy hour, sponsored this month by VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement). Bring a beverage to share (beer, wine or nonalcoholic).

Dated: Thursday, March 22, 6-7:30 p.m.
Location: Fellowship Hall
Young Adult Divine Reading Group
The Divine Reading Group is a Young Adults Group which treats secular short stories as though they were sacred texts. The belief behind the strategies is that personal truth and meaning can come from a wide variety of sources. This group is ideal for those who love reading and discussion. It is also a place where deep and meaningful introspection occurs, friendships are made, and the very nature of religion is explored. No advance prep needed. Questions? Contact Elisabeth Geschiere, egeschiere@uucava.org.
 
Date: Thursday, March 22, 7-9 p.m.
Location: Youth Room
Young Adult Brunch
The Young Adults meet for brunch every other Sunday after the second service. Ages 18-35 and their families are welcome to come get to know other young adults over a good meal. 
 
Next Date: Sunday, March 25, 12:30 p.m.
Location: Activity Room
Beer, Pizza, and Questions About the Universe
Folks between the ages of 21 and 35 are welcome to join the Young Adults for beer, pizza, and questions about the universe every other Tuesday. The event is BYOB--bring your own beer, but the pizza will be provided. We discuss topics ranging from politics, to science, to philosophy. Every time the topic is different but the discussion is always interesting. 
 
Next Date: Tuesday, March 27, 7–9 p.m.
Location: Fellowship Hall
Sign Up for Coffee Service
Early birds needed for Coffee – One service, Once a month
Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve coffee for the 9:15 Sunday services. The commitment is for one service, once a month through May. 
First service volunteers arrive at UUCA early (8:45 or so) to make coffee, set out the "fixings" and setup the stands and cups.  And, then, after the service, keep the coffee flowing until the second service starts. To volunteer, please contact Mollie Jewell 703-941-5643, gjewell@cox.net, with your contact information. Or talk to any Sunday morning coffee volunteer.
Save the Date for PRIDE
Put Saturday, June 9, 4:30-7:30 p.m. on your calendar. That's the time of the yearly Pride parade, a family-friendly event where we can celebrate UUCA as a long-standing Welcoming Congregation for the LGBTQ community. We'll walk with other UUs and carry our banner, surrounded by confetti, beads, and cheers. Watch for further details.

Date: Saturday, June 9, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: Washington D.C.
Wheel of Life
Congratulations to Meg and Steve Brannon and big sister Rory on the birth of Amalia Grace on March 18.

Condolences to friends and family of Carolyn Harrison who died this week at age 99.
NEW newsletter deadline: Connections deadline for submissions is EACH Monday at noon with publication on Wednesday. See below on how to submit an announcement.
How to submit an announcement to UUCA's Connections newsletter:  
  • Deadline is noon each Wednesday.
  • Please put "Connections" or "newsletter" in the subject box.
  • Send announcement (150 words or fewer) in body of email or Word doc attachment.
  • Images and attachments accepted, though no guarantee of publishing
  • Send announcements to pubasst@uucava.org.
  • Questions about Connections? Contact MaryAnn@uucava.org
Thank you for using this link when shopping Amazon.
UUCA benefits each time you shop.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, VA
4444 Arlington Blvd
Arlington, Virginia
Call: (703) 892-2565