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UUCA - A place to Connect |Grow | Serve
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Thanksgiving Sunday
November 20, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
"The Sacred Hoop"
Sermon by Rev. Aaron McEmrys,
Senior Minister
Sunday is the story of Thanksgiving in hard times -- About what to do in times so raw that we may even find our holiday tables laden for a feast, but still aching and divided.
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Our Thanksgiving Sunday is one not to miss! The service includes our traditional Breaking of the Bread ceremony with bread made by Rev. Linda and an intergenerational baking crew.
 We are excited to have Donald Milton, III, as our guest choir director. Donald is Director of Music at the UU Congregation of Atlanta where he runs one of the most eclectic and exceptional music programs in the city with two large choirs, several bands, and many talented in-house musicians. He and Clerestory Choir are sure to make beautiful music together!
Donald will also lead two singing workshops on Saturday. No singing experience required - whether you just sing car karaoke or are a choral veteran - you'll find these workshops fun and informative. See the announcement elsewhere in this newsletter.
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Give the Plate November 20: Equality Virginia
 On this day, nationally observed as the Transgender Day of Remembrance, UUCA's offering supports the work of
Equality Virginia as it seeks to protect the rights of people who are transgender. Equality Virginia is a statewide, non-partisan education, outreach, and advocacy organization seeking equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Virginians. It believes in a truly inclusive Commonwealth where all are equally welcomed and valued, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
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Give Now |
UUCA has been a supporter of Equality Virginia for over 25 years, and in recent years worked with this organization to achieve marriage equality, and more recently transgender advocacy and education efforts.
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Soulful Solidarity w/ Standing Rock - Nov. 20
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We are joining forces with a group of talented artists to raise awareness and inspire soulful action through art. This is going to be beautiful, fun, healing - and powerful! Please join me.
--Rev. Aaron
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An Evening of Soulful Solidarity with Standing Rock
Sunday, November 20, 6:30 p.m.
Live Music | Live Art | Drum Ceremony | Stories from Standing Rock
Featuring Rev. Aaron, woven Green, Priya Parrotta, Jeremy Levine and Raven Best
Livestreaming Available @ www.uucava.org
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Live the Pledge Reflection Sessions
Nov. 29, Dec. 8, 18
 UUCA is committed to its Pledge To End Racism, and we have already begun our work as a community with our Live The Pledge workshop. We also have a number of Live The Pledge covenant-style reflection sessions where we'll reflect upon issues of race, justice and white privilege. Please click here to participate in one of our sessions. This is a timely opportunity, post the presidential election.
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After-Election Message from UUA President Peter Morales
 "This is a time to take a deep breath and a long view. Our role as religious progressives committed to democracy, compassion and human dignity is to help bend our culture toward justice." Read more.
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Meet James Parrish, Executive Director of Equality Virginia
Sun., Nov. 20, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
 Equality UUCA invites you to meet James Parrish, Executive Director of Equality Virginia, our ONLY statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization. James will give an overview of what lies ahead in the 2017 session of the Virginia General Assembly -- and how we can get more involved. Don't miss this important opportunity to engage in the UU first principle: honoring the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Contact: Elizabeth Fogarty, Equality UUCA Co-Chair.
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Transgender Day of Remembrance Service
Sun., Nov. 20, 7 p.m.
UU Congregation of Fairfax
All UUCAers are invited to The Northern Virginia Transgender Day of Remembrance Interfaith Service at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton.
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Buckingham Helpers
Need help with yard work or house cleaning? Buckingham workers offer many services, such as raking leaves, moving furniture, and catering. Fill out a request form at the Buckingham Outreach table in Fellowship Hall after services Sunday. For more information contact Nancy Hall.
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Buckingham Cooks
Cooks from the Buckingham community will be selling savory Latino fare after services this Sunday. No time to eat? They'll provide carry out. Proceeds goes to a charity which benefits immigrants. |
Thanksgiving Dinner Invite
 Are you stranded for Thanksgiving this year? Too far away from family, or are you a family of one? If you don't have other plans, please accept our invitation to Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 25, 4 p.m. in the Activity Room. Guests are welcome, so bring friends or coworkers who might want to join. Bring a dish to share, or let
Meika Ungricht know you will contribute money for turkey ($15 recommended), or be part of the clean up crew. You can email or see Meika or
Greg McFarland this Sunday to sign up. Hope to see you there!
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A Family in Need
A UUCA Covenant Group is asking for our congregation's help. Two of their group, newcomers to UUCA, are a married couple (with a 3-year-old child) from Bolivia, who have filed for political asylum in the U.S. Beginning December 1, they need a place to live until their application is approved and they can get work permits. If you have space in your home or are interested in helping this family in another way, contact Bud Hensgen (703 524 7630) or Rony Mohram (703 868 7519).
Español
Una familia necesita ayuda
Un Grupo de Alianza de UUCA esta pidiendo ayuda de nuestra comunidad. Dos miembros del grupo, recien llegados a UUCA, son una pareja boliviana con una niña de tres años. Ellos buscan asilo politico en los EEUU. Estan buscando vivienda a partir del primero de Diciembre, hasta que reciban sus permisos de trabajar. Si tienen cupo en su casa o si tienen interes en ayudar esta familia en otra manera, por favor llame a Bud (Tito) Hensgen (703 524 7630 o budhensgen@gmail.com) o a Rony Mohram (703 868 7519 o rony.mohram@dc.gov). Ellos podrian arreglar una entrevista con la familia.
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Dream Project Holiday Dinner
Sat., Dec. 10
 UUCAers are invited to the Annual Dream Project Holiday Dinner. Join mentees, mentors, Dream Scholars, parents, donors, public officials and other supporters as we celebrate the accomplishments of these extraordinary students and the Dreamer organization over the past year.
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 Music Workshops by Guest Musician and Director Donald Milton, III:
Singing is Easy and The Second Voice Change: The Aging Voice
Saturday, November 19 - Singing is Easy 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. | The Aging Voice 1:45 - 3 p.m. | $20 or $10 - No registration required.
ALL are WELCOME!
More details here.
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Facets of the Season - Chorale Concert
Sun., Dec. 11, 4 p.m.
 All are welcome to attend the Arlington Chorale holiday concert -- Facets of the Season - conducted by Artistic Director & Conductor, Dr. Nancia D'Alimonte. Music will include songs of the season by John Rutter, John Williams, and Dan Forrest as well as festive arrangements of carols. More information is available online, www.arlingtonchorale.org. See poster here.
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A Call for Artwork:
Art Telling a Story
Show running Nov. 20 - Jan. 22
Please bring your artwork WITH a short statement (100-150 words or less) about its "story" to the Volunteer Room between 9 - 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20. All work must be ready to hang with secure hanging system attached to a rigid substrate. Painting, drawing, collage, photography, fiber art are all accepted. Contact:
Carson Herrington
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Join Chalice Theatre for Karaoke Night!
Sat., Dec. 3, 7-10:30 p.m.
 Sing your heart out with friends and family. Special guest stars TBD! Pizza, wine, and other treats available. $10. Proceeds benefit UUCA's Creative Arts Ministry and Chalice Theatre.
Flyer here.
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Religious & Lifespan Education
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Easy as Pie this Thanksgiving
Need dessert for Thanksgiving dinner? No problem. The Youth Group is sponsoring a pie/dessert sale this Sunday. All donations benefit the Youth Group Service Trip fund.
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Holiday Craft Party for Kids
Sat, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
 Parents can join in the fun or shop upstairs at Mistletoe Mall. Activities include crafts, pictures with Santa and a pizza lunch. Families from our partner communities will be joining in the fun. Suggested donation
of $5 per child or $10 per family.Flyer here.
Want to help? Great! Volunteer to bring juice or cookies or by serving as an "elf." Contact
Fred Stokeld
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Fellowship X Friday Night Service: How to Talk to Trump (or Clinton) Voters
Friday, November 18, 7:30 p.m.
In the aftermath of the elections, we'll be discussing how to effectively communicate and find common ground with those who have very different political values and ideologies than our own, and then try some role playing activities to practice those skills.
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Bread-Making with Rev. Linda and Friends
 Join Denise Kappler, Rev. Linda and other bakers to help make the loaves of yummy bread for this Sunday's service. Takes place in the Fellowship Hall kitchen beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, November 19. All ages welcome, and no experience necessary.
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MoonFire Thanksgiving Ritual
Sun., Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m.
Come join MoonFire as we reflect upon our many blessings. This ritual will help us think about what we are thankful for. Also, as a way of expressing thanks for our blessings, monetary donations will be accepted for children and families on a Native American reservation. Learn more.
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HUUmanists: Is Gerrymandering Destroying the Political Center?
Mon., Nov. 21 , 7:15 p.m.
 We will view the video of the Intelligence Squared Debate held last Monday night following the result of the election. How did we get to such an extreme state of polarization? Is it due to gerrymandering? Or, is it the influence of social media and other media outlets, along with campaign finance practices, the real drivers of increasing partisanship? Read more.
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 Mistletoe Mall
December 3 & 4
Fine arts and crafts from local and international artists. Mistletoe Mall is a wonderful way begin your holiday shopping, and benefits not only the local and international artisans, but is also a fundraiser for the church general fund.
Flyer here.
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Call for Volunteers for a Winter Love Gala
A small planning group has conceptualized a gala for Saturday, February 11, at UUCA. In order for this to happen, we need people to lead and participate in executing the event. If this is interesting to you, please plan to attend a planning meeting on Monday, November 28, 6:45 p.m. Questions? Contact Bruce Rieder.
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January 20 at UUCA?
Is anyone interested in organizing or participating in putting together a fellowship event here at UUCA on Inauguration day? Inauguration Day will be challenging for many in our community. This celebratory day for the many thousands who will descend upon our area may make this a hard day to be out and about in our town. Some may be hosting out of town guests for the Million Women March planned for the next day or for other actions around the Inauguration. Read more.
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Pastoral Care Hotline
If you have a pastoral emergency, call the Pastoral Care Hotline at 703-892-2565 x245.
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Helping Hands
Do you need a ride to a medical appointment or to church? Do you need meals brought in after surgery or the birth of a baby? Do you need help running errands? UUCA's Helping Hands volunteers are ready to offer a hand. We also have a Medical Equipment Closet for when you need to borrow a walker, bedside commode, or other medical equipment. Ask, we may have it! Contact Sarah Masters for Helping Hands and to borrow equipment.
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"Where I'm From" Brown Bag Lunch Workshop
 Sun., Dec. 4, 12:30 - 2 p.m.
Join UUCA's "Where I'm From" movement, a fascinating way to connect with our deepest selves and each other. We all love stories and to help us create our own stories, we've been adapting Kentucky Poet Laureate George Ella Lyon's narrative poem "Where I'm From" and using it as a model. In this workshop, no writing experienced needed. Read more.
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Chalk it up to LOVE
Last Sunday, with many feeling pain and fear with the election results, UUCAer's were determined to send messages of love and inclusion to the world - and especially our immediate neighbors who pass by our doors daily - With chalk in hand UUCAer's of all ages drew colorful and affirming messages on our sidewalks, making it clear to anyone passing by that they are welcome at UUCA.
Slideshow here. |
Former member of UUCA and resident of Goodwin House, Fletcher Cox, died September 24. His Memorial Service is on Saturday, November 19, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Goodwin House Bailey's Crossroads.
Condolences to UUCA member and current Board Secretary, Betsey Lyon, on the death of her father Howard K. Tober, on November 9, at the age of 91. His memorial service was in New Jersey on Veterans Day, November 11, 2016.
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#givingtUUesday - Mark your calendar for Nov. 29!
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 On November 29, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, UUCA will participate in
Giving Tuesday, an international holiday celebrating generosity and charity. This year we are asking you to generously support the beloved UUCA home by helping us pay off the mortgage and continue to provide a welcoming, vibrant home for our community and friends.
As part of
Giving Tuesday, we're issuing a challenge to our congregation: On November 29, we need 200 members and friends to donate at least $29 -- or as much as $1,129 for those who are able -- to help us solve UUCA's mortgage challenge. These donations are separate from our annual pledge drive; this is an opportunity to say "thank you" to UUCA for all of the wonderful services the church provides in our beautiful spaces.
Learn more.
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Need to submit an announcement for Connections?
- Deadline is noon each Wednesday.
- Please put "Connections" 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.
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