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UUCA - A place to Connect |Grow | Serve
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Sunday Worship
December 11, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
"Ripples"
A service led by Rev. Aaron McEmrys and Worship Associate Diane Ullius, and accompanied by UUCA's Bhutan travelers. Come to hear and see their colorful collection of reflections on their October pilgrimage to Bhutan.
Music: UUCA's advanced bell choir, Polymnia, under the direction of Ken Bissell, will ring holiday favorites. Be sure to come early to hear them play an extended Ingathering that will begin before the normal start time. For the Anthem, Devon Staren and Liza Harold sing Andrew Lloyd Weber's Pie Jesu and the YUUth Choir sings Truly Brave for the Offertory.
Livestreaming of the service here.
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Holiday Services
Standing Outside the Season |
Tue., Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.
| For many of us, the holidays are not the most wonderful time of the year. It can be a time of pain and loneliness. If you are suffering a loss -- a divorce -- a death -- or other life-changing event -- or maybe the holidays are filled with painful memories -- This service is for you. It's a service of healing and reflection led by Rev. Aaron McEmrys.
Transmissions Winter Solstice Service | Wed., Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m. | We'll pause in the midst of the holiday frenzy to embrace this special time of the Winter Solstice -- A time of quietude -- a time for contemplation. Music and soundscapes by Woven Green.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services | Saturday, December 24
- 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Family Service w/ Pageant and Mitten Tree Ceremony. Bring the whole family for this child-centered service that includes a Child Dedication, a Christmas Pageant staged by our children and youth, plus we bring gloves, hats, and scarves to decorate the Mitten Tree. And, later they are given to the needy in our area.
- 7:00 p.m. Traditional Lessons and Carols Service.
- 9:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Unplugged. A more casual service with music by UUCA's Artist in Residence Maya Rogers and Woven Green.
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Give the Plate - December 11 - VOICE
Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement - VOICE - is a organization with close to 65 faith institutions who work to build power among poor and marginalized, to help achieve real change. VOICE is multi-racial, multi-ethnic, non-partisan, and intentionally multi-religious (Muslim, Jewish, Protestant and Catholic, UU). In the eight years since its founding, VOICE has helped the people involved achieve major "wins" -- gaining millions of dollars from banks in the aftermath of the foreclosure crisis; gaining funding for dental care of the uninsured; winning funding for full day kindergarten in poor communities in Prince William County; securing funding for decent playing fields in immigrant communities in south Fairfax; fighting for affordable housing commitments in our four jurisdictions (Prince William, Fairfax, Alexandria, and Arlington); working for bus routes that serve communities in need of public transportation.
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Give Today |
Because of VOICE, people of color, immigrants, Muslims, hard-working poor, students and faith communities form relationships and work together to create a better world.
Read more.
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Standing Rock & Beyond Rally and March - Sat., Dec. 10, 1:30 p.m. U.S. Capitol
UUCAers are invited to join a peaceful demonstration, to show solidarity with Standing Rock and support for the voice of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. This event is being organized in close collaboration with DC stands with Standing Rock a local coalition of Native Americans working to fight for native rights. Connect with them on Facebook to keep updated on upcoming local events. Read more. |
The End of White Christian America and Its Implications for the 2016 Election
Sun., Dec. 11, 1 p.m.
 Robert P. Jones, the CEO of Public Religion Research Institute will discuss his new book, The End of White Christian America, which has been hailed by The New York Times Review of Books as "quite possibly the most illuminating text for this election year." Read more.
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Secret Santa Gift Deadline
Sun., Dec. 11
 Just a reminder to bring in your Secret Santa gifts this Sunday. Thank you for sharing the love and light. |
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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Buckingham Helper Request Forms
Need help with yard work or house cleaning? Buckingham workers offer many services, such as raking leaves, moving furniture, and painting. A Buckingham cook can lend a hand at your next open house or dinner party. To fill out a request form, visit the Buckingham Outreach table in Fellowship Hall after services Sunday. For more information, contact Nancy Hall.
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Committee for Peace and Justice in Israel/Palestine
Wed., Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.
The CPJIP will meet to discuss current events of interest, approaches to peace and future activities, including possible activities involving other denominations and faiths. We will also discuss changing our regular meeting time to the first Wednesday of each month. The Committee's most recent event was a lecture on Islamophobia. If you missed it, you can view it here. Questions? Call Allan K., Convener, 703-538-2683.
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UUSC Cards and Equal Exchange Products Make Great Gift Giving
Supporters of the UU Service Committee (UUSC) will be in Fellowship Hall after both
services on Sunday to sell UUSC greeting cards. Mall, but will be here Sunday. Also, a fresh supply of Equal Exchange chocolate bars, cocoa mixes, coffees, teas and olive oil. Don't miss this chance to support UUSC! For more information on UUSC and the products they sell through "The Good Buy," go to uusc.org, and click on "shop."
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Buckingham Cooks This Sunday
The ever-popular Buckingham Cooks will sell empanadas, salteƱas, and tamales after services this Sunday. No time to eat? They'll provide carry out. Income from sales will go to a charity which benefits immigrants.
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Born On Third Base - Author Talk with Chuck Collins
Tues., Dec. 13, 7 - 9 p.m. - Potter's House
Join Chuck Collins, inequality expert and a UU, for a book discussion of his new book Born on Third Base which calls for an end to class war and offers bold new solutions for bridging the economic divide. The Potter's House, 1658 Columbia Rd NW, DC. RSVP via Facebook. Co-Sponsors: UUSJ, Sojourners Magazine, and The Institute for Policy Studies. Contact: Lavona Grow, or 202-556-4284.
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Another Opportunity to Meet Chuck Collins
Mon., Dec. 12, 5:30 p.m. at UUCA
UUSJ members are invited to the Escalating Inequality Task Group for a planning session and then a discussion with Chuck beginning at 7:30 p.m. See flyer for more information.
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Live the Pledge Reflection Sessions
December 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 have a couple of openings for our Live The Pledge covenant-style reflection session on Sunday, December 18, where we will reflect upon issues of race, justice and white privilege. Please click here to participate. This is a timely opportunity, post the presidential election.
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VOICE December GTP Recipient
 Our congregation's community organizing coalition, VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement), will be the recipient of Give the Plate each Sunday through the rest of December, so we will be sharing stories with you in Connections each week that illustrate our coalition's values and our accomplishments across the region over this past year. Our work covers Fairfax, Prince William, and Arlington counties as well as the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, and Manassas. Following is just one of the many stories we can tell:
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VOICE Women Celebrate Connections
Rev. Linda joined twenty women of diverse faiths - Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, and Unitarian Universalist - gathered to break bread together and to celebrate their deepening connections through their work in VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement).
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A Record UNICEF Collection
From Marietta J. Tanner, UUUNO Envoy:
A warm and hearty thank you to all of the children and their families who participated in "Trick or Treat." Our final total was over $1,100.00, a banner collection never before achieved at UUCAVA, according to our finance folks. Take pride in whatever you were able to contribute to the pot; together we made a delicious stone soup from which kids from babies to teens all over world will benefit. As soon as our acknowledgement is received, we will display it for all to see. I am sure you will enjoy this season of giving just a little more because of this fine gesture.
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Housing Needed for Women's March
Sat., Jan. 21, 2017
The purpose of the Women's March on Washington on January 21 is to send a bold message to our new administration on their first day in office, and to the world that women's rights are human rights. We stand together recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us. UUCA will be hosting visitors for this event as a fundraiser for the church. If you would like to volunteer to help or if you have room in your home to host a visitor, please contact Kathy Smith or Regina Koffman at UUCAVA.lodging@gmail.com.
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Religious & Lifespan Education
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CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO READ
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Chalice Friends Rocked at Karaoke Fundraiser
Fellowship Hall filled up with potential rock stars last Saturday, when Chalice Theatre held its first Karaoke Night fundraiser. Kids and adults sang their hearts out -- and the audience had a great time cheering them on. Thanks to everyone who joined the event!
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Calling All Skilled Musicians
 Are you a singer or instrumentalist? Do you have musical skills and want to use them? We are seeking skilled musicians within our UUCA family to become part of our broader music ministry. Regardless of the instrument you play, the part you sing, and the style of music you do well, there is a place for you here at UUCA. No long-term commitments, no obligations -- just let us know who you are and what musical gift you possess! Please contact Bea Ann Phillips or 703-966-3226.
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Mark your calendar for January 6 - Maya Rogers, Artist in Residence, has a concert scheduled -- more info to follow.
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UUCA's Art Galleries
Center Gallery:
Looking Forward and Back
Our current show welcomes a group of artists that are refugees. Please visit the Center Gallery to enjoy their visual messages of hope brought to us by Lukman Ahmad (Syria), Essa Neima (Syria), Rana Jaafar Yaseen (Iraq), and Yosief Abreha Habte (Eritrea).
QUUest Gallery:
"Stories"
Don't miss the great "Stories"from our UUCA artists in the QUUest Gallery (hallway from lobby to administrative offices). Each artist has offered a story to illuminate their their visual art. It's lots of fun to "hear" their voice!
All of the artworks are for sale. 80% of the proceeds from the sales goes to the artist and 20% helps support gallery projects at UUCA.
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Day Alliance Holiday - Need Some Balm for Your Soul?
Tue., Dec. 13, 10:30 a.m.
Join the Day Alliance for its annual Holiday Musical Fest. Ron Cima, accompanied by Barbara Schelstrate, will sing traditional Christmas and holiday carols that reflect the peace, joy and hope of the season. Everyone is welcome to attend the free program. Reservations for the $15 catered lunch can be made by calling 703-354-4555.
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Child Dedications on Christmas Eve
 Our Christmas Eve Child Dedication ceremony is one of the favorite times for families. Our family-centered services at 3 and 5 p.m. are all about welcoming new life into the world. For UUs, a Child Dedication is a time to dedicate the parents and ourselves to the loving upbringing of these little ones, and to dedicate the children's lives to love. If you would like to learn more or would like to be included at either the 3 or 5 p.m. service, please let Rev. Linda know no later than December 14.
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Bella Voce Holiday Concert
Sun., Dec. 18, 4 p.m.
Bring family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of holiday classics and more.
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MoonFire Yule Ritual
Sun., Dec. 18, 1:30 p.m.
Come join MoonFire on for a good old fashioned Pagan Yule! We will celebrate all that is happy and good in a festive ritual.
As always, a potluck and time for fellowship will follow the ritual, so bring a dish or drink to share.
For complete announcement click here.
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Winter Solstice Celebration
Sun., Dec. 18, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
This family-friendly, intergenerational program draws upon a range of traditions to celebrate the changing of the seasons and the community that sustains us through the long winter. The program will start in the Sanctuary, move outside to sing songs around a bonfire, and return to the Fellowship Hall for cocoa and potluck dessert. The event will be hosted by the Community through Action, Social Justice, and Experiential Education (CASE) middle school youth program. Watch coming Connections for more information or email uucasolstice@gmail.com.
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Winter Solstice Bonfire
Wed., Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m.
Join Rev. Linda for the ancient practice of gathering around a bonfire to honor the Winter Solstice. Join her in the parking lot for song, storytelling, and a little hot chocolate. |
Welcome Desk Positions Available
 The Sunday Welcome Desk is a first touchstone for newcomers to UUCA and an important expression of our hospitality and invitation to fellowship. We have space on our roster for a few more Welcome Desk volunteers. The individual commitment asked of our volunteers is relatively modest but has a big impact for UUCA. It's fun and meaningful work, and you meet the nicest people. For the complete announcement, click here. If you think you would enjoy staffing the Sunday Welcome Desk, please contact Bruce Rieder.
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A memorial service will be held on Sat., Dec. 17, 1 p.m., to the celebrate the life of
Alan Mayer who died suddenly and peacefully at home on Sunday evening, December 4, at the age of 91. We offer our condolences to his wife Grace, and their three adult children, all of whom grew up in UUCA's Religious Education program. Alan and Grace have been faithful members since the 1950s. He was proud to have been a head usher during the days when the church received bomb threats and ushers were also protectors. And in his role, before the Women's Movement, he encouraged the inclusion of women in the ranks of ushers, with Grace being UUCA's first female usher.
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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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