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UUCA - A place to Connect |Grow | Serve
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Sunday Worship
December 18, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
"Be a Lamp"
A Homily by Rev. Aaron McEmrys
Bring the whole family for this special Winter Solstice Service. It's a service of ritual, light, and music that will be appreciated by children of all ages!
The music shines bright with performances by our children's choirs -- Chalice and TrUUbadours sings Light a Candle, Clerestory adult choir sings Glow by Eric Whitacre. Maya Rogers lends her soulful interpretation of Paul Simon's The Sound of Silence, along with I Am Light by India.Arie. And, meditative soundscapes provided by Ashley and Jim Carter of Woven Green.
It's an "All Church" service, meaning children and youth will stay for the whole service.
Livestreaming of the service here.
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Music Notes
Congratulations to our music friends Ashley and Jim Carter on the release of their new album Into Bloom -- a musical journey of healing, transformation, true love, and hope for all. You can help spread their love and music by pre-ordering their album here.
Watch this space for more info on a concert with Maya Rogers on January 6 here at UUCA! |
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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 for many. If you are struggling this holiday season, you are not alone. You are welcome to join Rev. Aaron for this quite contemplative service of healing and reflection in the warm comfort of community.
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.
 Labyrinth Walk | Dec. 20 & 21. The Labyrinth will be open for meditative walking Tuesday and Wednesday night following the Standing Outside the Season and Transmissions services.
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. Please bring gloves, hats, and scarves to decorate the Mitten Tree. They will be given to the needy in our area. And, for families who like to sing together -- come early to sing in the Family Choir beginning at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. No experience necessary. Come for the fun and joy of it!
- 7:00 p.m. Traditional Lessons and Carols Service. Please come early to hear a special extended choral prelude that begins at 6:45 p.m.
- 9:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Unplugged. A more casual and soulful service with music by UUCA's Artist in Residence Maya Rogers and Woven Green.
Christmas Day* and New Year's Day
One Service at 11:15 a.m.
*No nursery/childcare on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Christmas Eve Parking: We expect large crowds and lots of first-time visitors for the 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. services, so we ask that all able-bodied UUCAers to consider parking in the Mason's lot or use street parking along George Mason Drive, Arlington Blvd. (service road), and First Place South. Thank you.
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December is Give the Plate Month for VOICE
 VOICE -- Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement -- is northern Virginia's leading citizen empowerment coalition, steadily growing since UUCA helped found it in 2008. Today we can boast of 65 member congregations and affiliates, criss-crossing denominational, race-ethnic, and income boundaries. VOICE works by turning listening and dialogue into action -- so that communities too often ignored or afraid to speak up become engaged and get fair treatment. Here are a few examples of what VOICE has accomplished by working for and alongside of modest-income tenants.
VOICE
stands for justice and
stands up to injustice.
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Year-End Giving
 As you plan your year-end giving for 2016, please put UUCA at the top of your list. You might want to finish paying your pledge or give an extra gift to the congregation purely out of gratitude for all that UUCA does for you and in your name.
You can give to UUCA in any of the following ways: cash in person, check in person or in the mail, or by credit card or auto-withdrawal online here. If you prefer to donate appreciated stock, email financial assistant Beth Enriquez (or call 703-892-2565, ext 246) for instructions. The last day for 2016 gifts is Saturday, December 31. In-person gifts must be received in the office by noon on Friday, December 30th, and mail-in gifts must be postmarked by that day; online gifts before midnight December 31. If you are donating stock, please contact Beth as early as possible.
As always, your generous gifts to UUCA are gratefully received and thoughtfully applied.
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Holiday Shoppers - When using Amazon please use Smile.Amazon.com and choose UUCA as your charitable organization. Participating is no cost to you. Amazon donates a small percentage of eligible sales to the church. It's an easy and painless way to benefit the church. Note, your donations through AmazonSmile do not count toward your pledge.
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Sending CURE Christmas Cards
TONIGHT - Thur., Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m.
Northern Virgina Chapter of Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE) meets at the church tonight -- Thur. Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. The main order of business is to sign holiday cards to folks incarcerated in Virginia prisons. We need non-religious cards if you can bring some. For more information contact
Ric Blacksten or 703-980-5899, or
Carla Peterson or 703-272-3624.
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 MoonFire Yule Ritual
Sun., Dec. 18, 1:30 p.m.
Come join MoonFire 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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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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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 Fellowship Hall for cocoa and pot-luck dessert. The event will be hosted by the Community through Action, Social Justice, and Experiential Education (CASE) middle school youth program. Bring a warm coat, dessert to share, and festive spirit!
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Two Solstice Fires!
Dec. 18 and Dec. 21
 There are two chances this year to join
Rev. Linda on the island in the parking lot, to circle round a fire and call for the sun's return. On Sun., Dec. 18, the 7 p.m. Winter Solstice Celebration will conclude with the joining of hands around the outdoor fire. And, on the actual day of the Winter Solstice, Wed., Dec. 21, another fire beginning at 6:30 p.m. will feature a brief ritual and end in time for those attending the Transmissions Winter Solstice service of contemplation.
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Save the Date - Feb. 4 - Something Wonderful: Celebrating 10 Year PAG Anniversary
There will be joy and thanks to UUCA and Joy in the success of our students, our Mayan leaders, our Accompaniers and our neighbors in Buckingham.
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UUCA hosts "Escalating Inequality" Author Chuck Collins
 Chuck Collins, UU and noted author of several books on economic inequality, participated in a UUSJ-convened discussion on how to address the rising economic and social disparities on Dec. 12 with 24 area UUs participating. He explained how his family history of wealth informed his perspective for his new book, "Born on Third Base."
Photo: UUCA's
Gene Mulligan
makes a point about a fairer tax system with
Chuck Collins
at right.
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Plans for Further "Escalating Inequality" Debate and Discussion
Tue., Jan. 3, 7:30 p.m.
The UUA Congregational Study Action Issue on Escalating Inequality, which will be debated at General Assembly next June in New Orleans, is
available in draft form now, with a Feb. 1 deadline for congregational comments. UUCA will convene a discussion group on the draft statement of conscience on Jan. 3 at 7:30 p.m. For further information, contact
Bob Denniston,
justdoitbob@hotmail.com.
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The Dream Project Thanks UUCA
 The Dream Project of Northern Virginia thanked UUCA for its support in the past year at its recent holiday party. Board Chair
Warren Wright,
Rev. Linda, and a group of UUCAers joined a huge crowd, including many elected leaders. Congressman Don Beyers pledged to protect Dreamers from being deported. And, Marymount President Matt Shank renewed that school's commitment to be a safe place for all its students. (Photo shows Marymount Dream Scholar from Guatemala speaking, with
Jay Fisette looking on)
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Guatemalan Travelers Report on Trip
Sun., Jan. 15, 12:30 p.m.
 Seven travelers from UUCA went to Rabinal Guatemala to meet the 50 scholarship students that UUCA helps to sponsor in a partnership with ADIVIMA, a Mayan human rights group. These Mayan students are supported through middle and high school as free school ends in Guatemala in the 6th grade. The travelers met Selvin, who is pictured here when he graduated from high school. Selvin recently was selected from students across Guatemala to participate in a UN Youth Program and is planning to attend University.
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Recognition for UUCA's Human Rights Ministry
A group of UUCAers joined
Revs. Aaron and Linda at a ceremony last week. UUCA received an award from the Arlington County Human Rights Commission for "Exemplary Commitment to Promoting Human Rights and Diversity in Arlington County." Pictured
Bill Staderman,
David McTaggart,
Rev. Aaron McEmrys,
Rev. Linda Olson Peebles,
Jay Fisette (member of Arlington County Board and a UUCA member),
Chris Sutton,
Rhonda Buckner,
Robert Buckman,
John Sutton,
M.J. Schmelzer-Hoekstra.
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Last Chance for Equal Exchange Chocolates and UUSC Cards in 2016
 UU Service Committee (
UUSC) greeting cards and Equal Exchange products will be for sale between services this Sunday, Dec . 18. This will be the last sale in 2016. Equal Exchange chocolate bars, cocoa mixes, coffees, teas and olive oil make great stocking stuffers. 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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Day Alliance Holiday Nut Sale
 Fine nuts and chocolates are for sale on Sunday in Fellowship Hall. They are delicious for holiday baking and make great gifts.
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Religious & Lifespan Education
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CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO READ
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New UU Class
Sat., Jan. 7, 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
 Unitarian Universalism is a way of thinking and being in the world. It is a faith discipline, enriched by faith traditions, that forms the foundation for a way to live this life. It matters how we conduct our lives and work to make the world a better place. Unitarian Universalism wants each of us to know why. It challenges us to deepen our own faith principles and practices in response to our own experience and, whenever possible, to stand on the side of love. There will be plenty of chances to ask questions and to get to know others. This class is also part of the path to membership at UUCA. For more information and registration contact
Sarah.Masters@uucava.org
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Who Can Be A Chalice Keeper?
 You can! The Chalice Keeper program invites all UUCAers to light our chalice in worship and then keep our flame of faith burning bright all week long.
Signup to be a Chalice Keeper!
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UUCA Hostel for Women's March Planning Meeting
Sun., Dec. 18, 1 p.m.
UUCA is planning to host up to 100 travelers at the church for the Women's March on Washington January 21. We plan to offer shelter and sustenance from Friday afternoon January 20 through Sunday morning the 22nd.
While planning is well underway, we can always use more help. If your are interested, please come to a meeting this Sunday to learn more and see what is in the works. Please note: This is the second of two UUCA housing initiatives for the Women's March. For information on the in-home lodging, contact
UUCAVA.lodging@gmail.com.
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HUUmanist Holiday Extravaganza!
Mon., Dec. 19, 7:15 p.m.
 The hUUmanists will celebrate the season in the Board Room with stories, conversation, and conviviality. Bring something seasonal to share (a story, a reading, a joke, and/or something to eat or drink) or just come whether you are naughty or nice -- and join us for the HUUmanist Holiday Extravaganza. Everyone's welcome. For further information, contact
Jere Cummins.
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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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Attention Cub Scout Families
 Cub Scouts, come earn the UU Scout religious award, sponsored by Unitarian Universalist Scouters Organization. Earning the UU religious award satisfies advancement requirements in the Bear rank and in the Webelos/Arrow of Light rank. Wolves and Bears earn the Religion and Me award, while Webelos and Arrow of Light scouts earn the Religion and Family award. All ranks will meet together for group discussion twice and once more to complete a service project. Dates are: January 29, February 5, and February 12-all at 2pm. More information here. |
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Men's Book Group
Sun., Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m.
 The January selection is
Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time by Dava Sobel. If there are any questions about the group and its meetings, please email
Ken Marshall or call 703-533-8004.
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Save the Date!
In 2017, UUCA's annual retreat will be September 22 thru 24. Mark your calendars and join us at Capon springs, West Virginia for fellowship and fun!
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 Maya Rogers, UUCA's Artist in Residence is having a concert - January 6! Watch for more info to follow.
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UUCA Handbells Bring Holiday Spirit to Culpepper Garden
 UUCA's Polymnia and Intermediate handbell choirs performed for residents of
Culpepper Garden this past Tuesday. The choirs performed a variety of holiday favorites and then led the residents in a "sing and ring-a-long," with ringers working one-on-one with residents to help them ring a handbell or chime while singing Christmas carols.
Lori Rottenberg and
Isabel Spitalney sang a duet of "Ner Li," a popular Hanukkah song, accompanied by Polymnia. Culpepper residents showed their appreciation for the concert by singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" for the ringers!
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A memorial service to celebrate the life of
Alan Mayer will be held in our Sanctuary on Sat., Dec. 17, 1 p.m.
Healing thoughts to
Will Russell, in the hospital recovering from surgeries following a bad leg fracture in an accident. Cards are welcome.
Congratulations to parents
Ann and Todd Burns, and big brother
Gavin, on the birth of
Grady Wilson Burns on Monday, December 12.
Condolences to
Veronica Priddy on the death of her sister several weeks ago. A memorial service took place in New England.
Speedy recovery best wishes to
Henriette Kellum, at home recovering from open heart surgery.
Healing thoughts and wishes for a speedy recovery goes to
Andrea Gorham who is home recovery from injuries from a car accident.
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Mistletoe Mall and Kid's Holiday Craft Party
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Kudos to Mary Pike for organizing our best Mistletoe Mall yet! And, a special thanks to John St. Hilaire for doing his finest in taking photos of it. Photo slideshow.
More kudos to Mollie Jewell and Fred Stokeld (and their many elves) for doing another fun and crafty job on this year's Kid's Holiday Craft Party. Kids from UUCA and our community partners enjoyed getting together for some hands-on fun and time with Santa. Photo slideshow.
And, yes, Virginia, Santa does speak Spanish -- much to the amazement and delight of several appreciative families. (Thanks to Steve Zahniser!!) |
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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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