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UUCA - A place to Connect |Grow | Serve
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January 15, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
Stones of Hope
In this pivotal year, these words by Martin Luther King, Jr., are especially prophetic: "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope."
Please join us on this very special Sunday as we team up with our partners from the Sanctuaries DC to fashion through paint and song and story about the powerful stones of hope that we need now more than ever. The sermon is in three parts by Rev. Aaron McEmrys, and Rev. Erik Martinez Resly and Osa Obaseki of Sanctuaries.
Our music includes Clerestory Choir singing Kirby Shaw's I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free, plus music by our Sanctuaries friends Edurné Lopez and Vannie Miller.
Livestreaming of the service here.
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Inauguration Night Interfaith Service of Prayer and Meditation
Friday, January 20, 7:00 p.m. - Sanctuary
Join leaders from UUCA, Kol Ami, the Moroccan Muslim Community, and the Insight Meditation Community for a quiet time of community, words, silence, prayers and meditation for our nation.
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Rev. Graylin Hagler UUCA Guest February 19
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Rev. Graylin Hagler
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UUCA is honored to have as our guest in the pulpit, Rev. Graylin Hagler, on February 19. Rev. Hagler is the senior minister at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Washington, DC, and a prominent leader in the Moral Rival movement led by Rev. William Barber. Mark your calendar,--it's a service you don't want to miss.
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 This Sunday, UUCA invites our members and friends to give generously to support a community in DC dedicated to Art+Soul+Justice. The Sanctuaries has as its mission to empower people to live creative and soulful lives, harnessing the power of the creative arts, to transform two of the most divisive issues of our time--race and religion--into forces for personal growth and social change.
The Sanctuaries was born in the neighborhoods of Washington, DC. In 2013, after months of conversations, Rev. Erik MartÃnez Resly brought more than twenty neighbors together to build a new type of community that they couldn't find anywhere else. Their vision was clear: they wanted a community that was as diverse as the city they lived in, where creative and soulful people could come together in an authentic way to collaborate on artistic projects that promoted social change. They imagine filling the city with these safe and sacred spaces--these "sanctuaries".  To honor the prophecy and the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we will put our faith into action by offering our support to the mission of The Sanctuaries. |
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MLK Weekend of Service
Let's not take MLK Day as a day off, but make it a day on! Put your faith into action as a way of honoring the memory and legacy of the Rev. Dr. martin Luther King Jr. Here are just a few opportunities to be of service:
- January 14 & 15. AFAC (Arlington Food Assistance Center) Grocery store food drive. Contact
Denise Kappler (Denise_Kappler@yahoo.com).
- January 16, 10 a.m. Culpepper Garden Day of Service. Volunteers of all ages needed for outdoor projects. Lunch provided for ALL volunteers. Flyer and volunteer form here.
- January 16, 12-6 p.m. Join UUCA's CASE students for a day of service at Beacon House in the District. Limited volunteers spots available. Sign-up: Annie Parker (annie@douglass.org)
- January 16 6:30 p.m. Wakefield High School MLK Community Gathering hosted by Congressman Don Beyer. UUCA has been invited to showcase our work. Sign-up here.
- See Lobby Day in Richmond below.
More detailed information on MLK Weekend, HERE. |
Lunch Reception/Art Exhibit for Guatemalan Scholarship Program
Sun., Jan. 15, 12:30 p.m. Center
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T-shirt inscription:
I am studying in Guatemala thanks to the Unitarian Church and ADIVIMA
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Come for a lunch reception, along with an art exhibit, and learn more about UUCA's scholarship program for students in Rabinal, Guatemala. In partnership with ADIVIMA, a Mayan human rights group, UUCA provides scholarships to students who lost family members in the repression of the 1980's. These students have little or no opportunity for an education beyond elementary grades without our support. Flyer here. |
MoonFire Household Protection Ritual January 15, 1:30 p.m.
Please join MoonFire for a Household Protection ritual where we call on Hestia, the goddess of hearth, home, and family.
Through guided meditation, we will connect with the concept of home and what it means to you. Afterwards, offerings and blessings will be done in honor of our homes; please bring an item that symbolizes "home" for you. A potluck and time for fellowship will follow the ritual, so bring a dish or drink to share, along with your own plates/utensils, if possible, so that we may minimize trash. For more details on the ritual, click here. |
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UUCA-specific Info for Women's March
- UUCA is offering homestays for UUs in UUCA member homes. Contact: uucava.lodging@gmail.com. (Lodging in the church has been canceled due to lack of sign-ups.)
- Inauguration Prayer Service - Fri., Jan. 20, 7 p.m. UUCA Sanctuary.
- Live at the Center/Stone Room Concert - Fri., Jan. 20, 8 p.m. UUCA Center.
- Shuttle from UUCA to Metro - Sat., Jan. 21. Times TBA next week.
- UU Meet-up in DC - Sat., Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m. Location: 200 Independence Ave. SW (front US Dept. Health & Human Services.
- Coming Together--Moving Forward Event - Sat., Jan. 21, 5:30 to 8 p.m. UUCA Fellowship Hall. A communal meal where we share our stories from the March. Possible programming includes music, games, yoga, and talks on community organizing and effective advocacy. Please RSVP for the meal here.
Stop by the table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday for the complete and latest "UUCA" information on the March -- and see next week's edition of this newsletter.
For the latest on area-wide "UU" March information, visit www.uusj.net.
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Lobby Day in Richmond
Mon., Jan. 16
UUCA for the Reduction of Gun Violence (UUCARGV) invites members and friends to join Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and other gun violence prevention groups for a Lobby Day in Richmond on MLK Day, January 16. Charter bus transportation is available, departing from McLean and Alexandria. RSVP for the bus here. For more information, contact Mary Huber at wilkhub.va@gmail.com. To be added to the UUCARGV email list, email Annie Parker at annie@douglass.org.
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Buckingham Helper Sign-ups
Sun., Jan. 15
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 on Sunday. For more information, contact Nancy Hall, nancyrhall@hotmail.com.
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Live the Pledge Reflection Sessions
Jan 22
 UUCA's commitment to end racism continues through Live The Pledge covenant-style reflection sessions where we reflect upon issues of race, justice and white privilege. Start off the New Year by committing to beginning or advancing your journey toward increased intercultural competence by participating in one of our January sessions. Sign up here.
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More Upcoming Anti-Racism Trainings
- Jubilee Anti-Racism Training. Jan 13 - 15, at All Souls UU. There is a fee of $155 to cover food, materials, and to support the trainers. Scholarships are available. More information and registration here.
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Moving Beyond the Limits of Left to Right in Politics
 A broad multi-faith, multi-racial coalition of religious leaders are joining the Rev. Dr. William Barber of the Moral Monday Movement, in sending a letter to our new President-Elect, encouraging him to embrace what we are calling the Moral Agenda. Dr Barber invites you to sign as well. Click here. |
A Gathering of Black UUs
The very FIRST Black Lives of UU Convening will take place in New Orleans on March 9 - 12, 2017. Registration for the BLUU convening is now open, and financial aid applications are being accepted. Register here.
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DIG Meeting and Workday
The Do It Green Team will meet on Wed., Jan., 18, 3 to 4:30 p.m., to discuss upcoming groundskeeping plans and projects. All interested are welcome. The next workday is on Saturday, January, 28, 10 a.m. to noon. All ages welcome. Work days are great family and group service projects. For more information on DIG, contact Jennifer Frum, frumjb@gmail.com.
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Virginia Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE)
Thur., Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m.
 Virginia CURE is focused on advocacy to make our criminal justice more effective and fair. At this next meeting we will review our participation in Virginia Advocacy Day and legislation passed, failed or still up. For more information, contact Carla Peterson, 703-272-3624 or
Ric Blacksten,
hricblacksten@gmail.com, 703-980-5899.
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Pause to Consider Our Amazing Accompaniers
 While we consider how to meet the challenges we face in our new political order, let's take a minute to draw inspiration from one of our amazing young people, Michael Hoyt--a UUCA-sponsored accompanier in Guatemala. In his last letter as an accompanier, he tells of the brutality against the indigenous peoples at the hands of the government and other acts of violence and intimidation. His grace and tireless commitment to social justice are awe inspiring. Read the letter here. |
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Religious & Lifespan Education
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CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO READ
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Teachers Needed
A few of our wonderful RE teachers have left at midyear to fulfill other commitments here at UUCA. Please consider joining a team and finish out the RE church year. We have only 19 Sundays left -- that means you would only need to teach five times between now and May! Teachers are needed in:
- Preschool (Spirit Play)
- Kindergarten (Spirit Play)
- 5th Grade (Bible Studies)
- 2nd Grade (Principle Banners)
Contact LeeAnn (LWilliams@uucava.org) for more information.
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Calling all crockpots!
Youth Chili Cook-off - January 29
 Calling all crockpots -- We need CHILI! Sign-up to have your chili included in the cook-off. Win one of these coveted trophies, along with bragging rights! In order to make the judging fair for everyone, we will not be accepting walk-up registrants. Please use this form to register.
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Smart Muscles
Each Friday, 9:30 a.m. - Chapel
Smart Muscles: Movement for Healthier
Living. Eleven classes, beginning January 13, $132. Meets in the Chapel on Fridays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. First class is free. Contact
eileenkozak@smart-muscles.com
or call 703-536-3797.
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Preschool Open House
Sat., Jan. 28, 10 a.m. to Noon
Arlington Unitarian Cooperative Preschool (AUCP) will hold its annual open house on January 28 and children are welcome to attend. Founded by UUCA members in 1969, the preschool has educated young children for over 45 years. The curriculum is child-centered, focusing on the process (exploration, experimentation, problem solving) over the final product. UUCA members and friends receive priority in the application process and are encouraged to apply by Friday, February 3. For more information on the open house, click here or visit the school's website at www.aucpva.org or call 703-892-3878. |
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Annual "State of the Church" Leadership Meeting
Sat., Jan. 28, 9 a.m. to noon
All church volunteers are invited to discuss possibilities and projects in the year ahead.
- Rev. Aaron, Rev Linda and staff will provide a "State of the Church" report.
- Warren Wright, Board Chair, will report the latest Board news, and unveil "Wondering Out Loud."
- The Growth Group will present its preliminary findings, and offer ideas how UUCA can grow in 2017 and beyond.
- The Stewardship Team will provide an update on recent activities and the 2017-18 annual giving campaign "Keeping the Light."
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HUUmanists:
Should "We the People" Call for a Convention to Amend the Constitution?
Mon., Jan. 16, 7:15 p.m.
 Almost everyone can think of something they would like to change in the U.S. Constitution. The 2nd Amendment? The Electoral College? The Huumanists will view an interesting debate on amending the Constitution and its possible risks. The video was recently aired on Intelligence Squared. All are invited. For further information contact Jere Cummins.
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Happy Hour
Wed., Jan. 25, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
 After the Inauguration and the Women's March are behind us, let's relax and enjoy each other's company. Join us for Happy Hour! Bring a drink or a snack to share (beer, wine, or non-alcoholic). All are welcome.
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TWO NEW Covenant Groups Forming - Register now!
Beginning Connections. Three of these small groups are forming and each will meet for every-other week beginning in February (see registration for days and times). Beginning Connections offer people a chance to connect with others, experience the gift of listening and being listened to, and having a chance to explore values in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. These groups are especially designed for persons who are relatively new to the church. Register HERE.
Living the Pledge to End Racism. The LTP Covenant Group will learn about and reflect personally on the insights offered in the "Living the Pledge" initiative. This format offers people interested in connecting in an in-depth conversation with a small group. The group will meet for six months, from the first Monday evening in February to early July, meeting primarily once a month (first Mondays), with a second, optional meeting in the middle of the month. The first meeting of the month will focus on the learnings provided in the Living the Pledge materials, and the second meeting will offer time to process and talk more deeply about the work. Register HERE.
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The Men's Book Group
Sun., Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m.
The February selection for discussion is Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe. The selection for March 12 is the novelist Tony Hillerman's 2001 autobiography, Seldom Disappointed: A Memoir. Newcomers are always welcome. For more information, Ken Marshall, kenmar42@gmail.com or call 703-533-8004.
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Attention Cub Scout Families
 Cub Scouts, come earn the UU Scout religious award, sponsored by Unitarian Universalist Scouters Organization. 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. |
Live at the Center and Stone Room Presents Women's March Celebration Concert (click image)
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Shrek, the Musical, Coming to UUCA!
 Chalice Theatre launched rehearsals for the 2017 production,
Shrek The Musical, this past weekend.
Shrek The Musical celebrates themes of diversity and self-acceptance, and brings fairy-tale characters to life throughout the story. The play opens for a ten-run performance on Friday, March 3. Ticket information TBA.
Read more on UUCA's production here.
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SHINE Choir Meets at Goodwin House
Fourth Mondays at 7 p.m.
 UUCA's SHINE is a unique and inspiring healing choir. Whether you need to experience the healing power of music for yourself--or you'd like to share the healing power with others--you are welcome to drop in anytime. No auditions or music experience. Flyer here. |
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Music Workshop w/ Mimi Bornstein
Changing the World Through Music
Sat., Jan., 28, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
 We are looking forward to having Mimi Bornstein as our next visiting Choir Director at the end of January. Mimi, a professional choral director and singer/composer, will be at UUCA the weekend of January 28, 29. On Saturday, she will conduct a community music workshop. It's a fun opportunity to experience a community sing and experience how music can be a pathway for changing the world. No choral experience required. For more information about Mimi and the workshop, click here.
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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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