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UUCA - A place to Connect |Grow | Serve
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Sunday Worship
February 5, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
"The Church That Roars"
Sermon by Rev. Aaron McEmrys
Musical lovers don't miss this Sunday--Our music includes a sneak peek at this year's Chalice Theatre production of Shrek the Musical (with an intergenerational cast), Artist in Residence Maya Rogers will perform one of her lovely original pieces and our advanced bell choir, Polymnia Handbells, will ring.
Livestreaming of the service here.
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Rev. Graylan 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 Revival movement led by Rev. William Barber. Mark your calendar,--it's a service you don't want to miss.
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Keeping the Light Annual Pledge Campaign
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 As is our tradition at UUCA, the month of February is our Annual Pledge Campaign when we ask members and friends to thoughtfully consider their financial pledge commitment to the church for the next budget year that begins July 1, 2017. Each member and friend of UUCA should be receiving a letter enclosing pledge information and a pledge card. Please take a few minutes to read your letter when it arrives and begin thinking about how you can support the mission of UUCA with a generous financial pledge for next year.
There will be a Keeping the Light table with team members to address your questions this Sunday and after each Sunday service in February. Look for our banner with information about the progress of the campaign. There is information on our webpage at www.uucava.org/page/annual-pledge that we hope will be helpful for you in making your pledge decision. Included are Questions and Answers, budget and pledge summary information, and testimonials from members and friends. If you prefer, you may pledge online via the webpage in lieu of using the paper pledge card mailed to you. Please also reach out to us at pledge@uucava.org with your questions.
The annual campaign prepares the way for some important congregational decisions that will need to be made at the annual meeting in June (it will be here before you know it!) when we come together in Covenant to finalize our budget for next year.
UUCA has been Keeping the Light of liberal religious tradition and social justice burning in Arlington for almost 70 years. This is our time to shine brightly for one another and for a community that relies upon us to be here.
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Sign for Our Times
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| "No matter where you are from, we're glad you're our neighbor" -- For information on how you can have this welcoming sign in your yard, click here. |
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Want to send a message to our US senators?
 As part of UUSJ's (UUs for Social Justice) new Advocacy Corps, UUs from the area will be delivering letters on social justice concerns to our US senators on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14. So, if you would like to write a message of gratitude or concern for hand-delivering to Senator Kaine and/or Senator Warner, stop by the UUSJ table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday after either service. Questions? Contact Bob Denniston at justdoitbob@hotmail.com.
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No Child Behind Bars - Effects of Occupation on Palestinian Children
Tue., Feb. 7 -- St. Stephens in DC
You are invited to join UUCA's Committee for Peace and Justice in Israel/Palestine (CPJIP) for this important event about Palestinian youth to be held at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in DC. It's recommended carpoolers bring a sandwich and drink to eat as we travel through rush hour traffic. Please let Allan Kellum, 703-599-2560, know if you're planning to attend, especially if you are among the carpoolers. Read more here.
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Food Bagging for AFAC
Sat., Feb. 11, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Bring family and friends to help bag food purchased through the Give the Plate collection for the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). This will be a great hands-on service activity for all ages; we will bag rice and produce. Sign up here. Questions? Contact Denise Kappler at denise_kappler@yahoo.com.
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Rest in Power Book-signing
Thur., Feb. 9, 7 p.m. Sixth&I Synagogue
You are invited to join members of the Live the Pledge initiative in attending a talk and book-signing by Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, parents of Trayvon Martin. Their new book, Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin, offers the inside story of their son's life, struggles, and tragic death, and how they have harnessed their sorrow to fuel a movement in Rest in Power. For tickets and more information, click here. UUCA contact: Sharon Williams, williamssharon751@gmail.com.
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"From Slave to Criminal with One Amendment" 13th Film Screening
Wed., Feb. 15, 7:00 p.m.
UUCA is hosting a screening of the highly acclaimed documentary film, 13th (PG13) by director Ava DuVernay. Centered on race in the United States' criminal justice system, the film is titled after the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which outlawed slavery (unless as punishment for a crime); the film argues that slavery is being effectively perpetuated through mass incarceration. Read more.
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Live the Pledge Reflection Sessions
Thur., Feb 23, 2 p.m.
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. Commit to beginning or advancing your journey toward increased intercultural competence by participating in one of our upcoming sessions. Sign up here.
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Living the Pledge: Sharing through Books Begins February 24 with Baldwin's The Fire Next Time
On the fourth Friday of each month the Live the Pledge initiative will sponsor a discussion and sharing of books written by African-American authors. The first discussion on Friday, February 24, at 7:30 p.m., will be on James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time. In March, the book for discussion is The Fire This Time, a collection of essays and poems compiled by Jesmyn Ward. Registration is not required. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Pat Findikoglu, patfindikoglu@gmail.com or Linda Lutes Corsoro, lindahlutes@gmail.com. More information here.
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Early American Black Women Writers
Tue., Wed., March 21, 22, 7:15--8:30 p.m.
Want to know more about the rich legacy of early American black women writers? How did individual women, enslaved or free, fight racism and slavery through their songs, poems, speeches, and short essays? We'll find out, by reading aloud and talking about the women's work and their religious moorings in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. The texts will be provided in class. On Tuesday we'll encounter works by balladeer Lucy Terry Prince and poet Phillis Wheatley, and on Wednesday we'll read texts by activists Sarah Forten, Sarah Mapps Douglass, and Maria W. Stewart. If you can only come to one of the two sessions, that's fine. To register, please email Gay Gibson Cima at cimag@georgetown.edu by March 14.
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The Women's March is behind us.
Now what?
Many at UUCA are asking, "What now?"
Find out about the great plans underway here at UUCA. Contact these leaders to learn how you can join in existing efforts to organize and advocate for human rights in our nation or bring energy to new ideas. A few groups to begin with are:
VOICE. Contacts: Pat Findikoglu, patfindikoglu@gmail.com, and David McTaggart, dmctagg@gmail.com
Living the Pledge. Jessi Huffman, Jessica.huffman@yahoo.com
UUSJ. Lavona Grow,
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After the March, more opportunities to take action
Now is the time for UUs, in our continued solidarity, to build political will, be active citizens, and make our liberal voice heard on Capitol Hill. Check out several opportunities below:
- 10 Actions for the First 100 Days. Learn more.
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Standing on the Side of Love Webinar. Getting More Out of the March: Mobilizing for Resistance Wed., Feb. 8, 8-9 p.m. Learn more.
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NEW! UUSJ Capitol Hill Advocacy Corps. Feb. 14 is Advocacy Corps Orientation and Advocacy Day. Learn more.
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Reversing Inequality Conference, April 3-5. Learn more.
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After the Women's March: Thank You's!
We've received many words of gratitude from near and far from Women's March participants. Two handwritten notes quoted here:
- "Thanks to those who organized the 'bed and breakfast' plan. It was a wonderful and safe way for is to come participate in the Women's March. I appreciated the lovely home and generosity of my host. Thanks for the opportunity to stay in Arlington." --From North Carolina
- "Thanks to the volunteer who managed to get me to the Women's March with a dedication that was above and beyond the call of volunteer duty! The church was incredibly thoughtful to deploy drivers to and from the Metro stations - what foresight!" --From a UUCA neighbor
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Rev. Linda Opens Virginia Senate in Prayer
 Rev. Dr. Linda Olson Peebles goes to Richmond at the invitation of Senator Barbara Favola to offer the opening prayer in the Senate of Virginia. Rev. Linda will lead the prayer at the State Capitol Building as the Senate body convenes at noon on Monday, February 6.
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Volunteers Needed for Immigrant Assistance Days
February 11 & 12
The Mobile Consulate scheduled for Feb. 11-12 will include personnel and immigrants from Guatemala. Over 200 Guatemalan residents of Arlington are expected to participate. The event will be located on the ground floor of Sequoia (2100 Washington Blvd.) Hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12. Spanish speakers are needed to help participants fill out Guatemalan passports. While some of you already have expressed an interest in volunteering, please let us know when you would like to come. English speakers also are needed to help with child care. Contact Nancy Hall, nancyrhall@hotmail.com.
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All Souls DC Solidarity Sing
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After the Women's March on January 21, people gathered in All Souls' sanctuary to sing Leonard Cohen's "Anthem." Take a listen and be blessed.
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Religious & Lifespan Education
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CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO READ
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Bring Your Spare Change February 12
All that spare change you have in your wallet or pocket or on your dresser or in a jar--Bring it to church on February 12 as part of our "Be the Change!" Religious Education fundraiser. Our younger RE classes will collect spare change after each service as part of our Annual Giving campaign. This is the first time RE has participated in our larger campaign, so please be supportive of their efforts as much as you can. By having the younger members of our church family take part in fundraising we hope to teach them how important financial commitment is to fulfilling our mission of connect, grow and serve. Let's help them make it a big success! |
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 Multi-generational Game Night
Sat., Feb. 11, 5 to 8 p.m.
Join us for an evening of food, games, and family fun! Sponsored by the Youth Group. Contact: AAlbamonte@uucava.org |
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
UUCA Peace Camp 2017: June 26 - July 7
UUCA's 20th Anniversary Peace Camp is open for registration at www.lffp.org.
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A Taste of Peace Camp at UUCA
Sun. Mar. 5, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Are you wondering what Peace Camp is all about? Bring your children and come experience a bit of what this amazing camp has to offer! The Director of Little Friends for Peace, MJ Park, will facilitate activities and an adult discussion of the value of peace education in your life and your family's life. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Hank Dahlstrom, hmdahlstrom@gmail.com by March 3.
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From the Desk of the Point Guard
 In Tamara's latest blog post she updates us on the importance of Tracking It Forward, what Yelp is saying about UUCA, and lets us know how to get the Sign for Our Times--read the whole post here.
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NonCom Seeks Nominees
The UUCA Nominating Committee is looking for members to serve on the Board of Trustees and also on the Nominating Committee effective July 1, 2017 for a two-year term. Serving on UUCA's Board is a meaningful way to invest in something important, make an important contribution to the Congregation, and put your ideals into practice building our Beloved Community. The charge of the Committee is to nominate a church member to serve in each elected position on the Board of Trustees, other officer positions, and special committees. More detailed descriptions are here. You can also contact Nominating Committee co-chairs Gerda Keiswetter, gkeiswetter@aol.com or Bill Turner, dc_billturner@yahoo.com.
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Workshop: Planned Giving and Legacy
Sat., Feb. 11 - UUCF, Oakton
In advance of UUCA's own coming workshop series on planned giving, legacies, and our Reeb-East Society, UUCF in Oakton is offering a workshop with three professional speakers on Saturday, February 11. Free, but please register in advance. For details,
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Music Workshop:
Free and Responsible, Truth and Meaning
Sat., Feb. 11, 3-4:30 p.m.
 We are thrilled to have DeReau K. Farrar, musician and composer, drop in for a visit and workshop here at UUCA next weekend. Join him for a discussion on how our UU identities are shaped
around the hymns and music we sing and share
. Farrar is currently the Acting Director of Music at First Unitarian in Portland, Oregon.
Read more here.
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Identity/Risk/Transformation
Art Submissions due Sun., Feb. 5
Identity/Risk/Transformation--These are the themes that will guide our "Soul Matters" Covenant Group reflections and our Sunday sermons. We are requesting art pieces that exemplifies or explores one (or all!) of these ideas. Please submit a short statement (a sentence or two) about how your work addresses all or one of these themes. Submissions are due this Sunday, February 5, from 9-11 a.m. , in the Volunteer Rm. 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, ecarsonh@gmail.com.
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Day Alliance: Apocalypse Now?! Or Not?!
Tue., Feb.14
 Mary McCutcheon will discuss how the study of other cultures helps us understand the social forces that lead to apocalyptic and related messianic, prophetic and millenarian religious beliefs. Are these forces present in our society today? Coffee and conversation begin at 10:30 a.m., the lecture at 1 a.m. Everyone is welcome for the talk. The reserved seating, catered lunch is open to those who reserve by February 9. Menu: Shrimp Cocktail, Herb Roasted Chicken with Artichokes and Capers in a White Wine Sauce, Rice Pilaf, Caesar Salad, Garlic Bread, and Dessert. Cost of the lunch is $15. Reserve your lunch by calling Renee at 703-354-4555 or by emailing Claudia Blake, blake.claudia@gmail.com.
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 The memorial service for Eileen Feuerbach will be this Tuesday, February 7, 1 p.m., at the Chapel of the Bailey's Crossroads Goodwin House. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Eileen to UUCA. Eileen (who died December 27 at the age of 97) and her husband Ted (who died several years ago) were leaders at UUCA for close to 60 years.
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 A memorial service for Letitia Haworth (who died January 23 at the age of 73) will be held Saturday, February 18, 2 p.m. at the Eno River UU Fellowship in Durham, North Carolina. There will also be a service here at UUCA on Sunday, April 2, 3 p.m. Letitia and her family were active members of UUCA for 25 years, and she was a member of the church staff as Membership Associate for 12 years.
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Guatemala Art Show Runs thru Feb. 12
 UUCA's Center Gallery features an exhibit of Guatemalan artworks, including 11 art posters representing the Mayan human rights organization that helps UUCA provide scholarships to Mayan youth, tapestries with traditional designs and woven pieces for clothing representing cultural and personal identity. UUCA's PAG (Partners for Arlington and Guatemala) organized and hosted the exhibit, which runs through February 12. Photo: Chris Sutton studies tapestries depicting Mayan village market scenes.
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Reversing Inequality Conference
Mon., April 3 thru Wed., April 5
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 301 A St SE, Washington, DC
The Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community (UUJEC) and UUs for Social Justice in the National Capital Region (UUSJ) are organizing a spring conference to give UUs an opportunity to advocate for a vision of a fair and compassionate society directly to decision makers on Capitol Hill. Now more than ever we must act. Conference flyer here. UUCA contact: Hannah Pitts, hannah.pitts@gmail.com.
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UUCAers lobby in Richmond for human rights in Palestine
In the photo, UUCAers are Henry Mayo (4th from left), Bud Hensgen (3rd from right) and Allan Kellum (furthest right). |
UUA Applauds Boy Scouts of America
 The Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), issued a statement following the Boy Scouts of America's (BSA) announcement on gender identity. Read 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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