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UUCA - A place to Connect |Grow | Serve
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Sunday Worship
March 5, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
Risking Hope | Risking Yes | Risking Self
This Sunday, Rev. Aaron introduces the sermon and the Soul Matters Covenant Group theme for March: RISK.
We are looking forward to having noted UU composer Jason Shelton as our Guest Choir Director. The theme of risk will be woven into our music, too, as Jason takes us on a little "risky" musical adventure! Clerestory will perform two favorites, Hope by Ysaye Barnwell and And We Say Yes by Nick Page.
Livestreaming of the service here.
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In case you missed it . . .
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| Feb. 26 service in 3-minutes |
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| Practice Makes (im)Perfect sermon only |
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The video of the talk by The Honorable Penpa Tsering is available under the "Archives" tab here. The audios of the sermon and the Tsering talk are available here.
Transmissions Meditation Service
Please note the March Transmissions service will be on Monday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., to honor the Spring Equinox.
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 Through Peace Camp, UUCA offers a unique chance for people of all ages to "Live the Pledge" to end racism and move towards a community of inclusion and compassion. Peace Camp is a summer camp program brought to us by UUCA's Peace Ministry Team* in collaboration with Little Friends of Peace (
LFFP). UUCA and community partner children and youth of different races and ethnicities come together to explore cooperation and conflict resolution in a supportive and safe environment. Campers learn skills to deal with their problems peacefully and are encouraged to create their own solutions to the problems they see in the world.
UUCA's Peace Ministry has partnered with Little Friends for Peace since 1997. LFFP is an internationally-renowned non-profit organization that empowers children and adults to solve problems nonviolently, to build relationships through compassion and empathy, and to create a culture of peace. Monies raised for LFFP in our Sunday morning offerings will go to Peace Camp scholarships for children from our partner organizations.
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Music Workshops with Jason Shelton
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A songwriting workshop for all ages
Saturday, March 4, 2-3:30 p.m.
No fee or registration
Kids of all ages are welcome to join Jason for this fun interactive group workshop that will give a glimpse of the method behind the magic of songwriting.
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Saturday, March 4, 3:45-5 p.m.
No fee or registration
What we sing is who we are. It's as simple as that. So who are we, and how does our singing reveal the deeper truths behind our answer to this essential question?
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We are excited to have
The Rev. Jason Shelton be part of our music programming this weekend. Not only will Rev. Shelton conduct the choir on Sunday morning, but he will also conduct two music workshops on Saturday. Don't miss this opportunity to sing and learn from one of the most noted and prolific UU composers.
Rev. Jason Shelton is Associate Minister for Music at First UU in Nashville. In addition to his work as a composer, he is an active choral conductor and clinician, and an advocate for using music as a means of creating community in multi-faith, multi-cultural environments. Formerly a Franciscan brother, Shelton received a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School and was ordained to the Unitarian Universalist ministry in 2004.
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Keeping the Light - Annual Giving Campaign
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 UUCA is deeply grateful to all of those who have committed to UUCA with a pledge for next year. You will receive an acknowledgment of your pledge shortly along with instructions for fulfilling your pledge beginning after June 30. We hope to be in a position to report final results soon.
Not pledged yet?
You may do so online now by clicking on the lantern above which will take you to our webpage. There you will find information, testimonials, an email link for questions, and a link to an online pledge form.
Pledged income is what enables UUCA to prepare its operating budget for the upcoming year (2017-2018) and that work needs to begin soon. Once a budget can be proposed it will be presented for review and comment by all members. A final proposed budget will then be submitted to a congregational vote for adoption in June prior to the fiscal year beginning on July 1. All of this has to happen in the next few weeks so there is some urgency for us to provide a reliable pledge amount for the budget preparation. The Annual Giving Team will continue its work during March to reach those who have yet to contact us regarding a pledge.
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UUs Say "No" to Hate Directed at Our Jewish and Muslim Neighbors
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington condemns the recent rash of bomb threats, vandalism, and hate-filled notes aimed at DMV Jewish and Muslim children and communities in the last few days. We stand with our neighbors in love and state our commitment to the worth and dignity of all people, of all religions and ethnicities. We call on the larger community of caring citizens, elected officials, and safety officers to join hands in love and resist the words and actions based in hatred and bias. We will not stand idly by, nor will we be silent.
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Opens Friday, March 3, 7:30 p.m.
March 4,
7:30 p.m., March 5, 3 p.m.
Weekend evening and matinee performances thru March 19.
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*Learn More About Peace Camp THIS Sunday March 5
- 10:30-11:00 a.m., all are invited to an "open meeting" in the Board Room, exploring Peace Camp and the Peace Ministry, hosted by Director of Little Friends of Peace, MJ Park, and UUCA Peace Ministry team members Mollie Jewell and Hank Dahlstrom. This meeting is for volunteers, participants, and those desiring peace.
- 12:30-2:30 p.m. "A Taste of Peace Camp" in rooms 2-4 downstairs. This workshop, conducted by MJ and Jerry Park of Little Friends for Peace, is for parents and children. Come participate in group activities that provide a "taste" of the typical Peace Camp day. Adults will also participate in a discussion to explore the value of peace education in their lives and opportunities as a "Friend of Peace" at UUCA. Light lunch will be served.
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Sacred Drum Making Workshop
Sat., March 11, 12:30 to 3 p.m.
 Here's your chance to make an authentic elk drum--a sacred drum for change. Drums will be constructed using technics similar to ones used by indigenous peoples. The workshop includes step-by-step instructions, a smudging ceremony, meditation, and a ceremonial blessing later in the month at the Equinox Sunday morning service. Class is limited in size, please register early. For more information,
click here.
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The signs are in!
 If you ordered a "glad neighbor" sign, you can pick it up in Fellowship Hall on Sunday.
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Do It Green Workdays and Meeting
Spring has sprung early! The DIG team welcomes extra hands at their workday next Thursday. Contact Jennifer Frum, frumjb@gmail.com, for more information.
- DIG workdays: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thur., Mar. 9, Sat. Mar. 25
- DIG meeting: Wed. Mar. 15, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
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Living the Pledge (LTP): March Sharing through Books
Fri., March 24, 7:30 p.m.
 The LTP Book Group will discuss Jesmyn Ward's The Fire This Time. Ward used Baldwin's The Fire Next Time as her inspiration "to call on some of the great thinkers and extraordinary voices of [her] generation to...reckon with the fire of rage and despair and fierce, protective love currently sweeping the streets and campuses of America" in the time following Trayvon Martin's death. The result is The Fire This Time that tells stories of race and culture in the twenty-first century. Read more.
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The Dream Project "Voices of Solidarity" Concert--Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for March 31, 6:30 p.m. and plan to attend the "Voices of Solidarity" concert. This night is designed to be a celebration and reminder of the intrinsic beauty of our community's diversity, bringing together people from various groups--African American, immigrant, gay, and youth. The line-up of performers include: Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University, Rock Creek Singers of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC, the UUCA Youth Choir, and Marriachi Arriero. Purchase tickets by clicking here.
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Early American Black Women Writers
TUES., March 21 and
WED., March 22, 7:15 to 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. Read more here.
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UUCAers Get "Thank You" for Help with Immigrant Consular Days
Arlington County- -officially and personally--offers its thanks to over 50 UUCAers' who volunteered during the February Consular Days. Volunteers helped 937 immigrants fill out visa, passport, and other applications. Our volunteers lived out the concept of "A Church Without Walls" by translating, assisting with reading and filling out forms, offering childcare for the scores of children, and even providing pro bono legal advice. County staff leader Connie Freeman says the volunteer help was a tremendous gift.
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Thank an Immigrant Campaign
 The immigrant community is under attack, being targeted by hateful rhetoric and actions like Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) raids, travel bans and other efforts to criminalize hardworking immigrants and their families. This hatred cannot go unanswered. In response, a campaign has been started to thank immigrants in the U.S. for their contributions to the economic, social and cultural development of this country. Edgar Aranda-Yanoc, Chair of VACOLAO invites UUCA to take part, and offers some suggestions
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Declaration of Conscience
Rev. Linda has signed the UU Association and UU Service Committee Declaration of Conscience. You are invited to add your signature if you agree with this statement:
At this extraordinary time in our nation's history, we are called to affirm our profound commitment to the fundamental principles of justice, equity and compassion, to truth and core values of American society.
More
here.
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Living the Pledge
 Since October, so many people have signed "The Pledge" banner in UUCA's narthex, we had to add another banner. Signing the pledge is part of UUCA's Live the Pledge (LTP) initiative to end racism. Now you, too, may add your name to commit to the Pledge (based on the Pledge people in Birmingham, Alabama made as part of their reconciliation work). Learn more on how to Live the Pledge by participating in reflection sessions, workshops, and other learning activities sponsored by LTP. See the book discussions elsewhere in this newsletter and watch for more information on the next workshop scheduled for March 25 and April 1.
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Religious & Lifespan Education
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CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO READ
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Youth Hopi Trip
UUCA's Youth will return to Hopi for their second service trip there in April. The Youth will take food and medical supplies, and do repairs and maintenance in and around the homes of the elders of the Hopi and Navajo nations. This trip is not only a blessing to the elders but a life-affirming experience for our youth. Without your support, this trip will not be possible. The Youth need to raise $12,000 in 30 days! An online fundraiser has been established through the UUA's Faithify. Please share this link with family and friends and on social media. And, thank you for your generous donations!
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February 2017 Board Report
Committee for Peace and Justice in Israel/Palestine
Board Linkage Efforts
Sanctuary Congregation Discussion
At this month's Board meeting, we were pleased to receive a report from
Allan Kellum about the activities of the Committee for Peace and Justice in Israel/Palestine. Several people in the church have traveled to this region and --having seen the conflict in person--were inspired to continue this engagement at UUCA. The group has invited people from the Middle East to speak to our community and are exploring how they can be a pro-active force in Arlington through outreach to both the Jewish and Muslim communities in our area. They have also sponsored a film series with other local churches and continue to work to both share information and build relationships in a true manifestation of our UU Principle recognizing the worth and dignity of every human being.
Read the complete report
here.
The UUCA Board of Trustees meets on the third Tuesday at 7 p.m.
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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. 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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New Orleans Social Justice General Assembly 2017
 June 21-25
There will be a GA Information session Sunday, March 5, after each service. Come learn about the experience of attending a General Assembly. People who have attended previous sessions will share their experiences and answer your questions. This year's GA will cater to your UU passions--thousands of UU's worshipping together, a huge choir with a great director, actions of social justice, youth programs, hundreds of workshops, crafting of study issues and issues of immediate witness and much more. Come to find out more next Sunday at the information session.
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Day Alliance: 50 Years in Outer Space
Tue., March 14
 UUCA member, Dr. Shaida Johnston, who is both an aerospace engineer, and a space policy/space law expert, will share her knowledge and expound on the technical progress that has been made in the realm of space over the last 50 years. She will cover aspects of space science, human exploration, and Earth observation, including societal benefits of these activities in space, how our Earth is changing, and what international space communities are planning in terms of future missions. Join us to hear Shaida offer her expertise and perspective--both hopeful and cautionary--on this fascinating topic. Coffee and conversation begin at 10:30 a.m., the lecture at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome for the talk. The reserved seating, catered lunch is open to those who reserve by March 9. Cost of the lunch is $15. Reserve lunch by calling Renee at 703-354-4555 or by emailing blake.claudia@gmail.com. More information, here.
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Early Christianities Study and Discussion
Thur., March 16, 7:30 p.m.
 The Early Christianities Study and Discussion Group launches a new year-long study beginning Thursday, March 16, 7:30 p.m. If you're interested in understanding the origins of Christianity as it slowly evolved out of Judaism, please join us for our monthly sessions. Our group has been going for over 10 years, and in March we begin anew with the Beginnings of Judaism, a DVD lecture series by Professor Gafni of Hebrew University, Jerusalem. Please sign up in Fellowship Hall on Sunday morning or send an email to John Zeray, jzeray@verizon.net. |
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Welcome Sophia Morreale
 We are happy to announce and welcome Sophia Morreale as our new Music Accompanist. Sophia recently retired from a fulfilling full-time career in music ministry in numerous churches across the country. She has organ performance degrees from the State University of New York at Fredonia and the Eastman School of Music. Sophia is certified in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music Therapy, is a board-certified music therapist through the State University of New York at Fredonia, and is a Mandala Assessment Resource Instrument practitioner (MARI). Read complete complete here.
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Music Director Search Update
The search for UUCA's next music director is well underway, with applications arriving from talented musicians all over the country. Applications will be accepted through the deadline of March 15, when the search committee will review all the candidates and select several to interview by video. The committee is evaluating applicants based on their understanding of ministry, knowledge of diverse musical styles and genres, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership, among other qualities. The committee will then further winnow the applicant pool and invite the top few candidates to visit UUCA to enable us to see their music leadership in action. The goal is to have the new musical director in place by July 1.
Like any other staff position, final selection of the music director will be made by Rev. Aaron, taking into account the recommendations of the committee members and survey feedback from the choir. The search committee, headed by UUCA Worship and Arts Coordinator Bea Ann Phillips, also includes Kate Beysselance, Ron Cima, Melinda Cooperman, Phyllis Liner, and Betsy Rosenblatt Rosso.
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Condolences to Skylar McCleskey and Kirk Perkins on the tragic death of mother and wife, Becky McCleskey, on February 6, at the age of 56. A memorial service in honor of her life will be held at UUCA on Saturday, March 25, at 11 a.m.
Get well wishes to Hal Handerson, in rehab, recovering from a recent hospitalization.
From Bob Blinn: Thanks for the kind expressions of sympathy following the death of my father, Robert H. Blinn, Jr. UUCA is a wonderfully caring community of faith!
Rita Foisie's son thanks those who have sent her cards after she suffered a stroke at the end of January. She is slowly getting better and hopefully, will one day be able to come to a Sunday service. Anyone wanting further information about Rita can contact her son at geoff.foisie@shawbrook.com.
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- Send announcements to pubasst@uucava.org.
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