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UUCA - A place to Connect |Grow | Serve
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Sunday Worship
April 9, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
"All of Us Need All of Us"
Sermon by Dr. Rev. Linda Olson Peebles
On a Sunday marking stories of transformations in both Christianity (Palm Sunday) and Judaism (Passover), Rev. Linda reflects on that message, spoken at UU memorial services: "A human life is sacred, every day of its living." Throughout all the changes in our lives, we can have faith in this principle: all people are worthy, no matter their identity, ability, age, or accomplishments. Our community will be transformed when we can live out this very core principle--valuing all of us.
Special music will be shared by the "Free Spirits" jazz trio.
Livestreaming of the service here.
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This Sunday our offerings will go to the Metro DC Chapter of PFLAG. The national PFLAG (Parents, Families, Friends, and Allies United with LGBTQ People) was founded in 1972 with the simple act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son. Today, PFLAG is the nation's largest family and ally organization uniting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) with families, friends, and other allies. PFLAG is committed to keeping families together and advancing equality and full societal affirmation of LGBTQ people through its mission of support, education, and advocacy. Our local Metro DC Chapter of PFLAG sponsors 17 community groups across the DC area, including 11 in Northern Virginia. There are groups for adults, for youth, groups with a transgender focus, and a group for Spanish-speakers. And, even closer to home, there is the Arlington PFLAG Community Group, started by members of this church with the support and guidance of Rev. Linda. The Arlington group meets right here at UUCA on the second Tuesday of each month.  Learn more at www.pflagdc.org or stop by the Equality UUCA table in Fellowship Hall after the services.
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| HUUmanist Meet:
A Conversation with Bob Blinn
 Monday, April 10, 7:15 p.m.
UUCA congregant and hUUmanist Bob Blinn will share some thoughts about his life before and after a career as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. All are welcome. For further information, contact Jere Cummins, jeroldcummins@gmail.com.
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HAPPY HOUR
Wednesday, April 12, 6-7:30 p.m.
 All are invited for Happy Hour in the Center for fellowship and to celebrate the success of Keeping the Light. Light fare and beverages. Child care is available. Please join us!
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DO IT GREEN Celebrates Earth Month
Check out these demonstrations each Sunday in April.
- April 9 - Invasive Plants
- April 16 - Plant NoVa Natives
- April 23 - Plant NoVa Natives
- April 30 - Audubon at Home
And, get to know UUCA's native plants with guided walks through the grounds:
April 2, April 9, April 23, April 30 (10:30 a.m.) |
Upcoming DIG-Do It Green Workdays:
Thursday, April 13, 9 to 11 a.m. (Spring Break? Bring the kids!)
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Looking Ahead in Faith in Action
- Saturday, April 22, 5-7 p.m. All-Ages Potluck and Walk to Help the Homeless
- Sunday, April 23, 3-6 p.m. Art Show Reception & Bookmaking
- Saturday April 29, 2 p.m. Author Talk "Same Family, Different Colors" 2 p.m.
- Sunday, April 30. With Kol Ami members and Rabbi Gilah Langner "Jesus: 1st Century Rabbi"
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SPEAK UP Workshop
Mon., April 10, 7-9 p.m.
 Using curriculum designed by the Southern Poverty Law Center, this workshop is designed to teach members of our community how to respond to everyday bigotry. Let us come together to use this
"sacred exercise" class to learn to give birth to your anti-racist identity. Limited class size, so please register early. Registration closes April 9. For more information and to register, please email Sharon Williams, williamssharon751@gmail.com or 703-509-1325.
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Living the Pledge: April Sharing Through Books
Friday, April 28, 7:30 p.m.
 The Underground Railroad is a National Book Award winner and #1 New York Times bestseller that traces a young slave's dangerous journey as she seeks freedom in pre-Civil War America. The author Colson Whitehead describes the brutality of slavery and plantation life. The important questions for us are: What are the legacies, positives and negatives, of the violence, attitudes, and cultures as described in Whitehead's novel. Join us to discuss the book and its relevance in the 21st century. Copies are available in local libraries, but be sure to reserve a copy now.
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Black and Gold Benefits Bridges to Independence
Wednesday, April 19, 6-9 p.m.
Tickets are now on sale for the Sparkling Black and Gold Evening to benefit Bridges to Independence! This elegant happy hour takes place at the Residence Inn Arlington Pentagon City on Wednesday, April 19, from 6 to 9. The evening includes a silent and live auction, live jazz and plenty of hors d'oeuvres and bubbly. All proceeds go to support Bridges' effective and compassionate wraparound programs that lift families out of homelessness. To buy tickets and more information, click here.
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Thank you for your support of Peace Camp--Still time to donate to scholarship fund!
 Your support through Give-the-Plate, Chalice Theater, and Day Alliance will provide 40 children with a chance to attend Peace Camp for a week! There is still time to donate and help us make our goal of providing 60 scholarships. It costs between $245 and $295 to send a child to camp for one week. Look for the "Donate" button on the LFFP website (www.lffp.org); it takes you to the Network for Good page where you can designate your contribution to UUCA's Peace Camp.
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Support National Child Abuse Prevention Month
 On April 2, our Give the Plate went to Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) of Northern Virginia, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the well-being of children, improve parent-child relations and prevent child abuse and neglect through education and advocacy. All UUCAers are invited to be a "Partner for Prevention!" Buy pinwheels and plant them in a garden or in a place in your home. The pinwheel is the national symbol for child abuse prevention. During April - National Child Abuse Prevention Month - we are proud to share this symbol of hope and commitment to the children of Northern Virginia. You can sign up to be a Pinwheel Partner by purchasing a Pinwheel Garden kit! For more information, click here.
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Same Family, Different Colors: A Book Talk About Race, Color, Culture and Family
Saturday, April 29, 2 p.m.
 Author Lori L. Tharps will join community members, friends and families of AUCP and UUCA for a talk about her answer-seeking journey to the heart of identity politics, family dynamics and the so-called color problem. It is one mother's search for the answer to a vexing question: Does skin color really matter? Ms. Tharps is an award-winning journalist and author who frequently writes about race and identity. She is also the mother of three Mixed Race children with three distinct skin colors. Same Family, Different Colors is the result of Tharps' personal and professional inquiry into the unique configuration of her own nuclear family and other colorful families like hers from the African American, Latino, Asian American and Mixed Race communities. Tharps will lead a discussion, do a short reading and answer questions. Books for signing and sale will be available as well.
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 Wednesday, April 26, 7 p.m.
Screening prizewinning environmental movie
The film features Dr. Doug Tallamy and covers the science of plant and animal habitat change and habitat preservation in urban and suburban environments like Arlington. Film director Catherine Zimmerman will be with us here at UUCA to introduce the movie and lead a discussion. Sponsored by UUCA DIG Team, co-sponsored by Kol Ami, Rock Spring Congregational UCC, the Virginia Native Plant Society, and the Arlington Regional Master Naturalists.
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Save the Date: May 7, 12:30 p.m.
PAG -- A Partnership of Heart
Celebrating the solidarity and support for the people of Guatemala and our immigrant neighbors in Arlington
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UUCAers joined other VOICE leaders at a press conference March 24, showing solidarity with our partners and friends at Dar Al Hijrah Muslim community.
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Congratulations to UUCAers Hannah Pitts and Dan Connolly, on the marriage March 25 in UUCA's sanctuary. Rev. McEmrys conducted this joyful ceremony.
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Religious & Lifespan Education
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Wellspring Wednesdays--Registration OPEN. Classes: April 26 thru May 31
Wellspring Wednesdays return! Pencil in "WW" each Wednesday because you don't want to miss out on any of the interesting programming in store!
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Calling all Stitchers
Wanna be part of a cool community project that supports our RE kids? If you can sew, you can help. For the month of April we need volunteers to stitch together the 7 Principle Banners our RE kids have been making all year. You don't need to be a sewing whiz for this project-just be able to sew a seam. Don't have a sewing machine? No problem! Just drop by the church and you can use ours. For more information contact LeeAnn or Lisa.
ALL WELCOME Service
The next All Welcome Service will be Sunday, April 16, 2017. There will be no RE classes that day, but we will have activity bags for your children to help keep them entertained during service, as they will remain with you during service.
We will also celebrate with the (Easter Egg) Hunt for Justice. Kids will have the opportunity to practice the 5th UU Principle and vote for the social justice project of their choice. Please feel free to discuss this with your child as Easter approaches.
RE Art Show
On Sunday May 7, our RE kids will celebrate what they learned this year with an Art Show. Make sure you visit the Center to see their accomplishments.
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Easter Sunday Bake Sale - April 16
 No need to bake for Easter Sunday!
UUCA's Youth Group will hold a "Pie, Cake and Dessert Sale" to help fund their spring trip to Hopi.
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 Youth Sacred Drum-Making Workshop
Friday, May 12, 7 p.m.
All Ages Sacred Drum-Making Workshop
Saturday May 13, 12:30-3:00 p.m.
For both these workshops, look for more information and registration in next week's Connections.
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Free Smart Muscles Class
Friday, April 14, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Smart Muscles is a fun exercise class, dedicated to movement that will help us have greater flexibility in our daily activities, increasing range of motion and eliminating chronic pain. The spring session begins on April 21, with nine classes for $108. Eileen Kozak, 703-536-3792.
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Holistic Moms Meet
Thursday, April 20, 7-9 p.m.
Join the Arlington/Alexandria chapter of the Holistic Moms Network on April 20 for a conversation about the "Benefits of Therapeutic Massage for Family Health." Elizabeth Shrader, MPH, LMT, founder of The Well in DC, will discuss how massage can be used to support your family's health. Elizabeth specializes in prenatal, labor, and postpartum massage for women, and infant massage instruction for babies and their caregivers. Meetings are free and open to the public and children are welcome. Visit the chapter website for more information at here.
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The Next Steps. . .
From Rev. Aaron McEmrys
Dear Friends,
Greetings from Hopi! I thought I would take advantage of this temporary cell-service to let you know about what our next steps look like following Rev. Linda's departure. I know many of you are curious, and while I don't want to get into the weeds of detail, here is the basic blueprint:
click here
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March 2017 Board Report
At its March meeting, the Board heard an encouraging report on the recently completed "Keeping the Light" Annual Campaign, the basis for formulating 85 percent of next year's budget for UUCA operations, programs and activities. It's not too late to pledge, if you've not yet done so. Yellow pledge cards are also available, so ask if you don't find one in your pew rack on Sunday. Read complete report here.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Open Budget Meetings
This is your chance to review and comment on the 2017-18 church budget.
- Wednesday, April 19, 7-9 p.m. in the Center
- Sunday, April 23, 1-3 p.m. in the Chapel
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On and Off-Site UUCA Delegates
Not able to make the trip to New Orleans for this year's General Assembly? But, still have a desire to participate? UUCA is allowed to certify 17 delegates this year and we may not fill all our slots with on-site delegates. So, this opens up slots for off-site delegates. These delegates still need to be certified and follow the proceedings by online connection. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage in the debates and vote for the various resolutions and the president of the UUA without the expense of time and money for travel. Details are at: http://www.uua.org/ga/off-site/registrants/delegates. Also, stop by the NomCom table on Sunday or email Gerda Keiswetter, gkeiswetter@aol.com.
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Call-out for PRODUCERS
 Chalice Theatre, UUCA's inter-generational theatre group, is looking for a producer or co-producers for its 2018 production. Chalice Theatre has a 20 + year history as part of UUCA's arts ministry, promoting community building, social outreach and spiritual growth. Its goal is to provide opportunities for dramatic expression, theatre arts education, and community outreach for all ages. The producer is the "heart and soul" of the production, a key decision-maker and point of contact for questions and information about the production. Prior theater experience is helpful though not a "must," and the producer is supported by the Chalice steering committee and experienced volunteers. Chalice Theatre brings UU values to all that we do, from the cornfields of Oklahoma! to the swampy bog of Shrek, The Musical. Come join our creative, fun-loving, and enthusiastic group! For information, please contact: Rob Albro, robert.d.albro@gmail.com and/or Amy Shepherd, AmyKateShep22@gmail.com.
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Center Gallery and National Poetry Month--Thou Art: Identity in Words and Color
From April 6 - June 1, UUCA's Center Gallery recognizes National Poetry Month and celebrates the beauty of diversity with Thou Art: Identity in Words and Color. The exhibition features original art created for the book of poetry, Thou Art. Poets from many ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds wrote poems as part of the Thou Art project. More on the exhibit here. On Sunday, April 23, 3-6 p.m., there will be an Artist Reception and Poetry Reading. Poets who contributed to Thou Art and poets from UUCA's Where I'm From project will read their poems. After the reading, there will be a Bookmaking Workshop for those who would like to make their own copy of the poetry book Thou Art. There is no registration for the reception or reading, but registration is needed for the workshop. Cost is $30 and includes all supplies. Register for the workshop here.
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SAVE THE DATE
Join us for the UUCA Shenandoah Retreat!
Saturday, June 17, 2017
This weekend at Big Meadows Campground in Shenandoah National Park is a longstanding tradition at UUCA--it used to be called the "family and friends" weekend, but it's not just for parents with kids! We'd love to see this event become a truly multigenerational UUCA event. If you're part of the greater UUCA family, you are encouraged to come to this world-class wilderness area practically in our backyard!
Read more here. Questions? Contact D. Ohland, profohlandt@gmail.com.
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Join us to find gorgeous, one of a kind arts and crafts from local artisans and hunt through our revitalized Treasure's Room (as you may remember from past auctions) to find pre-loved art items (jewelry, pottery, sculpture, wall art). Great chance to buy unique gifts for Mother's Day! We will also be offering food, drinks, back massages and art demonstrations both days!
Accepting applications for artisans and makers, art demonstrations, and seeking volunteers to make this event a success. Please email Kate Gallup, gallupk@gmail.com.
Also: donated vintage and great condition second-hand art items (including functional art such as pottery) will be collected Sunday, April 23, and Friday, April 28. Please let Kate know which items you are donating. Pictures appreciated.
Please see attached information and application.
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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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