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UUCA - A place to Connect |Grow | Serve
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Sunday Worship
April 30, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
Please join us this Sunday when we have special guest minister, The Rev. Dr. Y'lon Dozier, in the pulpit.
On this last day of April, we conclude our "Transformation" theme. Our children have been able to experience the wonder and mystery of transformation each Sunday through our seedling project. The kids in all of us don't want to miss this Sunday when we prepare our seedlings for the garden with a "Seedling Blessing."
Livestreaming of the service here.
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Great News! UUCA has been blessed with a "very" special gift!
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Rev. Aaron and Namkha Tenzin, President of CATA |
The Capital Area Tibetan Association (CATA) has just let us know that we have been awarded a significant gift from The Dalai Lama Trust, a project of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama designed to recognize and support organizations working to promote the critical values we share in the world.
As the award letter states, "UUCA's work aligns with His Holiness the Dalai Lama's global message of non-violence, universal responsibility and call for greater compassion and understanding among all people."
No one was more surprised than me to receive this generous gift. We did not apply for it and didn't even know it existed. Unbeknownst to us, our sisters and brothers at CATA nominated UUCA for this award and are delighted that His Holiness' Trust affirms our nomination!
We will use this gift in the spirit with which it is offered: to fund special initiatives that promote peacemaking, interfaith dialogue and intercultural/antiracist efforts to help us truly become the church without walls we are called to be.
While this gift is generous in financial terms, its moral value is simply priceless. It is a sign of both the respect our shared ministry is earning in the wider world and a reminder of the heavy responsibility that comes with such recognition and trust. We offer special thanks to our friends at the CATA, and we promise to prove worthy of their faith in us!
His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers us his blessing. What we do with this once-in-a-lifetime blessing is up to us!
In Faith,
Rev. Aaron |
 Sunday's Give the Plate will go to three of our community partners--ALIVE!, A-SPAN, AFAC. UUCA has for decades offered its support of money and volunteers to give a helping hand of food, shelter, and support to our neighbors who have needs. We chose to partner with the best-managed agencies in our community, who are equipped to serve our neighbors well. ALIVE! is Alexandrians Involved Ecumenically, and for many years has offered a wide range of services to all ages in the City of Alexandria. A-SPAN (Arlington Street Peoples Assistance Network) offers aid and counsel to people without homes in Arlington. AFAC (Arlington Food Assistance Center) provides groceries to residents in need. 
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You are invited to join us in honoring Rev. Linda!
Please let us know if you will attend, though
RSVP is not required, just appreciated.
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April Board Report
The issue of white supremacy and how it has played a role in the history of the UU Church . . . 2017-18 budget and resulting changes. . . and future staff changes. . . These are just some of the items discussed at this month's Board meeting. Read the complete report here. |
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See you at the "Hunt" this weekend! There will be "Treasures" galore! It's a great place to find that unique Mother's Day gift--or maybe a little something for yourself!
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Voices for Solidarity Concert
Friday, April 28, 6:30 p.m.
Tickets available at the door TONIGHT and here. Can't attend? Follow the event with the hashtag #VoicesforSolidarity on social media.
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April 29, 30
UU gatherings before and after the March are scheduled in DC. The March is on Saturday afternoon and follow-up activities are at All Souls UU on Sunday. A detailed schedule of UU events is HERE. There are several ways you can still support the effort. See the link to the schedule of events above.
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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 be here at UUCA for a talk about her answer-seeking journey to the heart of identity politics, family dynamics and the so-called color problem. 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.
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Arlington Chorale Spring Concert
Sunday, April 30, 4 p.m.
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Religious & Lifespan Education
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CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO READ
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Wellspring Wednesdays--Register TODAY--Classes thru May 31
Wellspring Wednesdays begin next week! There are so many classes to choose from--Start the evening with a light meal, then gather for a 15-minute worship service, followed by classes. Free childcare provided.
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Come to LFFP Talent Show supporting Peace Camp
Sunday, May 7, 4 p.m. (OFF SITE)
 Want to have fun and help Peace Camp at the same time? Plan to attend the 4th Annual LFFP Talent Show on Sunday, May 4, 4 p.m. Come to Joe's Movement Emporium (3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, Md.) and support UUCA's Peace Camp. Tickets available here. Or show your talent in support of Peace Camp, sign up to perform at here. Have questions? Email Kristen@lffp.org.
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Day Alliance: Never a Slow Day
With Frank Aukofer
Tuesday, May 9
 Frank Aukofer will be the guest speaker at the DA's May luncheon on May 9. Aukofer was a newspaper reporter in the historic second half of the 20th century, a golden age for American newspapers. Before the Internet, cable television and the 24-hour news cycle, it was the news correspondents who were the source of information for everyone, including the other media.
Aukofer covered many of the historic events of the latter 20th century, including the civil rights movement in the 1960s, the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., the Persian Gulf War, and the impeachment proceedings against Presidents Richard M. Nixon and William J. Clinton, as well as other significant episodes of the time. Read more.
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The Best Annual Pledge Drive Ever -- A Webinar Series
 There are many roles to be filled and skills needed for a successful and spirit-centered annual pledge effort. What can we do better? What do we need to change? What do others do? What can you bring to the table? If you were wondering how this works, this is the time!
UUCA is participating in a series of three 90-minute webinars designed to help Unitarian Universalist congregations in the UU Association Central East Region apply stewardship best practices to improve the effectiveness of their annual pledge drives.
The second and third sessions will be held on
May 1, and May 8
. Sessions will convene at 6:30 with discussion prior to each 7 p.m. broadcast. Come for one session or both. Contact
Bruce Rieder
,
brieder@comcast.net
, if you'd like to attend.
READ MORE.
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Fall Retreat: A Mountain Get-a-Away Sept. 22-24
 For over 50 years, UUCA members and friends have gathered each fall at Capon Springs in the mountains of West Virginia for fellowship, fun, and renewal. The UUCA Fall Retreat (Sept. 22-24) is a great chance to get to know your fellow UUCA-ers in a relaxed setting. Enjoy discussions and workshops, communal meals, fun and games from Scrabble to shuffleboard, hiking and birdwatching (and even polar-bear bathing in Capon Springs' famously icy pool). Whether you are thinking of coming for the first time or are a repeat retreater, we would love to have you join us! Please stop by the Fall Retreat table Sundays, May 14, 21 or 28, where members of the retreat committee will be delighted to tell you more.
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Jesus: First Century Rabbi
With Rabbi Gilah Langner with Reverend Linda Olson Peebles
Sunday, April 30, 2017, 5-6:30 p.m.
 Using the recent book by Rabbi David Zaslow, Jesus: First Century Rabbi, we'll explore the identity and stance of Jesus as a Jewish rabbi. How Jewish was Jesus? How similar or radical were his legal and spiritual teachings compared to other leaders of his time? Rabbi Langner and Rev. Peebles will explore the impact of looking at Jesus this way might have on Jewish-Christian relations. The class is open to the public; Kol Ami welcomes the participation of members of our host church, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington.
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First Meeting of Soulful Business Network
Friday, May 5, 7:30-9 a.m. Boardroom
 Are you a business person who would like to meet other UU's who are business people too? This new group is an informal business exchange network for business people in the greater Arlington area who are Unitarian Universalists or who feel a connection to Spirit in their lives. The goal of the group is two-fold--to have fellowship with each other and to network in support of our businesses. Join us for our first networking breakfast on Friday, May 5. Registration is $10 and a light breakfast is provided. RSVP here. Questions? Please contact Beth Offenbacker, bethoffenbacker@gmail.com, 703 623 4811. Flyer here.
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UUCA Welcomes New Music Director Mimi Bornstein
 UUCA is thrilled to announce the selection of Mimi Bornstein as the new Director of Music Ministry. Mimi comes to us from Maine, where she founded and served as Artistic Director of the Midcoast Community Chorus, engaging voices of all ages and experience levels with her energy, warmth, and passion for making music. Prior to creating the Midcoast Community Chorus, Mimi served as Director of Music for the First Universalist Church of Rockland, Maine, where she cultivated a singing congregation and led community events with singers of all faith backgrounds.
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Polymnia Receives Warm Welcome
UUCA's advanced handbell choir, Polymnia, traveled to Easton, Maryland, last weekend to provide the music for the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Easton (UUFE) Sunday service. UUCA members may remember UUFE's minister, Sue Browning, who was a member of UUCA for many years. Joining Polymnia were UUCA choir members Bob Kline and Elaine Mills, who accompanied the handbell choir on several pieces of music. This was Polymnia's second visit to UUFE, as the group traveled there two years ago to play for a Sunday service, and the group was warmly welcomed back last weekend. Following the service, ringers mingled with members of the congregation, sharing information about the handbells and answering questions. You can see Polymnia perform next in the Clerestory Choir Spring Concert on June 11.
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Living the Pledge: April Sharing Through Books - TONIGHT
Friday, April 28, 7:30 p.m.
As part of UUCA's Living the Pledge to End Racism, The Underground Railroad, a National Book Award winner and #1 New York Times bestseller, will be discussed tonight in Room 13/15.
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Another Treasure this Sunday: Equal Exchange Chocolates , Coffees and Teas
Before going to the Treasures sale on Sunday, look for the Equal Exchange sale! Supporters of the UU Service Committee (UUSC) will sell Equal Exchange products in Fellowship Hall between services. The sales of EE chocolate bars, cocoa mixes, coffees, teas and olive oil benefit the UU service Committee. Don't miss this chance to support UUSC! For more information on UUSC, go to uusc.org
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Saturday, April 29, 7:30 p.m.
The documentary
GerryRIGGED: Turning Democracy on Its Head will be screened here at UUCA on Saturday, April 29, 7:30 p.m. OneVirginia2021, an organization committed to education and advocacy, with a multi-partisan approach that includes Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, created the film. A discussion and action planning will be held following the screening. For more information,
click here.
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We Celebrate 10 Years of Your Support!
A Celebration Reception May 7, 12:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall |
Partners for Arlington & Guatemala (PAG) Says Thank You!
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PAG: A Partnership of Heart--Celebrating UUCA's solidarity and support for the people of Guatemala and our immigrant neighbors in Arlington. Thanks to your support:
- Mayan pursuit of justice in Guatemalan courts has advanced with 17 accompaniers over 10 years
- Currently, sixty students who lost parents or grandparents in the genocide are advancing in school and out of poverty, as have hundreds over 10 years
- We have touched the lives of our Buckingham neighbors, helping with computer classes, temporary employment, legal papers and fiestas!
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The Committee for Peace and Justice in Israel/Palestine Meeting
 Wed., May 3, 7:30 p.m. Volunteer Room
The Committee for Peace and Justice in Israel/Palestine (CPJIP) will meet to discuss current events of interest, approaches to peace and future activities including the November 18 musical event "Peace, Shalom, Salaam" with Kol Ami and the Moroccan Islamic group. The Committee regularly meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Questions? Call Allan Kellum, Convener, 703-538-2683.
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Fiesta Celebration w/ Buckingham Neighbors
 Saturday, May 6, 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall
You're invited to this family-friendly potluck with our Buckingham neighbors where we gather together for an evening of delicious food, music, entertainment, and fun! Admission is only a smile and a covered dish or dessert!
Flyer here.
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CPJIP Discussion on Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions
Sunday, May 7, 2:30 p.m., UUCA Center
 The Committee for Peace and Justice in Israel/Paletine (CPJIP) is sponsoring a talk and discussion about Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS). BDS co-founder Omar Barghouti will be the featured speaker. Barghouti is a human rights defender. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University, NY, and a master's degree in Philosophy (ethics) from Tel Aviv University. He is the author of BDS: The Global Struggle for Palestinian Rights. His commentaries and interviews have appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Financial Times, Newsweek, the Guardian, Politico, and on BBC, Bloomberg TV, MSNBC, CNN, among others. Last Sunday, Barghouti along with Ralph Nader were recipients of Gandhi Peace Awards in New Haven, Connecticut.
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VOICE Metro Action
Sunday, May 7, 4-6 p.m., in District
 Do you use public transportation? Are you following the many challenges facing the area's metro and bus system? Do you want to make sure solutions to today's metro problems are fair and just? VOICE is teaming up with our sister organizations in the DC Area to make sure WMATA gets fixed in a way that benefits riders and workers. Join VOICE Action - Sun, May 7, 4-6 p.m., Mt. Carmel Baptist, 901 Third St NW, Washington, DC. Carpools leave from UUCA at 2:45 p.m. For more info, contact: Sarah Tascone: sarahtascone@gmail.com. Informational flyer here.
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A-SPAN and ALIVE! Food & Toiletries Drive
UUCA is collecting food and shelter items for A-SPAN and ALIVE! Donation bins are in the upper and lower lobbies. Thru May 7, please bring any of the following to UUCA:
- FOOD: Low-sugar cereals, peanut butter, canned meat (tuna, chicken, beef stew, etc.) pasta, mac & cheese, canned soup, canned vegetables, etc.
- NECESSARIES: Deodorant, soap, shampoo &conditioner, disposable razors, shaving cream, combs &brushes, mouth wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste. Small sizes only.
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DO IT GREEN Workdays & Meeting
 Enjoy digging in the dirt or simply working outside? UUCA's DIG Team invites you to the upcoming grounds-keeping workdays in May. Bring work gloves and gardening tools. Extra tools will be available.
- Saturday, April 29, 9-11 a.m.
- Thursday, May 11, 9-11 a.m.
- Saturday, May 27 - 9-11 a.m.
Would you like to share your ideas or interest in maintaining our grounds? Please come to the next DIG planning meeting on Wednesday, May 17, 3-4:30 p.m., in the Volunteer Room. For more information on DIG, contact Jennifer Frum,
frumjb@gmail.com.
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Board April Report
At the April Board meeting, we took time to get an update on the issue of white supremacy and how it has played a role in the history of the UU Church. Following several resignations at the UUA, concerns have been raised at the National level that our hiring practices are not sufficiently diversified and that we need to take conscious steps--both nationally and as an individual congregation--to more pro-actively foster an environment that is supportive and welcoming of minority candidates so our leadership and staff are reflective of our equality values. (The latest update from the UUA Interim Co-Presidents is here.)
We then had a briefing from Tamara Srader, our chief administrative officer, about the budget for next year. Among the highlights--we will be shifting from "Give the Plate" in which we donate 100% of our Sunday Service contributions to outside organizations to "Share the Plate." The new Share the Plate model allows the offering to be divided between the partner organization and UUCA, so that our costs to partner with the outside organizations are covered by Share the Plate as part of the church's general budget. We will also be shifting to a more deliberate partnership model so that Share the Plate supports organizations that align closely with our mission and allow for other opportunities for us to partner collaboratively, in addition to providing monetary support.
With regard to future staff changes, Rev. Aaron shared that we are very close to hiring a new music director and accompanist. We are also bringing in a part-time ministerial intern. Looking ahead, other hires are being considered to assist in temporarily filling the vital role currently provided by Rev. Linda after her departure at the end of June. Other emerging opportunities include expanding our anti-racism work and encouraging participation in WellSpring Wednesdays which offer adult education classes and started up again on April 26. You can review Rev. Aaron's full report on Emerging Opportunities in the Board minutes summary.
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The work of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington is made possible by the generosity of our members and individual donors.
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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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