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Sunday Worship
June 11, 10:15 a.m.

"Trusting the Dawning Future"
Sermon by Rev. Dr. Linda Olson Peebles

Taking words of inspiration from sources as diverse as the Book of Job, medieval woman mystic Julian of Norwich, and our own Senator Tim Kaine, Rev. Linda encourages us to keep our vision on the horizon. 

Music: Jim and Ashley Cash of Woven Green perform "All Will Be Well" by singer-songwriter and UU minister Meg Barnhouse. 

Livestreaming of the service here. 

Upcoming Services

Fire communion photo Sunday, June 18, 10:15 a.m. Fire Communion Summer Solstice Service with Rev. Aaron McEmrys. This Sunday we celebrate the Summer Solstice ritual of "Fire Communion," where we are invited to literally and symbolically "burn away" the things in our lives that no longer serve us--letting go of the things that are holding us back in our lives--and make room for something new.  Parents note:  This is an 
All Welcome service--kids and youth will remain in the sanctuary with their families for the entire service. The nursery will be open for the very young. 

Summer Solstice image Wednesday, June 21, 7:30 p.m. Transmissions Solstice Service.  A special Summer Solstice meditation service. The service includes a Labyrinth walk and soundscapes by Woven Green and you are welcome to bring a drum.  Click here for informational flyer.

RevLinda_photo

Sunday, June 25, 10:15 a.m. "How Do You Leave a Party?" sermon by Rev. Dr. Linda Olson Peebles. As she leads worship for the last time at UUCA, Rev. Linda shares the pulpit with guest speakers. Special music from Maya Rogers.



water communion, child, congregation, service
Sunday, September 10, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.  "Gathering of the Waters" --  When traveling this summer remember to collect a small sample of water to bring back for our "Gathering of the Waters" service in September. It's a special time when our church family gathers together to celebrate community and the beginning of the new church year.  
Give the Plate
UUSJ logo In these uncertain times, UUs are called as never before to stand up for our liberal religious beliefs. Many UUs are energized to take action.

Write Here_ Write Now photo This week's Give the Plate supports Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice (UUSJ), a regional community of UUs working to amplify UU voices through advocacy and witness to protect immigrants and work for immigration reform, reverse escalating income inequality, and protect the environment and slow climate change. To raise our UU voices on these vital issues UUSJ educates, equips and mobilizes UUs to take action, and UUSJ's new Advocacy Corps makes monthly visits to Capitol Hill. UUSJ is the only UU organization with a presence on Capitol Hill.

You can make a difference -join the Advocacy Corps (we'll train you) or an issue task group, write letters, make phone calls, or conduct research. Any donation will help keep the momentum going. Become a UUSJ member with your donation of $40 or more.GTP button 
Rev. Aaron updates on transition plan
Dear UUCAers, 

With Rev. Linda's departure at the end of June I want to update you on the transition plan for our community.

It's expected to take at least a year to find her replacement. In that transition time, we are focused on three priorities-1) pastoral care, 2) a revamped coordination of service, social justice, and environmental justice, 3) a congregation-wide discernment process, including a search committee for a new Assistant or Associate Minister.

As with all we do in the church, these priorities and how they are carried out are carefully weighed according to our mission and our values that were formulated by the congregation.  

This Week's Highlights
Fellowship X Friday Night Service
Saying Goodby: How Do You Leave a Party? With Rev. Linda
Friday, June 9, 7:30 p.m.
Please join Fellopwship X to bid a fond farewell to Rev. Linda. As always, Fellowship X will head out to a local restaurant for dinner and conversation after.
Wedding Reception--All Welcome
Sunday, June 11
Sarah _ Paul wedding photo
UUCA staff members Sarah Masters and Paul Kearney were married on May 20, 2017.  They invite all to celebrate with them on Sunday, June 11, during coffee hour for a cake and punch reception.
It's this weekend! See you at Capital Pride Parade & Festival 
Saturday & Sunday, June 10-11 
Pride parade photo
Equality UUCA and UUSJ invite you to take part in this year's Capital Pride. All UU parade fans--especially anyone wanting to show your support for the LGBTQ Community--are wanted for walking in the Pride Parade on Saturday afternoon. We'll meet up at 3 p.m. for a 4:30 p.m. kick-off of the 1.5 mile parade. On Sunday, outgoing folks are needed to help run the UU booth a the Pride Festival. For more information, click here . Sign up for the Pride Festival Booth here
Clerestory and Handbell Choirs Spring Concert
Sunday, June 11, 4 p.m.
Spring Concert flyer
Day Alliance: Saudi Arabia and its Neighbors in the Trump Era
Tuesday, June 13
Keiswetter photo Allen Keiswetter, a retired Senior Foreign Service Officer with decades of experience in the Middle East, will discuss current issues in the Arabian peninsula and its neighborhood, including how U.S. policy has changed or may change and possible consequences for the Middle East and the United States. Coffee and conversation begin at 10:30 a.m., the lecture at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend the presentation without making a reservation. The reserved seating, catered lunch is open to those who reserve by June 8. Cost of the lunch is $15. To reserve your place at lunch, please email blake.claudia@gmail.com or phone Renée at 703-354-4555. Menu: BBQ chicken, parslied potatoes, green salad, and dessert.
Black Women Writers Study Group
Wednesday, June 14, 7 to 9 p.m.
So far the group has explored some of the writings of Lucy Terry Smith, Phyllis Wheatley, Jessie Fause, Sara Mapps Douglas and others. New members are welcome to join the group on June 14 when Diane Dorius will explore the writings of poet and short story writer Effie Waller Smith. Reading selections will be provided at the meeting. All are welcomed. For more information, contact Diane at doriusde@gmail.com.
Faith in Action
Allyship Training Workshop
Sponsored by UUCA's LTP and Service Never Sleeps
Saturday, June 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Allyship Workshop image
As part of our Live the Pledge commitment to work to end racism--UUCA presents our inaugural "Allyship" Workshop in partnership with Service Never Sleeps. This workshop will teach about the causes of social injustice, how to be an effective ally for marginalized communities, and how to actively influence and educate others. It's a natural follow-up to the Live the Pledge workshops but is also appropriate for first-timers.  Questions? Contact Alex Ziehm, alexandraziehm92@gmail.com.  To register, click here. 
UUCA's Neighborhood Signs Gets World-Wide Attention

Thanks to UUCA's chief executive officer, Tamara Srader, colorful yard signs with a most welcoming and neighborly message have been popping up all over Arlington and surrounding communities. This spring, Tamara spear-headed the distribution of the "We're glad you're our neighbor" signs within our church community. Soon she was getting requests from individuals and other faith communities throughout the area--more signs were ordered--the signs quickly became part of the spring plantings in area yards.  And, now the signs have gotten international attention. Last week Tamara was interviewed by a Voice of America reporter and the story was distributed through the Arab Alhurra news network. Check out the video above. If anyone can translate, please let us know here.  If you're interested in a sign for your yard or window, please contact Tamara here
UUCA Peace Camp Needs Kitchen Help
June 26 thru July 7
Kitchen volunteer photo
Kitchen staff help fuel our hungry Peace Camp kids while they learn about cooperation and peaceful problem-solving. Can you help this year? As always, kitchen staff includes adults and youth (community service hours offered). Jobs include food prep, cooking, serving, and cleanup. Volunteers help prepare lunch starting at 8:15 or 10:00 with cleanup ending around 2:30. Dates and times are flexible. Please contact Mollie Jewell, (gjewell@cox.net) or 703-941-5643 or see Mollie at the coffee table this Sunday. You can sign-up directly here.  

Honoring Rev. Robinson and Beacon House
Saturday, June 17, 4-7 p.m.
Edgewood Arts Center, 3415 8th Street NE, Washington, DC
Please join the UU community and others in honoring the work of Rev. Robinson.
Rev. Don Robinson, the UUA's first community minister, will be retiring in June from Beacon House after 25 years of service.  Beacon House, established by Rev. Robinson in 1991, provides after-school tutoring, mentoring, and sports programs for youth in the Edgewood neighborhood of D.C.  To purchase tickets and to provide a donation to a special gift, click here
Wear Orange Weekend Raises Awareness
UUCAers at rallies in Arlington and Alexandria on June 2 and at our own worship service on June 4 showed support for the work of Moms Demand Action  and other groups working to change gun laws in the US and Virginia. Last year, 93 people per day died from guns in this nation. As we approach the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy in Orlando, we can do more than mourn; we can act. To become involved with UUCA's gun violence prevention efforts, contact Alison Sheahan, ab.sheahan@verizon.net and go to www.wearorange.org/about/. See at end of this newsletter. 
Religious & Lifespan Education
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Summer RE is Active and Energetic Fun!
Cute cartoon sun. Hand drawn watercolor illustration Cute smiling sun. Water-color painted illustration. Isolated on white background Just because it's summer doesn't mean we don't have RE!  This summer's line up is active, energetic, and fun!  Activities include:
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Field Day
  • Park Play
  • Yoga
Volunteer leaders are needed to join the summer fun--no long term commitment--just one Sunday will do. Contact Lisa Harper Chang or LeeAnn Williams
UUCA Shenandoah Retreat!
June 16-18
Spring retreat gathering
Everyone is invited to join UUCA at Big Meadows campground, Shenandoah National Park, for our annual retreat June 16-18, 2017. Camp, stay in the lodge, or come up for just the day on Saturday June 17!  All ages and groups welcome!  Please register online so we can communicate with UUCAers who are joining the retreat: https://sites.google.com/site/uucabigmeadows/register  We ask for a cash donation of $10 per adult, payable at the campground, to help offset the cost of supplies for the Saturday potluck picnic and the Friday happy hour.  Questions? Please contact D. Ohlandt, profohlandt@gmail.com
PS: If you want to camp, all the reserved sites are booked, but all hope is not lost!  Contact D at the email to find out about your options.

Teach RE Next Year!
We are currently recruiting teachers for next year's exciting and innovative RE program. 

What's on tap for the upcoming year?
Pre-K--1st Grade--Spirit Play
2nd--4th Grade--Science Based UU Identify
5th Grade--OWL and Bible Studies
6th Grade--Maker Space
7th Grade--Neighboring Faiths
8th Grade--Our Whole Lives
9th-12th Grade--Youth Group

Want to learn more about next year's line up? Join RE leaders in Fellowship Hall this Sunday for the RE Fair. 

Ready to sign up for this adventure? 
Only a few spots left! Register for Peace Camp TODAY!
You can still register your child for UUCA's 20th Anniversary Peace Camp at www.lffp.org. Registrations are available for both weeks (June 26 and July 3) for children entering kindergarten through 8th grade as a camper (for elementary schoolers) or counselor in training (middle schoolers). Peace Camp is offered at UUCA in two sessions: June 26-30 and July 3-7, 2017. Look also for the Peace Camp Table in Fellowship Hall after each service this Sunday. For more information, please contact molliejewell2@gmail.com, 703-941-5643.
Arts Ministry
Solstice Soul Shine Fest - poster
Church Governance
Who Will Lead the UUA?
UUA president candidates photo
There are three candidates for the presidency of the Unitarian Universalist Association, and UUCA's delegates will have the responsibility of voting for them this month. These are turbulent times in the world, as well as in the Association; the elected president will play a crucial role in shaping our future and being our public voice. All three candidates are talented, committed women, and each has unique strengths. We urge you to watch this forum with Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, Rev. Allison Miller, and Rev. Jeanne Pupke: HERE  (The candidates begin speaking shortly after 27:30 in this video.) This election will take the form of "ranked" voting (also known as "instant run-off").  UUCA's 17 delegates will be voting by June 24, and we'd love to hear from you! Once you have watched the video, please share your thoughts with any one of us --
Revenue, Stewardship, Brains
Tuesday, June 13, 7:30-9 p.m.
You won't want to miss this event: Tuesday, June 13, 7:30-9:00 p.m. If you have ANY interest in how we can build community and enhance UUCA's revenue even beyond our annual giving, please join the Stewardship team for an evening of brainstorming and early planning for the 2017-18 church year. You bring ideas and energy, and we'll supply snacks and beverages.  Last year's high-energy revenue-enhancement meeting led to five new revenue sources, which raised nearly $60,000. Can we top it this year? For further information, contact Stewardship Coordinator Diane Ullius at du4uuca@comcast.net
Congregational Life
Men's Book Group -- Summer Read: "Skinwalkers" by Tony Hillerman
Sunday, June 11, 7:30 p.m.
Skinwalkers cover Attention men! Looking for some good summer reading? You're welcome to join UUCA's Men's Book Group. Each month they meet on the second Sunday at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel to discuss a wide-range of current and classic fiction and nonfiction. This summer starts off with reading and discussing Tony Hillerman's Skinwalkers. It's considered Hillerman's "breakout novel" and is the first one involving the two detectives, Leaphorn and Chee together. It is set in the Navajo nation in New Mexico. If there are any questions about the group and its meetings, please email Ken Marshall at kenmar42@gmail.com or call him at 703-533-8004.

MoonFire Summer Solstice Ritual
Sunday, June 18, 1:30 p.m.
MoonFire logo Please join MoonFire for a ritual celebrating Alban Hefin, the Summer Solstice ceremony celebrated by Druids. Alban Heflin is translated as "The Light of Summer" or "The Light of the Shore." Join us as we celebrate the time of maximum light, the warm season, and the power and strength of the Sun. This will be an OBOD (Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids) ritual, which may be a bit different for some folks. Afterwards, we will celebrate with our customary pot luck and time for fellowship, so please bring a dish or drink to share, along with your own plates/utensils, if possible, so that we may minimize trash. For further information on MoonFire, please visit www.moonfireuuca.org or email moonfirecoords@gmail.com.
In search of UUCA members with rooms to spare!
UUCA has been getting more requests for rooms from out of town UUs coming to our area for meetings and that occasional protest! We would like to maintain a list of people to whom we can reach out when we need housing. Hosts need to provide clean sheets, towels and bedding and a casual breakfast for guests. Proceeds go to UUCA so not only are you providing fellow UUs a safe place while they are in the area, you are helping to support the church. This is also a fantastic way to meet new people and make new UU friends. If you would like to be included on the list or have more questions, please email Joan Porte at uucava.lodging@gmail.com.
Volunteer Audio & Video Techs Needed
Hands_graphic Due to moves and summer travel, our Sunday morning Audio & Video Team could use a few more team members. It's a fun and easy way to help UUCA be heard and seen around the world. No experience required; will train. For more information and to schedule a training, contact Facilities Manager Paul Kearney, facmgr@uucava.org.  
Wheel of Life
Tsai wedding photo Congratulations to James Tsai and Cicie Sattarnilasskorn on their marriage at UUCA on May 27.
UUCAers Raise Awareness of Gun Violence Prevention
UUCAer's show their colors on Sunday morning

Alison Sheahan and Rev. Linda at Alexandria rally

Diane Ullius, Rhonda Buckner, and Elizabeth Fogarty at Alexandria rally



Above: Alison Sheahan and Rev. Linda (by  the Metro sign) join County Board member Christian Dorsey and other Arlington residents on Wear Orange Day.
Right: Alison and Christian Dorsey with Arlington County proclamation on gun violence prevention.  
Orange is the new black for UUCA's Youth Group


Connection Summer Deadline

 

scheduleConnections is going on a summer schedule this year. This newsletter will be published once for the month of July and the first edition in August will cover August 1-23.   Connections will resume its weekly publication schedule on August 24. Throughout the summer, you can still stay connected to your UUCA family by following us on Facebook and Twitter. Summer deadlines for Connections are:  

 

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