Connections Newsletter All the news you need to know to connect, grow, and serve.

Sunday, September 22, 2019 | 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Present, Past, Future Sermon by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, Interim Senior Minister We celebrate the church ‘birthday’ this Sunday — the 71st anniversary of the beginning conversations that formed this congregation. Those early dreamers were responding to some urgent needs that surrounded them. What needs are we responding to now? What needs can we anticipate in the future? Joshua Mohr and Bill Fogarty are our Worship Associates. Our special music friend Charles Brown will lead us in music. The service begins with an improvisational piece with jazz ensemble Free Spirits and Charles. Sanctuary Singers will sing an uplifting gospel piece, All Around, with Gail Crawford singing solo. Sophia Morreale, Interim Director of Music Ministries, will accompany on piano. Parking Reminder: To be more welcoming to first-time visitors and to those who have mobility issues, we ask that all able-bodied drivers park in our two satellite parking lots. The Masons' lot across the street on George Mason Drive (please cross at the light!) and Arlington Hall Park, south of the church off of 4th Street S. It's a short and pleasant walk through the park and takes you to the church parking lot on First Place S. These two lots are available for church parking on Sunday only.  Map here. Livestream

Next Week's Sermon Sunday, September 29, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. "What Love Looks Like in Public" - Sermon by Walter Clark, Ministerial Assistant. Cornell West famously said, "Justice is what Love looks like in public." Often when we talk about social justice work, we talk about what we do in very specific terms, believing the reasons why we do social justice work are obvious. Walter will examine the deeply personal reasons for doing social justice work and how love can sustain us through the process.

Church Matters

Cottage Meetings: Next Step in our Ministerial Search  Are you among the 635 congregants who took the congregational survey in May-June? Remember the questions about social justice such as what are your feelings about diversity and what are the most important social justice issues for UUCA?   Wonder what the implications of the congregational survey may be for Religious Education, the Music Ministry, or your particular interest at UUCA?

Cottage Meetings provide a chance to explore the answers to these and other questions on our congregational survey. Open sessions will be held after first service on Sunday, September 22, and after both services on September 29, and October 6. A special focus group for the music community will be held on September 26. Other focus groups will be held for the Board, staff, Goodwin House residents, young adults and youth.   For open sessions after services, please sign up here or contact Allen Keiswetter at keiswetter@gmail.com. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Share the Plate: Support UU’s for Social Justice - UU Advocacy in the Nation’s Capital   Our UU principles and values call us to be informed, engaged and vocal advocates, and to speak truth to power--especially now as many of our values are threatened.  UUSJ (UUs for Social Justice) works to transform our faith into action at the federal level. UUSJ’s priority issues are among the most challenging facing the nation today--immigration reform, environmental and climate justice, economic justice, and defending our democracy.    UUSJ raises UU voices through direct advocacy on Capitol Hill and anchors for UUs many witness activities.  UUSJ’s Capitol Hill Advocacy Corps  , formed in February 2017, is unique within the faith community as the only UU organization with a presence at the federal level.   Every month Advocacy Corps members, including UUCAers, meet with Congressional staff and deliver personal letters from UUSJ’s Write Here! Write Now! partner congregations from across the country. The Advocacy Corps has delivered more than 6,500 letters to Capitol Hill offices in the past 2 1/2 years.    On Oct. 6, UUSJ will be celebrating its biennial Social Justice Awards Gala, here at UUCA, and  Stephanie Thomas, Becky Ross and Paul Blackburn will receive the 2019 Racial Justice and Beloved Community Award in   recognition of their outstanding work at UUCA to dismantle systems of white supremacy. Come celebrate UUCA’s award and other social justice heroes from UU congregations in our area, and enjoy music from our own Free Spirits jazz ensemble. For tickets and information click here.   If you believe that that our liberal religious voice should be heard by Congress and the Administration, join a growing network of individuals and congregations making a difference by supporting this week’s Share-the-Plate recipient  UUSJ  .   UUCA is a founding member of UUSJ in 2000. To learn about UUSJ  click here . Donations are accepted for each Sunday's STP recipient through midnight the following Saturday. You may make an  online donation here.

No questions asked. Really! We are heartsick over the loss of these two art pieces taken from the Center Gallery two weeks ago. We are making a plea to whomever is in possession, to please return them immediately. No questions asked. No charges will be pressed if returned willingly. You can drop them off after hours. Just leave inside the building or at our door. We do not need to know who you are. We simply would like the artwork returned unharmed. A police report has been done and an investigation has begun due to the high value of the stolen art. We'd like police involvement to end there. If the pieces are returned willingly, no charges will be pressed even though this is a felony. And, if you have any information concerning the missing art, please contact the church office (703-892-2565, uuca@uucava.org). Thank you for doing what's right.

Please join us for these opportunities to Connect and Grow 

March with UUCA Folks @ the DC Climate Strike Friday, September 20, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. UUCAers are joining the thousands expected at tomorrow's GLOBAL CLIMATE STRIKE march on Washington. Join us as we gather to demand from our elected representatives immediate action to stymie the climate crisis and to advocate for our shared human right to clean air, clean water, and a survivable future. NOTE: There is a new starting point. The march now starts @ John Marshall Park and ends at the Capitol Building.* 10:30 a.m. UUs meet in front of the Newseum (555 Pennsylvania Ave NW) 10:45 a.m. Walk to the *John Marshall Park* together 11 a.m. March begins at *John Marshall Park* 2:00 p.m. Event ends at the Capitol Building Connect with UUCA's Climate Crisis Coalition at uucaclimatecoalition@gmail.com. For more information on the global effort, visit globalclimatestrike.net.

Faith 360 Workshop Adaptive Leadership Saturday, September 21, 9 a.m. - Noon, Activity Room Come and join Rev. Terasa on Saturday when she explains why she thinks everyone can be a leader. Adaptive leadership approaches leadership as a verb, not a noun. It's something we do together. If you missed Rev. Terasa's sermon last Sunday, Leadership Matters, please click image above to watch the video. It's a great intro to the workshop. Register for the workshop here. Faith 360 Praying in Color Intro Session Tuesday, September 24, 7-8:30 p.m. Want to pray but words escape you? Sitting still and staying focused in prayer are a challenge? Your body wants to be part of your prayer. You want a visual, concrete way to pray? Try Praying in Color—a visual way to connect with the Divine. No artistic abilities needed. This workshop will introduce you to the basics of this practice. Attendance at the Intro session is not required to participate in the practice group. Supplies provided or bring your favorites. Led by LeeAnn Williams. Register here.

Actions to Reverse Global Warming Presented at Potluck Saturday, September 21, 11:30-1:30 p.m. Join us on Saturday to celebrate our move from hope to action in reversing global warming. Participants in the Summer Project Drawdown Series will share food and our progress on our Drawdown climate change solutions.     Project Drawdown is a set of 100 solutions that create a plan to start the reversal of global warming by 2050. In 2013, Paul Hawkin decided he was tired of the “doom and gloom” of Climate Change talk and brought together a group of more than 200 scientists and other experts to identify, measure and model substantive solutions to global warming. The resulting 100 solutions were published in the book Drawdown  in 2017. Join us at the Potluck to learn of proposed plans by those of us who have been studying these solutions over the summer. Bring a brunch potluck dish to share. Consider a plant-rich dish (Drawdown solution # 4). Vegetarian or vegan is fine. Please label and bring a copy of your recipe if possible. While plates and silverware will be provided, have some fun with your zero waste goals--bring your own plates, silverware, cup and napkin! Take it home with you for zero waste and zero clean up! Think about how to reduce food waste (Drawdown Solution #3). Bring a container for leftovers. Please feel free to bring guests.    If you plan to attend, please contact marylpva@gmail.com.

UUCA Birthday Bash Sunday, September 22, 12:30 p.m. It's only days away! Come and celebrate UUCA's Birthday with us! Potluck Luncheon Face-painting! Dancing! Live music by Capital Area Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Assoc.! Games for all ages! Bounce House! Cake Bake-Off Still time to sign up for the bake-off ( sign up here)! Still time to decide what dish to bring for the potluck ( sign-up here)! Many hands keep it light and fun! We still have a few volunteer spots to fill ( sign up here)!

UUCA Birthday Gift Thank You! Packages big and small have been coming in almost every day! Thank you to everyone who has sent UUCA birthday wishes via gifts from our AmazonSmile gift wish-list. And, it's not too late to order a gift-- Just use this link.

Faith 360 - UUCA's New Adult Faith Development Program The online catalog and registration is now open. Follow the link for a complete class list and descriptions. Some of the offerings: What Moves Us: UU Theology Neighboring Faiths for Teens and Adults Adaptive Leadership Where I'm From - Poetry Workshop Hidden Wholeness Book Discussion Conflict Transformation The Haunting of Hill House Discussion Spirituality Book Group - Book list here ONLINE CATALOG/REGISTRATION HERE. Registration can also be done on Sunday at the Faith 360 table. Questions? Contact LeeAnn Williams , LWilliams@uucava.org , 703-892-2565, ext. 1203.

What's up in Religious Education? RE Connect is back! Check out upcoming events such as Family Game Night this Saturday and our Trunk or Treat event! Click here for RE Connect.

African American Author  Book Sharing Circle Stamped from the Beginning Friday, September 20, 7:30 p.m. Our African American Author Book Sharing Circle will begin its year of study by exploring the 2016 National Book Award Winner in Non-Fiction Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi. Kendi uses the life stories of five major American intellectuals to offer a window into the contentious debates between assimilationists and segregationists and between racists and antiracists. Read more >> Our Stories, Our Lives Tuesday, September 24, 10:30 a.m. - Noon We all know that sharing stories with one another is a way to understand others better and to clarify and shape our own lives. What better environment for that experience than with a group of UUCA folks?  Starting on Tuesday, September 24, UUCA sponsors a conversation and story-sharing group. “Our Stories, Our Lives” will continue every fourth Tuesday morning, 10:30 to noon. Facilitators will be Jacomina De Regt and/or Diane Ullius. Each person will have about seven minutes (more or less, depending on attendance that day) to tell or read a brief story from their lives, responding to a topic suggested in advance. We’ll have coffee and tea and will ask for a freewill donation. Topic for September 24: Tell us the story of your name—first, middle, and/or last. Where did it come from? How well do you like it? Have you had nicknames? For more information, contact Diane Ullius, Commissioned Lay Minister, Diane.Ullius@comcast.net.

Faith 360 What Moves Us: UU Theology (UU Foundations Series) Two Sessions: Wednesday, Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 7-9 p.m. This program peels back the doctrine-rich theological language that can prevents us from affirming our faith experiences with one another and in the wider world. Through shared direct experiences and reflection exercises, readings and lessons, and ethical deliberations, What Moves Us creates an adult faith journey for Unitarian Universalists who want to preach and teach what they already experience but have not been able to articulate: the spiritual power of our faith. Led by Walter Clark and LeeAnn Williams. Register here.

Covenant Group Registration Continues Our small group ministry, Covenant Groups, allow us to share what touches our hearts and souls with others in a safe setting. In our groups, we explore our spirituality, build relationships, and provide service to UUCA and the wider community.  Each group of eight to twelve meet monthly at church or in homes to explore and grow together. Most groups meet from October to June, and participants are strongly encouraged to attend each month. A trained facilitator leads each group using videos, readings, poems, music, and other resources to enhance communication.   Most groups focus on the Soul Matters program, a UU curriculum that focuses on one theme a month. Other groups will consider a variety of topics of interest to spiritual seekers.  There are still places left in some of this year’s Covenant Groups. If Sunday afternoons are best for you, join in exploring the Bhagavad Gita as a guide to living. Another group, Soul Matters, Single and Whole, (1st Tue. nights) explores what wholeness and spiritual growth mean outside of romantic partnerships. Soul Matters using Circle of Trust Practices also meet on first Tuesdays. The Parents of Young(ish) Children group considers Soul Matter materials as they take a break from their hectic schedules. Or if you prefer just a regular Soul Matters group we have one on second Tuesdays and another on first Thursdays. There are also a few spots left in other groups. Please click here to check them out and to register. So if you are considering joining a Covenant Group, time is running out! Registration closes soon. Questions? Contact Covenant Group Strategy Team, uucacovgroups@gmail.com .

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Classes Offered at UUCA 8-sessions Begins Tuesday, September 24, 7 p.m. Are you longing for greater balance, well-being, and enjoyment in your life? Would you like to discover ways to reduce your stress level? Join us for a Mindfulness-Based Stress-Reduction (MBSR) course here at UUCA and learn powerful, life-enhancing skills that can help you shift in a more positive direction. MBSR teaches meditation and other awareness techniques to help people manage stress, pain, illness, and life's daily challenges more effectively and live with greater vitality, balance, and joy. With over 40 years of experience and scientific evidence, MBSR has demonstrated wide-ranging benefits, including improvements in physical, mental, and emotional well-being. For details on schedule and fees, click here.  UUCA Social Justice Committee to receive award from UUSJ Sunday, October 6, 4-6 p.m. Congratulations to Stephanie Thomas, Becky Ross and Paul Blackburn, who will receive the 2019 Racial Justice and Beloved Community Award from the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice at UUSJ’s Awards Gala! Stephanie, Becky and Paul are being recognized for their outstanding work in getting UUCA to adopt the 8th Principle and for tirelessly working to dismantle systems of white supremacy. The Awards Gala is hosted by UUCA this year, from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, October 6. Come celebrate UUCA’s award-winning committee and other social justice heroes from UU congregations in our area, and enjoy music from our own Free Spirits jazz ensemble.  For tickets and information click here.

Young Adult AFAC Bagging Saturday, September 28, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Location: AFAC, 2708 S. Nelson St., Arlington Young Adults will volunteer at Arlington Food Assistant Center (AFAC) on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 12:30 to 2:30. Please meet at AFAC. Also, wear closed toed shoes and bring a head covering (hat or scarf and avoid wearing health depte. Young Adults volunteer the 4th Saturday of the month at AFAC. So, if you are unable to join us this month, we would love to see you in October.   Faith 360 Spirituality Book Group: How to be Spiritual Without Being Religious Tuesday, October 1, 7 p.m. Our Spirituality Book Group meets for the first time on October 1 for a conversation on the book How to Be Spiritual Without Being Religious by D. Patrick Miller. It's a book for folks who seek a rich and authentic interior life but find formal religious affiliation unappealing. It's a short book and a great season opener. Find it online or at your favorite bookstore. No need to register. Just drop-in. Questions? Contact David McTaggart, dmctagg@gmail.com. Next month's book: Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives by Wayne Muller. Discussion led by Diane Ullius. Will meet on Nov. 5, 7-9 p.m. More info about the October 1 book launch here.

New UU Series First & Third Sundays, 12:30 p.m. Welcome Room The New UU Series, designed for newcomers to learn about Unitarian Universalism and UUCA, is not just for newcomers--longtimers are welcome too! Replacing the former New UU class, this is a series of six stand-alone classes meeting on the first and third Sundays of each month after second service. Take one or take them all! Topics are Worship & UUCA; Membership, Stewardship & Belonging; Social Action; UU History & Theology; Faith Development, Covenant Groups & Pastoral Care; and Campus Tour & Partners. Each topic will be announced in Connections and the Order of Service. All are welcome. Signups are not necessary. Childcare is available upon request, Sarah.masters@uucava.org. Men's Book Group Born a Crime Sunday, October 13, 7:30 p.m. The non-fiction choice for October is Born A Crime , a memoir about growing up under apartheid by Trevor Noah, the current host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central. The fiction selection for the November 10, is The Woman in the Window , a novel by A.J. Finn. As always, please bring any non-fiction and fiction titles you have read and would like the group to read and discuss in future months. All men are welcome and newcomers are especially welcome. Whether you've read the book or not, you are welcome. If there are any questions about the group and its meetings, or if you want to be on our monthly email list, please email Ken Marshall kenmar42@gmail.com or call 703-533-8004.

Circle Dinners changed my life. . . Nothing brings people together like good food . . . Good food ends with good talk . . . Food tastes better when shared with friends . . . Food is the ingredient that binds us together . . . There is something profoundly satisfying about sharing a meal. Eating together, breaking bread together, is one of the oldest and most fundamentally unifying of human experiences . . . Circle Dinners NEW ONLINE SIGN-UP HERE UUCA's Circle Dinners program is a delicious way to build community. Most of us would agree that a way to someone's heart is through their stomach.Getting together over a shared meal is a wonderful way to connect with your UUCA family. Circle Dinner participants are placed in groups of six to eight adults who arrange to meet and share a meal three to four times between November and May. There are two types of dinners to choose from: Potluck or Restaurant. Potluck group participants bring a dish to contribute to a meal in a private home. Members of the circle take turns hosting. Restaurant group participants take turns organizing the outing and selecting a restaurant for all to enjoy. If you are unable to commit to a minimum of three dinners, you can request to be placed on our substitute list. Sign up online now. Questions? Contact: Jennifer Frum, frumjb@gmail.com.

Making Music at UUCA | 2019-2020    UUCA invites you to join us in making music this year. No experience is necessary! We welcome all ages and skill and comfort levels to sing, ring, write, and more. Find the groups that are right for you!   All musical groups will have the opportunity to make music during worship services, but this is not a requirement for individuals to participate in the group on a weekly basis. Whether you have been making music your whole life or you have been longing to share your voice or play an instrument or try something new, we hope you will join us in making music this year at UUCA! Click here for informational brochure.

A Musical Welcome to New and Returning High School Youth/Young Adults All are welcome to volunteer and participate with any of the UUCA music classes and ensembles, as well as to participate in and receive mentoring in: songwriting, singing, and/or instrumental sharing in services, and with intergenerational collaborations and presentations including with Goodwin House. If you have not already had the opportunity to connect with her, please reach out to our new Children and Youth Music Leader and Intergenerational Ensembles Conductor Jennifer S.E. Haywood, Ph.D. , jhaywood@uucava.org .

NEW newsletter deadline: Connections deadline for submissions is EACH Monday at noon with publication on Wednesday. See below on how to submit an announcement.

How to submit an announcement to UUCA's Connections newsletter:   Deadline is noon each Monday. Please put "Connections" or "newsletter" 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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Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, VA 4444 Arlington Blvd Arlington, Virginia Call: (703) 892-2565 Email: uuca@uucava.org ‌ ‌