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

Sunday, February 17, 2019 | 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. "The Holiness of the Hearts Affection" Sermon by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, Interim Senior Minister In 1817 Keats wrote, “I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the heart’s affections and the truth of the imagination.” To me, this is an excellent description of spirituality: the intersection of the heart and the imagination. Spirituality means so many different things to different people. I’ll explore what it means to me. Our Worship Associate is David McTaggart and our music is by our adult choir, Sanctuary Singers, under the direction of Mimi Bornstein , Director of Music Ministry, with Sophia Morreale , accompanist. Livestream

Upcoming Services

February 24, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. “Don’t Think of a Minister” – Sermon by Rev. Keith Kron, Unitarian Universalist Association Transitions Director. He will also facilitate the Beyond Categorical Thinking workshop on Saturday. See below. March 3, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. “Until All Are Free” – Guest minister Rev. Vail Weller will be here to help launch this year's annual giving campaign. Rev. Weller is the Congregational Giving Director for the Unitarian Universalist Association and lives in San Mateo, California. More details on upcoming services here .

MoonFire Quickening Moon Ritual February is the month of fire, of change, of things about to grow; a month of magic. Join MoonFire on Sunday, February 17 at 1:30 p.m., a Quickening Moon ritual. We’ll perform a magical working designed to channel our individual desires and collective mutual support, by planting the seeds of transformation, growth, and change. We’ll voice our collective support for each other’s life workings, and seal our spells within witch bottles of our own crafting. What transformation do you want to see? Is it something in your own life? The life of our country? Or the world? Join in community to work our ways and hallow our work. Life is quickening. The Goddess is calling. Come, and answer Her challenge in your own life, with your own intent. As always, potluck will follow the ritual. Further information on MoonFire is at www.moonfireuuca.org or contact moonfirecoords@gmail.com . Date: Sunday, February 17, 1:30 p.m. Location: Chapel

Friday Morning Devotions We invite you to smooth the path into the weekend with a half-hour of meditation followed by shared reflections each Friday morning beginning at 7 a.m. Please contact in advance either David McTaggart ( dmctagg@gmail.com ) or Gregg Forte ( gforte@mac.com ). A ride is available afterward to Ballston Metro. Date: Each Friday, 7:00 a.m. Location: Room 20 (Youth Room)

Church Matters

TRUST - Communication from the Board We are all learning a great deal about Trust this month. In our Soul Matters Covenant Group material and in the stories we have been hearing from the pulpit in Rev. Teresa's recent sermons about what it has meant to be an Arlington Unitarian Universalist in the past and what it will mean for the future. The Board of Trustees is initiating a review of our Governance process at UUCA to determine what is the best avenue to lead ourselves forward in a way that builds trust, transparency, and connection. In the course of this work, we have been fortunate to be able to sit down with individuals and groups in the church to better understand how governance at UUCA worked in the past, and what lessons we should take away from that experience. The discussions have been eye-opening, and while the process is still underway and we have much more to discover, I can tell you that the need to build trust through governance is a key component of where we need to go. The Policy Governance process we have been following has positive fundamental qualities that keep the Board focused on the big picture, but it also has flaws which allow for limited accountability of the minister and creates an arms length distance between the Board and the congregation. We aim to change that. How? That remains to be seen. We imagine some combination of what we have now--where the Board does not micro-manage--and what we want for the future--greater collaboration between all people in the church--the minister and staff, the Board, and the congregation.  One important thing we have learned in our initial discussions is that there is a need for us to bond together around our higher mission and vision. We are not a church that "functions"--we are a church that changes people's lives. Our own through personal spiritual growth and the lives of others--either in Guatemala or through our social justice work or in raising our children at UUCA to be loving and caring individuals.  If you want to be a part of this conversation, please come to our mid-year meeting scheduled for this Saturday, February 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the church. We will spend an hour listening to you about how church governance can build trust in our community. We hope to see you there!  --uuca-board@googlegroups.com

UUCA Board of Trustees Meeting Tuesday, February 19, 2019 7:00 p.m. Open Comment Period 7:30 p.m. Board Meeting At 7:00 p.m. Board Members will be available to listen to comments from the congregation in the Welcome Room. At 7:30 p.m. the regular Board Meeting will begin. Congregants are welcome to observe regular board meetings.  At the February meeting the Board will discuss the quarterly finance report; discuss the process for the 2019-20 budget development; and receive an update on the work of the Governance Task Force. Additional items may also be added as needed.

Mid-Year Report Meeting Please join members of the Board, ministers, and committee and task force chairs for a Mid-Year Report meeting on Saturday, Feb. 16 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. This will be the time to get updates on church programs (including the musical program and religious education), building safety, and social justice efforts (including the 8th Principle), along with an update from the Ministerial Search Committee and an introduction to the Appreciative Inquiry process we’ll be starting on March 10. Plus the Governance Task Force will discuss what they’ve been learning in their look at how our church is governed and want input from you. And there will be a chance for your questions. We know the holiday weekend can be tough for people so there will be a written summary coming out afterward but we hope those who are able attend. Date: Saturday, February 16, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Location: Activity Room

Will the new minister hear me? Will the minister understand my needs? Will I be able to relate to our new minister?   In answering these questions, a picture of the “ideal minister” (categorized by age, gender, gender identity, nationality, physical ability, race, and sexual orientation) may come to mind—and it can be easy to unintentionally exclude individuals who don’t match this picture. At times, as we get caught up in comparing candidates to our “picture,” we can even forget what it is we hoped for in a minister to begin with.   On February 23, UUCA will participate in the Beyond Categorical Thinking workshop facilitated by UUA Transitions Director Rev. Keith Kron , and focused on recognizing and removing unconscious bias, promoting inclusive thinking, and preventing unfair discrimination during our congregation’s search for a new minister. The workshop will be customized for our congregation and will also include discussions of case studies and situations that have occurred at other UU churches.    The Beyond Categorical Thinking workshop is an opportunity for everyone in our congregation to become part of the search for a new minister early on in the process and your participation will inform the Ministerial Search Committee's efforts going forward!   The Ministerial Search Committee will provide free lunch following the workshop. Childcare will be provided. Questions? Contact uuca2020search@gmail.com . RSVP here . Date: Saturday, February 23, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Location: Sanctuary For a complete schedule of upcoming MSC events and updates on the search process, visit the MSC web page at www.uucava.org/2020search/

Ministry Matters

In the Meantime By Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, Interim Senior Minister Recent events in Richmond make a strong case for the need for Black History Month. Even the recent past gives us fodder for reflection. May we do so thoughtfully. The Worship Team has taken on its own goal in this regard to feature writings by people of color in each upcoming service. In February we will focus on black voices but expand beyond that somewhat in months to come. I have made my own personal vow to have the prayer/meditation that I choose for each service be something written by a person of color. Doing so has made me realize how little I have availed myself of these resources, and I’ve ordered almost a dozen new collections of poetry and prayer to help expand my engagement. It’s been an interesting exercise to go through to realize I haven’t been as clued in as I like to think I am. The book groups that have formed at UUCA focused on reading works by people of color are a wonderful example of people making a thoughtful commitment to increase their understanding. Is there a challenge that you might undertake to help move along the path of more deeply understanding our fellow humans? This has helped me realize the power of intentionality. --TCooley@uucava.org

Lifespan Religious Education

Parents of Infants and Preschoolers (PIP) Come connect with and find support among other families with young children through playdates and other fun activities! Our next event: Playdate Saturday, February 23, 3:30-5:30 Visit the PIP Facebook group or contact Vanessa Chang, vms5q@yahoo.com or Jennifer Bhartiya , jenniferbhartiya@gmail.com , to join the email list.

UUNO Youth Seminar in NYC The Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington members and friends are invited to register for the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office's 2019 Intergenerational Spring Seminar! This global justice event is open to UUs age 14+ to 18 and will include workshops, panels, worship, and more to engage in dialogue and action around this year's theme, Equity in Action: Gender in an Intersecting World. It'll take place at the United Nations Headquarters and Community Church UU in Manhattan April 11-13, 2019. Registration is open through February 25, and applications for reduced registration are being accepted through February 11. Find details and register at www.uua.org/unspringseminar . For more information, contact Mariettan@aol.com .

13+ Game Night Unplug and unwind with friends old and new while playing a variety of board games. Bring your favorite snack and board game (both optional, of course). Some games will be provided. Game play begins around 6 p.m. For ages 13 yrs. and older. No childcare. Questions? Contact Larry Rascop , lrascop@gmail.com . Date: Saturday, February 16, 6-10 p.m. Location: Activity Room

Rest of RE News HERE

Music Ministry

Children Choirs Rehearse this Sunday Chalice Choir (K-4th grade) will have rehearsals this Sunday, February 3, 10:30-11:05 a.m. and the TrUUbadours (5-6th grade) will rehearse at 12:30-1 p.m. All children are welcome to join in. Questions? Contact Dana Cook , danadcook@gmail.com .

Capital Area Bluegrass and Old-time Music Association Jam Comes to UUCA The new year brings "new" old-time music to UUCA! CABOMA jams are now being held here at UUCA on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. Anyone interested in CABOMA is welcome to come and visit and/or participate in a jam. At most jams, you will find a wide range of music skill levels, from beginners to professional musicians. We encourage participants to bring and play traditional, acoustic bluegrass and old-time music instruments. For more information on CABOMA, visit www.caboma.org . Date: Sundays, February 24, 2-6 p.m. Location: Parlor and Rooms 14, 16

Congregational Life

Safety in Houses of Worship Special Training Arlington County Police Corporal Elizabeth Lennon and her team will present Safety in Houses of Worship at UUCA Sunday, February 17. All are invited to attend. Those who serve in leadership and/or volunteer roles at UUCA on Sunday mornings are especially encouraged to participate. Questions can be directed to Annie@uucava.org . Dates: Sunday, February 17, 12:30–2:00 p.m. Location: Sanctuary Won’t you be my neighbor? Happy Hour When February 20 arrives it will have recently been heart day and that will have been very present in our communities and on the style pages of newspapers. Our Covenant Group (second Sunday evening, home based) invites you to embrace a large and inclusive sense of love and answer our question to you, “Won’t you be our neighbor?” Come to our temporary neighborhood in the Fellowship Hall from 6 – 7:30 and enjoy sips and nibbles and warm conversations. Share your curiosity and good energy. Please bring wine or a non-alcoholic beverage to share. Welcome to our neighborhood! Date: Wednesday, February 20, 6-7:30 p.m. Location: Fellowship Hall

Chalice Theatre presents The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family--a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn't upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he's never done before--keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's boyfriend and his parents.   Performances: Fridays: Feb. 22, March 1, March 8 @ 7:30 p.m. Saturdays: Feb. 23, March 2, March 9 @ 7:30 p.m. Matinees: Sunday, Feb. 24, March 3 & Saturday, March 9 @ 3:00 p.m.   Tickets on sale in Fellowship Hall this Sunday and online here. CT Set Building Help Wanted Set builders and scenic painters are needed to help create the Addams’ world!! Monday to Friday 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stop by the Chalice Theatre table on Sunday to find out more!

Faith in Action

Share-the-Plate February 17: Dream Project The Dream Project empowers students whose immigration status creates barriers to higher education. Starting in high school mentors help students overcome those barriers and continues with students through college graduation and into professional life. The Dream Project also awards a renewable college scholarship to high-achieving students. Most importantly, the Dream Project gives hope to students that constantly hear from the media and elected officials that their dreams do not matter. For these valiant efforts, the Dream Project earned the Catalogue for Philanthropy’s distinction as "One of the Best Local Non-Profits in the Washington Area". Your support can bring dreams-–for college, for careers, for the future-–within reach. Your generous support helps the Dream Project uplift the dreams of these incredible and deserving students. Donations are accepted for each week's STP recipient through the following Saturday at midnight. Make  online donations here .

Stand Up for Affordable Housing in Arlington Please join us on February 23 at the Arlington County Board hearing to approve an important new housing investment: the American Legion Affordable Housing Project in north Arlington. Members of local VOICE congregations will be showing our conscientious support for the county's role as an investment partner in this work by "showing up" and "being seen" before our elected officials. The proposed new building, on land owned by the American Legion, will offer housing to income-qualified families, with a preference for veterans and include onsite services. Our presence (in numbers) at these hearings has made a difference before, and we know it will matter this time, too. The hearing time will be finalized a day or two beforehand; please stay tuned. Please contact Patricia Findikoglu, patfindikoglu@gmail.com or David McTaggart, dcmctagg@gmail.com, or speak with one of us at the VOICE table on Sunday.  Follow UUCA's Guatemala Travel Blog UUCA's delegation to Guatemala left last Sunday to meet with our Guatemala partners and to learn firsthand about the accompaniment and scholarship programs we sponsor. Their first day on the ground included a visit to a local museum and a meet-up with accompaniers and other members of NISGUA , the organization that administers the human rights accompanier program. Stay abreast each day of the happenings of UUCA's delegation by following their travel blog here.

Volunteers Needed Did you know that UUCA is part of A-SPAN's Homeless Bagged Meal Program? On the last Sunday of each month, UUCA volunteers gather in the kitchen to help pack 50 bagged-meals for the homeless. It's a great volunteer opportunity for groups and families. All ages are welcome. Come to help the homeless and stay for the fellowship and newfound friends. Questions? Contact Ken Perkins-Gough, ken.perkins-gough@comcast.net. Date: Sunday, February 24, 3 to 5 p.m. Location: UUCA Kitchen UU’s Racial History & Our Need for the 8th Principle If the 8th Principle is adopted by our congregation (** please vote March 31!), it will require us to “accountably dismantle racism in our selves and our institutions.” This is second in a series that examines how institutionalized white supremacy has undermined Unitarian Universalists of color throughout our history. UU’s Racial History – Part 2, the 1940-1950’s Read more >> Video on why Paul Blackburn supports the 8th Principle here.

Living the Pledge to End Racism Workshop Whether you have had previous anti-racism training, or have never taken a workshop about racism, this workshop will challenge you to deepen your commitment to work toward dismantling white supremacy. Participants explore the history of racism, the concept of implicit bias, the effects of micro-aggressions, the results of structural and institutional racism, and the contemporary Movement for Black Lives. Methods include readings, personal reflection, small group discussion, role plays, and videos. Facilitated by Jessi Huffman and Ann Ulmschneider. Questions? Contact Ann Ulmschneider, aulmsch@msn.com . Register here . Dates: Six Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27 & April 4, 10, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Location: TBA

February African-American Book Sharing  If Beale Street Could Talk On Friday, February 15, at 7:30 in the UUCA Welcome Room, we will share our experiences in reading If Beale Street Could Talk , a novel by James Baldwin that is now a movie.   Monica Norton first read “Beale Street” as a 13-year old African-American attending white-majority schools; today in The Washington Post she writes:  “Beale Street” is not only a love story, it is a story about mass incarceration and poverty and race and hard lives in low-income black and brown communities. And even though the novel was published in 1974, it is the story of right now." She adds that while she didn’t grasp the full power of the book, Baldwin’s writing made her fall in love with words.   The book and movie explore the same themes. We hope you have read the book, but if you’ve experienced only the movie, please come to share your experience. Those who have done both will add their reactions to how the media differ. If you have questions about this month or the group, please contact Pat Findikoglu, pfindikoglu@gmail.com or Linda Lutes Corsoro, lindahlutes@gmail.com . Date: Friday, February 15, 7:30 p.m. Location: Welcome Room

Bridging the Political Divide: Better Angels Red/Blue Workshop “The mark of wisdom is to be able to hold two opposite ideas in your mind at the same time and know them both to be true.” - from Rev. Teresa’s Jan. 27 sermon Is it possible to disagree passionately with someone but still accept their beliefs as valid? Can people on opposite sides of the painful issues of our day find shared values beneath all the discord? Come and find out! On March 23, UUCA is hosting a Better Angels workshop that will bring together “Red” (conservative) and “Blue” (progressive) community members for an intense day of facilitated conversations, questions, and mutual exploration. Limited space is still available for participants and observers. To register, click here . If you have questions or would like more information, contact Sarah Yue at alanandsarah@gmail.com . Date: Saturday, March 23, 9:30 a.m. -5 p.m. Location: Activity Room

Visit Peace Camp in Fellowship Hall Peace Camp 2019: June 24-July 5 Peace Camp will be in Fellowship Hall after both services on Sunday, February 17. Please stop by and see us about this year’s camp “Circle Up to Find Peace” that emphasizes the need for including others in our own personal journeys of peace. Peace Circles and sharing promote connections with others and foster communities of hope, healing, compassion, and empathy. Camp activities include: art, cooperative games, special guests, peace pledge, learning about peace makers, and so much more. Lunch is included. Before and after-care, as well as partial or full scholarships, are available. Join us this summer as we circle up to find peace! Peace Camp offers programs for ages 5-14 to explore cooperation and conflict resolution in a safe and supportive environment. Children begin as campers at ages 5-9. Then, starting with age 10, campers progress through peace exploration and leadership development. Ages 10-11 are Jr. Counselor in Training, ages 12-14 are Counselor in Training, ages 15-18 are Jr. Counselor, and ages 18+ can be counselor or volunteer as staff or kitchen helpers. Register now to help your camper discover that peace begins with them. Campers can attend both weeks or just one. Registration is now open here .    Week 1: Mon 6/24 to Fri. 6/28 Week 2: Mon. 7/1 to Fri. 7/5, except Thurs. 7/4 Peace Camp is a partnership between UUCA Peace Ministry and Little Friends for Peace .

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 ‌ ‌