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

Sunday Worship, April 29, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. In the Company of Others We can learn a lot about the world and about ourselves when we reach out to others and offer them aid. What happens when we remove the distance of our differences and actually place ourselves in friendship with those we are serving? Join Christin Green, our ministerial intern, for some reflections on the transformation that happens when we enter the company of others. Charles Brown and his choir from Zion Church (Landover, Md.) will join Mimi Bornstein and our choir for some fabulous musical selections. Livestream

Last Sunday's Earth Day and Flower Communion Last Sunday was a celebration of Earth's beauty and our unique place as its steward. There were flowers galore that were shared, an environmental message for all ages from a special guest speaker--the Lorax (yes, of Dr. Seuss fame). During fellowship hour we learned the importance of bees from beekeeper Roger Soles, and the DIG team (Do It Green) had free plants. And, at the Write Here Write Now! table we wrote our U.S. Senators to urge their support of the Reclaim Act that will provide funds to help coalfield communities transition to a sustainable economy and reclaim land and clean up water resources. Above is a short slideshow of photos. To view the video of the whole service click here.

Share the Plate April 29 STP: Little Friends of Peace This week's Share the Plate recipient is Little Friends for Peace ( LFFP). LFFP imagines a beloved community, a world where relationships are based on respect and acceptance, conflicts end in reconciliation, and everyone is safe, cared for, and able to realize their unique potential. The LFFP team works towards this community everyday, starting with children.   LFFP programs include Community and Restorative Peace Circles, nonviolence and active bystander intervention trainings for adults and Peace Clubs, in-school programs, and,of course, Peace Camp for kids. Each summer, UUCA partners with LFFP to present two weeks of Peace Camp right here, serving UUCA families and UUCA’s community partners. Your generous donation to Share the Plate helps meet the goal of providing scholarships for 30 children each week of camp. Online STP Donation Share the Plate Update Last Sunday the plate collections for NISGUA/PAG (Partners for Arlington and Guatemala) as of 25 April 2018 were $5,423. Thank you so much for your generous donations! This Sunday we will feature Little Friends for Peace. To date we have distributed $7,636 to their organization and have the goal of $11,550.

Church Matters

Stewardship  LEGACY GIVING: WHY AND HOW It's easy to include UUCA in your end-of-life plans, and it's perhaps the best way to ensure a thriving future for our church. Right now, thanks to special grants from the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association), our congregation can get an extra bonus on your projected legacy gift. Stop at the Legacy Giving table in Fellowship Hall this Sunday, April 29, to find out more.

The highest distinction is service to others - Serve on the Ministerial Search Committee!  The Nominating Committee is currently seeking UUCA members to serve on the Senior Minister Search Committee. The committee will consist of seven members who will be selected by the Nominating Committee, and voted on by the congregation at the June congregational meeting. All candidates should be members of the church in good standing and have made a pledge for the 2018-2019 church fiscal year. This commitment is expected to run June 2018 through June 2019, and is expected to require, on average, four hours per week. The time commitment will be more during the spring when the committee is interviewing candidates and conducting candidating week. A full job description can be found here. How can you share your interest with us or nominate a fellow UUCAer? • Stop by the Nominating Committee table in Fellowship Hall after each service • Reach out directly to one of the committee members • Submit the nomination (yourself or another) at https://tinyurl.com/MSCinterestform  • Email the Nominating Committee at UUCANomCom@gmail.com  The Nominating Committee is interviewing candidates now, so please be in touch soon! In fellowship, Members of the 2017-18 Nominating Committee Bill Turner (Chair), Ben D’Avanzo, James Tsai, Liz Fuchs, and Tina Hinh

Ministry Matters

Pastoral Care Matters By Rev. Beth Miller Temporary Senior Minister Pastoral care is a fundamental congregational ministry, especially in large churches and at times of ministerial transition. It begins with Ministers who are trained to respond to a wide variety of pastoral needs in the congregation including spiritual guidance, pastoral counseling, and rites of passage (Child Dedications, Memorial Services, Weddings). This year our Intern Minister, Christin Green, has been invaluable as part of this work and I have especially appreciated her help as I’ve come into the congregation.  Here at UUCA, in addition to ministerial support, Pastoral Care Ministries include: our Helping Hands volunteers who provide practical, short-term help such as transportation to medical services, occasional rides to church, meals, or errands; members of the SHINE Choir who are available to bring the healing and calming energy of song to those who need it; and the Lay Pastoral Care Associates who are trained as “compassionate companions” to offer emotional support as congregants face unexpected challenges in their lives. Read more >

Wheel of Life

Congratulations to Rony Mohram and Joe Schmitz! They were married in our Sanctuary on April 14. In celebration of their union, Joe and Rony will be serving cake after both services this Sunday, April 29. Please be sure to stop by with your best wishes. Our condolences to the family and friends of Marjean Willett who died April 19 at the age of 92. Marjean was a talented artist and longtime member before moving to a retirement community in Pennsylvania.

Lifespan Religious Education

Maker Night was a blast! RE's recent Maker Night was a blast! Thank you to the many parents, family members, and of course, children who came by to create, tinker, explore, and have fun! Kudos to our dedicated team of volunteers who made it all possible! Watch for more Maker opportunities to come!

Wellspring Wednesday Classes Come join your UUCA family and friends for fun and informative evenings that fosters lifelong learning and spiritual growth in beloved community. Childcare provided with RSVP. Classes run through May 23. Complete Wellspring class list with descriptions here. Register here.

Read RE Connect Newsletter

Faith in Action

More Earth Day celebrations with DIG! Visit the DIG table on April 29 to learn how to make your space a wildlife sanctuary.  In addition to offering advice and selling booklets on gardening with Virginia natives, we’ll give away FREE native plants and tell you how to grow them at home. If you’re ready to buy native plants for your home garden, click here to learn where plants will be available in the next few weeks. Read more >

Understanding Inequality Book Group The “Understanding Inequality” book group will meet at the Arlington Central Library, Thursday, May 3, 7 to 9 p.m., to hear Richard Rothstein talk about his book The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America. And, on Monday, May 7, 7 p.m., the group will meet at UUCA to discuss the book. Rothstein presents a multitude of examples of how the government abetted the injustice of segregated housing. Date: Thursday, May 3, 7-9 p.m. Location: Arlington Central Library Date: Monday, May 7, 7 p.m. Location: UUCA Room 14 Take Action for Medicaid Expansion The Virginia General Assembly is back in Richmond for their special budget session and we need to make sure they hear from us about Medicaid expansion! Virginia is 1 of 18 states that has not expanded Medicaid since the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Can you make a call today? Call your state senator with this message: “Senator, please vote to expand Medicaid. It’s long past time to make sure all workers can get health care. It makes sense for the budget. It makes sense for employers. It makes sense for hospitals. It makes sense in every way.” Click here to get your state senators’ contact information.

Join Team UUCA at the 37th Annual StepALIVE! Walkathon Join the ALIVE! Child Development Center (CDC) for the 37th Annual StepALIVE! Walkathon, a 5K or 5-mile stroll through Old Town, Alexandria. The CDC is a high quality, full-day, full-year preschool serving children of low-income working parents. Proceeds from StepALIVE! allow 100% of CDC students to receive tuition assistance. There will be live music, a raffle, and refreshments. Register online as a walker or virtual walker on UUCA’s team or in-person on May 6 starting at 1:15 p.m. Individuals unable to participate can register as virtual walkers. To join UUCA’s team click here. Questions? Contact UUCA Team Captain Don Birchler at birchled@hotmail.com.  Date: on Sunday, May 6that 2:00 p.m. Location: First Christian Church, 2723 King Street, Alexandria Scholarship Donor Thank You Partners in Arlington and Guatemala (PAG) would like to thank our many supporters of scholarships for Guatemalan children, which are provided through our partner organization ADIVIMA to give over 50 students, mostly girls, the opportunity to finish high school. We are ending our drive to raise scholarship funds April 22nd. Without the donations from many UUCA members and friends, these students would not be as able to engage in their community and apply to college. If you want to still donate or need additional information about ADIVIMA, please email Anne McKnight at amcknight4646@gmail.com. You can also visit our blog to see many pictures, thoughts and interactions of our UUCA delegation with the people of Guatemala.

Peace Camp – Share your talent and art/craft supplies  Little Friends for Peace has begun plans for this year's Peace Camp. And we are now collecting art supplies and recruiting volunteers.  Arts and crafts. Bring you donations to the Peace Camp table in Fellowship Hall between services on April 29. We can use:  • Paper Towel and Toilet paper rolls  • Shoe boxes - all sizes  • Puppets  • Poster board  • Drawing paper  • Stuffed animals • Markers/crayons  • Carpet squares • Plastic salad and fruit containers with tops  • Other craft materials Share your talent/gifts by demonstrating to campers how you have been a Peacemaker, perhaps through Music, Storytelling, Peace Corp volunteer, Dance, Art Project, Singing, Nature project, or Animal Care.  For details, contact MJ Park, mjpeace@gmail.com, or 240-838-4549.

Peace Camp Golf Fundraiser UUCA's Peace Ministry Team is happy to announce a Golf Charity Fundraiser for our Peace Camp partner, Little Friends for Peace. Proceeds will benefit scholarship campers of community partners, including the two weeks of Peace Camp at UUCA. Golf registration here.  Date: Monday, April 30, Noon Location:

Spring Allyship Workshop Registration Open As part of our congregation's Live the Pledge campaign to end racism, UUCA has partnered with Service Never Sleeps to offer a racial justice Allyship training. Over 100 UUCAers have already taken this training. Now it’s your turn. This workshop will teach you about the causes of racial injustice, how to be an effective ally for marginalized communities of color, and how to actively influence and educate others. This is a natural follow-up to the two-day Live the Pledge to End Racism workshop but is also appropriate for first-timers. More information and sign up here . UUCA contact Alex Ziehm , Alexandraziehm92@gmail.com .

Music Ministry

Arlington Chorale Concert Summer Daze - Charming and Amusing Songs for Everyone! Under the direction of Dr. Nancia D'Alimonte Date: Sunday, April 29, 4 p.m. Location: Sanctuary Voices for Solidarity Benefit Concert   All concert proceeds go toward Dream Project Scholarships and Mentoring Program. Tickets: $35 Online | $40 Door | $10 Students. Buy tickets here. Date: Friday, May 4, 6:15 p.m. Location: Center Gallery

"Tunes and Tea" Bella Voce Concert Sunday, May 13, 4 p.m. Here's a perfect gift for Mom on Mother's Day! (or a gift to self) Bring mom, bring sister, bring a friend, bring dad and brother's, too! The whole family will enjoy these beautiful voices -- Bella Voce! And, plan on staying for a little "Mother's Tea" afterward! Optional freewill donation benefits UUCA.

It's not too late to join! Voices United Community Chorus We extended the last registration date so now people are welcome to join the chorus as late as May 5! For details and to sign up, click here.

Congregational Life

Young Adult Podcast Chat Join the Young Adult Group for the Podcast Chat discussion group! We meet twice a month on Saturdays in the chapel downstairs. We provide the name of a specific podcast episode and everyone listens to the episode on their own during the week. Then we get together and discuss. This week's discussion is an interview with New York Times columnist, political pundit and bestselling author David Brooks on Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations on how we can discover and build a stronger, more meaningful moral character and deeper inner life. Listen to the podcast here. Date: Saturday, April 28, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Location: Chapel Young Adults: Volunteer at AFAC This Saturday! The Arlington Food Assistance Center ( AFAC) provides much needed food staples for over 2,200 families in need every week. Come be part of making that possible! Every fourth Saturday of the month, UUCA Young Adults volunteer for produce bagging alongside other teams, families and individual volunteers in the community. Check out the event page for more information or to post questions. Date: Saturday, April 28, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Location: AFAC, 2708 S. Nelson St., Arlington

Young Adult Laser Tag (+District Taco), Take 2 The UUCA Young Adult Group is going on a laser tagging adventure! Meet at Ultrazone-- Bailey's Crossroads at 7:40 p.m. to buy tickets and be all set by 8 p.m. COST: $19 for unlimited games beginning at 8 p.m. Join us at 6 p.m for dinner beforehand at District Taco. Feel free to come to dinner even if you can't join for laser tag. This is a half mile, 5-10 minute walk to Ultrazone. The District Taco address is 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. See the UUCA Young Adult Group Facebook group or contact Julia Peterson, jcwpeterson@gmail.com, for more information.  Date: Saturday, May 5, 7:40 p.m. Location: Ultrazone, Bailey's Crossroads HUUmanists host Author Talk The Ministers' War UUCA member Michael (“Mike”) Doyle will talk about his most recent book, The Ministers’ War: John W. Mears, the Oneida Community and the Crusade for Public Morality. Published by Syracuse University Press, the book explores how a 19th-century Hamilton College philosophy professor and morality crusader, John W. Mears, fought the nearby Oneida Community where all men and women were united in "complex marriage." Doyle is a reporter for E&E News. He has won awards for his reporting from the National Press Club and the Washington Press Club Foundation.  More details here. All are welcome. For further information, contact Jere Cummins, jeroldcummins@gmail.com. Date: Tuesday, May 8, 7:30 p.m. Location: Board Room

Shutterbugs Wanted! UUCA's photo team will be meeting this Sunday, April 29, and you're welcome to drop in to learn how you can help out with taking photos at various church events and services. No professional photography experience required or fancy camera needed. Cell phone cameras are just fine for many events. We also need behind-the-scene help with photo archiving (electronic and print), so non-photographers can help, too. This is a fun and creative way you can help share with the world the life of our vibrant beloved community. Date: Sunday, April 29, 10:30 a.m. Location: Board Room Save your books! Whether you're spring cleaning or simply de-cluttering, be sure to save your gently-used books for UUCA's upcoming book sale. Children's books, cook book, fiction, and non-fiction books are welcome. We will begin collecting books sometime in May. Watch this space for details. Please email Emily Goodin , emgoodin@gmail.com, with any questions and/or offers to lend a hand with the sale.

Event Host and Building Safety Training Those who lead groups at UUCA, who plan and/or host meetings or events, or who are interested in volunteering to do so, are invited to join Facility Manager, Paul Kearney, and Administrative and Events Coordinator, Annie Parker for a special training Sunday, May 6, after second service. Interested parties can grab a cup of coffee and convene in the Boardroom by 12:30. The session will last for approximately an hour and a half and will touch on health, safety, security, and emergency policies and procedures. The session will also include an orientation to building features and an overview of expectations and responsibilities of coordinators or hosts. Date: Sunday, May 6, 12:30 p.m. Location: Board Room Day Alliance: Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Advance Directives April's guest speaker for Day Alliance is Elizabeth L. Wildhack, an estate planning attorney who has devoted her practice to the areas of trusts and estates, including wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives; estate and special needs planning for the disabled; elder law; probate administration; and decedents’ estates and trust administration in Northern Virginia for almost 18 years. She currently serves as the Assistant Commissioner of Accounts for the Circuit Court of Arlington County and the City of Falls Church, and as the treasurer for the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.  More details here. Everyone is welcome for the program, without reservations. Lunch requires RSVP and begins at noon. Deadline for lunch RSVP is May 3. Date: Tuesday, May 8, 10:30 a.m. Coffee; Speaker 11 a.m.; Lunch 12 p.m. Location: Center Gallery

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 Wednesday. 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 ‌ ‌