Connections Newsletter
All the news you need to know to connect, grow, and serve.
Connections will take a two-week vacation in August. There will be no newsletter the weeks of August 6 and August 13. The only deadlines in August are August 20 & 27 at noon. See bottom of this email for details on submitting an announcement.
Sunday Service, July 8, 10:15 a.m.
The Sacred Circle Of Life
The Rev. Beth Miller

The sermon series on the sources of inspiration that help us to live into  Unitarian Universalism’s seven principles concludes this Sunday with the sixth source, spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature. Earth-centered traditions teach us what modern science has confirmed, that our planet and everything on Earth is an interconnected system. We look to these ancient traditions for guidance on how to live into that reality. 

Our Director of Music Ministries, Mimi Bornstein, along with special guest guitarist, Eric Waters, will offer their musical gifts. 
Share-the-Plate
July 8 STP: Service Never Sleeps
Service Never Sleeps' (SNS) vision is a world where equal rights, justice, and opportunity are available to everyone, and their mission is to empower individuals and communities to catalyze social justice through service and Allyship. SNS’ three-prong approach promotes Allyship across all sectors of the community: (1) SNS hosts a Fellowship year of part-time service for young professionals, which builds leading Millennial allies. (2) The Corporate Citizenship program partners with companies to coordinate skills-based service projects, and demonstrate Allyship in the private sector. (3) The half-day Allyship workshop trains engaged community members to be bridge-building allies that promote social justice as a way of life. Learn more about the movement that SNS is creating at www.serviceneversleeps.org.
Ministry Matters
We Can Do this Together
The Rev. Beth Miller, Temporary Senior Minister

My time with you is winding down and while it will be nice to return to my home with family nearby, I’m really going to miss you. I’ve so valued serving as your minister these past few months and my affection for you has steadily grown as we’ve worshiped and worked together. And my respect and admiration for the depth of spirit and the strength of community I’ve discovered here has steadily grown as well. You are an amazing congregation. 

You have more changes ahead of you, to be sure, and goals to be accomplished. That is why I want to remind you of the Summer Challenge that is underway this month to make up for the $100,000+ shortfall in the annual stewardship campaign and raise the necessary funds to hire a contract assistant minister. I urge you to make a pledge if you haven’t, to increase your pledge if you possibly can, or to make a special gift if you cannot raise your pledge. Many of you have already stepped up and we’ve reached $37,000. That’s a fine start and we are grateful, but the cost of a minister is significantly greater. 

I believe it is really important for UUCA to hire a second minister as soon as possible, especially for this crucial time of transition. Your Interim Senior Minister, the Rev. Terasa Cooley, is a wise and very capable leader. But without additional ministerial support, her hands will simply be too full. The primary roles of the assistant minister will be social justice and pastoral care, two of UUCA’s most central ministries. You, the laity, do so much in both of these ministry areas and you need the support of a ministerial partner working alongside you. 
And I believe you can meet this Summer Challenge. My concern for your wellbeing and my faith in your ability to rise to the occasion is strong enough that I’m committed to contributing $10 for every new or increased pledge or special gift of $200 or more, up to $5,000. I’m not wealthy and $5,000 is a significant gift for me. Please join me in making your own significant contribution to the Summer Challenge. We can do this together. 
Board Update
Board Update – Week of July 2, 2018
By Al Himes , Board Chair 2018-19

On July 1 our new church year began. As part of the transition to the new church year, the Board has elected me to serve as chair for this coming year. I look forward to serving everyone in this capacity and guiding us in this transitional year. The coming year will be filled with many opportunities to share ideas about our future and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas.

In the shorter term, the Board and the Senior Minister Search Committee are seeking input on the length of search (one year or two years) that will allow us to find the best minister for us and continue to meet the needs of the congregation. The Board will be making a final decision on the search timeline at our August 21 meeting. In the meantime, Town Hall meetings are scheduled for Sunday, July 15 and Sunday, August 5 following the service. We will share the pros and cons for each timeline and hear congregants’ thoughts.

The Board will also be examining our Governance Structure over the coming year, possibly leading to recommended changes to our governance documents in order to ensure we have the best structure to support our mission and serve the needs of both current and future congregants. This work all starts with a Governance Retreat this coming weekend.  This Friday, July 6, from 7 to 9 p.m. everyone is welcome to join the opening session of the retreat where the Rev. David Pyle from UUA will be discussing with us the possibilities for governance at UUCA. On Saturday, the Board and the Board’s Policy and Governance sub-committee will continue to receive additional training and guidance that will help us as we prepare for future sessions with the congregation to seek input and discuss the governance structure that best serves our needs.

We are also preparing to welcome Rev. Terasa Cooley as our Interim Senior Minister. Rev. Terasa officially starts on August 1, however she has recently finished relocating to our area and she plans to be at some activities during the month of July.
Lastly, I would like to thank our outgoing Board Chair, Warren Wright, for his time and dedication during his two years as Board Chair, including guiding us through some very difficult times over the past year. Warren will continue to serve as a Trustee this coming year. I would also like to thank Paula Bendl Smith for her four years of service as a Trustee as well as welcome Linda Battaglini as a Trustee. The Board of Trustees meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. plus Trustees are available from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. before each meeting to hear comments from congregants. 
Explore the possibilities for UUCA Governance
The Governance Transition Committee will be leading a conversation on what the possibilities for Governance are for UUCA on Friday, July 6, and we want your input. The conversation will be facilitated by Rev. David Pyle of the UU Association. The session will begin with a short presentation by Rev. Pyle on Governance in Large UU Congregations, including several different models, to include Policy Governance, Governance and Ministry, and the Strategic Board. All interested are welcome. Let's work together to strengthen our governance and live our commitment that we are the church.

Date: Friday, July 6, 7 to 9 p.m.
Location: Activity Room
Town Hall Meeting – Senior Minister Search Process
Please join the Board of Trustees and the Senior Minister Search Committee to discuss the pros and cons of a one-year versus a two-year search process for our next called Senior Minister. The Search Committee has had a few meetings and discussions with UUA representatives to learn more about the search process for our next called Senior Minister. Come hear what was learned and offer your thoughts. The Board of Trustees will make a final decision on the search timeline at their August 21 meeting in order to allow the Search Committee the time needed to prepare their process accordingly.

Dates: Sundays, July 15 and August 5, 11:30 a.m.
Location: Center Gallery
Lifespan Religious Education
children-smiling-sm.jpg
Only five RE Teachers Needed! 
We only need six teachers in order for our Religious Education program to be fully staffed in the upcoming church year. High five and many thanks to those who have already volunteered. 

We still need a teacher or two in the following classes--
• 3rd Grade—UU Identity and History 
• 5th Grade---New Testament studies 

The commitment is to teach once a month and assist another teacher on the team once a month. So, plenty of time left for attending worship services. Training will be provided. 
  
Count me in! How do I sign-up?
Sign up online here .
Wheel of Life
Congratulations to Jolie Olivetti who received her preliminary fellowship as a UU minister at this year's UUA General Assembly. Jolie grew up at UUCA and is the daughter to Jim and Trudi Olivetti (UUCA member now residing in New England).
Faith in Action
Write a message to your U.S. Senator to help keep families together
The separation of children from their parents and the prospects of long-term detention are heart-breaking! The Administration's "zero tolerance" policy on immigrants seeking asylum from violence and poverty has resulted in thousands of children being put at risk. This immoral situation violates UU values and principles, and UUs must let our legislators know our views. This Sunday, July 8, come by the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice's (UUSJ) "Write Here! Write Now!" table in Fellowship Hall to write a personal letter to your U.S. Senators. Fact sheets and supplies will be available. Or write your letter in advance and drop it off. Here is a backgrounder with sample letter. UUSJ's Capitol Hill Advocacy Corps will be hand-delivering letters on July 10. Contact Lavona Grow at advocacy@uusj.org.

Date: Sunday, July 8, following service
Location: Write Here, Write Now! table in Fellowship Hall
"It's What We Do: A Play About the Occupation"
There will be a screening of the award winning production of “It’s What We Do: A Play about the Occupation” at Arlington Central Library. UUCA's UUs for Justice in the Middle East is a co-sponsor of the presentation. There will be a discussion after the film moderated by Pamela Nice, the director and playwright of the original play and of this film. The play was the winner of Best Drama Audience Award in both 2015 and 2017 at the Washington DC Capital Fringe Festival. This docudrama goes beyond the headlines to show what occupation looks like on a daily basis – both how it affects the Israeli soldiers as enforcers and how it continues to affect Palestinians living under it. Flyer here.

Date: Sunday, July 15, 3 - 5 p.m.
Location: Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington -- Bluemont Room 
Help VOICE Register Our Neighbors to Vote
VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) will be building on the success of the Get Out the Vote campaign we conducted last fall, by co-hosting a Voter Registration Training, with the League of Women Voters. Although VOICE is strictly nonpartisan, we advocate for voter participation, particularly among disadvantaged groups. This year we hope to increase turnout for the midterm elections and urgently need your help. Trainer Gary Ellis, from the Richmond commission will be conducting training, including details on voter eligibility and ground rules for voter registration. Participants will receive a certificate of completion that will be valid for six months. The training will be held at UUCA on Thursday, July 26, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. You must be over the age of 16 to sign up. Please click this link and join our cause to bring democracy to all!
“In this polarized season,
I am Democrat and
I am Republican,
I am Libertarian and
I am Independent,
I am Green and
I am confused.
And I am an American.”

- Maureen Killoran 
Mark your calendar!
Better Angels Workshop
As a diverse and welcoming community of faith, how are we called upon to respond to the deep polarization in today’s American society? How, in the words of last Sunday’s Embracing Meditation, can we hear one another in our divisions and honor one another’s truths? Join congregants and friends from both sides of the political aisle to explore this difficult topic together. More details about how to sign up will be coming soon. Questions? Contact Sarah Yue, alanandsarah@gmail.com.

Date: Saturday, September 29, 2-5 p.m.
Location: Activity Room
Congregational Life
Young Adult Laser Tag + Tacos 
Back by popular demand, the UUCA Young Adult Group returns for round three of taco-fueled laser tag! 
Dinner at 6 pm at District Taco, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church (5-10 minute walk to Ultrazone). 
Meet at 7:40 p.m. at Ultrazone Bailey's Crossroads to buy tickets, and games start at 8 pm. COST: $19 for unlimited games beginning at 8 pm. (Individual games are usually $9 each.)
For more information, visit the Facebook events page here.
Questions? Contact Elisabeth Geschiere, egeschiere@uucava.org.

Date: Saturday, July 21 (Note: Podcast Chat is therefore canceled 7/21 but resumes August 4!)
Men's Book Club
The Men's Book Club meets this Sunday to discuss The Stranger, a novel by Albert Camus. If you have questions about the group and its meetings, please contact Ken Marshall, kenmar42@gmail.com, 703-533-8004.

Date: Sunday, July 8, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Chapel
Young Adult Divine Reading Group
The Divine Reading Group is a Young Adults Group which treats secular short stories as though they were sacred texts. The belief behind the strategies is that personal truth and meaning can come from a wide variety of sources. This group is ideal for those who love reading and discussion. It is also a place where deep and meaningful introspection occurs, friendships are made, and the very nature of religion is explored. We will be starting a new novel so stay tuned to the Divine Reading Event Page for updates! Questions? Contact Elisabeth Geschiere, egeschiere@uucava.org.
 
Next Date: Thursday, July 12, 7-9 p.m.
Location: Youth Room
Young Adult Sunday Brunch
The Young Adults meet for brunch every other Sunday after the second service! Ages 18-35 and their families are welcome to come get to know other young adults over a good meal. 
 
Next Date: Sunday, July 15, 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Activity Room
New UU Class
Learn about Unitarian Universalism and this church in this one-session class with Rev. Beth Miller and Sarah Masters, Director of Congregational Life. There will be plenty of chances to ask questions and to get to know others in the class. It's also part of the path to membership at UUCA. The class is free and includes a light dinner. Free childcare is available on request.  Register here or contact Sarah Masters, sarah.masters@uucava.org.

Date: Wednesday, July 18, 6-9 p.m.
Location: Activity Room
Connections will take a two-week vacation in August. There will be no newsletter the weeks of August 6 and August 13. August deadlines are at noon on Monday, August 20 & 27.
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