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

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Sunday, May 13, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. "Prophetic Words and Deeds" Sermon by The Rev. Beth Miller, Temporary Senior Minister This Sunday we continue a six-part sermon series focused on the six sources of our Unitarian Universalist living tradition from our statement of UU Principles and Sources. The second source is: Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront the powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion and the transforming power of love.  And it is Mother’s Day! One prophetic voice in our UU history was that of Julia Ward Howe, author of the Mother’s Day Proclamation of 1870. It was a very different notion of Mother’s Day than what we celebrate today, and worthy of our consideration.  Those sharing their musical gifts this Sunday are the Sanctuary Singers, Chamber Choir, Bob Kline, Mimi Bornstein and two of our youth, Dane Marie Pedulla-Smith and Liz Harold. Livestream

Summer Worship Schedule Begins May 27 Please mark your calendars for May 27 when we begin our summer schedule for worship services and RE for all ages. May 27 thru September 2, there will be one Sunday service and RE for all ages at 10:15 a.m.

Share the Plate STP May 13 -- Metro DC Chapter of PFLAG Founded in 1983, the Metro DC Chapter of PFLAG is made up of parents, families, friends, and allies of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) folks, and LGBTQ people themselves. Metro DC PFLAG strives to promote the equality and wellness of the LGBTQ community and their families and friends through community support, educational opportunities, and advocacy efforts.  Metro DC PFLAG sponsors 15 Community Groups across the DC area, including groups for adults, groups for youth, and groups with a transgender focus. Community Groups provide participants with the opportunity to share experiences in regard to sexual orientation and gender expression and how it affects their families. Community Groups create a safe space to get information and promote understanding, acceptance, support, and love. “Keeping families together” is the PFLAG motto.  The Arlington PFLAG Community Group, started by Equality UUCA in 2011, meets right here at UUCA on the second Tuesday of each month. UUCA also helped start ALY:Arlington LGBTQ+Ally Youth, a PFLAG Group for teens ages 13-18, which currently meets at Central United Methodist Church on Fairfax Drive.  Like UUCA, Metro DC PFLAG envisions a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.  For resources and to learn more, visit  pflagdc.org or stop by the table in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday.

Update on Previous Share the Plate Last week's preliminary STP total for VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) is $4,223. This does not include donations made via online giving. We will update the total next week. Reminder: You can make donations for the STP organization named on Sunday through the following Saturday night at midnight.

Online STP Donation

MoonFire Beltane Ritual You are welcome to join MoonFire for a ritual celebrating Beltane. Beltane is all about life: life at its most optimistic; life beginning; life taking over and challenging you. It is a time for love and laughter, for the Green Man and May Queen, and for celebrating all that is good and new. We will call forth the powers of the Green Man and May Queen in a ritual that challenges us to spread love and joy throughout our lives and our futures. We will kindle the sacred fire of Beltane and make a happiness pact with our future selves, and seal our happiness with a charge from the Goddess. A potluck will follow. For more information on MoonFire, please visit moonfireuuca.org, or contact moonfirecoords@gmail.com. Date: Sunday, May 20, 1:30 p.m. Location: Chapel

Transmissions Meditation Service You are welcome to join Jim and Ashley Cash of Woven Green for a meditative healing service--a special time for reflection and spiritual deepening. The service includes contemplative meditation with music, chanting, and soundscapes. Attendees may bring a yoga mat, pillow, or blanket. Freewill donations accepted. Date: Tuesday, May 22, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Location: Center

Church Matters

Budget Update and Plan As promised, there will be a seventh budget meeting to update where we are with closing the gap on a projected $200,000 in the FY19 budget. The budget update meeting is scheduled for Sunday, May 13, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. I look forward to seeing you there! Tamara Srader Acting Executive Director

Nominee Slate for Annual Meeting The Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the following slate of nominees to fill elected congregational leadership positions and to be voted upon by the congregation at the annual meeting on Sunday, June 3, as follows: Al Himes, Janice Morris, and Warren Wright, each for a two-year term on the Board of Trustees (each currently serving) Linda Battaglini for a two-year term on the Board of Trustees (new) Nancy Hyde, Josh Mohr, and Paula Bendl Smith, each for a two-year term on the Nominating Committee (new) Amy Shepherd for a one-year term as Board Secretary  Peter Vitaliano for a one-year term as Church Treasurer (currently serving) Bob Gayer and Gene Mulligan, each for a one-year term as Assistant Treasurer (each currently serving) In keeping with church bylaws, additional nominations for any of the offices or committees may be made by a petition signed by no fewer than five members who are eligible to vote at the annual meeting. A petition must be handed in to the church office by May 24 (10 days before the annual meeting). Any other nominations for church office may be submitted from the floor at the annual meeting. Please mark your calendars for these important dates: May 20—Forum for church members to meet the nominees May 24—Deadline for handing in additional nominations by petition June 3—Annual meeting For more information, please talk with any member of the Nominating Committee:  Ben D’Avanzo, Liz Fuchs, Tina Hinh, James Tsai, and Bill Turner.

Board Update This week’s Board Update address three significant areas: The 2018-19 budget is foremost in our minds, as a drop off in pledges after Rev. Aaron’s resignation has left us short about $200,000 of our operating budget. Join Tamara Srader and Peter Vitaliano on Sunday, May 13, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. as they review the various options for filling this budget gap. In other big news, the Interim Minister search committee is within two-weeks of announcing our new Senior Interim Minister, who will begin August 1, 2018. Look for announcements in Connections soon! Finally, the Board is working diligently on the best ways to evaluate our existing policy-based governance system so that we meet the needs of the congregation and fulfill our mission. This will be a multi-month process with significant congregational input. We will be sharing an initial plan at the annual congregational meeting June 3, at 12 noon. If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please contact us at uuca-board@googlegroups.com.

Announcing UUCA's Annual Congregational Meeting Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 3, 12 p.m. You don't want to miss this year's Annual Meeting where we approve the 2018-19 budget, vote on nominees for the Board and its officers, and approve the slate for the Senior Minister Search Committee. All are welcome to attend. Members who have been members for at least 90 days (since March 4, 2018) are eligible to vote. Our Youth Group will sell sandwich lunches before the meeting and childcare will be available. Date: Sunday, June 3, 12 p.m. Location: Sanctuary

Commissioned Lay Ministry: A Conversation Join Diane Ullius , UUCA's candidate for the Commissioned Lay Ministry through the Unitarian Universalist Association, for an informal conversation about her work in the CLM program and what it might mean to UUCA. Date: Sunday, May 20, after each service Location: Volunteer Room GA Comes to UUCA If you're interested in finding out about General Assembly (GA) without leaving Arlington, join us at UUCA on Thursday, May 24, for an orientation webinar. This year, four members have already volunteered to represent UUCA remotely at this annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association (in addition to a larger team traveling to Kansas City as onsite delegates). Many events will be available by livestream at UUCA and at Goodwin House during GA in late June. For information on becoming an official delegate, contact the Nominating Committee, UUCANomCom@gmail.com. Date: Thursday, May 24, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Location: Parlor - Rm. 13/15

Ministry Matters

Summer Music Opportunities at UUCA Dear UUCA Family, It is hard to believe that summer is almost upon us, but alas it is! As many of you know, our hardworking UUCA music ensembles take a summer break from rehearsing and performing during worship in order to recharge their batteries for the music ministries they will share in the following church year. This opens up numerous opportunities for members of our community to perform for our summer worship services. This is a wonderful way to get to know the special musical gifts you have to share!  It’s fun! It’s easy! During the summer we have one service at 10:15. If you need an accompanist one will be provided! How can you say no??? If you fit into any of the descriptions below please consider becoming part of UUCA’s summer music program. Are you: A vocalist or instrumentalist who has a favorite song or two you would like to share? A member of a small ensemble (vocal or instrumental) that would like to work up a piece or two for a service this summer? A pianist who would like to serve as an accompanist for a service or two? A vocalist who would like to serve as a song leader for a service or two? I am excited to learn what gifts you have to share with us this summer!  Please contact me at MimiB@uucava.org so we can find a date and discuss your ideas. Yours in gratitude and service, Mimi

Wheel of Life

Condolences to Brian Flaherty on the recent death of his brother. Condolences to friends and family of Carrie Johnson who died this week.

Lifespan Religious Education

RE Fair - Sunday, May 13 After services on Sunday, be sure to visit Fellowship Hall for the Religious Education Fair! Kids and teachers will be on hand to share with you all the cool things they’ve learned during the church year. 2nd graders will be on hand offering Taste Tests, 3rd graders will host a table where participants can build a peace structure. And 4th graders will be sharing interesting information about the design of our chancel.

Holistic Moms Meeting on Screen Time The Arlington/Alexandria chapter of the Holistic Moms Network meets on the third Thursday of each month at UUCA. Their next meeting features early childhood educator Ann Marie Douglass of Nature Club Kids leading a conversation about “Sensory Deprivation and the Nature Cure.” Screen time norms have shifted greatly at home, school, and around our town and globe. We’ll consider the unintended consequences of today’s technology and learn how nature connection and outdoor project-based learning can grow healthier learners in all of us. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1928791967451320/ Date: Thursday, May 17 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Location: Activity Room Youth Sunday--May 20 Don't miss this annual tradition when our High School Youth lead the Sunday worship services. It's one of the best and certainly most fun services of the year! Date: Sunday, May 20, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Location: Sanctuary

Yes! We offer Religious Education Classes for All Ages During Summer Here’s what’s in store for our Summer Sunday program: Nursery care for 2-years-old and younger Preschool thru 1st grade meet in Room 5 for story and play time 2nd-5th grade meet in Room 2 for stories, activities, and active play 6th grade and up meet in the Youth Room, led by Elisabeth Geschiere Please volunteer to lead a Summer Sundays HERE .  Lesson plan and supplies provided.

Wellspring Wednesday Classes Don't miss out! Wellspring classes run through May 23. Join us for fun and informative evenings that fosters lifelong learning and spiritual growth. Childcare provided with RSVP.  UU Music Workshop. Join Christin Green and Mimi Bornstein to explore how various faith traditions use music as a tool in both social justice and spiritual practice. May 16 . Screenagers - Documentary. This film explores the struggle between parents and youth over social media, video games, academnic, and internet addition and offers solutions on how adults can empower kids to best navigate the digital world. May 16 . (Almost to capacity--register now.) The U in UUism. An overview of UU history with a focus on how to integrate your UU faith into daily life. May 16 New UU. Learn about UU and UUCA history and theology, and find out how to connect and get involved. This class is part of the path to membership. May 23. Prayerful Doodling and Art. Explore how doodling can be both creative and meditative . May 23. Complete Wellspring class list with descriptions here. Register here.  Read RE Newsletter Here

Faith in Action

The Poor People’s Campaign “40 Days Of Moral Action” Launches May 13! By Elisabeth Geschiere, Social Justice Coordinator Friends, I am so excited to tell you about this movement and to mobilize our beloved community to join in mass! The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival is “uniting tens of thousands of people across the country to challenge the evils of systemic racism, poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation and the nation’s distorted morality. The best way to learn about The Poor People’s Campaign is to go to the website and watch the video at the bottom of the home page and to read its Fundamental Principles. Then, you can join the campaign by filling out the simple form on the homepage, right above the video.  The PPC is launching 40 Days of Nonviolent Direct Action in 30 statehouses and the U.S. Capital in Washington D.C. THIS Sunday May 13. There will be weekly Mass Meetings, Direct Actions, Teach-Ins, and Theomusiciology & Movement Cultural Arts Events— see this flyer for more information! All Virginians are called to mobilize at the U.S. Capitol instead of in Richmond. If you are on Facebook, I encourage you to follow the DC PPC’s page. Finally, please complete this Google form to get connected with all the other UUCAers who are involved in this Campaign!  Together for a more just world! Elisabeth Geschiere, egeschiere@uucava.org

Team UUCA Rocks the Walk Team UUCA walked in last Sunday's ALIVE! ( Alexandrians In Volved Ecumenically !) Walkathon to help raise over $100,000 to benefit children in low-income families who attend ALIVE!'s Child Development Center. Thanks to all at UUCA who walked and/or donated and/or participated in making the event a success. Team UUCA included Erika Dinkel-Smith, Katie Ruf, Sophia Stone, Julia Peterson, Elisabeth Geschiere, Ann Marie Hay, Don Birchler, Will Appelquist, Scoti Albrecht, Beverly Hissrich, Diana Day. Wrapping UUCA in the Flag Equality UUCA invites you to join in a fundraiser/pride-raiser for UUCA -- let's wrap UUCA in a rainbow for Capital Pride Week in June! Stop by the Equality UUCA table any Sunday in May to sponsor a rainbow flag for $5/flag. Flags will have labels to write a dedication or message. And, mark your calendar for Saturday, June 2, 10 a.m.--the beginning of Capital Pride Week--for a rainbow flag "planting" party. Will we have enough rainbow flags to make it all the way around the church? We'll find out! Will we have a big, bold, public reminder of UUCA's commitment to the inherent worth and dignity of ALL people? YES! For more information: uuca.equality@gmail.com.

June 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 . Cooks Needed - Help Keep Peace Camp Cookin' Some of the most important times of Peace Camp is when the kids gather for lunch (and snacks). It's a fun and special time of getting to know one another over a nutritious meal that's prepared by the loving hands of volunteer cooks. We need more cooks to add to our team. No experience needed. Flexible schedule. Teens are welcome. It's a great way to earn community service credits. Jobs include food prep, cooking, serving, and cleanup. Volunteers help prepare snacks beginning at 8:30 a.m. and lunch starting at 10 a.m., with cleanup ending at 2:30 p.m. Help any day, for any length of time. Peace Camp runs June 25 to July 6. Contact Mollie Jewell, molliejewell2@gmail.com, 703-941-5643 or see Mollie at the coffee table this Sunday. For general information about Peace Camp click here.

Thanks for the Peace Camp Art Supplies Thanks for the generous response to the call for art supplies for Peace Camp. We got lots of shoe boxes for making dioramas, plastic containers for germinating seeds and various paper, chalk, etc. It all adds up to lots of materials for encouraging peaceful creativity. We’ll use these supplies at Peace Camps both here at UUCA and around the DC area all summer. So we can always use more. If you want to help, don’t worry, we’ll be collecting again in early June (right before camp here at UUCA). For more information, see www.peacecamp@lffp.org.   Culpepper Springtime Party UUCAer’s are cordially invited to join the Culpepper Garden Springtime Party in celebrating the 43rd year of this Arlington community treasure at a garden reception with music, light fare and refreshments catered by Culpepper’s Chef Ray Riddle and staff. Culpepper Garden, opened in 1975, is an award-winning, affordable nonprofit retirement community established by UUCA for low-income seniors. It was the first low-income assisted living residence of its type in the U.S. and remains the only such facility in Arlington. RSVP by May 24. For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact Linda Kelleher, lkelleher@culpeppergarden.org. Date: Saturday, June 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Location: Culpepper Garden, 4435 N. Pershing Drive , Arlington (only two blocks from UUCA)

Live The Pledge to End Racism Workshop At a time in our country when inequities faced by people of color are made more and more visible, the Pledge to End Racism offers faith communities and other groups a way to engage in substantive conversations, while developing competence in dismantling racism in their communities. The Pledge--a commitment to a common understanding, language and set of principles-- can become a vital link in one's work to ending racism. Whether you have had previous anti-racism training, or have never taken a workshop about racism, the Live the Pledge to End Racism Workshop will challenge you to invest in learning about anti-racism with literature, training, and other activities. For more information, or to register for this workshop, please email Diane Dorius, doriusde@gmail.com. You can also register in Fellowship Hall after church services this Sunday, May 6.  Dates: Saturdays, May 12 & 19, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Location: Activity Room

Share Your Talents @ Peace Camp Here's your chance to share your talent or gift--Do a demonstration for Peace Campers! Share how you can be a PEACEMAKER through music, storytelling, dance, art project, or a nature project--whatever your gift or talent may be. For more information, contact MJ Park, mjpeace@gmail.com. Fiesta! The whole family is invited for an evening of food, fun, and friendship! Each year we gather with our Buckingham neighbors for an evening of delicious food and entertainment. No fee--just bring a dish to share. Date: Saturday, May 12, 6:30 p.m. Location: Fellowship Hall

Music Ministry

"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.

Congregational Life

UUCA Book Sale Come and buy some books!   Saturday, May 26 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.   Sunday, May 27 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (The last hour will be a bag of books for $5.)   Location: Activity Room Book Donations Also, please bring your books to donate on Sunday, May 20. Drop them off in the Activity Room. Any books left over from the sale will be donated to charity. Due to lack of storage, please do not drop off books before May 20.   And, if you’d like to volunteer to help sell books, please contact Emily Goodin at emgoodin@gmail.com.

Men's Book Group The Men's Book Group will meet in the Chapel at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, May 13, to discuss Farewell, My Lovely, a 1940 mystery by Raymond Chandler, the second novel to feature detective Philip Marlowe. If there are any questions about the group and its meetings, please email Ken Marshall, kenmar42@gmail.com or call 703-533-8004.  Date: Sunday, May 13, 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 texts. The belief behind the strategies is that personal truth and meaning can come from a wide variety of sources. It is a place where deep and meaningful introspection occurs, friendships are made, and the very nature of religion is explored. The reading is chapters 9-10 of A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. Questions? Contact Elisabeth Geschiere, egeschiere@uucava.org. Next Date: Thursday, May 17, 7-9 p.m. Location: Youth Room

Young Adult 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. This Sunday we’re having an Earth-themed Potluck Brunch! More information here.   Next Date: Sunday, May 20, 12:30-3:00 p.m. Location: Outside on North Patio next to the Sanctuary, weather-willing! (Back up: Youth Room) Seeking Artists and Crafters for Mistletoe Mall Applications are now being accepted for UUCA’s Holiday Craft Sale, Mistletoe Mall, to be held December 1-2. Spaces require a registration fee, plus a donation to the church based on percentage of sales. Priority is given to UUCA members and friends who submit their application by May 18. If you are interested in participation in this exciting event, please contact Mary Pike, marylpva@gmail.com for an application and additional information.

Summer & Fall Retreats UUCA Shenandoah Retreat - June 22-24 You are invited to join UUCA members, friends, and acquaintances in Shenandoah National Park for our spring/summer annual retreat! Most campers stay in Big Meadows Campground and many people who don't want to camp stay in Big Meadows lodge. The weekend is open to all and is family-friendly. Book your room or campsite (here), or plan a day trip. NOTE: Most campsites are booked well in advance, but the campground has many first-come, first-serve sites. Some UUCAers may have reserved campsites to release, too– join the email list for more info. Register with the UUCA group (here) so we can communicate with you! Make your donation (here) to the UUCA group to cover cost of shared food (and wine) and supplies ($10/adult or more). Sign up (here) to help make the retreat happen! Many of our needs are small commitments--from fitting an extra box of happy hour supplies in your car to chilling in the picnic area for a few hours on Saturday to “hold” our tables. Questions? Contact D. Ohlandt, profohlandt@gmail.com or Jacqueline Lotts, jlotts@gmail.com.

Join Us for a Mountain Get-a-Way: Fall Retreat is Sept. 21-23 For over 50 years, UUCA members and friends have gathered each fall at Capon Springs in the mountains of West Virginia for fellowship, fun, and renewal. The Fall Retreat (Sept. 21-23) is a great chance to get to know your fellow UUCAers in a relaxed setting. Enjoy discussions and workshops, communal meals, fun and games from Scrabble to shuffleboard, from hiking and birdwatching to golf. Whether you are thinking of coming for the first time or are a repeat retreater, we would love to have you join us! Please stop by the Fall Retreat table on any Sunday in May, where members of the retreat committee will be delighted to tell you more. More information and registration here. Date: September 21-23 Location: Capon Springs , West Virginia

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 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 ‌ ‌