Connections Newsletter
All the news you need to know to connect, grow, and serve.
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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.
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Sunday, July 1, 10:15 a.m.
Idolatries of the Mind and Spirit
The Rev. Beth Miller
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This week’s sermon explores the fifth source of our six Unitarian Universalist sources in the
UUA Statement of Purposes and Principles: Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit. UUism, currently and historically, is closely tied to religious and secular humanism which contributes greatly to our acceptance of one another and openness to exploring life’s unanswerable questions non-dogmatically. We will also acknowledge Independence Day during the Time For All Ages and address some of the concerns for our country I believe we share during the Prayer and Embracing Meditation.
This week’s musicians are accompanist and organist,
Sophia Morreale, and soloist, guitarist and song leader,
Devon Leppink.
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This Sunday, July 1, all funds donated to Share-the-Plate will go to UUCA's social justice partner
The Dream Project.
Since 2011, the Dream Project, a non-profit organization, has supported promising young immigrant students in their pursuit of higher education. Through mentoring, scholarships, advocacy, and community outreach, the Dream Project empowers students and their families to succeed against all odds. This past academic year, the Dream Project's Mentoring Program helped 40 students navigate the college application process. In addition, this spring the Dream Project awarded $142,500 in Dream Project scholarships.
And in the face of great uncertainty and threatening news headlines, the Dream Project is planning to do more. The Dream Project's new ALAS program is a social emotional support group to directly support students and their families in dealing with the high anxiety.
You can make donations for the STP organization named on Sunday through the following Saturday night at midnight.
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If you are ready to commit to an increased pledge or donation you can do so
HERE.
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GA Approves Actions of Immediate Witness
One of the highlights of the UUA's General Assembly is the process of selecting Actions of Immediate Witness. As the name implies, these are issues that require immediate action, that are specific, that fit with our capacity to take meaningful action, and that present opportunities for our congregations to become respected participants in public dialogue. Stay tuned for more information on what UUCA can do on these AIWs (See announcement "Families Belong Together Rally" below).
The actions selected this year: "End family separation and detention of asylum seekers and abolish ICE" ; "We are all related: Solidarity NOW with indigenous water protectors"; and "End prisons for profit: dismantle predatory medical care practices in prisons." Read more about them here:
As UUA president
Susan Frederick Gray says, "This is no time for a casual faith." UUCA members and friends can take actions that will make a difference in the world, with the grounding of our UU faith.
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Lifespan Religious Education
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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?
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Calling All UUs: Families Belong Together Rally & March
Hundreds of organizations are mobilizing tens of
thousands of people to hold our government accountable to stop separating families and to reunite those who have been separated.
UUSJ,
UUSC and
UUA are official partners of the event. Be present for this seminal moment in D.C., to show unprecedented turn-out in support of immigrants and families belonging together.
Date: Saturday June 30, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Lafayette Square, Washington DC
UUs Meet-Up Info: UUs will meet up at Farragut Square starting at 10 a.m. This is the southwest corner near the intersection of Connecticut Ave and I (Eye) Street. Afterwards, we will re-group again on the northern side of the square between 16th Street and Vermont Avenue and just south of H Street.
RSVP and stay connected on Facebook: www
.facebook.com/events/2025430224389433/
E-mail
egeschiere@uucava.org
if you wish to coordinate transportation with other UUCAers or would like to offer rides!
More background: With an overwhelming majority, delegates at the
Unitarian Universalist Association's General Assembly adopted an Action of Immediate Witness calling for the abolition of ICE and the end of family separation and detention of asylum seekers. The resolution called for the “Abolition of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the implementation of a system that understands the causes for migration, provides a non-carceral solution while asylum-seekers await a decision on their case, and has a fundamental commitment to keeping families together.”
Please join us on Saturday to put our words into action!
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This is a Movement, Not a Moment!
Thank you to all who attended the National Rally & March to Fight Poverty last Saturday alongside over a hundred UUs and thousands of others from across the country! The rally was the finale of the Poor People’s Campaign’s launch ‘40 days of nonviolent moral fusion direct action’ during which more than 3,000 poor people, clergy and other activists presented themselves for nonviolent civil disobedience, rallies, and events, putting a face on the facts, demanding an end to abandonment in the midst of abundance. The Rally was covered by
The Washington Post and
Rolling Stone other media outlets and the entire livestream can be
viewed here.
There are many ways to learn more about this movement and to continue to get involved!
- Sign the Campaign’s letter to request to convene a hearing before the U.N. Human Rights Council on the state of poverty in our nation.
- Attend this Information Meeting on Thursday about next steps for the DC Chapter.
- Donate to make this movement sustainable.
Forward Together! Not One Step Back!
Elisabeth
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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!
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SOL Volunteers Needed
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) volunteers help those who already speak English improve their English, reduce their accents, and learn more about American culture. ESOL students have included professionals and non-professionals, e.g., au pairs, foreign embassy chefs, diplomats' spouses, construction workers, skycaps, policemen, dentists, doctors, teachers, accountants, engineers, and diplomatic staff. ESOL volunteers learn much from the students and develop friendships. If this appeals to you, please contact
Ric Blacksten,
hricblacksten@gmail.com, 703-980-5899.
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Attention sewers/ seamstresses: Do you have any leftover fabric?
Buckingham women very much need cloth for their Wednesday morning sewing class. If you have fabric or materials to donate, please contact
Nancy Hall,
nancyrhall@hotmail.com.
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Voices United Community Chorus Benefit Concert
Don't miss out on the inaugural concert of the Voices United Community Chorus under the direction of
Mimi Bornstein and
Charles Brown. All ticket proceeds benefit our community partner
Service Never Sleeps, the nonprofit that mobilizes communities to exercise "Allyship"--an active way of life that utilizes bridge-building to ensure equality, opportunity, and inclusion for everyone.
Tickets here.
Date: Saturday, June 30, 7 p.m.
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Paintings by Morgan Norwood on display in Center Gallery
Take time this summer to take in the ethereal images of Arlington artist Morgan Norwood. Her background in science influences her visual appreciation of the relationships between the natural world and human physiology. Mark your calendar for September 8, for a reception with the artist.
Artist statement here.
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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
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Young Adult Sunday Brunch
The Young Adults meet for brunch every other Sunday! Ages 18-35 and their families are welcome to come get to know other young adults over a good meal.
Next Date: Sunday, July 1, 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Activity Room
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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’ll be reading a short story and discussing our next novel, so no preparation necessary! Questions? Contact
Elisabeth Geschiere,
egeschiere@uucava.org.
Next Date: Thursday, June 28, 7-9 p.m.
Location: Youth Room
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Beer, Pizza, and Questions About the Universe
Folks between the ages of 21 and 35 are welcome to join the Young Adults for beer, pizza, and questions about the universe every other Tuesday. The event is BYOB--bring your own beer, but the pizza will be provided. We discuss topics ranging from politics, to science, to philosophy. Every time the topic is different but the discussion is always interesting.
Date: Tuesday, July 3, 7– 9 p.m.
Location: Fellowship Hall
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Job Posting
Youth and Young Adult Coordinator
UUCA has an opening for a part-time Youth and Young Adult Coordinator. This is a year-round salaried position of up to 30 hours a week, with requirements to work most Sundays and overnight event. The position offers benefits, along with opportunities for growth and professional development.
Job description here. Send resume to
LeeAnn Williams,
LWilliams@uucava.org.
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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.
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NEW newsletter deadline:
Connections deadline for submissions is EACH Monday at noon with publication on Wednesday.
See below on how to submit an announcement.
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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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Thank you for using
this link
when shopping Amazon.
UUCA benefits each time you shop.
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, VA
4444 Arlington Blvd
Arlington, Virginia
Call: (703) 892-2565
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