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

Sunday, February 16, 2020 | 9:15 & 11:15 a.m. "Pray Without Ceasing" Sermon by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, Interim Senior Minister As I contemplate this month’s topic of resilience, I’ve been reflecting on a tool for resilience that many UUs have ambivalence about: prayer. To me, prayer is not about asking an old man in the sky for something we want, but a kind of speaking into a relationship of love and compassion. I’ll explore this more on Sunday with you. 

Walter Clark gives the story for all ages. Our Worship Associate is Diane Ullius and Kate Gallup is the Board of Trustees Representative. Our special music guest is Jason Sherlock, former UUCA organist. Jason plays Bach's Prelude in G Major, Pastorale on St. Anne by Paul Manz, and his own arrangement of John Williams' Finale from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

Livestream

IMPORTANT NOTICE Please ignore any email from Rev. Terasa requesting any type of aide or assistance--these emails are not legitimate. When receiving emails from the church (or staff member) always check to make sure it has "@uucava.org" as the address extension.

Wheel of Life Our condolences to the family and friends of Phyllis Dogan who who died January 26. Before her health kept her from church involvement, Phyllis was an active member of UUCA and devoted many hours volunteering for UUCA's Arlingtarian, the precursor to the Connections electronic newsletter. A memorial service is planned for mid-May and will be announced when finalized.

Ministry Matters Walter Clark Ordination Saturday, April 18, 3 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond UUCA members and friends are invited to join in the celebration of the ordination of Walter Clark on Saturday, April 18, 3:00 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond, 1000 Blanton Avenue. Please RSVP to WClark@uucava.org.

Church Matters

SAVE-THE-DATE: March 15 UUCA's Capital Campaign Kickoff Celebration "Be Courageous. Embrace Our Future" Sunday, March 15, 10:15 a.m. Location: Washington Liberty High School, Arlington Join the UUCA community--children, youth, adults of all ages--at Washington Liberty High School on Sunday, March 15, 10:15 a.m. for the official kick off of UUCA's Capital Campaign. There will be an inspirational service filled with special music and message from our ministers, followed by a progress report on the Capital Campaign and a free catered luncheon. There will be activities for children and youth (and those young at heart). More information to come! Please Note: There will be no services or religious education classes at the UUCA building on March 15. Also, pledges will not be solicited.

Are you a web whiz? Have you built or maintained a website in your personal or professional life? Are you interested in supporting the work of the Ministerial Search Committee (MSC)? If so, we need you! While the MSC is working hard on the discernment process to identify UUCA's next called senior minister, we want to keep the congregation informed and engaged -- but we need help! If you have web managing skills and are willing to volunteer some time (approx. 2-4 hours/week until early May) to keep our web page on the UUCA website ( www.uucava.org/2020search/ ) up-to-date, please contact us at uuca2020search@gmail.com ASAP!

SAVE THE DATES: April 25-May 3 #CandidatingWeek2020 The Ministerial Search Committee is working hard to identify UUCA's next called senior minister and plans to introduce our recommended candidate to the congregation during #CandidatingWeek2020 - April 25 - May 3.

Proposed Guidelines for Share the Plate For many years, giving and sharing our offering with social justice partners has been a fundamental expression of our UU faith, both as individuals and as a congregation. There have been many questions about how Share the Plate is implemented and a desire to have a clearly outlined and transparent process. The Social Justice Ministries Team (SJMT) has been working for many weeks to develop such a process.   The SJMT invites you to attend any or all of the following listening sessions to consider its recommendations for establishing guidelines for Share the Plate for the coming year. The sessions are on February 9, 12:30 p.m.; February 16, 10:30 a.m. and March 1, 12:30 p.m. Please also read the proposed draft of guidelines ( here) and a document of Frequently Asked Questions ( here) to become familiar with what is under consideration. We look forward to your questions and suggestions. Thank you. SJMT Members: Walter Clark, Kristin Keller, Allan Kellum, Laurel MacLaren, Wendy Jessup, Jacomina de Regt, MJ Schmelzer, Chris Sutton and McGennis Williams.

Talk to Nom Com! Sunday, February 16, 23, March 1  The Nominating Committee (Nom Com) is the body that interviews prospective board members and nominates attendees to General Assembly. Nom Com is also looking for candidates to join Nominating Committee next year, so stop by if that might be you or someone you know. Learn more about leadership and other volunteer opportunities by stopping by the Nom Com's "Talk to Us!" table on February 9, 16, and 23, and March 1.  

Opportunities to Connect and Grow

A SWEET HAPPENING Intergenerational Prom Saturday, February 15, 6:00-9:00 p.m. Spend your Valentine’s weekend with your multigenerational sweethearts at the Y9/Youth Group Intergenerational Prom! Come dance the night away! Food and Mocktails will be available as refreshments. Formal attire encouraged, though not required. Includes a quite room with toys and movies for those needing a break from the music and dancing. Tickets here or at the door. Suggested donation: $8/adult, $5/child-youth or $20 family.

Living the 8th Principle Our journey towards spiritual wholeness and a diverse, multicultural, beloved community Deepen your understanding of systemic oppression  African American Dollmaking and Puppetry: Renegotiating Identity, Restoring Community. February 18, 11:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m., Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building. More information here. Showing Up for Racial Justice NoVA will host a community discussion of the film/book Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Sunday, February 23, 7-9 p.m., UU Congregation of Fairfax. Further the anti-racist transformation of Unitarian Universalism  Mark your calendars for the UUCA Spring Anti-Racism workshop series! Each session 7:00-9:00 p.m. Registration helpful. Contact Ann Ulmschneider, aulmsch@msn.com. Microaggressions (led by Ann Ulmschneider), Wed., Feb.26 Implicit Bias (led by Warren Wright), Wed., Mar. 25 Speaking Out (led by Diane Dorius), Tues., Mar. 31 Follow our UUCA community on Facebook at @UUCA8thPrinciple!

Farewell for Tracey Rogers Thursday, February 20, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Board Room UUCAer Tracey Rogers will soon leave our area and move to Philadelphia. You are invited to a farewell party recognizing Tracey for her work in our community promoting racial equity and social justice. We will gather on Thursday, February, 20, from 7-9 p.m., in the Board Room. Please bring snacks, drinks or a light dish. We look forward to seeing you. Questions? Contact Bud Hensgen, bhensgen1@verizon.net.

Racial Justice Workshop Microagressions Wednesday, February 26, 7-9 p.m. Join in the discussion of how we can dismantle white supremacy by attending the first of three workshops. Examine common microaggressions as people of color experience them. These seemingly small acts add up over time to send the message that people of color do not belong. Led by Ann Ulmschneider. Two additional workshops: Implicit Bias on March 25 Speaking Out on March 31 Registration is helpful, but not required. Email Ann Ulmschneider, aulmsch@msn.com.

OPENS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Alix in Wonderland Opens February 21 and runs weekends thru March 7 A celebration of personal discovery, Alix in Wonderland is a wholly original take on social norms, self-perception, and what it really means to grow up in today's world. A tumble down that world-famous rabbit hole brings teenage Alix face-to-face with the wild, wacky, and annoying denizens of Lewis Carroll's Wonderland, but none of them are quite as anyone remembers them. Alix's journey becomes one of profound questioning and exploration on the way to becoming fully and joyfully oneself.

Qigong Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. - Noon Did you know we offer Qigong here at UUCA each Thursday? Qigong is an ancient approach for achieving balance and vitality. The movements are gentle and can be done sitting, standing, or lying down. Qigong meets in the Center from 10:30-Noon on Thursdays. Wear comfortable clothing. $10 suggested donation. Instructor: Carol Baker, Registered Nurse. No registration required, but appreciated.

Sacred Circle Dance February 20, March 5 & 19, April 9 & 23, May 14 & 28 Why not introduce movement into your spiritual practice in 2020? Sacred Circle Dance draws on centuries-old traditions of dances for ritual and for celebration. In an environment of music and meditative motion and reflection, dancers create community as they are guided toward respect for nature, for one another, and for Spirit. Each dance is taught or reviewed. No partner or dance experience required.

Articulating Your Faith Two Opportunities (1-virtual, or 1-in person) Thursday, February 13, 7-9 p.m. Articulating Your Faith is a one session workshop designed to help UUs talk about Unitarian Universalism.

Tea and Crafts 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m. Join Linda Lutes Corsoro and friends for this time of fellowship and fun. Bring your current project for an afternoon of creativity and conversation. All crafts and projects welcome—knitting, crochet, sewing, beading. Don’t craft? Come anyway—you can pour the tea! Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 1-3 in Room 13/15. Begins February 4. No registration.

Righteous Minds Four sessions: Fridays, Feb. 21, 28, March 6, 13 This course examines the psychology of political polarization in the United States, with the goal of better understanding values and beliefs across current political and cultural boundaries. The four-session course uses interactive exercises, case studies, lectures, and group discussions to explore how we become attached to the values and assumptions that separate us into Blue and Red America. Participation in all four sessions is strongly encouraged, as is a willingness to listen to and understand different points of view.  Please click here to learn more about the course. Led by Bill Roos.

Spirituality Book Group Falling Upward Tuesday, March 3, 7:00 p.m. In Falling Upward, author Fr. Richard Rohr seeks to help readers understand the tasks of the two halves of life and to show them that those who have fallen, failed, or "gone down" are the only ones who understand "up."

New UU Series: UU History & Theology w/ Rev. Terasa Sunday, February 16, 12:30-1:30 p.m. The New UU Series is our introductory orientation to UUCA. Offered in six stand-alone sessions, it’s usually offered twice each month. The next one is this Sunday, February 16, at about 12:30-1:30 in the Welcome Room. The topic is UU History & Theology with Interim Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley. No registration is needed unless you need free childcare, sarah.masters@uucava.org Here's the schedule going forward: March 1: Mar 1 Campus Tour & Partners with Paul Kearney March 29: Faith Development, Covenant Groups & Pastoral Care with LeeAnn Williams

MoonFire Imbolc Ritual Sunday February 16, 2020, 1:30 p.m. Please join MoonFire for an Imbolc (EM-bolk) ritual, when we call on the triple Goddess Brigid, the Irish goddess of smithing, poetry, and healing. February is Brigid’s month, the time when the weather and the sun begins to turn back toward summer. In this ritual we explore our individual and collective poetic nature by invoking the Goddess through a poetic mandala. We will pass words and phrases to create a cycle of poetry and meaning. In our creation we experience both our own fire of creation and the shared fire of community. As always, a potluck and time for fellowship will follow the ritual, so bring a dish or drink to share, along with your own plates/utensils, if possible. For more information on MoonFire, please visit www.moonfireuuca.org, or contact moonfirecoords@gmail.com.

Come to Richmond With VOICE on February 20   VOICE ( Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) is pressing for reforms in state-level laws, for the second year in a row. This week, we sent our first contingent from UUCA to Richmond to advocate among lawmakers and we are getting ready to do it again on Thursday, February 20. This year we're talking to delegates and senators to: Press for reforms to end unnecessary incarceration for nonviolent offenses and permanently end the practice of suspending driver's licenses for nonpayment of court fines and fees Seek state funding to double the number of counselors in our elementary schools Increase state investment in pre-K and after-school programs for our neediest families, and Increase Virginia's Housing Trust Fund and require cities and towns to plan for affordable housing. Please join us! Our task is to visit legislators in small groups and remain flexible about lawmakers ever-changing schedules. We leave (carpooling) from UUCA at 6:00 a.m., and return by 7:00 p.m. To sign up or ask questions, stop by the VOICE table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday or contact Pat Findikoglu, patfindikoglu@gmail.com.

AFRICAN AMERICAN WRITER BOOK SHARING The Nickel Boys Friday, February 21, 7:30 p.m. Welcome Room In The Nickel Boys, Colson Whitehead tells the story of two boys sentenced to a hellish reform school called the Nickel Academy. Our African American Writer Book Sharing will share experiences in reading this fictionalized account about what was the real at Dozier School for Boys, a now-closed reformatory school in Florida that operated for more than a century. All are invited to share. Questions? Contact Linda Lutes Corsoro, lindahlutes@gmail.com, or Pat Findikoglu, pfindikoglu@gmail.com.

Building Host and Safety Training Sunday, February 23, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Group leaders and all who generously offer time to host meetings, groups, and events at UUCA are encouraged to attend the next Building Host and Safety Training. The session covers safety and security protocols, emergency procedures and a talk on expectations and responsibilities associated with coordinating and/or hosting events. All Sunday volunteers are encouraged to attend. Any group or individual hosting an event are required to have this training. Questions? Contact Annie Parker, aparker@uucava.org.

Happy Hour Thursday, February 27, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Join us for a special happy hour with karaoke hosted by our adult choir, Sanctuary Singers! UUCA's happy hour is a happy time in a happy place for the whole family! No singing required, just come for the fun and warm fellowship (and a few snacks). Please bring a drink to share (wine or non-alcoholic, we have plenty of beer).

PEACE CAMP My Two Hands Hold the Earth June 22-26 and June 29-July 2, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more than 20 years UUCA has offered through Little Friends for Peace a summer camp program like no other--Peace Camp! For two one-week sessions children (ages 5-14) from UUCA and our community partners join together for activities in art, games and presentations that teach mindfulness, empathy, anger management, and conflict resolution. This year's theme, My Two Hands Hold the Earth, emphasizes practicing care for ourselves each other, and our earth. For more information on Peace Camp and how to register, visit www.lffp.org or contact peacecamp@liffp.org. Peace Camp flyer here. Baroody Summer Day Camps at UUCA June 29 - August 28 Besides our beloved Peace Camp, this summer UUCA is also hosting Baroody Camps, a day camp program that provides children's enrichment programs in Arlington Public Schools and Northern Virginia. Camp options range from art, coding, robotics, drama, PE and science. There is an early-bird discount for registration by March 1. For more information on the camps and registration visit bc-arl-uuca.jumbula.com/#/home.

Discipline Series: It’s All Good...Until It’s Not Four Thursdays, Jan. 30 - Feb. 20, 7-8:30 p.m. Join UUCA and AUCP (Arlington Unitarian Preschool Cooperative) parents to learn new techniques for managing children's behavior so it's easier on you, and they learn independence and responsibility. There are two sessions left in the series. No need to have taken the previous sessions. February 13: Incentives - Incentive systems can help us encourage children to do what they don’t necessarily want to do (or stop doing something we don’t want them to do). February 20: The Right Response and Consequences - How do we respond ‘in the moment’? Take home strategies and techniques; along with guidelines for appropriate consequences – all with a goal of helping children to learn, and maintaining a positive relationship between them.

Opportunities to Serve

ESOL Teachers Needed UUCA's ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program needs a few more volunteers to join our team. Knowing a foreign language is not required. Students come from all parts of the world and already know how to speak and write English. Volunteers help students improve their English and knowledge of the U.S. Classes are held Tue.-Wed.-Thur., 7:30-9:00 p.m. and Sat., 10:30 a.m.-Noon. On a single team you might teach or assist every other week or we'll tailor to your availability. We also like to have "floaters" or substitutes available as needed. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Ric Blacksten, hricblacksten@gmail.com, 703-980-5899, (M/Text). Bagged-Meals for A-SPAN Sunday, February 23 On the last Sunday of every month, in partnership with A-SPAN (Arlington Street People's Assistance Network), UUCAers of all ages gather to prepare and deliver bagged meals and hot soup to homeless individuals in our community. We need your help! Please consider signing up to volunteer, either as an individual or as a family group (kids elementary age and up are welcome). The time commitment is approximately 1-2 hours, and you can sign up for as many or as few volunteer slots as you like.  Sign-ups here. Questions? Please reach out to Sarah Yue, alanandsarah@gmail.com.

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 ‌ ‌