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

Join us for Worship T-Shirt Sunday, Sept. 2, 10:15 a.m. "What I Forgot to Say" Sermon by Rev. Michael McGee, Minister Emeritus This Sunday is a very special Sunday! We welcome to our pulpit our minister emeritus, Rev. Michael McGee --his first visit since his retirement in 2012. We are celebrating his return with his Labor Day tradition--T-Shirt Sunday! You are invited to wear a t-shirt with a message that is important to you. (Of course, this is optional.) Rev. McGee served UUCA from 1999-2012, retiring in 2012 as our minister emeritus after forty years of ministry. He is married to Terry McGee and have four grown children and four grandchildren together. Terry, aka Emilie Richards , is the author of more than 75 novels. They live in Sarasota, Florida and Chautauqua, New York. Michael is also the author of the ebook Why? The Six Biggest Questions . Frank Corsoro is our worship associate. Zoe Lachow is our song leader and she will sing a solo with Sophia Morreale accompanying. Livestream

Upcoming Sunday Worship Services Ingathering Sunday, September 9, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. "The Art of Innocence" - Sermon by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley. At our traditional Ingathering Service we invite you to bring water from a place you may have visited this summer, even if it is only symbolic. We will blend our waters as a way of reuniting as a community. The sermon will use the example of Fred Rogers to talk about how we may approach one another and the larger world with an attitude of innocence and curiosity. This is a hard thing to ask of ourselves in the midst of polarization and discord. If we can build the spiritual fortitude to do so, we will find the best way to live out our mission to Connect. Kristin Keller will serve as worship associate. Parent note: This is an all-church service. There will be no Religious Education classes. Children will stay with parents during the service. Nursery care for two-years and younger will be available. Parking note: We return to our two services on September 9 (9:15 and 11:15 a.m.). We strive to be welcoming to our first-time visitors even before they reach our door. And, we also strive to be accommodating to those with mobility issues. To help provide parking spaces to newcomers and those with mobility issues, we ask able-bodied individuals to park in our auxiliary lots (Mason lot on George Mason Drive and Arlington Hall Park on 4th Street - map here). Drivers can do drop-offs at the lower level lobby and the end of the ramp. And, please use the traffic light when crossing George Mason Dr. __________ September 16, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. “Cycles of Growth and Change” - Sermon by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley. September 23, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. “In Service of the Greater Good” - Sermon by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley. September 29, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. "The Crown of the Year" - Sermon by Rev. Robert Blinn.

Share-the-Plate STP for September 2: EcoAction Arlington EcoAction Arlington (formerly Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment) promotes stewardship of our natural resources and practical solutions to sustainable lifestyles in order to protect water, air, and open spaces in Arlington. They provide environmental education to Arlington’s students and community and engages volunteers in protecting Arlington’s natural resources. Their work is local, community-based and makes a difference by empowering individuals with resources, training, and opportunities to collaborate leading to more sustainable lifestyle choices. EcoAction Arlington directly improves our air quality, mitigates the carbon footprint of Arlington families, reduces pollution into the Chesapeake Bay, improves wildlife habitat, beautifies Arlington’s parks, and grows our environmental stewards of tomorrow.   Programs include: Service projects to improve parks, streams and the Potomac River. School presentations. Community education through discussions, movies, author talks, and tables at farmers' markets and local festivals. The Tree Canopy Fund to provide large canopy trees to property owners in Arlington. Energy Masters that promotes a more energy efficient and sustainable community by training volunteers in energy efficiency techniques and in improving the efficiency of the homes of families living in affordable housing. Donations are accepted for each week's STP recipient through the following Saturday at midnight. Make online donations here.

STP Update Below is the schedule through November for the Share-the-Plate recipients. Sept. 9. Hopi - Sumi Nungwa Sept. 16. Dream Project Sept. 23. Service Never Sleeps Sept. 30. Partners for Arlington and Guatemala Oct. 7. Little Friends for Peace Oct. 14. VOICE - Virginians Organized for Community Engagement Oct. 21. Metro PFLAG Oct. 28. UUs for Social Justice Nov. 4. Sanctuaries DC Nov. 11. Equality Virginia Nov. 18. EcoAction Arlington Nov. 25. Hopi - Sumi Nungwa

Church Matters

In the Meantime By Rev. Dr. Teresa Cooley Many of you know that my grandmother just died at the grand age of 107! I thank you for your concern and support during this time. She was a pretty amazing lady who went from a childhood with a horse and buggy to driving a car until she was 100. She was buried in the wedding dress she made for herself in 1931! Thinking about all the things that have changed in her lifetime makes me think about this church and all that has passed since the founding in 1945. When you consider what was going on in the world then, and in the eras since then, its amazing that the church has been a stable, vital source of inspiration throughout that time. It speaks to your resiliency and your strength. While it may seem like a challenging time right now, this community has clearly weathered many challenging times and still continued on.  One of the things we will be doing together during this interim time is exploring your history and probing it for what we have to learn that will help us be clearer about your identity today. Like all living organisms the congregation has changed much and has also retained an ongoing sense of being. Just like we need to periodically check in with ourselves about who we understand ourselves to be, the same is true of congregational life.  I look forward to learning more about your evolving self and exploring our call together! TCooley@uucava.org

Church Matters

Board Update Governance Task Force to Evaluate UUCA Governance System The Board of Trustees is forming a Governance Task Force to evaluate UUCA’s governance system and make recommendations to the board. The board is inviting those interested in joining the task force to contact Linda Battaglini at lbattaglini1@verizon.net or Art Stevens at art_stevens@ymail.com to express their interest. If you are unable to commit to the GTF but still interested in governance, there will be plenty of opportunities for congregational input throughout this process in form of town halls, small group meetings, and other methods to be determined by the task force. The Board of Trustees is committed to hearing from the congregation about the way our community is governed and having an open, transparent process.  The task force is a 10-month commitment and there are some expectations of the task force members: It is important that this Task Force function as a cohesive team with consistent attendance to meetings and commitment to the work. The GTF will require a commitment of approximately 10 hours/month, which could vary given the stage of the work.  Members are expected to attend all Task Force meetings and to prepare for the meetings ahead of time as needed.  Members will be called on to lead small group gatherings with the congregation and to file reports with the Task Force about their groups.  Members will also be expected to take on research and reporting assignments and to complete those assignments by the determined deadlines so the Task Force can stay on schedule.  Please express your interest to Linda or Art by Friday, September 14, as the board will be finalizing the task force at its September meeting.

Annual Services Auction – We need your help!   Just a quick ask to let the community know about our Annual Services Auction and the lack of volunteer help. This annual event has been a longstanding tradition at UUCA for many, many years. Unfortunately we don’t have any volunteers this year to organize and make it all happen.  Tom O’Reilly has done an amazing job several years in a row and this year he cannot be the point person. One suggestion that has been made is that we have a community casino night with silent auction items available in addition to the casino party.   Overall – the reality is that if we don’t have someone step forward to handle the auction, we will have to cancel it.   If you would like to take on this task, please email Tamara directly at tsrader@uucava.org.   Thanks for your consideration!

Lifespan Religious Education

Adult Education workshop with Rev. Dr. Teresa Cooley “Conflict Transformation” Please join us for an afternoon of exploring conflict! While conflict can be scary and divisive, it is also possible for conflict, when approached in a healthy manner, to be an opportunity for growth and learning. Rev. Terasa is trained in the approach of “Conflict Transformation” that assumes that conflict is not something that can be “managed” so much as processed in a way that can be transformative. This method has been used in contexts such as the South Africa Truth and Reconciliation process, and in peace negotiations in Ireland. We will explore our own personal responses to conflict, look at what brain science has to teach us, examine system theories, and practice ways in which groups can create opportunities for healthy conversations.  Register here. Time: Saturday, October 20, 1-4 p.m. Location: Activity Room

OWL - Who? Registration for 8th grade OWL (Our Whole Lives sexuality education) is now open. For more information or to register please follow this link. Read the rest of RE News HERE.

Faith in Action

Rally for Our Planet at UUCA The Rally for Our Planet is taking place in UUCA's Activity Room on Friday, September 7. This is an action to stand up for Virginia’s clean water and to express opposition to dirty fossil fuels projects such as the Virginia pipeline. This action is happening as part of a global effort, with hundreds of actions under the banner of Rise for Climate to highlight increasing climate impacts and the need for real climate leadership. The rally at UUCA will feature Karenna Gore, director of the Center for Earth Ethics at Union theological Seminary, and Virginia Delegate Sam Rasoul, Roanoke. Space is limited, please sign up here. Co-sponsored by Network NoVA Action, UUs for Social Justice and UUCA's Do It Green Team (DIG). Time: Friday, September 7, 6 p.m. Location: Activity Room. Meet the Artist September 9 Paintings by Morgan Norwood in Center Gallery This is your last chance to take in the beautiful ethereal images of Arlington artist Morgan Norwood on display in the Center Gallery. The show closes soon. You are invited to an artist reception on September 9 when Norwood will discuss her background in science and how it influences her visual appreciation of the relationships between the natural world and human physiology and how it plays out in her art. Artist statement here. Time: Sunday, September 9, 5-7 p.m. Location: Center Gallery

Two Workshops Better Angels & Bridging the Political Divide UUCA’s Congregational Covenant challenges us to welcome all who come to us with acceptance and respect for the differences among us, and to speak directly to those with whom we have disagreements. How do we walk this walk when it comes to political differences? Can we find ways to welcome and accept those with whom we disagree politically, and to facilitate direct and loving communication across what can feel like a hopeless partisan divide? In partnership with the grassroots citizens’ movement Better Angels, UUCA will be exploring this topic this fall through two interactive workshops. You can sign up for one or both workshops via the links below. Questions? Contact Sarah Yue, alanandsarah@gmail.com. September 29, 2-4:30 p.m.: Better Angels Skills Workshop: How to Talk Across the Political Divide   October 27, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.: Can We Bridge the Political Divide? Better Angels Red/Blue Workshop 8th Principle Information Meeting The Unitarian Universalist Association ( UUA) is considering the addition of an 8th principle to the 7 principles of the UUA Covenant. UUCA members will vote on whether to adopt the principle at a congregational meeting later this church year. The text of the proposed principle says: We the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote journeying toward spiritual wholeness by building a diverse, multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions. To learn more, click here. Time: Sunday, September 30, following 9:15 & 11:15 services Location: Center Gallery

Sacred Fire Justice Leadership Training “Our times demand capable, deeply-rooted, and effective congregational social justice leadership. To meet this need, the ministry of Sacred Fire Unitarian Universalist is launching a justice leadership training program over the course of the 2018-19 church year. This program is designed to be fully harmonized with the ministries of participating congregations by supporting, enlivening, and increasing the impact of their work.” Click here to see the full two page flier. UUCA has the opportunity to join the program’s DMV Area cluster if there is a lay leader interested and willing to coordinate our participation and fundraising. Please contact Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley if you are interested in being the Volunteer Coordinator at tcooley@uucava.org .  UUCA Artists (of all ages) Time to Create! From late November through January the Center Gallery will host an exhibition entitled "12x12" which will feature artwork created by UUCA artists. This is an all-ages show. We encourage artists of ALL ages (children and youth included) to submit their work. Each piece needs to be in the dimension of 12 inches by 12 inches. Matting and framing not necessary but needs to be included in the 12"x12" dimension. All media is welcome--paintings, photographs, mixed media, etc. The "12x12" exhibition will open in the old QUUest gallery area (administrative hallways) and later moved to the Center Gallery in early December. All artwork will be available for sale at $100. Half will support the UUCA gallery programs and half to the artist. Artists can submit multiple pieces but all work needs to conform to the specific dimension (12"x12"). Look for more information in late October. In the meantime, start creating! Contact: Carson Herrington, ecarsonh@gmail.com.

Music Ministry

UUCA's Adult Choir - Sanctuary Singers - Returns in September Mark your calendar for September 6! After a summer break, UUCA's adult choir, Sanctuary Singers, will return to our Sunday worship services. Their first rehearsal of the season is on Thursday, September 6 , and will begin with a potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. The actual rehearsal begins with a warming of the pipes at 7:30 p.m. This is a great time to give the choir a try! No audition required. No musical experience required. Just an appreciation of making uplifting music together in community. Coming: Information on the rest of UUCA's Music Ministry--watch this space! Questions? Contact Mimi Bornstein , MimiB@uucava.org. Time: Thursday, September 6, 6:30 p.m potluck; 7:30 p.m. rehearsal Location: Center Gallery

NEW! Youth Choir & Songwriting Program UUCA Youth are invited to join the new Youth Choir & Songwriting Program with Maya Rogers, UUCA's Artist in Residence and an award-winning singer/songwriter. Our Youth will have a chance to explore the craft of songwriting and group singing as a means of creative expression while fostering a sense of belonging and community. No singing or songwriting experience is necessary to participate. The group starts Sunday, September 23, 12:30-2:30 p.m., with subsequent group meetings the 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month. Questions? Contact Mimi Bornstein , MimiB@uucava.org. Time: Sunday, September 23, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Location: Sanctuary

Congregational Life

First Sunday Humanist Hour All are welcome to attend the First Sunday Humanist Hour on Sunday, Sept. 2, at 9:15 a.m. You are encouraged to bring one of your favorite quotes for sharing. Whether it is a one sentence quote, or of paragraph length, bring the quote with you to share with the group. Be ready to answer the question: Why does the quote resonate with you? This service is the kick-off for the Humanist Quotation Project for the fall, to culminate in a "Book of Humanist Quotes" that will be available in January.  Time: Sunday, Sept. 2, 9:15 a.m. Location: Chapel ISO Sofas, Chairs, Rugs UUCA seeks donations of very gently used sofas, chairs, or large area rugs from pet free homes. Please make advance arrangements—no drop offs! We only have so much room and need to make sure that we don’t bring anything into the building that may introduce allergens to sensitive congregants or guests. Additionally, we will have to pay to dispose of any pieces we cannot use. If you have something you may be willing to contribute, email Annie Parker, aparker@uucava.org.

UUCA Round Robin Bridge It’s time to play bridge again! On Friday evening, September 7, at 7:00 p.m., the Round Robin Bridge Group will kick off its 2018-2019 season. Come with or without a partner. We will meet at church to play 12 hands, update our roster, and match any new players. If you would like snacks or drinks, please bring them. Bill Reilly Coordinator, Round Robin Bridge billruu@yahoo.com 571-332-2854 (cell) UUCA's first Happy Hour of our new church season will be on Wednesday, September 12. Now that our summer is coming to a close, let's get back together and catch up with old friends and take the opportunity to make new friends. See you there! Sponsored by the Spanish Covenant Group. Time: Wednesday, September 12, 6-7:30 p.m. Location: Fellowship Hall Sunday Morning Ambassador Volunteers Needed Would you like to help with Sunday services and meet new people? We have an immediate need for Ushers, Greeters (outside, upstairs, and downstairs) and Coffee Servers. You’ll help with one service a month or you can be a substitute. Training is provided! Contact sarah.masters@uucava.org.

UUCA Round Robin Bridge It’s time to play bridge again! On Friday evening, September 7, at 7:00 p.m., the Round Robin Bridge Group will kick off its 2018-2019 season in Fellowship Hall. Come with or without a partner. We meet at church to play 12 hands, update our roster, and match any new players. If you would like snacks or drinks, please bring them. Questions? Contact Bill Reilly, billruu@yahoo.com, 571-332-2854. Time: Friday, September 7, 7:30 p.m. Location:

Day Alliance Speaker Series "The General's Son, Journey of an Israeli in Palestine" A Talk by Miko Peled, Author and Human Rights Activist Everyone is welcome to come hear a talk by Miko Peled, "The General's Son, Journey of an Israeli in Palestine" -- the first in the 2018-19 Day Alliance speaker series. The talk will conclude with an optional catered lunch. Miko Peled is a writer and human rights activist born and raised in Jerusalem. He is considered by many to be one of the clearest voices calling for justice in Palestine, and the creation of a single democracy with equal rights on all of historic Palestine. Peled will talk about the work in which his family has been involved since his grandparents immigrated to Palestine in the early 20th century, as part of the Zionist project. Peled’s maternal grandfather was a signer on the Israeli Declaration of Independence; his father was a General in the Israeli army and in the 1970's his father pioneered the Israeli Palestinian dialogue and eventually met with Yasser Arafat.  Coffee and conversation begin at 10:30 a.m. The talk will begin at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome for the talk without reservations. Reservation are required for the lunch that begins at noon. RSVP by September 6. More information and reservations here. Time: Tuesday, September 11, 10:30 a.m. Coffee & Conversation; 11 a.m. Talk; 12 p.m. Luncheon Location: Center Gallery

New UU Class Unitarian Universalism is a way of thinking and being in the world. It is a faith discipline, enriched by faith traditions, that forms the foundation for a way to live this life. It matters how we conduct our lives and work to make the world a better place. Unitarian Universalism wants each of us to know why. It challenges us to deepen our own faith principles and practices in response to our own experience and, whenever possible, to stand on the side of love. 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.  Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley and Sarah Masters will be leading the class. The class is free, but registration is required.  Register here. Select the date of the class you'd like to attend in the New UU box, then enter the names of attendees at the bottom of the form. Free childcare is available upon request. This is a one-time class. It will be offered again on Tuesday, November 13, 5:30-9:00 p.m. Questions? Contact Sarah Masters, Director of Congregational Life, Sarah.Masters@uucava.org. Time: Sunday, September 23, 1:00-4:30 p.m. Location: Activity Room

Covenant Groups are Coming! Online registration begins soon for our small group ministry--Covenant Groups! Covenant Groups allow us to share what touches our hearts and souls with others in a safe and supportive setting. We explore our spirituality, build relationships, and provide service to UUCA and the wider community.  Groups of 8 to 12 people meet monthly from October to June at church or in homes. A trained facilitator leads each group using written and online resources to enhance communication. Signing up indicates an intention to attend all nine meetings. Most groups will focus on the Soul Matters program. Other groups will explore a variety of topics of interest to spiritual seekers. Details will be available at registration. So let’s get ready for a meaningful year and consider joining a covenant group!  Note: this year all registration will be online. There will be laptops and Strategy Team members available after services on September 9, 16, 23, for those who need help registering online.

Wheel of Life

Our condolences to friends and family of Kirsten Ruh, a long-term member of UUCA who died Aug 6. Congratulations to Shanell and Aaron Williams on the birth of their son A.J. last Wednesday. They now reside in Florida, but maintain their UUCA membership.

Congratulations to Bill and Elizabeth Fogarty on the birth of their first grandchild, Hazel, born August 23. Also, congrats to mom, Margaret Fogarty (UUCA RE graduate) and hubby who now live in Dayton, Ohio.

Congratulations to UUCA's custodian Jose Figueroa and wife Dinora on the birth of their daughter Andrea Valentina Figueroa, born August 29.

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 ‌ ‌