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

Note: There will be no newsletter the week of Thanksgiving.

Sunday, November 11, 2018, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m. "Is True Forgiveness Possible? Sermon by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley So many aspects of the #MeToo movement have led to a reexamination of some assumptions we have made about human relationships. One topic that has come up over and over is the question of forgiveness. When and how is it possible for someone who has transgressed to be forgiven and restored to relationship to some extent. Rev. Terasa will talk about how forgiveness is not just an interpersonal issue but also a spiritual one. Rev. Terasa will be joined on the chancel by Worship Associate Bob Blinn. In both services, the Chamber Choir will provide music and the second service will also include our Inter-Generational Pop-Up Choir. Livestream

Next Sunday November 18, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. “Giving as Thanks” - Sermon by Walter Clark. This multigenerational service will reflect upon how giving of oneself can be the deepest form of gratitude.

Stepping Outside the Holidays: Thanksgiving Many of us feel lost during the holiday season. While others are celebrating times with friends and family, some struggle with isolation and estrangement. If the holidays are leaving you disquieted, join us in a quiet meditative service to mark the season in a simpler way. Led by Walter Clark, Ministerial Assistant, and Mimi Bornstein, Director of Music Ministry. Date: Wednesday, November 14, 7:30 p.m. Location: Center Gallery

Serene Gratitude Jazz Vespers With Free Spirits Jazz Ensemble Come join us for Jazz Vespers, an experience of peaceful and healing meditation, free improvisations and audience participation. Music by Free Spirits Jazz Ensemble: Sophia Morreale, piano; Topher Dunne, bass; Fred Katz, drums. With Special Guest Artists: Mimi Bornstein, vocalist, and UUCA Chamber Choir. Freewill offering. Date: Sunday, November 18, 4 p.m. Location: Sanctuary

Friday Morning Devotions We invite you to smooth the path into the weekend with a half-hour of meditation followed by shared reflections each Friday morning beginning at 7 a.m. Please contact in advance either David McTaggart ( dmctagg@gmail.com ) or Gregg Forte ( gforte@mac.com ). A ride is available afterward to Ballston Metro. Date: Each Friday, 7:00 a.m. Location: Room 20 (Youth Room)

Ministry Matters

In the Meantime By Rev. Terasa Cooley, Interim Senior Minister Like many of you, I was avidly watching election results on Tuesday night. I felt both elation and disappointment, as I imagine many of you did as well, though perhaps not because of the same results. Clearly there were many people who desire some significant change. Especially in the House and in some state houses, there are many new faces and identities being represented. To me, that’s a good thing. But what also strikes me is that while some of those changes have happened, we’re still essentially the same country. We’re still as divided as we were two years ago. Having new faces in office is not going to change that any time soon.  I keep thinking about what our role could be in the midst of these divisions. I still believe we need to speak out, sometimes loudly, about injustices we see occurring. Some of these injustices are entrenched and long standing by-products of our unequal culture. Even while this is important, even essential, it will not change the minds of those who hold very different opinions. Will we still just be yelling at each other in two years?  I’m glad we hosted the “Better Angels Red/Blue” workshop series this fall. And I’m glad it will be repeated soon. And I’ll be doing a repeat of the “Conflict Transformation” workshop on February 9. These conversations are not in place of speaking out for justice. They are an additional approach that can help lead us in the direction of lowering the temperature of our culture, or sometimes of our community.  I welcome your thoughts about ways in which we might be able to find some common purpose. TCooley@uucava.org

Dates with Diane Member Diane Ullius has recently been recommended by the Central East Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association to be approved by UUCA as a Commissioned Lay Minister (CLM). UUA Commission letter here. To reach this milestone, Diane spent more than a year in intensive study, reflection, and service—including a 10-week chaplaincy internship in the Clinical Pastoral Education program at Sibley Memorial Hospital. She completed the work with a 90-minute final interview with the CLM Council on October 30. Diane is delighted to be putting her learning to use at UUCA.   We invite you to put these two dates on your calendar: Sunday, November 18, after 9:15 service or after 11:15 service—Join Diane in an open conversation about her studies, her work, and her coming three years of service to UUCA as a Commissioned Lay Minister.  Sunday, January 6, 3 p.m.—Join ministers, congregation, and guests in an official commissioning ceremony in our Sanctuary, with a reception to follow.

Church Matters

Board Update By Al Himes, Board Chair  First, I would like to say how much I enjoyed our first Casino Night this past Saturday. I have always enjoyed the auctions that we have had in the past; however I appreciate the vision that Tom O’Reilly had to try something new. Tom and Joan Perry plus Kate Gallup and all the others who helped with food, drinks, set-up, clean-up and other administrative tasks during the night of the event certainly provided for a memorable night that I hope will continue in the future. As our Soul Matters groups discuss memory this month, I am reminded of all the wonderful church events I have been through over the years. At times, those good memories create a desire for me to try and recreate those same things over-and-over. Therefore I even more so appreciate those who have new ideas and take action to create room for new memories. It is not always easy to give up something good and allow room for something even better. Another reason November is a good month to think about memories is our Governance Task Force’s timeline that is posted outside the volunteer room. Last Sunday, many of you stopped by to post things on the timeline, for others there is still time left to continue to post. I am happy to see so many positive memories of UUCA. Even through tough times, it is great to know that we still have so many good memories to share. Of course there are some not-so-good memories as well, however, it is good that we can learn from those experiences as well. I am more confident than ever that we will learn from the past and create systems that support and facilitate those memories and the future memories that continue to keep us all connected as such a strong and resilient congregation. -- albert.himes@gmail.com

What's Happening in the Hallway? On Sunday November 4, the Policy Governance Task Force began collecting congregational observations, experiences, and defining moments in the life of UUCA as relates to how the church has been governed. This will serve as our jumping off point for collaboration within our church community about how we can best lead ourselves into the future. The boards will be up until the 17th of November to gather your “post its”. For more detail on this activity see the Board Update dated November 1 (here).

Giving TUUesday - Nov. 27 UUCA is again participating in the international day of giving--#GivingTuesday. Millions of people around the world come together online to support the causes they believe in. UUs have coined our own hashtag: #GivingtUUesday. Watch for more information next week. When you shop, Amazon gives to UUCA Black Friday and Cyber Monday are almost here--be sure to use this link when shopping on Amazon. For all eligible purchases, the Amazon Foundation donates .5% of your purchases. Bookmark this link for all your Amazon shopping: smile.amazon.com/ch/54-0519587

Lifespan Religious Education

Save the Dates December 2. Bring a Friend Sunday. December 8. Holiday Craft Party for Families. December 23. Holiday Pageant and CHILD DEDICATION at both services. If you'd like to dedicate your child(ren), please contact LeeAnn Williams, lwilliams@uucava.org. Rest of RE news here This Week in RE SPIRIT PLAY Preschool 3 & 4 year olds: Miss Bridie/Little Penguin SPIRIT PLAY Kindergarten: Thanksgiving SPIRIT PLAY 1st Grade: Over the River UU SUPERS 2nd Grade: UU Super Hero Lydia Marie Child UU SUPERS 3rd Grade: UU Super Hero Lydia Marie Child UU SUPERS 4th Grade: UU Super Hero Lydia Marie Child Bible Studies 5th Grade: Prisoner's Dilemma Game Maker Space 6th Grade: Documentary Day Crossing Paths 7th Grade: Christianity  8th Grade OWL (BARN (Room 19) & HORNED (Room 11)): Sexual Orientation Youth Group: Fellowship and conversation

Easy as Pie this Thanksgiving Get your Thanksgiving pies from the UUCA Youth Group! Order now and pick up on November 18. Order on Sundays through November 11. Your donations support the upcoming youth service trips working work with Sumi Nungwa on the Hopi Reservation in Arizona and with the Appalachian South Folklife Center in West Virginia.  PIE OPTIONS: Combo Apple and Pumpkin pies, two for $30! Mix & match Individual Pecan ($25), Pumpkin ($18), Apple ($18) Vegan, gluten-free options, etc. available upon request for $20-25. Online ordering here. Youth and members of the congregation will be making the pies from scratch. The pies will freeze well for serving on November 22. If you are interested in baking pies to support this fundraiser, contact Julia Peterson at jpeterson@uucava.org.

Music Ministry

THIS WEEKEND! UUCA Sanctuary Singers and Music Ministry Presents VACATION USA - A Cabaret Through music and song, come fly away to some of our nation's iconic vacation spots. This armchair musical trip will feature better-than-airline nosh and a cash bar. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online HERE or in Fellowship Hall on Sundays. Proceeds benefit the many UUCA church ministries. Dates: Friday, November 9, 7:30 p.m. OR Saturday, November 10, 7:30 p.m. Location: Center Gallery 

NEW Inter-Generational Pop-Up Choir Sings THIS SUNDAY Our new Inter-g Generational Pop-Up choir sings this Sunday, November 11. The choir is open to all ages and abilities and offers fun community-building opportunities without the commitment to attend regular rehearsals. Join us for same-day rehearsal (of a easy-to-learn piece) on Sunday, November 11, at 10:30 a.m. And, then we sing at the 11 a.m. service. Questions? Contact Mimi Bornstein , MimiB@uucava.org . Date: Sunday, November 11, 10:30 a.m. Location: Sanctuary

Faith in Action

Share-the-Plate Nov. 11: Equality Virginia This Sunday's STP offerings will be share with Equality Virginia (EV), the advocacy group that fights for LGBTQ in the Commonwealth. Our UU faith calls us to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person, but in in Virginia it is legal to fire, to refuse to rent to someone, or to refuse service in a restaurant or store or hotel because someone is gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Equality Virginia is a strong partner in affirming LGBTQ lives. Since 1989, EV has been the leading statewide non-partisan advocacy organization for LGBTQ Virginians. To achieve full equality for LGBTQ Virginians, EV is connecting with elected representatives, engaging the business community, increasing Transgender visibility, strengthening the community, and working for inclusive schools. Your generous support will help Equality Virginia to fulfill its vision of a truly inclusive Commonwealth where everyone is valued, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.  Donations are accepted for each week's STP recipient through the following Saturday at midnight.   Make online donations here.

Equality UUCA Hosts Veteran and Transgender Advocate Ann Murdoch this Sunday Veteran's Day and Transgender Day of Remembrance are both observed this month. As part of this Sunday's Share-the-Plate for Equality Virginia, retired Army officer and transgender advocate Ann Murdoch will be joining us in the Volunteer Room after each service to share her story. Ann is a veteran, a spouse, a parent of teens, and a member of Equality Virginia's Transgender Advocacy Speakers Bureau, which builds understanding of transgender life experiences through storytelling and open, candid dialogue.  (photo: Washington Blade/Michael Key) Date: Sunday, November 11, after each service (approximately 10:30 and 12:30) Location: Volunteer Room Write a message to your Member of Congress to Protect Safety-net Food Assistance Programs Budgets for many health and nutrition programs are at risk of being slashed by Congress including SNAP (formerly food stamps), part of the Farm Bill now in conference committee. This Sunday, November 11, come by Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice's (UUSJ) "Write Here! Write Now!" table in Fellowship Hall to write a personal letter to your House member. Fact sheets and supplies will be available. Or write your letter in advance and drop it off. And, in response to the mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue and growing toll and tragedy of gun violence in recent weeks, you are invited to share, in a separate letter, your concerns about gun violence and safety. UUSJ's Capitol Hill Advocacy Corps will hand-deliver letters on November 13. Contact Lavona Grow at advocacy@uusj.org.

Register for Nov. 17 Allyship Workshop As part of our congregation's Live the Pledge campaign to end racism, UUCA is hosting another racial justice Allyship Workshop, facilitated by the local nonprofit, Service Never Sleeps. Over 200 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. More information and sign up here. UUCA contact Alex Ziehm, Alexandraziehm92@gmail.com. Date: Saturday, November 17, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Location: Activity Room

Return UNICEF Boxes this Sunday UNICEF Boxes were distributed on United Nations Day. However, it’s not too late to make a donation for the children of the earth who are hungry, in war torn circumstances, living in refugee camps, abandoned, or ill. Please return all boxes to the UUUNO table in Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions, please contact Marietta Tanner, Envoy, Mariettan@aol.com.

Congregational Life

Casino Night a Lucky Deal Everyone was a winner at last Saturday's Casino Night! Thank you to everyone who came out for a fun evening playing their hand at luck--All benefiting the church to the lucky sum of $7,000! Kudos to house manager Tom O'Reilly and his team that included Joan Perry, Kate Gallup, Paula Bendl Smith and so many more. Thanks to their tireless efforts, this night of chance paid off nicely for all ;-) Thank you! (And, thanks to photographer Pasi Chapman)

Day Alliance Guest Speaker A Preview of the 2019 Virginia Legislative Agenda - w/ Delegate Alfonso Lopez Everyone is welcome to attend the next Day Alliance speaker/luncheon on November 13 when State Delegate Alfonso Lopez gives a preview of the 2019 legislative agenda. Lopez represents Arlington and Fairfax residents of the 49th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. He is a lifelong Democrat and activist with over 25 years of Federal and Virginia legislative experience on issues critical to his constituents. He has served as an Obama Administration political appointee and was an Administration cabinet-level appointee during Tim Kaine’s tenure as Governor. Delegate Lopez is now in his third term in the Virginia House of Delegates and serves as the Whip of the Virginia House Democratic Caucus. Delegate Lopez is well positioned to inform us of the likely grist in the legislative mill as Virginia’s lawmakers prepare for their new session in January. Lunch is optional, though requires RSVP: h.kellum@verizon.net. Date: Tuesday, November 13, 10:30 a.m. Coffee; 11 a.m. Speaker; 12 p.m. Luncheon Location: Center Gallery

Men's Book Group The Men's Book Group will meet on Sunday, November 11, 7:30 p.m. to discuss Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee. It was a National Book Award finalist in 2017. Copies are available in local libraries, but the waiting list is long. If there are any questions about the group and its meetings, please email Ken Marshall, kenmar42@gmail.com.  Date: Sunday, November 11, 7:30 p.m. Location: Chapel Happy Hour Sponsored by 8th Principle Task Force This month's Happy Hour is sponsored by the Eighth Principle Task Force. The proposed 8th Principle focuses on anti-racism work as part of our journey towards spiritual wholeness. Come learn more about the proposed 8th Principle and what it could mean for UUCA. Drop in for a bite to eat, a beverage, and a chance to catch up with friends and meet new people. Bring a beverage (beer, wine or non-alcoholic) or snack to share if you like. Date: Thursday, November 15, 6-7:30 p.m. Location: Fellowship Hall

African American Book Sharing Circle This month we explore contemporary issues facing America and African Americans through a young adult debut novel-- The Hate U Give--by Angie Thomas that has received numerous acclaim: William C. Morris Award Winner, National Book Award, Longlist Printz Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Honor Book and #1 New York Times Bestseller! Starr Carter is 16 and lives in two worlds: the poor neighborhood that is her home and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. She faces a dilemma when she is becomes a witness to a fatal shooting of her childhood best friend. All are welcome. It would be great to hear from a variety of ages and viewpoints about the many issues explored in this novel. We hope to see you. Contacts: Pat Findikoglu, pfindikoglu@gmail.com or Linda Lutes Corsoro, lindahlutes@gmail.com.  Date: Friday, November 16, 7:30 p.m. Location: Welcome Room Mindfulness Silent Retreat Anna Johns, a mentor at Insight Meditation Community of Washington, will lead a daylong silent meditation retreat designed to strengthen your meditation practice. Silence helps keep our focus on cultivating mindfulness and concentration. Continuity of mindfulness is much easier when we don’t talk. The format will also include short dharma talks or instruction, mindful movement, mindful eating, journaling, Q&A and sharing. Sign up here or anna@asaya.org Date: Saturday, November 24, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Location: Center Gallery

Bread Baking for Thanksgiving - All Ages Welcome People of all ages and baking skills are invited to join in baking bread on Saturday, November 17, 9 a.m. 1 p.m., in the UUCA kitchen. We'll make loaves of bread which will be a part of the celebration during the service on Thanksgiving Sunday (Nov 18). We'll provide lunch, all the supplies, and the 'how to'! Join in (it's flexible - come for all or part of the time!) for this fun tradition and enjoy the mixing, kneading, loaf-shaping, and good-smelling experience with friends. Questions or RSVP to Denise Kappler, denise_kappler@yahoo.com.  Date: Saturday, November 17, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Date: UUCA Kitchen Christmas is coming - but first . . . Mistletoe Mall Craft Fair The Mistletoe Mall Craft Fair is back at UUCA on December 1-2. Please plan to do your holiday shopping at the Fair. We’ll have jewelry, pottery, glass work, fabric, bags, international gift items, books, wreaths, knits for babies, and much more. Artists pay to have space as well as paying a percentage of sales to UUCA, so when you shop at the Fair, you support UUCA.  We need assistance in putting up signs for the show, starting Thanksgiving weekend as well as setting up the show on Friday afternoon, Nov. 30. If you are available , please contact Mary Pike, marylpva@gmail.com to help make this UUCA fundraiser a success.

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. 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.  Questions? Sarah.masters@uucava.org .   Date: Tuesday, November 13, 6-9 p.m. Location: Fellowship Hall

It’s short story season in the Young Adult Divine Reading Group! In this group, we treat secular texts as sacred, trusting that by delving into the text, we will find wisdom and truth. Gather with other young adults, read the short story, then engage with the text through time-honored spiritual practices and discussion. This is a great time to try it out before we choose our next novel! Dates: Every other Thursday, 7-9 p.m. November dates: 11/1, 11/15, 11/29 Location: Youth Room November Beer, Pizza, and Questions About the Universe (BPQ) At Beer, Pizza, and Questions About the Universe (aka BPQ) young adults gather to discuss a topic engaging our morals, ethics, and intellect. Past topics have included criminal justice, productivity, and freewill. Pizza provided. Bring your own beer. (No pressure to imbibe.) Third Tuesday of each month, 7- 9 p.m. For location, check signpost near the desk by the central stairs. Date: Tuesday, November 13, 7-9 p.m.

Wheel of Life

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Inge Gaberman will be on Saturday, November 10, 10 a.m., in our Sanctuary.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: NO NEWSLETTER THANKSGIVING WEEK. 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 ‌ ‌