Connections Newsletter
All the news you need to know to connect, grow, and serve.
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The next issue of Connections will be published on Nov. 29.
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Sunday, November 18, 2018, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
Giving as Thanks
Sermon by Walter Clark, Ministerial Assistant
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This multigenerational service will reflect upon how giving of oneself can be the deepest form of gratitude. There will be no Religious Education classes. The service will include our traditional Thanksgiving Bread Communion ritual.
UUCA's adult choir, Sanctuary Singers, under the direction of Mimi Bornstein, Director of Music Ministry, and jazz ensemble Free Spirits will provide music.
Zoe Lachow
is Worship Associate.
Children and youth will attend the whole service with their families. The nursery will be open for children two years and younger.
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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
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Upcoming Sundays
Sunday, November 25,9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
Think Global, Act Local
Sermon by Walter Clark, Ministerial Assistant
It’s not hard to find injustice in the world today. Immigration, racism, climate change, economic disparity, reproductive health, gender inequality and LGBTQ issues are just a few of the areas that need attention. So where do we start? How do we do the most good with what we have?
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Bring a Friend Sunday--December 2
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This is your chance to share the UUCA community you love with the friends you love. The service is designed with visitors in mind and there's a special gift for your guests (and for you!). And, bring the kiddos, too! Religious Education will host a doughnut bar and other activities.
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MoonFire Thanksgiving Ritual
Come join MoonFire for a Native American-inspired ritual of Thanksgiving. We will share what we have harvested and are thankful for this year, hear a seasonal story, and enjoy a short meditation. If possible, please bring a can of food to be donated to the Arlington Food Assistance Center. As always, a potluck will follow the ritual. For further information on MoonFire, please visit
www.moonfireuuca.org, or contact
moonfirecoords@gmail.com.
Date: Sunday, November 18, 1:30 p.m.
Location: Chapel and Room 14
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Interfaith Gratitude Service @ UUCA
Join with the four faith communities that meet at UUCA as we share our traditions in Gratitude in a service of prayers, meditations and songs from our faith traditions (Buddhist, Reconstructioninst Judaism, Muslim, and UUs). Together we will demonstrate that what brings us together is so much stronger than what divides us.
Attendees are asked to bring a dessert to share, as the fellowship and connection that follow the service is as important as the inspiration we will find in the service.
Flyer here.
Date: Saturday, November 24, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: UUCA Sanctuary & Fellowship Hall
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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)
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Board of Trustees Meeting Rescheduled
Our regular Board Meeting on November 20 has been rescheduled to
Thursday, December 6
.
- 7:30 p.m. Open Comment Period
- 7:30 p.m. Board Meeting
Board members are available for casual or serious conversation a half hour before most Board meetings (7:00 p.m.), and members are welcome as observers. The Board of Trustees is available by email at
uuca-board@googlegroups.com.
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Timeline Poster Still Happening Until Nov. 18
The Timeline in the Hallway is moving to Fellowship Hall for its final appearance this Sunday, November 18. This timeline poster is part of the process of “telling our story” as a church related to how we have governed ourselves. We continue to collect congregational observations, experiences, and defining moments in the historical life of UUCA. The boards will be up until the 18th of November to gather your “post its”. This is our jumping off point for collaboration within our church community about how we can best lead ourselves into the future. You may also of course speak with one of the members of the Policy Governance Task Force:
Linda Battaglini,
Paula Bendl Smith,
Jacomina de Regt,
John Evans,
Emily Goodin,
Janice Morris,
Bruce Rieder,
Chris Ruble, and
Art Stevens. For more detail on this activity see the
Board Update dated November 1.
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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.
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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
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Connecting with the Ministerial Search Committee
By Frank Corsoro, MSC role: Congregational Communications
How did I get here? Hmmm . . . . Let me think. Born and raised in Dunkirk, New York (southwest of Buffalo – some of you may know where that is!) Hometown kid who stayed, got married, raised (helped anyway) four children. Played sports, worked hard, active in my community (president of the Babe Ruth baseball league, secretary of AFSCME union), loved my hometown. Relatively devout Catholic (been a godfather seven times!)
Moved away from home late in life to work for Arlington County, and found the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington in 2006 (as my wife, Linda Lutes, likes to say, “the Universe was looking out for you!”).
Finding UUCA changed my life. I made three consecutive service trips to New Orleans post-Katrina. I facilitated Covenant Groups--including my favorite the “Beginning Connectors”. Did a two-year stint on the Board, was honored to be asked to serve as a Worship Associate, and love to host exotic parties with my wife for our friends from church!
Now I find myself a member of the UUCA Ministerial Search Committee (hereafter referred as the “MSC”). And I have been assigned the role of communicating with the congregation. Oh my! Let me say that this is not something I take lightly. I consider this to be a sacred trust.
Read more >>
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Our condolences to
Nancy and Robert Morgan on the death of their son
Thomas Albert Morgan, who died October 21. A Celebration of Life for Tom will be held December 3, 11 a.m. (PST) at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Diego, Calif.
Please send healing thoughts to:
•
Marietta Tanner, recovering at Goodwin House from a minor stroke.
•
John St. Hilaire, recovering from heart surgery.
Congratulations to
Ric Blacksten on having his
Letter to the Editor published in the Washington Post this past week. Ric shared his experience being a poll monitor during last Tuesday's election. And, another congrats to Ric on his recent recognition by OAR (Offender Aid & Restorative Justice) for his long and dedicated service to aiding ex-offenders in their transition to becoming established in the community.
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Lifespan Religious Education
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UUCA 6th-grade RE Visit Culpepper Garden
On a recent Sunday morning, 6th-grade RE youth visited Culpepper Garden, the nearby retirement community that shares historic ties with UUCA. There, youth and residents spent a fun and meaningful morning of fellowship and maker crafts.
The creative focus was a “soft circuit” maker project: decorative chalice pins in which stitched conductive thread joins a coin battery and an LED to create a glowing chalice flame. Such “maker” projects combining the arts, crafts, and technology are a special feature of the 6th-grade RE curriculum, which focuses on the seven UU Principles.
Many helpers had a hand in making the visit a successful one: Culpepper Garden Executive Director Linda Kelleher and Volunteer Coordinator Deborah Madden, 6th-grade RE teachers, and 6th-grade RE families who chaperoned and provided brunch items. We are thankful for the opportunity to connect and collaborate in this intergenerational setting.
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Youth Group Pie Pick Up
Thanksgiving pies that were pre-ordered will be available for pick up in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, November 18. All pies must be picked up by 1 p.m. on Sunday.
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Holiday Pageant Signups
Our annual Holiday Pageant will be Sunday, December 23 at both the 9:15 and 11:15 service. Children three years and older are encouraged to participate.
For the 9:15 service, please sign up
here.
For the 11:15 service, please sign up
here.
Rehearsal times are listed on the Signup Genius.
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Volunteers Needed
Bagged Meal Service Project
As we enter this season of community and giving, please consider participating in the Bagged Meal Service Project in partnership with ASPAN (Arlington Street People's Assistance Network) on the last Sunday of every month. There are three main areas of service: (1) buying the supplies; (2) preparing the bagged meals at the church; and (3) delivering the meals to the homeless at the Oakland Park gathering place. Although all tasks are of service, delivering the food is especially satisfying because it allows you to meet those who welcome these meals. This is a great project for families or church groups. If you're interested in joining the team, please contact
Ken Perkins-Gough,
ken.perkins-gough@comcast.net,
for details.
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Buckingham Helpers
Need help with yard work or house cleaning? Buckingham workers offer many services, such as mulching, moving furniture, and raking leaves. A Buckingham cook can lend a hand at your next open house or dinner party. To fill out a request form, visit the Buckingham Outreach table in Fellowship Hall after Sunday services. For more information, contact Nancy Hall
nancyrhall@hotmail.com.
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Rep. Jamie Raskin to speak on "New Congress: New Opportunities for Social Justice"
UUs for Social Justice is hosting MD Representative Jamie Raskin on
December 2, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the River Road UU Congregation in Bethesda to discuss opportunities for social justice advocacy in the new Congress. Raskin, outspoken advocate for many social justice issues important to UUs, was re-elected to his second term, and likely will take on new leadership roles in January. Proceeds from this fundraiser for UUSJ will benefit
UUSJ's Capitol Hill advocacy activities. Refreshments will be served and anyone not already a UUSJ member will receive a free one-year membership. Tickets are $75, available at
UUSJ.org or on
attached flyer. Or contact
Bob Denniston,
justdoitbob@hotmail.com.
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Sharing Peace with You
"It is my conviction that there is no way to peace – peace is the way."
--Thich Nhat Hanh
Look for the
Little Friends for Peace (LFFP)/Peace Camp team in Fellowship Hall on November 25. Our team is preparing messages of peace to share with the congregation. Peace begins with each of us, and we'll help you find peace and share it throughout the holidays! You can also learn more about
Little Friends for Peace, including Peace Camp, Peace Circles, and our new “Circle Up” campaign.
Date: Sunday, November 25
Location: Fellowship Hall
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Transgender Day of Remembrance
You are invited to the 10th Annual NOVA Interfaith Transgender Day of Remembrance Service to be held at UU Fairfax. The Transgeneder Day of Remembrance is a day to memorialize those who have been killed over the previous year as a result of transphobia, or the hatred or fear of transgender and gender non-conforming people. This event also serves to bring attention to
the continued violence endured by the trans communities, especially those
Date: Tuesday, November 20, 7:00 p.m.
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Join the UUCA Guatemala Trip
Join us for an exciting trip to Guatemala in February 2019. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet our social justice partners and learn about Guatemalan culture and activism. Spend three days exploring their rich culture in Guatemala City visiting various museums, cultural sites and meeting with UUCA-sponsored accompaniers from NISGUA. And, spend five days in the Rabinal area visiting our Adivima partners and meeting with the scholarship students we support. This trip is open to UUCA members and friends and all affiliated friends and partners of Alianzas (formerly PAG). You do NOT need Spanish language skills to participate.
Dates: February 10-20, 2019
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Holiday Craft Party for Kids
Bring your children to the holiday craft party for kids on Saturday, December 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This family-oriented party welcomes UUCA members, friends and community partners for a morning of crafts, pictures with Santa, and a pizza lunch. Parents, you can stay downstairs with your kids or shop upstairs at Mistletoe Mall.
And the party is fun for helpers, too. We need help with welcoming families, lunch, and crafts. Plus, you can bring cookies or mini-oranges for dessert. To volunteer or for more information, contact Mollie Jewell, MollieJewell2@gmail.com, 703-941-5643. Or visit our table in Fellowship Hall this week and next.
Date: Saturday, December 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Activity Room
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Children's Choir for December
December 2
10:30-11 a.m. Chalice Singers
12:30-1 p.m. TrUUbarours
Both in the Chapel
December 9
10:30-11 a.m. Chalice Singers
12:30-1 p.m. TrUUbarours
Both in the Chapel
December 16
10:30-11 a.m. Chalice Singers
12:30-1 p.m. TrUUbarours
Both in the Chapel
December 23
All Children's Choirs sing for both services.
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UUCA's Cabaret -- What a night!
So much talent! I enjoyed the Cabaret immensely!
Last Friday and Saturday night's Cabaret was a hit! Thoroughly entertaining with top-notch performances--silly to the sublime! More photos and reviews in the next issue of this newsletter.
(Ric Blacksten, photos)
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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
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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
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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
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Christmas is coming - but first . . .
Mistletoe Mall Arts & 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.
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Hispanic Fellowship Thanksgiving Dinner
The UUCA Hispanic Fellowship is hosting a Thanksgiving potluck dinner on Thanksgiving Day. English and Spanish will be spoken, so all are welcome. Space may still be available, please contact
Liz Vargas,
lizflorencia@gmail.com or
Rony Mohram,
dca_clo@yahoo.com before November 18.
Date: Thursday, November 22, 4 p.m.
Location: Activity Room
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NO NEWSLETTER THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING.
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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