Ministerial Search Committee Update

The “Marathon” search for a new Senior Minister has an end in sight! But after today – we can’t talk about it 😉

By Frank Corsoro, MSC member

What do the novel War and Peace (1,225 pages), the epic poem The Illiad (15,693 lines), the movies The Godfather and The Godfather II (424 minutes – or 7 hours), and my undergraduate textbook “University Physics” (1600 pages, three semesters to complete) have in common with our current Senior Minister search process? They seem to go on FOREVER!

What do these masterpieces of literature and art and academia (OK, not everyone considers Physics essential reading) have in common with our ministerial search? The realization that the toil and time committed can not only be worth the effort, but that something transformative and even magical can emanate from the endeavor. Read more>>

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.

SAVE-THE-DATE: March 15

UUCA's Capital Campaign Kickoff Celebration

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 an inspirational service filled with special music and message from our ministers, followed by a progress report on the UUCA Capital Campaign and a free catered luncheon. Pledges will not be solicited. Childcare provided. Note: No services or religious education classes at UUCA building on March 15.

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 9, 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. 

Write Here! Write Now! February 9

Tell your U.S Representative to Address Food Insecurity for Military Families

No one--especially those who serve our country--deserves to go hungry. UUs for Social Justice's (UUSJ) Advocacy Corps is urging members of the House of Representatives to support improved food and nutrition programs for military families, in partnership with MAZON, A Jewish Response to Hunger. Military families say financial issues are one of their top stressors, and many are turning in desperation to nearby food pantries.. UUSJ is calling for improving federal programs -- such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) -- that provide vital nutrition assistance to veterans, currently-serving military families, children, and seniors.

This Sunday, February 9, stop by the UUSJ Write Here! Write Now! table to urge your U.S. Representative to support a common-sense, bipartisan solution to this long-overlooked and shameful problem that has left thousands of military families—often lower ranking enlisted service members with multiple dependents—struggling with food insecurity. Letters will be hand-delivered by UUSJ's Capitol Hill Advocacy Corps on Feb. 11. Questions? Contact Lavonagrow@mac.com.

Carbon Footprint Challenge Workshop

Sunday, February 9, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Be part of the solution to the climate crisis! Did you know 40% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions come from five basic household activities we do every day--electricity use, home heating, transportation, food choices, and waste (according to the 2017 EPA emissions inventory). There are now affordable and accessible alternatives to all of these activities that can help stop global warming and save money. Come to the "Carbon Footprint Challenge" workshop on February 9, from 12:30-2:30 p.m., in the Board Room, and learn what steps you can take to make the biggest differences. Join the Carbon Footprint Challenge! Sign-up here.  Visit the Climate Crisis Action Coalition’s website for more information.

Cake and Conversation: Death Cafe

Sunday, February 9, 2 - 3:30 p.m.

 

Join a few of your friends and perhaps others in an intimate and lightly facilitated conversation about death this Sunday, February 9, 2 - 3:30 at UUCA. Whatever you know or don't know about death, from worry to anticipation to pure curiosity, it's all fair game at Death Cafe. We'll have coffee, tea, and nibbles, and we'll see what comes up. Our facilitator, as always, is Colleen Duewel, a UUCAer who has worked extensively with dying people and has been participating in Death Cafe sessions for years. This Death Cafe is one of dozens in the DMV area, one of thousands across the world. Open to all; no charge, no need to register.  

Men's Book Group - This Sunday!

The Rise

Sunday, February 9, 7:30 p.m. Chapel

The non-fiction book choice for the February is The Rise, by Sarah Lewis, suggested by Lyle Priddy. The group meets on the second Sunday. All men are welcome. Questions? Contact Ken Marshall, kenmar42@gmail.com. Upcoming reads:

Living the 8th Principle

Follow on Facebook @UUCA8thPrinciple

Deepen your understanding of systemic oppression 

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. at UUCA. Registration helpful – contact Ann Ulmschneider

Show up, speak out and challenge oppression and racism in our community

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:

Registration is helpful, but not required. Email Ann Ulmschneider, aulmsch@msn.com.

Revolutionary Love Conference

Taking Love and Justice into the Streets

April 24-26 - All Souls Church Unitarian-DC

A conference dedicated to multifaith, multiracial justice organizing is taking place at All Souls Church Unitarian in the District and is open to anyone interested in social and racial justice work. With inspiring movement-builders like William Barber, Ruby Sales, Valarie Kaur, angel Kyodo Williams, Brian McLaren, and Linda Sarsour, we will gather to learn, strategize, and share best practices for taking love and justice out into the streets in this critical year. Rev. Terasa and Walter Clark, along with other UUCA leaders and social justice activists are attending and you are welcome to join them. There is a discounted registration rate for local UUs that ends February 14 Discount code: UUVOTE20. Questions? Contact Rev. Terasa, TCooley@uucava.org. For conference details and registration, click here.

Faith 360 Classes for Winter 2020

Faith 360 is the Adult Faith Development program we offer here at UUCA. The Unitarian Universalist faith assumes that we are always learning and growing. Personal insight, disciplined reflection, group faith exploration—all are pieces of how we support one another in bringing more depth and value to our lives. Through classes, workshops and practice groups we can help support those who are new to Unitarian Universalism while also providing seasoned UUs opportunities for spiritual growth—truly there is something for everyone. 

UPCOMING CLASSES - REGISTRATION HERE

Sacred Circle Dance

February 6 & 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. Begins February 4

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.

Healing Chants of Many Times and Many Places

Four sessions: 2nd Tuesdays, Begins February 7, 7-:45 p.m.

Chanting the world over has long been one form of healing for self and others. Join us for a four session introduction to chant, and other basic songs in the spirit of ancient traditions. Led by Jennifer S. E. Haywood , Ph.D.

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.

Chalice Theatre Tickets On Sale

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.  Tickets available here. 

Lessons from Guatemala and Ethiopia

W/ Rick Steves on WETA

UUCA's Alianzas team invites you to watch a program with the well-known PBS tour guide Rick Steves. This hour-long special gives insight and appreciation of our church's involvement in supporting human rights in Guatemala. The program is not Steves' traditional vacation travel-log. In Lessons from Guatemala and Ethiopia, Steves travels to Guatemala and Ethiopia to learn about extreme poverty and its solutions, including smart development aid, empowering women, child nutrition, and education. The program airs on PBS, WETA, Saturday, February 8, 7:00 p.m.

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 February 20. This year we're talking to delegates and senators to:

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.

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.

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.

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.

UUJME has guest speaker from the Museum of the Palestinian People in Dupont Circle

The Museum of the Palestinian People ( MPP) was the subject of a presentation on January 15 sponsored by Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME). The speaker was Bshara Nassar, founder and director of MPP, who seeks to establish a new narrative about Palestinians based on their art and culture. He is the fourth generation of the Nassar family which operates a renowned educational farm in Palestine called “Tent of Nations.” The museum, located in Dupont Circle, features archival photographs, video installations, and paintings by Palestinian artists, as well as artifacts such as glass and ceramic objects, clothing, and jewelry. The point is to “start a conversation” about what it means to be Palestinian and to dismantle stereotypes, Nassar said. MPP is open Thursday through Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m. If you missed going on last year's UUJME trip to Israel/Palestine and/or are interested in upcoming trips with MPP, contact Nassar at bshara.nassar@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.

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