Connections Newsletter
All the news you need to know to connect, grow, and serve.
Weaving Community
Sunday, September 8, 2019 | 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
Weaving Community
With Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, Interim Senior Minister and
Walter Clark, Ministerial Assistant

The Soul Matters theme for September is ‘Expectation.’ This feels perfect for a welcome back to a new church year theme! We’re so looking forward to seeing many back in church together. It also raises the question: What are our expectations of what deep community is or could be? What kind of expectations do we have of one another? Of ourselves? I’m sure there are many different answers to these questions and we will talk about how we weave them together into one community.

This Sunday, we welcome back our adult choir, Sanctuary Singers , with soloist Fiona Shepherd . Music will also include our jazz trio, Free Spirits , with Topher Dunne on bass, Fred Katz on drums, and Sophia Morreale on piano.

Also, this Sunday is multi-generational—no religious education classes, though there will be infant and toddler care in the newly repaired Nursery. The service will be family-friendly and will include a community weaving ritual for all ages.

Parking on Sunday: The return of two services means parking will be more of a challenge. To be more welcoming to first-time visitors and to those who have mobility issues, we ask that all able-bodied drivers park in our two satellite parking lots: Masons' lot across the street on George Mason Drive (please cross at the light!) and Arlington Hall Park, south of the church off of 4th Street S. It's a short and pleasant walk through the park and takes you to the church parking lot on First Place S. These two lots are available for church parking on Sunday only. Map here .
Upcoming Services
Sunday, September 15, 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. – “Leadership Matters” with Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley.

September 22, 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. “Past, Present and Future” with Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley.
Church Matters
Before and after photos of lower level
Update on Flood Remediation and Funding Support
From Tamara Srader, Chief Administrative Officer

We wanted to give an update on where we are with the flood remediation work and the amazing community support we have received. Thank you for your generosity to assist in dealing with this project.
 
First, we have raised $15,275 through Faithify . This campaign will be open for another week.
 
Second, we have received donations to date of $45,671 from the congregation (cash, checks and Vanco).
 
Third, we have the UUA Grant of $50,000.
 
Fourth, we have the small amount of insurance money for flood assistance of $10,000.
 
We have a gap of $4,328 between the congregational donations and the UUA grant.  
 
Taking all of these factors into consideration, we are looking at around $120,000 of funds to repair our flood damage.
 
Our expenses are not yet final and there is still a bit of work to complete to the actual structure of the building. The drywall and painting work is finished. Carpet has been installed in the entryway, chapel and nursery. Sanitizing the floors is happening this week and is the final piece of the water remediation.
 
Much thanks to the entire congregation and partners who have been not only patient with the space constraints while the repairs were taking place but also to those who so generously donated to help with this effort. In addition, we could not have done the work without such a fantastic staff who helped coordinate all of this happening from moving furniture, throwing out wet building contents and scheduling the work. Finally, we have had a fantastic group of youth office interns who have donated their time and talents to assist this summer in some not-so-much-fun work.
 
Teamwork has been amazing and we are so proud of this effort. Thank you for everything!
 
Tamara Srader , Chief Administrative Officer 
Cottage Meetings: The Next Step in Our Search for a New Minister

What are Cottage Meetings? They are small group discussions where you have a chance to provide your views directly to Ministerial Search Committee. They follow the seminar on Beyond Categorical Thinking in February, the Appreciative Inquiry sessions in March and April and the congregational survey in May and June. As the MSC prepares materials for prospective ministerial candidates, the Cottage Meetings are the congregation's time to ask questions, make suggestions and be heard. (Sign-up for a Cottage Meeting here )

Want to know the results of Congregational Survey?  Cottage Meetings will begin with a presentation of the survey results followed by a discussion of the implications for our search. (Results will be published in a special email on September 6.) Congregants will also have a chance to pose questions they would like to ask ministerial candidates if they were on the search committee. Of course, congregants may raise other issues as well.

When are Cottage Meetings? More than a dozen sessions are planned from Sept 8 to Oct 6. They begin with church-wide sessions on Sunday September 8 at 10:30 and 12:30 in the Activity Room and continue once or twice a week after that. Other dates are being identified for focus groups to meet with the Board, staff, RE parents, the music community, young adults and the youth group.  

Where do I sign up?   Sign up for church-wide sessions here. The first are September 8 after both services in the Activity Room. Later dates include after services through October 6. Sessions will also be held Saturday morning September 21 and after Happy Hour on September 18. No sign up is required for the focus groups.

And if I don’t sign up?   Come anyway. We would like to hear your views.
Share the Plate

One of the hallmarks of UUCA is its social justice work. The scope of our work goes from Alianzas to VOICE and touches all points in between. We proudly donate to these causes through Share the Plate and join them in creating the global community that we all yearn for.

Since justice work is so essential to the life and identity of this congregation, we are forming a council dedicated to social justice. It will be the role of the council to work with the congregation to ensure their resources of time, talent and treasure are used in a way that is in line with the church’s priorities. One of the first tasks of the council will be determining a transparent and clear process for how we do Share the Plate. The Social Justice Council will hold open meetings in the future in order to get input from the congregation on this practice before putting any new systems into place. In the meantime, the monies collected from Share the Plate are being put aside to be distributed after the Social Justice Council determines the best practices for Share the Plate.

Keep an eye on Connections for the meetings regarding Share the Plate. We are looking forward to working with you all.
Please join us for these opportunities to Connect and Grow

UUCA Birthday Bash
Sunday, September 22, 12:30 p.m.

We are having a birthday party to commemorate the very beginnings of our beloved community when several UU families began meeting in late September of 1948. This party is for all ages! There will be events and activities for young and old and everyone in between. Music, games, a bake-off and, of course, there will be food! More info to follow.

Bake-off sign-up here. Our last bake-off was such a sweet success and to do it again, we need volunteers to help. Please use the same link to sign up to volunteer.
Fun for all ages at UUCA's Birthday Bash!

Did you hear there's going to be a bounce house? Yes, you can let the kiddo's bounce around at church without any raised eyebrows ;-) What fun it's going to be! There's something for all ages to enjoy! Bring the whole family!
Birthday Gift Thank You!

The birthday celebration has already begun! Thank you to everyone who has already sent UUCA birthday wishes via gifts from our AmazonSmile gift wish-list. This week we received tablecloths, a label-maker, and a wood Orff instrument (musical instrument for children's choirs). If you're an online shopper, it's so easy to do. Just use this link.
Faith 360 - UUCA's New Adult Faith Development Program
The online catalog and registration is now open. Follow the link for a complete class list and descriptions. Some of the offerings:

  • What Moves Us: UU Theology
  • Neighboring Faiths for Teens and Adults
  • Adaptive Leadership
  • Where I'm From - Poetry Workshop
  • Hidden Wholeness Book Discussion
  • Conflict Transformation
  • The Haunting of Hill House Discussion
  • Neuro Bloom Series
  • Spirituality Book Group - Book list here


Registration can also be done on Sunday at the Faith 360 table. Questions? Contact LeeAnn Williams , LWilliams@uucava.org , 703-892-2565, ext. 1203.

Covenant Group Registration Starts Friday

We have a great line-up of covenant groups starting this fall! You can check out the many offerings today by going to this link . You can also register on Sunday and all registration will continue through the month of September. 

Covenant Groups allow us to share what touches our hearts and souls with others in a safe setting.  In our groups, we explore our spirituality, build relationships, and provide service to UUCA and the wider community.  

Long-time members are welcomed back and first-timers are encouraged to join. Each group of 8 to 12 people meet monthly at church or in homes to explore and grow together. Most groups meet from October to June, and participants are strongly encouraged to attend each month. A trained facilitator leads each group using videos, readings, poems, music, and other resources to enhance communication.  

Most groups focus on the Soul Matters program, a curriculum developed by UU’s. The program focuses on one theme a month and provides many resources to explore. Other groups will consider a variety of topics of interest to spiritual seekers. Details are on the registration pages online here

Now is the time to join a Covenant Group! Questions?
Contact the UUCA Covenant Group Strategy Team,
Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, September 8, after both services in Fellowship Hall & Center

No need to start the new church year on an empty stomach! The Youth Group will host a pancake breakfast this Sunday after each service. All donations help support youth trips and activities.
Men's Book Group
Lucky Jim
Sunday, September 8, 7:30 p.m. Youth Room

The September book for discussion is Lucky Jim , by Kingsley Amis. It's regarded as one of the funniest comic novels of the 20th century. It won the 1955 Somerset Maugham Award for fiction. Newcomers are always welcome, even if you haven't read the book. You are welcome to bring any non-fiction and fiction titles you would like the group to read and discuss in future months. If there are any questions about the group and its meetings, please email Ken Marshall, kenmar42@gmail.com , or call him at 703-533-8004. 
Center Gallery Show
Nuero Blooms
Mixed Media Art by Leslie Holt
September 8 – October 19. Reception Sunday, Sept. 8, 12:30-2:00 p.m.

Neuro Blooms is an extraordinary exhibit of mixed media work that exploits the aesthetic qualities of PET brain scans of people experiencing mental health conditions. The exhibit includes acrylic and embroidery pieces as well as large scale photography. Come and meet the artist, Leslie Holt, Please plan on attending the opening reception next Sunday, September 8, 12:30-2 p.m.

Also, see the Faith 360 catalog for information on the Neuro Blooms Series/Threadlines --a series of classes connecting creation with mental health. Contact: Carson Herrington , ecarsonh@gmail.com .
Bridge Group
Let's Play Bridge
Friday, September 6, 7 p.m. Fellowship Hall

The Round Robin Bridge Group meets on September 6 to kick off the 2019-20 season. Come with or without a partner. We will play 12 hands, update our roster, and match new players. Feel free to bring snacks or drinks. We play each month from October to April, alternating as hosts and guests. We welcome newcomers but participation does require knowledge of bridge fundamentals. Contact: billruu@yahoo.com .
Men's Book Group
Lucky Jim
Sunday, September 8, 7:30 p.m. Youth Room

The September book for discussion is Lucky Jim , by Kingsley Amis. It's regarded as one of the funniest comic novels of the 20th century. It won the 1955 Somerset Maugham Award for fiction. Newcomers are always welcome, even if you haven't read the book. You are welcome to bring any non-fiction and fiction titles you would like the group to read and discuss in future months. If there are any questions about the group and its meetings, please email Ken Marshall, kenmar42@gmail.com , or call him at 703-533-8004. 
Day Alliance
Second-Wave Millennials: Tapping the Potential of America's Youth
Tuesday, September 10, 10:30 a.m. Center Gallery

UUCA member and former Board chair Warren Wright will discuss the findings of his book entitled:  Second-Wave Millennials: Tapping the Potential of America’s Youth . Coffee social begins at 10:30 a.m. and the speaker is at 11 a.m.  Read more here.
Day Alliance
Final DA Gifting
Tuesday, September 10, 10:45 a.m. Center Gallery

Before the September Day Alliance guest speaker, there will be a brief business meeting at 10:45 for a vote on the proposed final gifting of Day Alliance funds. Contact: h.kellum@verizon.net .
Tell Our Senators to Show Real Leadership to Help Avert the Climate Crisis!

Momentum is building to address climate change, sparked by wide interest in a Green New Deal and the bold actions of young climate activists around the world. As UUs we must promote a just and equitable transition to a clean energy future. Congress is appropriating funds now so let’s urge our senators to support programs and policies to build a green economy, protect our air, land and water, phase out fossil fuels, and take action to transform our economic system by creating market incentives to “go green.”

Due to schedule conflicts, we will not have a regular "Write Here! Write Now! table this Sunday, Sept. 8. Instead, we ask that folks write their letters in advance and drop them off at the special UUSJ box in the church office. Background material is available. Letters will be hand-delivered by participants during the Sept. 15-17 UU conference “Advancing Economic and Climate Justice as a Moral Issue: Building a Movement for A Green New Deal” on Sept. 17. Questions? Contact Lavonagrow@mac.com .
UUSJ Environmental Conference
Advancing Economic & Climate Justice as a Moral Issue
Sunday, September 15, 11:15 a.m. through Tuesday, September 17, 5 p.m. Washington DC
 
Learn how individually and collectively we can help to build a movement for a New Green Deal at this advocacy and action conference on environmental justice, class and race. Attend one day or all three days. Scholarships available. Informational flyer here . Purchase tickets here .
Calling All Handbell Ringers

Whether you have been playing handbells your entire life, or have never read a note of music, there is a place for you in our handbell program! We are looking for ringers of all ages. If you are new to our congregation this is a great way to get involved with a small ensemble and create new relationships. If you have had previous ringing experience, we do have a few openings in our more advanced ensemble. For more information, please contact Ken Bissell, Director of Handbells , kenbhandbells@aol.com, or call 703-622-2849.
Friday Morning Devotions
Each Friday, 7 a.m. Volunteer Room

We gather for a half-hour of meditation followed by time for brief reflections. More info: dmctagg@gmail.com or gforte@mac.com
Building Safety and Host Training
Sunday, September 15, 12:15 p.m. Board Room

All are welcome to this special training for building safety and event hosting. All are welcome and those in leadership roles are especially urged to attend. No need to register. Drop-ins are welcome. Questions? Email AParker@uucava.org.
Generational Differences: Young Adult Podcast Chat
Sunday, September 8, 1 p.m. Youth Room
Comedian and fact-provider Adam Conover gave a talk titled "Millennials Don't Exist" talking about how generational narratives can be inaccurate and reductive. But he's also willing to listen to people who disagree with him, and he brings on a psychology professor who studies social change over time. The professor brings some nuance to the discussion.
Sound interesting? Want to talk about it? Join us for a discussion here of Adam Ruins Everything's Episode 28 on Generational Differences. As always, there will be food! Questions? robert.m.ricketts@gmail.com .
Join UUCA Family and Friends at Annual Fall Retreat
September 27-29, Capon Springs, West Virginia

For 50 plus years, members and friends of UUCA have gathered for a fall weekend at the beautiful Capon Springs resort in West Virginia to connect, relax and have fun. A two-hour drive from Arlington, Capon Springs is a family-owned and run resort hidden in the hills of WV. Its 4700 acres of natural beauty allows for a true sense of escape in a setting happily forgotten by time. The weekend provides a wonderful opportunity for fellowship with other UUs and for deepening your connection to the UUCA community. Please visit the Fall Retreat table after the services to register or learn more. Registration deadline is September 15. Questions? Contact Bill Turner, dc_billturner@yahoo.com or 571-266-2147.
Children's Music and Pop-Up Ensemble
Sunday, September 29
Pop-Up Ensemble Sings in the 2nd Service Sept. 29

Music lovers--young and old--mark your calendar for September 29 for the beginning of our ensemble rehearsals with our new Children and Youth Music Leader and Intergenerational Pop-Up Ensemble, Jennifer S. E. Haywood , Ph.D.
  • Chalice Musicians (K-4th grade) has rehearsal at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary with the Intergenerational Pop-Up Ensemble. Then October 6, regular rehearsal in the Chapel.
  • Troubadours (5th-8th grade) begins rehearsal at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel.
  • Intergenerational Pop-Up Ensemble has a rehearsal beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary; then sings during the second service.
Contact: Jennifer Haywood, jhaywood@uucava.org.
Dear UUCA Families and Friends,

As we begin a new year, in addition to welcoming returning and new participants in all of the music ensembles, we are working on building our musical instrument resources. If you have any hand held musical instruments and/or Orff instruments (instruments with wooden or metal removable bars such as xylophones) that you are no longer in need of, please consider donating them! With questions or to share input please do not hesitate to contact Jennifer S.E. Haywood, Ph.D. , UUCA Children and Youth Music Leader and Intergenerational Pop-Up Ensembles at JHaywood@uucava.org.
Circle Dinners

UUCA's Circle Dinners program is a delicious way to build community by sharing meals together. Participants are placed in groups of six to eight adults who arrange to meet and share a meal three to four times between November and May. Through these meals, we get to know other UUCA members and friends as well as to meet and welcome new members. There are two types of dinners to choose from: Potluck or Restaurant. Potluck group participants bring a dish to contribute to a meal in a private home. Members of the circle take turns hosting. Restaurant group participants take turns organizing the outing and selecting a restaurant for all to enjoy. If you are unable to commit to a minimum of three dinners, you can request to be placed on our substitute list. Online sign-ups begin soon. You can do in-person sign-ups on Sunday morning. Circle Dinners is for adults only. Watch for potluck dinner opportunities offered through Religious Education for families. Contact: Jennifer Frum, frumjb@gmail.com.
Happy Hour
Wednesday, September 18, 6-7:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall

Come to an informal get together to meet new people and to catch up with old friends in the church. Snacks are sponsored by the Ministerial Search Committee, who will have information about the Cottage Meetings to help them in their search for a new senior minister. Please bring a beverage to share (beer, wine or non-alcoholic please).
New UU Series
Wednesday, September 15, 12:30 p.m. Welcome Room

The New UU Series, designed for newcomers to learn about Unitarian Universalism and UUCA, will begin on Sept. 15 at 12:30 p.m. in the Welcome Room. Replacing the former New UU class, this is a series of six stand-alone classes meeting on the first and third Sundays of each month after second service. Take one or take them all! Topics are Worship & UUCA; Membership, Stewardship & Belonging; Social Action; UU History & Theology; Faith Development, Covenant Groups & Pastoral Care; and Campus Tour & Partners. Each topic will be announced in Connections and the Order of Service. The topic for Sept. 15 is Worship & UUCA. All are welcome. Signups are not necessary. Childcare is available upon request, Sarah.masters@uucava.org.
Early American to 21st Century Black Women Writers Group
Wednesday, September 18, 7-9:00 p.m. Welcome Room

Please join us for our next Early American to 21st Century Black Women Writers Group. We're a small but lively group of folks interested in learning more about black women writers in the U. S. from the 1770s to the present. Each month a volunteer introduces short texts by a new writer, so we can read them aloud together and talk about them. There’s no advance reading. Brenda King will lead our next meeting. We're delighted when people just drop in, and no one has to volunteer for anything! Contact: Gay Gibson Cima , cimag@georgetown.edu .
VOICE Meeting
Are you interested in criminal justice reform?
Thursday, September 19, 7:00 p.m. OFF-SITE @ Shiloh Baptist Church

And are you interested in criminal justice reform in Fairfax County? A new criminal justice reform team is organizing now. Some of us are experienced VOICE leaders and some of us are new to VOICE. We will focus our relational meetings, listening sessions, research, and action on local Fairfax County criminal justice issues. Please join us at our first meeting, Thursday, September 19, 7:00 p.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church, 8310 Turning Leaf Lane, McLean.  Contact McGennis Williams, mcgennis@mcgenniswilliams.com.
Please join us for these opportunities to Serve

Volunteers Needed to Serve Coffee
 
UUCA loves coffee! Each Sunday coffee is the beverage of choice for most and we need volunteers to help with our coffee service. Help is needed with coffee prep that includes brewing the coffee, setup of the coffee station and cleanup. Volunteers serve on a team and commitment is 1 1/2 hours once a month. Our biggest need is for early birds to help with the initial setup for the first service. To volunteer, stop by the coffee station on Sunday or contact Mollie Jewell, gjewell@cox.net, 703-941-5643. Or signup online under the tab for Coffee Servers here
RE Teachers Needed

We still need a few teachers to complete our teaching teams. Training and support are provided. If we don't have enough volunteers, we may have to combine classes. You don't need to have a kid in RE to teach. Anyone who has taught before can tell you how rewarding the experience can be. Get in touch with LeeAnn Williams, Director of Lifespan Faith Development, LWilliams@uucava.org, or see her in Fellowship Hall after the service on Sunday. You can also sign-up here: 9:15 RE or 11:15 RE.
News From Your United Nations Organization

As the summer wraps up we are getting ready for a very busy fall. Your UU United Nations Office Envoy is preparing for our United Nations Sunday worship service and related actions. September's approach also means that world dignitaries will be flocking to New York City for the annual UN General Assembly! A focus will be climate change.

The UN asserts that there is still time to tackle climate change, but it will require an unprecedented effort from all sectors of society. To boost ambition and accelerate actions to implement the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, UN Secretary-General António Guterres will host the 2019 Climate Action Summit on September 23. We hope that the UN Summit will send strong market and political signals and inject momentum in the "race to the top" among countries, companies, cities, and civil society that is needed to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. Organizers around the world led by Swedish youth activist Greta Thunberg are calling for a Climate Strike prior to the Summit and for action throughout that week. Let's make sure that Unitarian Universalists are prominent in these global demonstrations.

A nearby gathering will be Friday September 20 at 12 p.m. in front of the Ellen M. Bozman Government Center, 2100 Clarendon Road, Arlington. We invite UUCA youth to join. May our values be heard loud and clear urging leaders at the UN to use this Summit to make serious commitments with concrete plans to follow through.

For more information, contact Mariettan@aol.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