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

Sunday, April 21, 2019 | 9:15 & 11:15 a.m. The Promise of the Empty Tomb Sermon by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, Interim Senior Minister Our Easter service is a multi-generational service led by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley and Walter Clark, Ministerial Assistant. Children and youth will remain in the Sanctuary for the entire service with their families. Irv Lachow is the Worship Associate and Chuck Ellis the Song Leader. The UUCA choir, Sanctuary Singers, will sing Mozart's Alleluia and the congregation will be invited to join in on Hallelujah from Handel's Easter oratorio Messiah. Soloist Devin Staren and the choir will also sing another song of the season--a song of hope and promise--with Dolly Parton's Light of a Clear Blue Morning-- All under the direction of Sophia Morreale , Music Ministries Assistant. And, we have a special guest musician at our keyboards. We welcome back former UUCA organist and pianist Jason Sherlock . Livestream

Upcoming Services April 28, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. “Setting the Table” - Sermon by Walter Clark, Ministerial Assistant.

Sunday Parking When parking on Sundays, we ask that you please leave our main lot for visitors and those with mobility issues. On Sunday mornings the Masons lot across the street on George Mason and the Arlington Hall Park lot are available for parking. Street parking is also available along George Mason Drive and in the neighborhood behind the church. See map here.

UUCA is LIVE on Facebook Not able to be with us in person on Sunday morning? It's now going to be easier than ever to join us online. Besides joining in via www.uucava.org/livestream , you can now experience each Sunday morning via Facebook LIVE .

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)

Passover Community Seder Hosted by Kol Ami Kol Ami (the Northern Virginia Reconstructionist Jewish Community) invites UUCAers to their inclusive Passover Seder that will be held in UUCA's Fellowship Hall. A mostly potluck meal will follow the ceremony. The cost is $20 per adult, $5 per child, plus a potluck dish. Those who are physically able are also asked to help with set-up or clean-up. Reservations can be made here. For more info, please visit KolAmiVirginia.org or email admin@KolAmiVirginia.org. Date: Saturday, April 20, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Location: Fellowship Hall

MoonFire April Showers Ritual – April 21 Please join MoonFire on Sunday, April 21, for a ritual celebrating April showers! People say Love makes the world go round, but really it’s RAIN that does it. Come celebrate rain, and be prepared to teach a short version of your favorite rain song, and to sing and dance outside and get wet (and maybe muddy!). Bring a towel, and a change of clothes and shoes. As always, potluck will follow the ritual. Further information at www.moonfireuuca.org or email moonfirecoords@gmail.com.   Date: Sunday, April 21, 1:30 p.m. Location: Chapel

Ministry Matters

In the Meantime By Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, Interim Senior Minister Like so many of you, I have been devastated watching the fires at Notre Dame, even while I’m so grateful that much of the structure can be saved. Some of you may have been triggered, as was I, watching the spire fall in a way so reminiscent of the World Trade Center on 9/11.  This was an accident--no malicious intent, I’m sure. Yet that assuages our feelings only a bit. We walk through the world assuming that the structures that speak to us of solidity and history and heritage will always be there. This kind of reminder of the fragility of all things can rock our confidence in the world.  What comforts me now, and in all times such as this, is to remember the kindness of people that emerges in the face of catastrophe. When I visited Notre Dame four years ago I was standing outside with great awe and trying to figure out how to capture the moment. An old, grizzled Basque man was sitting on a bench playing the accordion. I asked if I could take his picture as a way of humanizing the place. He smiled at me broadly, but instead of saying yes, he asked me to sit next to him and handed my camera to a passer-by so that they could take our picture together. It felt like a moment of grace, being included in the ongoing story that unfolds in the shadow of the grand La Dame. I like to think that he sits there still, offering his ongoing blessing to pilgrims, one and all.  May we all so bless one another.

Lifespan Religious Education

Easter Egg Hunt Things will be hopping on Sunday! We'll have real bunnies adding to our fun and festive Easter Egg hunt for grade schoolers and younger. Remember to bring your basket--extras will be available. Teens are welcome to help with the "set-up"--Teen volunteers please gather in the lower level lobby during each service. Date: Sunday, April 21, after each service Location: Playground Easter Bake Sale Need a dessert or hostess gift for Easter? Look no further--UUCA's Youth will have just what you're looking for at their Easter Bake Sale this Sunday. Donations will benefit Youth Group activities and mission trips. Date: Sunday, April 21, after both services Location: Fellowship Hall

There's still time to join the 45th Annual UUCA Shenandoah Retreat! This June will be UUCA's 45th year retreating to Big Meadows campground at Shenandoah National Park. There's still time to join us! This year's retreat will take place June 21 - 23. Join friends from UUCA--new and returning friends of all ages are encouraged to join other UUCAers for this family-friendly, multigenerational, fun-filled weekend. Visit our Shenandoah Retreat website here. There are four steps to take: Book a campsite (as of this morning there were 31 reservable sites left) at www.recreation.gov or lodge www.goshenandoah.com/Big-Meadows-Lodge Then please register with us so we know who to expect, when to expect you and where you'll be staying. Register with us here.  Then please pay the $10 registration fee for adults and teenagers (kids are free). The money covers supplies the community uses for the weekend. Paypal here. Finally, please sign up to help out if you can. We are all volunteers and hope everyone can pitch in to make this retreat a success. Volunteer sign-up here. Questions? Contact D Ohlandt, profohlandt@gmail.com or Jacqueline Lotts, jlotts@gmail.com.

Adult Education Below is a list of our upcoming Adult Education classes. Click here for more information and registration. Finding Your Path, May 4, 9-Noon Adaptive Leadership Workshop, May 5, 2-5 p.m. Enneagram Workshop, May 8, 15, 7-9 p.m.

Adaptive Leadership Workshop With Rev. Terasa. Adaptive Leadership is a method of understanding leadership developed by Ron Heifetz and colleagues of his at the Harvard Kennedy School. It posits that leadership is not a noun, as in ‘this person is always the leader’, but that leadership is a verb, it is what we exercise together. In this understanding, anyone can be a leader. Register here. Date: May 5, 2-5 p.m. Location: Activity Room

Finding Your Path How well does UUCA help you “Grow in Spirit?” What kind of spiritual help or guidance would you like to have? What does one mean by "spiritual growth"? Come to this spiritual ingathering event on May 4 to share information, practice and program ideas that could help you find your spiritual path at UUCA. Refreshments provided. Contact David McTaggart for more information at dmctagg@gmail.com or 703-835-6944. Register here. Date: Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m.-Noon Location: Activity Room

Enneagram Workshop Back by popular demand! Join Rev. Terasa for a two-part series exploring the Enneagram. Have you ever asked yourself the quintessential human question of identity, “Who am I?” Most of us spend a lifetime trying to figure out who we are and how we relate to others. The Enneagram offers a bright path to cutting through the internal clutter and finding our way back to who we are created to be. Based on the nine classic archetypes of human character structure, the Enneagram exposes the nine ways we lie to ourselves about who we think we are, illustrates the nine ways we get lost, and reveals nine ways we find our way home to our True Self. Recommended texts for the class are (choose one) The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Richard Riso or The Road Back to You by Ian Cron. Register here. Dates: Two sessions, May 8 and May 15, 7-9 p.m.  Location: Activity Room

Music Metamorphosis Come join this original class with music written and led by Sophia Morreale, UUCA Music Ministry Associate. Through music, meditation and the art form of the mandala, we will explore the stages of change: Surrender, Mystery, Abyss, Hope, Discovery, Renewal, Manifestation. Come experience how life changes can be made with creativity in this inner exploration! Register here. Date: 3 Wednesdays, May 8, 15, 22, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Location: TBA

Wheel of Life

Our condolences to Rhonda Buckner and Diane Ullius on the death of Rhonda's father Joan Porte on the death of her brother  Lauren, Andrew, Hanna & Sasha Courtney on the death of Lauren’s father

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Parker Bracken will be held Saturday, May 4, 11:30 a.m., at Goodwin House-Bailey's, 3440 S. Jefferson St., Falls Church.

Faith in Action

Share-the-Plate: VOICE Our STP offering on Sunday goes to VOICE , V irginians O rganized for I nterfaith C ommunity E ngagement. UUCA is proud to be a founding and leading member of this interfaith citizens’ power coalition, which over the past 10 years has forged powerful working alliances among 50 Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and UU congregations and others across Northern Virginia. VOICE now represents roughly 180,000 households, organizing people, especially the underserved and unheard, so they can claim a seat at the table where public decisions are made.   VOICE people-power works to dismantle and redress structural injustice and other oppressions. To date VOICE has … held some of the nation’s largest banks accountable for predatory lending practices in Prince William county and won a quarter-billion dollars in principal reduction … helped secure greater public funding and approval for affordable housing in Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax … and persuaded Fairfax County Public Schools to improve classroom policies for Muslim and Jewish students, among many other accomplishments. Just two weeks ago VOICE was a major force in securing legislative passage of the governor's initiative to reinstate the driver's licenses for 627,000 Virginians from whom they had been taken away due to unpaid court fees and fines. We—including 138 of us from UUCA—first informed the governor of this injustice when we stood before him in action last October.    VOICE’s work relies heavily on volunteer leaders’ time, but it also needs dollars to pay the costs for essential, full-time trained organizers. Please give generously. And—stop by the VOICE table in the Fellowship Hall after service to learn more! You can also donate to VOICE online here . Donations are accepted for each Sunday's STP recipient through midnight the following Saturday.

VOICE Celebrates Major Statewide Victory: Restoration of Drivers' Licenses to 627,000 Virginians!    Hard to believe but true that Virginians lose their drivers licenses simply because they cannot afford to pay court fines and fees. This unjust practice has long created a vicious cycle for the poorest in our state, making it even harder for them to travel to work. But that just changed! On April 5, Richmond lawmakers passed a change in the law, aided by the governor and allies on both sides of the political aisle, who acknowledged how VOICE (Virginians Organized for Communicty Engagement) along with several other statewide advocates played a pivotal role. Details here. There is much more work to be done on matters of social and racial justice, so please mark these two dates on your UUCA calendar:  Sunday April 28: VOICE-UUCA workshop on racial justice actions, 1:30-3:30 in the Center Sunday June 2: VOICE-Arlington-Alexandria candidate forum, focused on Amazon and local criminal justice issues (location and time TBA) To learn more about VOICE/UUCA, stop by the VOICE table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday or contact Pat Findikoglu, patfindikoglu@gmail.com or Jacomina deRegt, jacominaderegt@gmail.com or McGennis Williams, mcgennis@mcgenniswilliams.com .  Photo: 1,400 VOICE leaders at the action in Fairfax last October where the governor and attorney general expressed their support for reinstating unfairly revoked drivers' licenses.

People with Disabilities Group Forming Join others with visible and invisible disabilities to connect, network and consider what the group would like to do. The first organizational meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 7. Questions? Contact Sarah Masters at sarah@uucava.org. Date: Tuesday, May 7, 6 p.m. Locaton: TBA

Register Today Allyship Workshop May 7 & 14 Service Never Sleeps ( SNS), a local non-profit that empowers communities through service and allyship, is offering their Allyship training for UUCA and the greater community. This workshop teaches you about the causes of racial injustice, how to be an effective ally for marginalized communities, and how to actively influence and educate others. This is not just “another racial justice workshop.” Most people walk out of this workshop saying it was the most impactful racial justice workshop they’ve ever taken in terms of how it helps them reflect on their own implicit bias while also providing actionable steps for how to act with friends, family, or strangers when they witness racism. This 6-hour workshop is split between two nights. Participants are required to attend both nights. Sign up here. Questions? Contact Alex Ziehm, Alexandraziehm92@gmail.com.    Date: Tuesday, May 7 & 14, 7-10 p.m. Location: Room 13/15 on 5/7, Youth Room on 5/14

Brown Girl Dreaming African American Author Book Sharing Circle April 19 Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson, will be discussed at Friday's book sharing group. The book is appropriate for ages 10 through adult, so families are especially welcomed to this special sharing circle. More information here or contact Pat Findikoglu, pfindikoglu@gmail.com, or Linda Lutes Corsoro, lindahlutes@gmail.com. Date: Friday, April 19, 7:30 p.m. Location: Welcome Room . Dream Project Benefit Voices of Solidarity Concert - April 26 The Voices for Solidarity concert will be a celebration of solidarity by diverse communities and cultures who share a common vision of a more diverse, tolerant and compassionate nation. Performances will feature local musical and theatrical groups, as well as the stories of some of the Dream Project Dreamers, reflecting the diverse community of which we are lucky to be a part of. Artist lineup include: Gen OUT Chorus; Cheick Hamala Diabate; Marcelo & His Charango. Purchase tickets here.   Date: Friday, April 26, 6 p.m. Reception; 7 p.m. Concert Location: Center Gallery

Center Gallery City of Stories A Community Book Art Project Come learn the story of our neighbors--Learn about the people living and working here in Arlington with artwork to compliment their stories. The "City of Stories" art show will be displayed through June 2. Informational poster here. Date: Show runs through June 2 Location: Center Gallery

Congregational Life

UUCA Grief Support Group If you’ve suffered the loss of someone dear to you, join us. We’ll create a casual, welcoming space where we can share our stories and struggles, where we can mourn, celebrate, and reflect on those we’ve loved and lost. We’ll seek comfort and new hope, together. A chalice lighting and brief reading launch each gathering. UUCA’s Ministerial Assistant Walter Clark and Pastoral Care Committee member Hank Dahlstrom facilitate.  Date: Wednesday, May 8, 7-9:00 p.m. (And the second Wednesday of each month thereafter) Location: Room 11

Finding Your Path at UUCA By David McTaggart During worship on Sunday, February 17, I shared with you my master life story. I told you of my emotional hurts in childhood, outward success in young adulthood, crisis in midlife, and inward growth in later years. Looking back, I have come to understand that my life trajectory has not been unique, but rather has mirrored the ageless archetypal pattern of loss and renewal, birth suffering and rebirth, of having to go down before coming up. Inward growth, or spiritual transformation, doesn’t just happen with age; indeed it can happen at any age. Transformation begins with a growing unease or suffering with life, a sense that there’s got to be a better way. From there, it helps to be among people who hold us in love and have us understand we are not alone in this struggle. It takes teaching in the many spiritual growth paths available to us. And, on our part, transformation requires spiritual stillness, reflection, practice, courage and faith—faith that life is essentially good and that we will emerge as the whole and loving persons we were born to be. Read more >>

Safety in Houses of Worship Special Training Arlington County Police Corporal Elizabeth Lennon and her team will present Safety in Houses of Worship at UUCA Sunday, April 28. All are invited to attend. Those who serve in leadership and/or volunteer roles at UUCA on Sunday mornings are especially encouraged to participate. Questions can be directed to Annie@uucava.org. Dates: Sunday, April 28, 12:30–2:00 p.m. Location: Activity Room

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 and includes a light breakfast. Free childcare is available upon request. Registration is required - HERE. Date: Saturday, May 11, 9:30 a.m.-Noon Location: Activity Room

Better Angels Workshop Beyond Polarization: How Liberals Can Communicate Better With Conservatives Do you have a difficult time connecting with family members and friends who are political conservatives and/or supporters of President Trump? Ever wished you had a better grasp of what motivates them?   On Sunday, May 19 from 2-5:30pm, UUCA will host a Better Angels workshop titled "Beyond Polarization: How Liberals Can Communicate Better With Conservatives." If you are a political liberal/progressive/Democrat who has struggled to find common ground with the conservatives/Republicans in your life, this workshop will help you move beyond the usual partisan arguments and develop genuine mutual understanding. To sign up, contact Sarah Yue at  alanandsarah@gmail.com or visit the registration page here. Date: Sunday, May 19, 2-5:30 p.m. Location: Activity Room

LOST & FOUND Please check the lost and found section of the upper level coat closet for items that may belong to you. Items left after April 27 will be donated to charity.

Music Ministry

Last Sunday. . . a time to say goodbye Last Sunday, Music Director Mimi Bornstein was surround by love as UUCA bid her a fond farewell. Mimi, thank you for sharing your song with us. You truly changed us through your music. We will miss you.

Benefit Concert Faure Requiem This special benefit concert features the combined choirs of UU Fairfax, All Souls DC, Rodef Shalom and UUCA to benefit families who have lost loved ones to gun violence. Tickets here or in Fellowship Hall on Sunday. Date: Saturday, May 4, 7-8:30 p.m. Location: UUCA Sanctuary

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.

Thank you for using this link when shopping Amazon. UUCA benefits each time you shop.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, VA 4444 Arlington Blvd Arlington, Virginia Call: (703) 892-2565 Email: uuca@uucava.org ‌ ‌