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

Sunday, June 16, 2019 | 10:15 a.m. Family Pride Service led by Walter Clark, Ministerial Assistant. The origins of June being Pride month come out of the Stonewall riots in NY, reminding LGBTQ+ persons of the struggles they have had (and still have) on the journey to acceptance and equality. In that same spirit, the struggles many LGBTQ+ persons have had with their families of origin motivated them to make Pride Day the same as Father’s Day. This Sunday we discuss what the idea of “family” and unconditional love. Irv Lachow is our Worship Associate. Sophia Morreale is our song leader. Special music is by singer songwriter Kristin Cott, singing The Best Thing You Can Give Them . Livestream

Upcoming Service June 23, 10:15 a.m. …While the Sun Shines. Service led by Walter Clark. Since December the days have slowly been growing longer as well as warmer. The snow has melted away, the blossoms have come and gone and the nature is green and hale. Now that the summer solstice is upon us, the days grow shorter, bit by bit. How does the subtle shortening of days inform our lives and the limits of our mortality? Sunday, June 30, 10:15 a.m. Dragged Kicking and Cursing Into Heaven. Sermon by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, Interim Senior Minister. How's that for a provocative title? It’s a quote from a 19th century Universalist talking about how universal salvation is available to all, even if we may be reluctant to go there! When I had my question box sermon in early May, a number of people asked about the Universalist side of our heritage. This is your opportunity to learn more about the other “U.”

Friday Morning Devotions We invite you to center and ground yourself in silence with friends--a half-hour of meditation followed by brief reflections--each Friday morning at 7 a.m. A ride to Ballston Metro is available afterward. For additional information, contact either David McTaggart, dmctagg@gmail.com, or Gregg Forte, gforte@mac.com.  Date: Each Friday, 7:00 a.m. Location: Room 20 (Youth Room)

Church Matters

Congregational Survey: THANK YOU! Enormous thanks to everyone in our Beloved Community - members, friends, inquiring friends, newcomers, youth - who shared their voices and thoughts on the 2019 Congregational Survey. We ended up with an amazing 640 responses! The Ministerial Search Committee will spend the next couple of months analyzing this wonderfully rich dataset, with the goal of sharing a summary report with the congregation by late summer or early fall. If you missed responding to the survey, don't worry - there will be other opportunities to share your ideas and vision for UUCA during our upcoming Cottage Meetings this fall. Stay tuned for more information!

UUA General Assembly - Spokane, June 19-23 Events of Interest to be Livestreamed The 2019 UUA General Assembly takes place June 19-23 in Spokane, Washington, with the theme of The Power of We , which seeks to explore the power, possibility, purpose, struggle and joy of finding the path forward together as Unitarian Universalists in a time of great challenge and heartbreak in our world. For those who are unable to attend GA in person, please note there will be livestreaming of many of the events and sessions.  Paul Blackburn and Marietta Tanner will facilitate daytime livestreaming of GA events in Room 13/15 ( schedule here). Because of the 3-hour time difference, feeds of several key evening events that begin at 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time--notably the Opening Ceremony (June 19), the Service of the Living Tradition (June 20), the Ware Lecture (June 21), and the Closing Ceremony (June 22) – will not be viewed at the church, but will be easily accessible at https://www.uua.org/ga/off-site.

Ministry Matters

In the Meantime By Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, Interim Senior Minister It’s hard to believe that I’ve been with you for almost 10 months already! The time has truly sped by with so many things going on at UUCA.  Activities do slow down a bit during the summer, with one service on Sundays instead of two, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing going on! The summer service schedule is full of skilled and provocative speakers, including many of our own Worship Associates. Watch for the poster that will give the full list.  While Walter will be away at the end of June and I will be taking both vacation and study leave in July, please be assured there will always be someone available for any pastoral care needs. Please contact the office if anything comes up and they will know who to contact.  Summertime allows us to take a breath and go easier, but things never stop at UUCA! --TCooley@uucava.org

Lifespan Religious Education

Teacher Recruitment We are now recruiting teachers for the upcoming church year. Not only can you grow spiritually while supporting learners form their faith, but you can build lasting friendships and connections with other adults in the congregation. We need about 100 teachers each year in order to be fully staffed. Please consider joining one of our teaching teams next year. Will I still be able to attend services? Of course! The teaching commitment is only twice a month: leading once and assisting once. Stop the RE table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday for more information or email LWilliams@uucava.org. Sign up below: 9:15 Service 11:15 Service

Multigenerational Game Night and Parents Night Out Get together with longtime friends and make some new ones at UUCA's Multigenerational Game Night held on the third Saturday of the month. The evening begins with board games for all ages from 4 to 6 p.m. Then childcare will be available from 6 to 8 p.m., so parents can have some uninterrupted game time too. All adults and teens are welcome for gaming at both portions of the evening, previous gaming experience not required. Bring snacks/drinks to share, and dinner if you are so inclined (we can also order pizza). Come early, come late, come one, come all! For more information, contact Larry Rasco, lrascop@gmail.com or Jacqueline Lotts, jlotts@gmail.com. Date: Saturday, June 15, 4 to 6 p.m. games for all ages, 6 to 8 p.m. free childcare and adult/teen gaming. Note: No game night July 20. Location: Multiple rooms, lower level

UUCA Teen Summer Intern Program UUCA is now accepting applications for the Teen Summer Intern Program! Begun as a pilot two years ago, the Teen Summer Intern Program has continued to grow, offering high school youth opportunities to contribute to the UUCA community over the summer months. This year, UUCA is pleased to offer youth several different opportunities: Monday Work/Lunch Parties: Every Monday from 10-2, youth can gather together to work on projects and enjoy lunch together. Summer projects include sorting, organizing, cleaning, painting, and--back by popular demand--a summer’s end chair and table wash! (Think car wash for tables & chairs, complete with bathing suits and loud music!) Office Volunteer: Pick a day or a week (Mon-Fri) to answer phones and help with office work from 9- 3 p.m. See what happens at the church outside of Sunday mornings and around the office. We often have gaps in the summer with people going on vacation, etc. so finding a day or a week that needs to be filled in is a huge help!  Summer Sundays: Help staff UUCA upstairs and downstairs on Sundays in the Summertime!  The fine print: Parent or Guardian permission is required to participate. Youth will be expected to sign up for work shifts, to show up when they say they will and not just drop in, to be on time, follow expectations, and to ask for another job if they finish a task. We want to have fun but this won’t be just a summer hangout! Youth needing service hours for academic programs will need to check to ensure that volunteer hours in service of the church meet the requirements of their program. Church staff will verify hours as needed.  There will be a kick-off lunch, games, orientation, and training from 10 - Noon on June 24 for interested parties. Interested youth should fill out the online form here . Questions? Contact Annie Parker at aparker@uucava.org

More RE News Here

Wheel of Life

It is with much gratitude for his dedicated and thoughtful service we bid Bob Blinn a fond farewell as he and his family relocate to Richmond this summer. Bob's new address is 525 N. 1st St., Richmond, VA 23219, phone 804-836-3704.

Congregational Life

A Summer Happy Hour Mark your calendar for the happiest of hours--our June Happy Hour on June 18, from 6-7:30 p.m., sponsored by UUCA's Religious Education team. Bring a drink to share (beer, wine, and non-alcoholic) and meet new people at the monthly happy hour. All are welcome. Date: Tuesday, June 18, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Location: Fellowship Hall

Parking Lot Picnic and Bluegrass Jam! UUCAers are invited to join the Capital Area Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association (CABOMA) for their annual picnic and bluegrass jam in our parking lot from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23! (In the event of foul weather, the party will move to Fellowship Hall.) All are welcome at this family-friendly event. We’ll take care of the burgers, buns, and fixin’s; attendees are asked to bring a side dish and beverages to share (beer, wine, or nonalcoholic). Guests are also encouraged to bring camp chairs or picnic blankets, sunblock, and insect repellant. RSVPs encouraged via SignupGenius or email to aparker@uucava.org .  Want to help make the party a success? Could you loan a grill, popup awning, cooler, or bring extra camp chairs? Volunteers are also needed to tend grills, and to help setup, cleanup, and host! Signup or contact Annie at aparker@uucava.org if you are able and willing to pitch in. Date: Sunday, June 23, 2-6 p.m. Location: UUCA parking lot

MoonFire Summer Solstice Ritual You are welcome to join MoonFire as they celebrate the season with a Summer Solstice ritual, based on the OBOD (Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids) tradition. To the Druids, Summer Solstice is known as Alban Hefin, a time to celebrate the Sun God at his strongest--the warm days, the abundance of life, the beauty of flowers and the sweetness of summer fruits! As always, potluck will follow the ritual. More for information on MoonFire, please visit www.moonfireuuca.org , or contact moonfirecoords@gmail.com . Date: Sunday, June 16, 1:30 p.m. Location: Center Gallery

Catalyst for Change New Book, “A Shoestring Lobbyist,” To be Showcased UUs Kat Braeman and Gladys Henrikson plan to showcase their book, Carol Burris and the Women’s Lobby , in the Center on Sunday, June 30, from 4 to 6 p.m. Both admired the dynamic efforts of Carol Burris in the 1970s to give a voice to women’s concerns on Capitol Hill and around the country. Kat was a “grass root” in Nebraska in 1971 when she met and was inspired by Carol’s fierce advocacy. Gladys lobbied with Carol on a part-time hours bill and other issues. Today they remember her transforming impact on the nation and on their lives. This new book is now available on Amazon. Join this celebration of advocacy and lift a glass of bubbly for these catalysts for change. Kat is a past Board Chair of UUCA and is now on the Board of UU Marin in California. Gladys is active in the Fairfax UU Congregation. Questions? Contact Ronnie Priddy at 703-578-7607 or priddyveronica@gmail.com . Kat is at 202-549-3696 or katbraeman@gmail.com . Date: Sunday, June 30, 4 to 6 p.m. Location: The Center 

Faith in Action

Buckingham/UUCA International Potluck and Talent Show . . . or ¡Fiesta! Join fellow UUs and our Buckingham neighbors for an evening of delicious food and entertainment at our Food, Fun, Friendship Fiesta. Families welcome! Price of admission: your favorite salad, casserole, or dessert. Date: Saturday, June 15, 6:30 p.m.  Location: Fellowship Hall

Learn About Your Role in Reversing Global Warming Come see both the possibility of reversing global warming and the important role you play in that process. Learn about the science-based Drawdown solutions and how we can reverse global warming by 2050. You will be inspired by new ways to think about climate change and become part of a global movement from hope to action. A five-session Drawdown Solutions: Getting Into Action workshop will be offered at UUCA this summer on Thursday nights from 6:30 – 9:00 – July 11, July 25, August 8, August, 22 , and a final session in September with the date to be decided on later by the group. If you are not familiar with Project Drawdown, you can learn much more at www.drawdown.org and at www.Pachamama.org under resources and then Drawdown.    During the first four sessions, we will guide you towards coming up with your own plan for how to get into action, based on your own interests, talents and passions. The sessions will include: videos, presentations, individual research, and group interactions. You will leave the course being connected to a new community of people dedicated to reversing global warming, equipped with knowledge and tools to get and stay in committed action in a field you are passionate about. Feel free to invite family and friends to join you. Please email marylpva@gmail.com for additional information and to register for the five-session program this summer.

Do It Green (DIG) Workdays Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 22, for our next DIG workday. If you enjoy digging in the dirt or find pulling weeds therapeutic, this is a project for you. All ages welcome. It's a great family or group service activity. Date: Saturday, June 22, 9 - 11 a.m. Location: Church grounds

Center Gallery Artist Sara Bardin Show Opens June 8 This summer our Center Gallery walls will be a field of bright and colorful summer flowers. UUCA is thrilled to have renowned D.C. artist Sara Bardin show her art in our Center Gallery beginning Saturday, June 8. Sara finds inspiration for her botanical paintings from visits to the U.S. Botanical Garden in the District. Her beautifully rendered botanicals evoke deep emotion through her choice of color and texture. Don't let the summer slip by without seeing this show. Questions? Contact curator Carson Herrington , ecarsonh@gmail.com . Dates: Saturday, June 8 thru August Location: Center Gallery

Bring your family to help AFAC at a local farm Want to find a kid-friendly social action activity? Care about food security and helping your neighbors in need? Want to get to know other UUCAers in a small group environment? Join UUCA friends and families (kids are welcome!) to help harvest and plant crops at the JK Community Farm in Purcellville on Saturday, August 10, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. No gardening experience is necessary. RSVP to Denise Kappler by June 30; we can arrange carpools from UUCA. If you are interested in other volunteer opportunities with UUCA at AFAC, email Denise for more information denise_kappler@yahoo.com. Date: Saturday, August 10, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Coming to UUCA!! The Convergence Theatre The Convergence Theatre collective created a collections of individual's stories on immigration--what people have endured to come to the U.S. It's called A New Nation. They will stage it at UUCA on June 21 ans 22 in a benefit for Alianza. Admission will be by donation. Watch a short video trailer for the piece here.   Dates: June 21 and 22, 7:30 p.m. Location: Fellowship Hall

Thank you for showing up and standing up!  VOICE leadership offered UUCA many thanks for our terrific turn-out on June 9 at the public meeting on Amazon with Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson and Arlington board chair Christian Dorsey. We promised 75 and ended up bringing 105 UUCAers!  At the meeting, Dorsey agreed to seek the reinvestment of half the new tax revenue in Community First priorities, including affordable housing, and Wilson agreed to meet with us further and to use his leverage with Virginia Tech to ensure access to programs for local youth. Several other Alexandria officials stepped out of the audience to offer enthusiastic support for the agenda as well. Over the coming year, as Amazon's and Virginia Tech's development continues to unfold and competing commercial interests seek to claim portions of the revenue pie, we will no doubt be called on again to show up and stand up for the Communities First agenda that is now publicly launched. Much more work remains to be done to flesh out commitments.  Let's build on the momentum! 

Peace Camp 2019: June 24-July 5 Register your camper for Peace Camp NOW! Registrations are filling at UUCA Peace Camp registration. Campers discover that peace begins with them.   Week 1: Mon 6/24 to Fri. 6/28 Week 2: Mon. 7/1 to Fri. 7/5, except Thurs. 7/4. Campers can attend both weeks or just one.  This year’s theme is “Circle Up to Find Peace,” the program will help equip your child with the Peace Tools. Our theme emphasizes the need for including others in our own personal journeys of peace. Camp activities include art, cooperative games, special guests, peace pledge, learning about peace makers, and so much more. Peace Camp offers programs for ages 5-14. Children begin as campers at ages 5-9 and progress through to until ages 15-18 as Jr. Counselors. After that, ages 18+ can be counselors or volunteer as staff or kitchen helpers. Peace Camp is a partnership between UUCA Peace Ministry and Little Friends for Peace.

Summer Peace Camp for Older Youth, too! Summer Peace Camp helps older youth develop leadership and teamwork skills as they work with younger campers, meet new friends, and practice peace! Ages 10-11 are Jr. Counselor-in-Training, Ages 12-14 are Counselor-in-Training, ages 15-18 are Jr. Counselor, and ages 18+ can be counselor or volunteer as staff or kitchen helpers. To register for camp or sign-up for a junior staff position, visit Peace Camp. For questions or more information, contact peacecamp@lffp.org.

Peace Camp – Bring your art supplies on June 23 Please start saving everyday items to be used for art supplies at Peace Camp and bring them to church on June 23. Please no sooner than June 23. We can use: Paper towel and toilet paper tubes Shoe boxes - all sizes  Puppets  Poster board  Drawing paper Stuffed animals Markers /crayons  Carpet squares Other craft materials You can also share your talent or gifts by doing a demonstration at Peace Camp. We welcome music, storytelling, dance, art projects, nature projects, etc. Contact MJ Park, mjpeace@gmail.com, 240-838-4549 for more details and to share your talent.

Why support the UN with your UUUNO Dollars? Some of the world’s most tragic humanitarian situations have been ongoing for years and while the human costs continue, our media and attention has moved on. The Bangladesh Camp for Rohingya refugees from Burma is now the largest in the world, with half a million children at risk of early marriage, child labor, or being trafficked on the black market. Yemen was in the news a few weeks ago when the U.S. Congress voted to end military assistance for the Saudi-led coalition in the Yemen war…which President Trump promptly vetoed. Now the UN reports that “nowhere is safe in Yemen as the country’s war rages on and more civilians are killed every day by either armed clashes or the advancing famine.  This is the work the United Nations agencies and programs spend their efforts on day in and day out. It is thankless and tragically underfunded work, and it needs all the support Unitarian Universalists can give. Support includes following these issues when others have forgotten them and reminding others that there are serious global problems that the UN follows and does what it can to help.  UUCA is a “Blue Ribbon” Congregation being honored for our support of UUUNO at the General Assembly in Spokane next week.  UUUNO is a Non-governmental agency of the UN which presents proposals and advises members of the General Assembly. Learned more by contacting 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 Email: uuca@uucava.org ‌ ‌