The Sufi mystic Hafiz wrote, “I once asked a bird, how is it that you fly in this gravity of darkness? She responded, ‘love lifts me’.” When our strength fails us, where do we turn? How do we nourish ourselves and others to move towards spiritual centering?

Rev. Rebekah Ann Savage is the Associate Minister at the UU Congregation of Rockville, where she has served for three years. Prior to parish ministry, Rev. Rebekah served mostly as an active duty military chaplain which began in 2003, with one combat tour to Afghanistan. Rev. Rebekah is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a doctoral student in the DMIN program at Wesley Seminary and the parent of two awesome kiddos. They live in Bethesda, Md. 

Upcoming Services

Sunday, September 2, 10:15 a.m. "What I Forgot to Say" - Sermon by Rev. Michael McGee, Minister Emeritus. Rev. Michael returns to our pulpit after his retirement in 2012 and brings back his Labor Day tradition--T-Shirt Sunday! You're invited to wear a t-shirt with a message that speaks a belief or statement you want to share. Rev. Michael McGee served UUCA from 1999 to 2012, retiring in 2012 as our minister emeritus, after forty years of ministry. He is married to Terry McGee and have four grown children and four grandchildren together. Terry, aka Emilie Richards, is the author of more than 75 novels. They live in Sarasota, Florida and Chautauqua, New York. Rev. Michael is the author of the ebook Why? The Six Biggest Questions. Frank Corsoro is worship associate.

Ingathering Sunday, September 9, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. "The Art of Innocence" - Sermon by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley. At our traditional Ingathering Service we invite you to bring water from a place you may have visited this summer, even if it is only symbolic. We will blend our waters as a way of reuniting as a community. The sermon will use the example of Fred Rogers to talk about how we may approach one another and the larger world with an attitude of innocence and curiosity. This is a hard thing to ask of ourselves in the midst of polarization and discord. If we can build the spiritual fortitude to do so, we will find the best way to live out our mission to Connect. Kristin Keller will serve as worship associate.

Parent note: This is an all-church service. There will be no Religious Education classes. Children will stay with parents during the service. Nursery care for two-years and younger will be available.

Parking note: We return to our two services on September 9 (9:15 and 11:15 a.m.). We strive to be welcoming to our first-time visitors even before they reach our door. And, we also strive to be accommodating to those with mobility issues. To help provide parking spaces to newcomers and those with mobility issues, we ask able-bodied individuals to park in our auxiliary lots (Mason lot on George Mason Drive and Arlington Hall Park on 4th Street - map here). Drivers can do drop-offs at the lower level lobby and the end of the ramp. And, please use the traffic light when crossing George Mason Dr.

Share-the-Plate

STP for August 26: Equality Virginia

Equality Virginia (EV) will the Share-the-Plate offering this Sunday. In Virginia and across the U.S., same-sex couples have the legal right to be married, but in Virginia it is legal to fire someone because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. In Virginia, it is legal to refuse to rent to someone because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. In Virginia, it is legal to refuse service in a restaurant or store or hotel because someone is gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. As UUs, our first principle calls on us to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We are called by our faith to work for the basic civil rights of our LGBTQ siblings. Equality Virginia is a strong partner in that work. EV is Virginia’s leading statewide, non-partisan advocacy, outreach, and education organization working for equality for LGBTQ Virginians. Equality Virginia works with Virginia’s elected leaders to amplify the voices of the LGBTQ community and moves towards full legal equality across the Commonwealth through vigorous lobbying efforts, engaging thousands of Virginians in grassroots advocacy, and connecting supporters with their legislators. Together we are working to create a Virginia that is a safe, welcoming, and equal place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and their families to live, work and play. Together we will build the Beloved Community. 

Donations are accepted for each week's STP recipient through the following Saturday at midnight. Make online donations here. 

STP Update

Below is the schedule through November for the Share-the-Plate recipients.

Sept. 2. EcoAction Arlington

Sept. 9. Hopi - Sumi Nungwa

Sept. 16. Dream Project

Sept. 23. Service Never Sleeps

Sept. 30. Partners for Arlington and Guatemala

Oct. 7. Little Friends for Peace

Oct. 14. VOICE - Virginians Organized for Community Engagement

Oct. 21. Metro PFLAG

Oct. 28. UUs for Social Justice

Nov. 4. Sanctuaries DC

Nov. 11. Equality Virginia

Nov. 18. EcoAction Arlington

Nov. 25. Hopi - Sumi Nungwa