Connections Newsletter
All the news you need to know to connect, grow, and serve.
Join Us on Sunday, October 14, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
"Conflict Transformation
Sermon by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, Interim Senior Minister
For many people the words “conflict” and “congregation” are opposites. How can a community that is supposed to be a place of safety and sanctuary end up with conflicts? But of course, conflict happens. It happens because we humans are different from one another! Rev. Terasa will explore how conflict can actually be a source of transformation.

Betsy Rosenblatt Rosso is the Worship Associate. Bob Blinn is the Song Leader. UUCA's advanced bell choir, Polymnia, will perform with Ken Bissell conducting.
Next Sunday - United Nations Sunday, October 21
“As the United Nations Addresses Climate Change and Rising Global Migration Levels, Where is U.S. Leadership?” – Guest speaker Ambassador Donald Bliss (Retired)

Upcoming worship services here .
Sacred Circle of Support
Many of us have been troubled or even traumatized by the events and public conversations of the last few weeks. 
We will be holding a Sacred Circle of Support on Wednesday, October 17, to hold one another in a ritual space which can acknowledge pain as well as nurture resilience. Everyone who has felt affected may attend and is welcome. Please let Rev. Terasa or Mimi Bornstein know if you have questions. 

Date: Wednesday, October 17, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Center Gallery
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)
MoonFire Child-Friendly Samhain Ritual
Families and friends, are welcome to MoonFire for a child-centered Samhain Ritual. We will celebrate our ancestors by doing art projects that connect us with those who have gone before. There will be no separate childcare. A light meal will be provided; you are welcome to bring a side dish. For more information on MoonFire, click here or email moonfirecoords@gmail.com.
 
Date: Sunday, October 27, @ suppertime; Time TBD
Location: TBD
Ministry Matters
Introducing Our New Ministerial Assistant
From Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley
The Assistant Minister Search Committee and I are excited to tell you that we have unanimously decided to offer our Assistant position to Walter Clark. Walter is a recent graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School and has done internships at the Richmond congregation as well as Newport News. He comes highly recommended by all who worked with him. 

He still has some requirements to fulfill before he receive preliminary fellowship, so he is not yet ordained. Therefore we’ll be calling him a Ministerial Assistant, or Candidate for Ministry. He will be in our pulpit for the first time on October 28. I want to share what the Search Committee said about him:
Church Matters
Emily Goodin photo
Reflections from the Board: Sanctuary
By Emily Goodin, Trustee

In this month of sanctuary, it’s a reminder that UUCA is a safe place for all congregants.

I’ve been thinking about safe places a lot lately. I’m a journalist and have been covering Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings to the Supreme Court.

The emotion on Capitol Hill could be felt in the air, from protestors chasing lawmakers in the hallways--the anger, frustration and pain could be heard in their voices--to the pained look on several senators faces as they struggled with how to react to the anger to the shaken faces of other senators, who looked as if they felt harassed. 

It’s been hard few weeks for both sides--from those who want their stories heard to those who feel under attack.

And, it’s a reminder, that all people want sanctuary--a safe place to tell their stories, a safe place to be heard.

It’s also a timely topic for the Board of Trustees. 

I, for one, am relieved to have the UUA investigation into Aaron McEmrys wrapped up and be able to share with the congregation more of the story as to what happened. 

In these uncertain times, I’m grateful to have a place like UUCA to feel safe. For me, our church is a sanctuary and I hope others feel the same way when they walk through the doors.

Going forward, every month, a different member of the Board of Trustees will be reflecting on the Covenant Group theme as our way of letting the congregation know a little about us. 

And we are always ready to hear your stories, whether before our monthly board meetings or anytime you see us at UUCA. 

Member of the Board of Trustees
Governance Task Force Formed
A Governance Task Force formed by the Board of Trustees had its first meeting last week to discuss ways to start a conversation at UUCA on how our church governs itself.


Please watch Connections in the coming weeks as we will be using town halls and other methods to hear from you, the congregants, for your thoughts on governance.

Our charge, as approved by the Board, includes:

  1. Review history of governance at UUCA, including major configurations of authority among the Board, the ministers, the congregation and the staff
  2. Interview current and past staff, board members, ministers, and key volunteers
  3. Interview and do site visits to other churches to observe and to learn about their systems
  4. Research church governance systems using books, white papers, conference materials, UUA staff and other sources 
  5. Convene sessions with the congregation to discuss their concerns about governance and decision-making

In the meantime, feel free to reach out to any of us on the task force with your concerns or say hi when you see us at UUCA.

UUCA Board of Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, October 16, 2018
7:00 p.m. Open Comment Period
7:30 p.m. Board Meeting

At 7:00 p.m. Board Members will be available to listen to comments from the congregation in the Welcome Room. At 7:30 p.m. the regular Board Meeting will begin. Congregants are welcome to observe regular board meetings. 

At the October meeting the Board will have a discussion on the vision for Music Ministry with Mimi Bornstein; have a discussion on the Board’s three big questions for this church year and mapping those questions to the staff goals for this church year; discuss the first chapter of the book Anxious Church, Anxious People; and approve a letter to send to UUA to share our congregation’s concern about the time it takes for the Ministerial Fellowship Committee to complete an investigation. Additional items may also be added as needed.
We don't want to keep you hanging, so we are updating our phones 
Just a quick update on the church phones. Our phone system is old and failing (recorded messages can no longer be updated and mail boxes cannot be accessed, etc.). It is so old that we can no longer get it repaired. We are looking at vendors and are narrowing our selection of a new phone solution. In the meantime, if you need to contact someone on staff, the preferred choice is email. The phone system is working, but not reliably. Our email addresses can be found on our website ( www.uucava.org/email). If you need pastoral care, you can call 571-348-2322.

We are working to get this corrected as soon as possible and will let you know when our new system is up. Thanks so much for your patience.
--Tamara Srader, Chief Administrative Officer
Lifespan Religious Education
What's Up in RE This Sunday

Preschool-1st Grade: Spirit Play

Elementary Grades: UU Heroes
  • 5th Grade, Bible Studies
  • 6th Grade, MakerSpace
  • 7th Grade, Field Trip
  • 8th Grade, OWL

High School: Youth Group 
Join Us for Coloring Night and Potluck
Coloring is not just for kids anymore! Adults find it relaxing and an easy way to be creative. It's a great family activity for young and old (and, yes, relaxing for kids too). Singles, couples, families, all find it fun! So, please join us for coloring, food, and fellowship. Bring a dish to share. We’ll provide the coloring sheets and supplies. 

Date: Saturday, October 13, 5-7 p.m.
Location: Activity Room
Adult Education @ UUCA
Registration for the UUCA Adult RE program is now open here.


Stretching Your Legacy Dollars 
w/ Legacy Team. The UUA is matching new or updated legacy gifts to UUCA and other UU groups. Join Diane Ullius to learn how this works and why you should do it. Date: Wednesday, October 24, 7-8:30 p.m.

Gardening for Pollinators 
w/ DIG (Doing it Green) Team. Naturalist Alonso Abugattas will present a program on Gardening for Pollinators. Alonso is the Natural Resources Manager for the Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation and the co-chair for the Beltway Chapter of Region 2 of the National Association for Interpretation and a co-founder of the Washington Area Butterfly Club. Date: Wednesday, October 24, 7-8:30 p.m.

Life and Writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
w/ Bill Fogarty. This three session offering provides an historical and theological analysis of the life and writings of Dr. King, with an emphasis on the spiritual and intellectual influences on King's ministry, and the major historical events of Dr. King's life. Dates: October 17, 24 and November 7, 7-8:30 p.m.

Coping with Pet Loss
w/ Jula Kinnaird. Join certified pet loss counselor Jula Kinnaird for a workshop on coping with the grieving process when a beloved pet dies. Bring a photo of your pet to share. Date: Wednesday, October 17, 7-8:30 p.m.

Soul of Aging 
w/ David McTaggart. This is a 10-part program. All Sessions are 2.5 to 3 hours. $35 registration fee. See description and date information under "Congregational Life" below.

Class descriptions here .

Classes are beginning now! For more information visit the registration page here .
Workshop with Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley
“Conflict Transformation”
Please join us for an afternoon of exploring conflict! While conflict can be scary and divisive, it is also possible for conflict, when approached in a healthy manner, to be an opportunity for growth and learning. Rev. Terasa is trained in the approach of “Conflict Transformation” that assumes that conflict is not something that can be “managed” so much as processed in a way that can be transformative. This method has been used in contexts such as the South Africa Truth and Reconciliation process, and in peace negotiations in Ireland. We will explore our own personal responses to conflict, look at what brain science has to teach us, examine system theories, and practice ways in which groups can create opportunities for healthy conversations.  Register here.

Time: Saturday, October 20, 1-4 p.m.
Location: Activity Room
Mark your calendar for January 2019
Enneagram Workshop
w/ Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley
Join Rev. Terasa for a four-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.  Register here.

Dates: Thursdays, January 10 thru 31, 7-9 p.m.
Faith in Action
Share-the-Plate October 14: VOICE
This Sunday the STP offerings will be shared with VOICE, Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement. UUCA is a member congregation of VOICE, a coalition of almost 50 faith institutions and neighborhood organizations in Prince William, Fairfax, and Arlington counties and Alexandria. With a combined membership of 180,000 households, VOICE has the constituent power necessary to draw government and corporate attention to the just treatment of low-income, immigrant, and otherwise marginalized people who are our own friends and neighbors. UUCA was instrumental in the founding of VOICE in 2008 and continues to be one of the most active member institutions. Our church hosts many VOICE activities and our representation at a public action is typically 10% of the total attendance. Strong UUCA support for VOICE expresses our commitment to social justice ministry and for engaging hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart with racial, religious and multicultural diversity. UUCA's representation is hugely important at the next public action to take place on October 21. Virginia's Governor Northam and Attorney General Herring will be in attendance. See announcement below on how you can take part.

Donations are accepted for each week's STP recipient through the following Saturday at midnight. Make online donations here. 
Will you be there when VOICE asks our governor to lead with us on criminal justice reform?
At a time when we are witnessing deep partisan divides and racial ugliness in our country, on October 21 VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) will gather 1,200 leaders from across political, racial, and religious divides to lead in making social justice across the Commonwealth. We want you to join us the afternoon of October 21 (3:30–5:30 p.m.) at Fairfax High School—with more than a thousand VOICE clergy, congregational, school and other community leaders from our 55+ Northern Virginia institutions. 
 
At this major VOICE assembly we will ask Governor Northam and Attorney General Herring, who have both confirmed their attendance, to help us set an example for the country by leading with VOICE in three areas where they have statewide authority: (1) To make our Commonwealth's schools places of upliftment, not lockdowns; (2) To stand up for human rights by keeping immigrant families together; and (3) To dismantle mechanisms of mass incarceration within our justice system. In this last area, we will be asking for three criminal justice reforms: 
Center Gallery Show
Arte en Estambre
Show: Sept. 24 - Nov. 18
Artist's Talk and Demonstration - Saturday, October 13, 10 a.m. - Noon
At this Saturday's artist reception, Francisco LOZA will discuss his art and demonstrate his pressed yarn technique. Loza has 20 years of experience creating Arte en Estambre or Pressed Yarn technique. He works on wood surfaces covered in wax into which he presses threads to create intricate designs of various themes. LOZA's artwork reflects his on-going collaborations with Huichol Shamans in Mexico and themes of environment, immigration and cultural traditions. He has led workshops at universities and schools. LOZA's work is currently on exhibit at the American Visionary Art Museum. His studio/gallery is located in Baltimore, Maryland. 

Date: Saturday, October 13, 10 a.m.-Noon
Location: Center Gallery
An Exploration of Fences
The African American Book Sharing Circle will explore Fences, the 1985 play by American playwright August Wilson. Set in the 1950s, it is the sixth in Wilson's ten-part "Pittsburgh Cycle" that describes the African-American experience through characters in their daily lives. The play won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 1987 Tony Award for Best Play. 

Although August Wilson never graduated from high school; this did not stop him from writing, influencing contemporary drama, and advocating for African-American dramatists, actors, and directors.

Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle consists of ten plays with each set in a different decade. These plays sketch the Black experience in the 20th century and according to Wilson "raise consciousness through theater" and echo "the poetry in the everyday language of black America."

This year, the book sharing will continue to explore fiction and nonfiction by African-American writers and include drama, poetry, and humor. Our goal is to hear African American voices and learn from these African American experiences. We hope to see you on October 19.  For more information, please contact Linda Lutes Corsoro, lindahlutes@gmail.com or Pat Findikoglu, pfindikoglu@gmail.com.


Date: Friday, October 19, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Welcome Room
Arlington County Candidate Policy Forum
Join the discussion with county and school board candidates about issues that directly impact Arlington county. The conversations will include audience questions as well as pre-submitted questions. The forum will be livestreamed here.

Date: Thursday, October 11, 7-9 p.m.
Location: Fellowship Hall
Buckingham Cooks – Los Convites
The Convites, a Guatemalan dance group, will sell native Guatemalan dishes after services Sunday. Money raised will be used to purchase costumes and to help disadvantaged Guatemalans in Arlington. Read more on Convites here.

Date: Sunday, October 14, after both services
Location: Fellowship Hall
Peace Tree identifies many ways to peace
Last Sunday, Little Friends for Peace ( LFFP.com) thanked UUCA Share-the Plate generosity by preparing a snack for the Congregation; and UUCA helped fund 61 full and partial scholarships to the 2018 Peace Camp. In addition to the snack, LFFP asked people to hang a Peace Leaf on the Peace Tree. On their leaves, people shared many ways to practice, spread, and make peace happen. They found that peace comes from their dog or cat, family, “singing my heart out,” laughing, silence, nature, teaching, and yoga, just to name a few. Thanks to all who participated. Visit our Peace this Sunday to find out the many ways UUCAers share the Peace.
Happy Hour Celebrates Coming Out Day
Equality UUCA helped everyone get a head-start on celebrating the 30th anniversary of Coming Out Day by hosting last night's HAPPY HOUR. And, of course, the celebration included cake! (Thanks to Pasi Chapman, photographer)
Meet UUCA's Accompaniers
UUCA’s most recent Accompaniers in Guatemala--CLARA LINCOLN and CHRIS SHORNE --will be at church to meet everyone and share reflections of their experiences as Accompaniers. At a luncheon in the Center after second service, they will be joined by BRIDGET BREHEN, Director of our Human Rights partner NISGUA, and AMANDA KISTLER, NISGUA Board Chair, both of whom are former Accompaniers themselves. Don’t miss this important celebration of this vibrant UUCA human rights partnership.

Date: Sunday, October 28, 12:30 p.m.
Location: Center Gallery
Pledge to End Racism Workshop
This two-day workshop challenges us to deepen our commitment toward dismantling white supremacy. Participants explore the history of racism, the concept of implicit bias, the effects of micro-aggressions, the results of structural and institutional racism, and the contemporary Movement for Black Lives. Methods include readings, personal reflection, small group discussion, role plays, and videos. Registration has closed.

Dates: Saturdays, October 13 AND November 10, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Activity Room
Chalice Theatre Auditions for The Addams Family
Actors aged 9 to ?? are encouraged to come out for this musical, which celebrates our differences and the importance of family. With a cast that includes Morticia, Uncle Fester, and Lurch, as well as the Addams' ancestors, there are plenty of chances to practice your ghoulish arts!

Thursday, October 18, 6:30 - 10 p.m.
Sunday, October 21, 2 - 6 p.m.
Callbacks will be Thursday, Oct 25

Link to audition forms: http://bit.ly/UUCAAddams

DIG Workdays
The Do It Green Team welcomes your help with fall plantings and general grounds maintenance on Saturday, October 27, 10 a.m. to noon. Everyone is welcome--youngsters, elders, singles, couples and especially groups! Bring gardening tools if you have them. Extras will be available. No experience needed, just a desire to tend and care for Mother Earth.

Dates: October 27, 10 a.m. - noon
Location: UUCA grounds
Music Ministry
UUCA Sanctuary Singers and Music Ministry Presents
VACATION USA - A Cabaret
Through music and song, come fly away to some of our nation's iconic vacation spots. This armchair musical trip will feature better-than-airline nosh and a cash bar. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online HERE or in Fellowship Hall on Sundays. Proceeds benefit the many UUCA church ministries.
UUCA Handbell Program Accepting New Ringers
The UUCA handbell program is accepting new ringers for the 2018-2019 season. Three different handbell choirs offer ringing opportunities for all levels of experience, from novice to advanced; and for all ages, from third grade through adult. So there’s bound to be a place for you!

Polymnia is a more advanced group of handbell ringers who ring for UUCA services and concerts, as well as for other churches and organizations. They regularly attend festivals sponsored by the Handbell Musicians of America and other organizations. Polymnia rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Crescendo is an intermediate ensemble open to everyone with handbell experience. Crescendo rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Bellissimo is a multi-generational group open to everyone in grade 3 through adult. No previous handbell experience is required. Bellissimo rehearses on Sunday mornings from 10:30 to 11:05 a.m.

UUCA has five octaves of Schulmerich handbells and handchimes; all rehearsals are held in the music room on the lower level. If you’d like to become a UUCA bell ringer, or would simply like more information, contact Ken Bissell, Director of Handbells, at 703-622-2849 or kenbhandbells@aol.com. So come join us as we make music TOGETHER!
kid choir singing photo
Chalice Choir & TrUUbadours Rehearsals
  • Chalice Choir (K-4th grades) will rehearse this Sunday, October 7, 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel.
  • TrUUbadours (5th-8th grades) will rehearse this Sunday, October 7, 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel.

Sanctuary Singers
UUCA's adult choir, Sanctuary Singers, holds rehearsals each Thursday, at 7:30 p.m.

Music pamphlet with more details here.

Congregational Life
Sign-up TODAY
Circle Dinners
"A chance to meet people who've been coming as long as you have, but whom you've never encountered before."
- Joyce H

UUCA's Circle Dinners are a great way to meet and make new friends over a shared meal. You can choose between in-home dinners or gathering at a restaurant. There are no agendas and no meetings, just good food and fellowship. For more details and to sign up, click here.
Podcast Chat
Every other Saturday, Young Adults gather to discuss the chosen podcast of the week. Listen to the podcast before the chat, and then come and talk about it with fellow YAs. Topics vary widely and we are always seeking suggestions. Past topics include: masculinity, how to talk to people we disagree with, meditation, and how to communicate through change. Watch this space and the UUCA Young Adult Facebook group page for the podcast link.

Date: Saturday, October 13, 7:30- 9 p.m.
Location: Chapel
Next BPQ is October 16
At Beer, Pizza, and Questions About the Universe (BPQ) young adults gather to discuss a topic engaging our morals, ethics, and intellect. Past topics have included criminal justice, productivity, and freewill. Pizza provided, BYOB. (No pressure to imbibe.) We gather the third Tuesday of each month, this month, October 16. Next month it will take place November 13 due to Thanksgiving week.

Date: Tuesday, October 16, 7- 9 p.m.
Location: Fellowship Hall
First UUCA Casino Night+
Bet on UUCA! Support our liberal religious community at our Casino night on November 3. Each ticket gets you $10,000 of funny money. You can win and purchase additional money throughout the night which you can apply to raffles and our mini silent and live auction of dinners and vacations. It's all about gambling for good! Tickets are on sale in person in Fellowship Hall on Sundays and available online here .

Date: Saturday, November 3, 6:30-10 p.m.
Location: Center Gallery & Fellowship Hall
Men's Book Group
The October read for the Men's Book Group is a non-fiction selection,  Coach Wooden and Me: Our 50-year Friendship On and Off the Court , by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Former NBA star and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Kareem Abdul-Jabbar explores his 50-year friendship with Coach John Wooden. It is available in paperback and in local libraries. If there are any questions about the group, please email Jere Cummins, jeroldcummins@gmail.com or call him at 703-892-5269. 
  
Date: Sunday, October 14, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Chapel
Upcoming Better Angels Workshop on Bridging the Political Divide: October 27
We had a great turnout at the Skills Workshop this past Saturday: more than thirty people from UUCA and the surrounding community came together to talk and think about how we can start building bridges across the ever-widening political divide in this country. If you missed last weekend's workshop, there is another opportunity on October 27. UUCA will host an intensive daylong Red/Blue Workshop designed to build relationships and seek common ground among people with different political beliefs. Limited spaces are still available for both participants and observers in the workshop. For more information or to sign up, please click here. visit . Questions? Contact Sarah Yue, alanandsarah@gmail.com.

Date: Saturday, October 27, 9:30 a.m. to 5 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. The class is free, but registration is required.  Register here . Select the date of the class you'd like to attend in the New UU box, then enter the names of attendees at the bottom of the form. Free childcare is available upon request. This is a one-time class. 

Date: Tuesday, November 13, 6-9 p.m.
Location: Fellowship Hall
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