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

Sunday, May 27, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Re-Calculating There is an alert built into my GPS that lets me know that we are on a new path: "Recalculating!" Maybe I made a wrong turn. Maybe I ran into some construction. Maybe I decided to take a different way. The GPS doesn't say, "Oh no! You're lost!" Join intern minister Christin Green with David McTaggart as Worship Associate for reflections on the nature of our UU faith as lifelong learning to maintain right relations with one another. Let us "recalculate" together in beloved community! Livestream Summer Worship Schedule Begins This Sunday! Remember that our summer schedule for worship services and RE for all ages begins this Sunday, May 27. A single service and RE classes will begin at 10:15 a.m. Our summer schedule runs Memorial Day thru Labor Day.

Share the Plate This week's Share the Plate recipient is THE SANCTUARIES, which activates artists to build power, shift culture, and heal spirits for the wellness of the people. With over 150 artists, a number of whom have shared their artistic gifts with us here at UUCA, The Sanctuaries transforms two of the most divisive issues of our time -- race and religion -- into positive forces for personal growth and social change. In fact, $2,500 sponsors the training of a local artist to become a community organizer working for beauty and justice in their local neighborhood! To learn more, stop by Fellowship Hall to watch a short video about The Sanctuaries after the service. Online STP Donation

STP Update Last Sunday's Share the Plate collection for UUs for Social Justice totaled $1,939. You have until midnight Saturday night to make a donation to UUSJ.  You can make donations for the STP organization named on Sunday through the following Saturday night at midnight.

Church Matters

Board Update: Introducing Our New Interim Senior Minister We are pleased to inform you that Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley will be UUCA’s interim senior minister for the next year (2018-2019), with the option of another year. Rev. Terasa’s skillset and experience align well with what our church needs at this time. She brings decades of experience as minister and interim minister at churches throughout the U.S. and working at the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) as district executive, director of congregational life, and vice president of program and strategy. The Interim Senior Minister Search Committee spoke with her and the people with whom she’s worked, and they believe Rev. Terasa has the skills and experience to continue Rev. Beth’s work of helping the congregation heal from the upheaval of our ministerial team over the past year. They also think she’ll be a good partner as we examine our governance structure, address the need to strengthen stewardship, and continue to address social justice issues such as anti-racism and anti-oppression. Read more>

UUCA's Annual Congregational Meeting UUCA's annual congregational meeting will be held next Sunday, June 3, 12 p.m. We will vote on the 2018-19 budget, nominees for the Board and its officers, and approve the slate for the Senior Minister Search Committee. All are welcome to attend. Members who have been members for at least 90 days (since March 4, 2018) are eligible to vote. Our Youth Group will sell sandwich lunches before the meeting and childcare will be available. Date: Sunday, June 3, 12 p.m. Location: Sanctuary

Nominee Slate for Annual Meeting Frank Cosoro, Sally Determan, Allen Keiswetter, Kelly Kohl, Bee Moradi, Betsy Rosenblatt Rosso, Sarah Yue for the Senior Minister Search Committee Al Himes, Janice Morris, and Warren Wright, each for a two-year term on the Board of Trustees (each currently serving) Linda Battaglini for a two-year term on the Board of Trustees (new) Nancy Hyde, Josh Mohr, and Paula Bendl Smith, each for a two-year term on the Nominating Committee (new) Amy Shepherd for a one-year term as Board Secretary  Peter Vitaliano for a one-year term as Church Treasurer (currently serving) Bob Gayer and Gene Mulligan, each for a one-year term as Assistant Treasurer (each currently serving) May 24—Deadline for handing in additional nominations by petition June 3—Annual meeting Board and officer bios here. Senior Minister Search Committee candidates bios here.

GA Comes to UUCA If you're interested in finding out about General Assembly (GA) without leaving Arlington, join us at UUCA on Thursday, May 24, for an orientation webinar. This year, four members have already volunteered to represent UUCA remotely at this annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association (in addition to a larger team traveling to Kansas City as onsite delegates). Many events will be available by livestream at UUCA and at Goodwin House during GA in late June. For information on becoming an official delegate, contact the Nominating Committee, UUCANomCom@gmail.com. Date: Thursday, May 24, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Location: Parlor - Rm. 13/15

AmazonSmile Thank You! A big smile and thank you goes to everyone who uses UUCA's link when shopping on Amazon. The church recently received a $58.03 donation from Amazon. Make your shopping matter. Use this link every time you shop on Amazon and the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate to UUCA on eligible purchases.

Ministry Matters

Small Groups on Changes Coming The Rev. Beth Miller Temporary Senior Minister  As we look forward to UUCA’s Annual Meeting on June 3 when you will vote on the slate of candidates to serve as your Board and Officers, Nominating Committee and Search Committee for your next called minister; as we prepare to say goodbye to two people who have lovingly ministered to this congregation: Intern Minister, Christin Green, this week and Director of Children Youth Choirs, Bea Ann Phillips, next week; and as we are about to learn who your Interim Senior Minister for the next year will be, I’m thinking about the ongoing changes this congregation is experiencing. And I’m wondering - how are you all doing?  I see a lot of engagement in congregational life and that’s a healthy sign. There was great participation in the Wellspring Wednesday programs that are ending this week. Covenant Groups are going strong. Participation in our various programs to address social justice concerns seems strong. The 8th Principle Task Force is getting organized to lead us in consideration of its adoption. The budget meetings Tamara offered were well attended. The Young Adult brunches and other programs seem to be keeping people connected. RE for children is healthy, and oh my! wasn’t the Youth Sunday service last week amazing? And there’s so much more going on. Too much to name. Read more >

Wheel of Life

Our condolences to longtime member Alice McLellan on the death of her husband Hugh McLellan who died May 10. A memorial service was held May 23 at Goodwin House-Bailey's Crossroads.

Lifespan Religious Education

An Incredible Journey with Our Youth Thank you to all of the youth who shared your gifts, talents, creativity, and time with our community during an incredible Youth Sunday service this past week. Whether behind the scenes or leading up front, you enriched our beloved community with so much joy, learning, and meaning by authentically taking us on a journey with you. In addition, a huge thank you to our Youth Advisors, Julia Peterson, Steven Minson, Joan Kaufman, Bill Fogarty, and Dani Jones, who put so many hours, thought, and heart into supporting the process of making Youth Sunday a reality. Finally, thank you to all our parents/guardians for supporting our program in so many ways like with rides and food! If you missed Youth Sunday, it’s not too late to watch it via our archived livestream footage!

Yes! We offer Summer RE for All Ages Nursery care for 2-years-old and younger Preschool thru 1st grade meet in Room 5 for story and play time 2nd-5th grade meet in Room 2 for stories, activities, and active play 6th grade and up meet in the Youth Room, led by Elisabeth Geschiere Please volunteer to lead a Summer Sundays HERE .  Lesson plan and supplies provided. . Living the 7 Principles This Summer Summer is almost here and we are already thinking about what to pack for our vacation. This year, let’s take the 7 UU Principles out into the world with us and even share them if we get an opportunity.  Rev. Beth will offer a general discussion of each of the 7 Principles with concrete examples of how they apply to our everyday lives. If childcare is needed please contact LeeAnn Williams, LWillaims@uucava.org or Regina Koffman, at Regkoff@gmail.com by June 6. Date: Thursday, June 7, 7 to 9 p.m. Location: Activity Room

RE Connect Newsletter here

Faith in Action

Poor People's Campaign: Still Time to Get Involved Do you believe in ending gun violence? That people have a right to healthcare and our planet needs protecting? That everybody’s got a right to fair education, housing, job, and income? There are four more weeks to get to know and become involved in a powerful movement, the Poor People’s Campaign, that believes it is not resources we lack to address the inequities and injustices so many face in our nation, it is a lack of willpower. Through weekly acts of nonviolent civil disobedience and events that are building awareness and community, the Poor People’s Campaign is “breaking through the tweet storm” and shifting our attention onto the struggles of the poor and marginalized in the wealthiest nation on earth.   Two UUCAers and ten UUs total were among the seventy folks arrested for praying and singing in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol this past Monday, May 21. Next week’s theme of this six week national launch is “The War Economy: Militarism and The Proliferation of Gun Violence”. Are you interested in learning more about how you and your family and friends can be involved? Please complete this Google Form to get connected with all the other UUCAers who are involved or meet after service this Sunday, May 27, at 12 noon in the Sanctuary.

Church Grounds Workday Re-Scheduled to June 16   Originally planned for this weekend, our grounds workday is now scheduled for June 16. Mark your calendar and plan to join DIG and “Do it Green” in pulling a few weeds, spreading mulch, and doing a little planting. Bring tools and gloves if you have them.  Date: Saturday, June 16, 8 a.m. to Noon Location: UUCA Grounds A Major Ally Opportunity in Arlington   Support Dreamers @ Arlington County School Board Meeting Please come join VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) at the upcoming Arlington School Board meeting on Thursday, May 31, to advocate that the board adopt new practices to safeguard the rights and safety of our immigrant and refugee students. Read more > Date: Thursday, May 31, 6 p.m. Location: Syphax Ed Center, 2110 Washington Blvd., Arlington

Proud to Wave Our Flags Equality UUCA invites you to join in a fundraiser/pride-raiser for UUCA -- let's wrap UUCA in a rainbow for Capital Pride Week in June! Stop by the Equality UUCA table any Sunday in May to sponsor a rainbow flag for $5/flag. Flags will have labels to write a dedication or message. And, mark your calendar for Saturday, June 2, 10 a.m.--the beginning of Capital Pride Week--for a rainbow flag "planting" party.  Will we have enough rainbow flags to make it all the way around the church? We'll find out! Will we have a big, bold, public reminder of UUCA's commitment to the inherent worth and dignity of ALL people? YES! For more information: uuca.equality@gmail.com. Register for June 23 Allyship Workshop As part of our congregation's Live the Pledge campaign to end racism, UUCA has partnered with Service Never Sleeps to offer a racial justice Allyship training. Over 150 UUCAers have already taken this training. Now it’s your turn. This workshop will teach you about the causes of racial injustice, how to be an effective ally for marginalized communities of color, and how to actively influence and educate others. More information and sign up here. UUCA contact Alex Ziehm, Alexandraziehm92@gmail.com. Date: Saturday, June 23,10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Location: Activity Room

Wear Orange - June 1 & 2 June 2 is the 4th Annual National Gun Violence Awareness/Wear Orange Day (as well as the beginning of Pride Week). Orange is the rainbow color chosen to call for ending gun violence in the U.S. Wear something orange on the entire weekend. June 1 wear orange to work or school. Also, wear orange to the Arlington County Courthouse Rally at 6:30 p.m.; June 2 wear orange to to Alexandria's Market Square Rally at 7:30 p.m.; June 3 wear orange to worship at UUCA.  UUCA is an official community partner of the rally in Alexandria. See flyer here. Please support the call to end gun violence by attending one of these events. Learn more about what you can do to end gun violence by contacting Alison Sheahan, ab.sheahan@verizon.net). Culpepper Springtime Party UUCAer’s are cordially invited to join the Culpepper Garden Springtime Party in celebrating the 43rd year of this Arlington community treasure at a garden reception with music, light fare and refreshments catered by Culpepper’s Chef Ray Riddle and staff. Culpepper Garden, opened in 1975, is an award-winning, affordable nonprofit retirement community established by UUCA for low-income seniors. It was the first low-income assisted living residence of its type in the U.S. and remains the only such facility in Arlington. RSVP by May 24. For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact Linda Kelleher, lkelleher@culpeppergarden.org. Date: Saturday, June 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Location: Culpepper Garden, 4435 N. Pershing Drive , Arlington (only two blocks from UUCA)C

Music Ministry

Music Sunday - June 3 Celebrating Our Beloved Community Through Music Come for this special service celebrating our music ministry and to honor and bid farewell to our children and youth choir director, Bea Ann Phillips. The music, everyone will enjoy--it's uplifting and diverse. Let the River Run  by Carly Simon, Sanctuary Singers  This Is Me, from Greatest Showman, Youth Choir Heal the World, by Michael Jackson, All Ensembles John Rutter’s Toccata in Seven Ose Ayo, Nigerian Folk Song  Walk A Mile, Chalice Choir and TrUUbardours Flyer here.

Bea Ann's Final Rehearsal Thanks to Federico Cura for capturing this scene from last Sunday's final children and youth choir rehearsal under the direction of Bea Ann Phillips . Please join us on June 3 when we celebrate all of UUCA's music ministries and bid farewell to Bea Ann as she steps down from her position as Director of Children, Youth, and SHINE Choirs.

Congregational Life

UUCA Book Sale returns Memorial Day Weekend! Please come by the Activity Room in the lower level of the church on Saturday and Sunday for the UUCA book sale.    Saturday, May 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.   All proceeds benefit our work at UUCA.   Pizza and Book Organizing Party! Join UUCAers in the Activity Room of the lower level of the church on Friday evening (May 25) for a pizza party and book organizing party.   We’ll be organizing books for the UUCA book sale in addition to hanging out and having fun.    The party begins at 7:30 p.m. Pizza will be provided. Please bring a beverage to share.

UUCA Monthly Happy Hour Join us for the UUCA May Happy Hour co-hosted by Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice ( UUSJ ) and the Young Adult Group. We will provide light snacks and some beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) to get things started. Please bring a beverage or a snack to share if you wish. Come learn about the programs of these two groups and get to know fellow UUCAers. You can meet some of the members of the UUSJ Capitol Hill Advocacy Corps from UUCA and learn how we can advocate for our UU liberal religious values.   Date: Thursday, May 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Location: Fellowship Hall Is growth always good? Is sustainable development misguided? The Men's Book Group will meet in the chapel June 10 to discuss Beyond Growth by Herman E. Daly. In his book, Daly challenges the conventional notion that growth is always good, and he bucks environmentalist orthodoxy, arguing that the current focus on 'sustainable development' is misguided. All men are welcome to join in the discussion. Do you have a summer read (fiction) you'd like to have discussed. Come to the June meeting to share your suggestion for the July read. Questions? P lease contact Ken Marshall, kenmar42@gmail.com or 703-533-8004.  Date: Sunday, June 8, 7:30 p.m. Location: Chapel

Day Alliance An Update on the Middle East and Africa With Allen Keiswetter UUCA member and frequent Day Alliance speaker Allen Keiswetter, a retired Senior Foreign Service Officer with decades of experience in the Middle East and Africa, will talk on the Middle East and the consequences of Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, the move of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and prospects for the Middle East peace process, the situation in Syria and Iraq and changes in Saudi Arabia. Allen has just returned from nearly a month in Ghana and will comment on its prospects of becoming an “ African Lion” in the manner of the the Asian tigers that led growth by emerging nations a couple of decades ago.  Date: Tuesday, June 12, 10:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 11 a.m. Presentation; 12 p.m. Catered Lunch (optional) Location: Activity Room; Center Gallery

Summer & Fall Retreats UUCA Shenandoah Retreat - June 22-24 You are invited to join UUCA members, friends, and acquaintances in Shenandoah National Park for our spring/summer annual retreat! Most campers stay in Big Meadows Campground and many people who don't want to camp stay in Big Meadows lodge. The weekend is open to all and is family-friendly. Book your room or campsite (here), or plan a day trip. NOTE: Most campsites are booked well in advance, but the campground has many first-come, first-serve sites. Some UUCAers may have reserved campsites to release, too– join the email list for more info. Register with the UUCA group (here) so we can communicate with you! Make your donation (here) to the UUCA group to cover cost of shared food (and wine) and supplies ($10/adult or more). Sign up (here) to help make the retreat happen! Many of our needs are small commitments--from fitting an extra box of happy hour supplies in your car to chilling in the picnic area for a few hours on Saturday to “hold” our tables. Questions? Contact D. Ohlandt, profohlandt@gmail.com or Jacqueline Lotts, jlotts@gmail.com.

Join Us for a Mountain Get-a-Way: Fall Retreat is Sept. 21-23 For over 50 years, UUCA members and friends have gathered each fall at Capon Springs in the mountains of West Virginia for fellowship, fun, and renewal. The Fall Retreat (Sept. 21-23) is a great chance to get to know your fellow UUCAers in a relaxed setting. Enjoy discussions and workshops, communal meals, fun and games from Scrabble to shuffleboard, from hiking and birdwatching to golf. Whether you are thinking of coming for the first time or are a repeat retreater, we would love to have you join us! Please stop by the Fall Retreat table on any Sunday in May, where members of the retreat committee will be delighted to tell you more. More information and registration here. Date: September 21-23 Location: Capon Springs , West Virginia

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--including holidays. 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 ‌ ‌