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

Sunday, February 2, 2020 | 9:15 & 11:15 a.m. "White Supremacy Teach-In" A step in our process to live into the 8th Principle Join us for this white supremacy teach-in, as we center people of color's knowledge, experience, and calls to action. We hope attendees will enter this space with open hearts, and leave with a commitment to racial justice moving forward. We look forward to seeing you for this service of powerful testimonies and music.   Featuring Whitney Parnell, Charles Brown, Tracey Rogers, Danny Cendejas, and Azza Altiraifi. Livestream

Upcoming Services February 9, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. “Beyond the Binary” – Rev. Norman Allen, Guest Minister. More than two centuries ago, Unitarian and Transcendentalist Margaret Fuller wrote that male and female, “are perpetually passing into one another. . . There is no wholly masculine man, nor purely feminine woman.” In celebration of the Chalice Theatre’s upcoming Alix in Wonderland: A Gender Journey Down the Rabbit Hole, playwright Rev. Norman Allen lifts up the infinite possibilities to be uncovered when we move beyond the binary, in all aspects of our lives. February 15, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. “Resilience! What is it good for?” – Sermon by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley. February 23, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. “How do UU’s practice penitence?” – Sermon by Walter Clark, Ministerial Assistant.

Wheel of Life

Our warmest thoughts to JOHN MILLHONE, recovering at home from a recent stroke. Cards welcome. Please check before visiting.

Ministry Matters

In the Meantime By Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, Interim Senior Minister There are many things I have loved about being at UUCA, but one of the most impactful has been learning about racial equity from Whitney Parnell. Many of you have participated in her allyship workshops and some came to her teach-ins that we hosted at UUCA after particularly painful moments when the racism of our culture became particularly acute.  I have asked Whitney and Tracey Rogers and their colleagues and Charles Brown to conduct a worship service for us (this Sunday!) that they construct entirely on their terms. They will offer us their experience and perspective on white supremacy and also give a call for action.  I take this as an extraordinary gift of generosity and believe all of us will benefit greatly, even as we will also have to confront difficult truths about our culture.  Charles, as he always does so well, will lead us in music of pain and longing and joy and faithful perseverance.  Please come to experience this extraordinary opportunity to learn and grow as a people and as a community.

State of the Plate By Walter Clark, Ministerial Assistant UUCA has a rich history of social action. From integration to VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement), this congregation has put its money where its values and faith are. Share the Plate has gone through many changes over the years. For many congregants, changes over the past few years have not been satisfactory. Many have felt left out and unheard regarding Share the Plate, and we are making strides to change that. Over the next few Sundays, we will have open listening sessions for new proposed Share the Plate guidelines. The proposal was designed by members of the congregations Social Justice Ministries Team in the hopes of being as inclusive as possible. To maintain that inclusivity, we are asking for your feedback on these proposed guidelines. Please join us on February 9, at 12:30 p.m., February 16, at 10:30 a.m., or March 1, at 12:30 p.m., in the Board Room so that we can address your concerns and make Share the Plate as fair as possible. There is concern about what is currently done with Share the Plate and how the funds are distributed. Up to now, we continued to collect funds while we determine how Share the Plate would move forward. Many have expressed concern that we have not made any payments to these groups in the meantime. We are currently working to remedy that situation by making payments to last year’s Share the Plate recipients. Each of these groups had a specific goal of funding that they were hoping to receive from Share the Plate. We are issuing checks to each of these groups for 25% of their stated goals. These checks should be available next week. The only exception would be VOICE, which has already received 50% of their goal of $15,000. Read more.

Church Matters

SAVE THE DATES: April 25-May 3 #CandidatingWeek2020 The Ministerial Search Committee is working hard to identify UUCA's next called senior minister and plans to introduce our recommended candidate to the congregation during #CandidatingWeek2020 - April 25 - May 3. The congregation has put a lot of trust in us and we are humbled and honored to do this work. We look forward to sharing more information on scheduled activities as we get closer to the week! For any questions or concerns, please contact us at uuca2020search@gmail.com.

Message from the Board By Linda Battaglini, Chair, Board of Trustees Well the New Year is off to a busy start! As you can see in this issue of Connections, our community is brimming over with opportunities to explore your spirituality through our new Faith 360 programs, educate yourself about social justice issues, and to participate in actions that serve our church community and the larger community we live in. The Social Justice Ministry Team Soiree last Saturday was an excellent session designed to clarify our priorities and develop greater cohesiveness among our social justice initiatives. You won’t want to miss our Sunday worship on Feb. 2, which will be a “White Supremacy Teach-In” featuring Whitney Parnell, Charles Brown, Tracey Rogers, Danny Cendejas, and Azza Altiraifi.  The Chili Cookoff was a fun event last Sunday, with lots of delicious chili and cornbread and, of course, an outstanding cake baked by Rev. Terasa. She is hosting a Cooking Together session on Friday night-–come to learn about cooking with an Instant Pot and to just have fun together.  The Board has been actively working on a number of fronts. Our new Governance Committee is taking a broad look at all our current policies and how they can be organized into a single format and structure that we can easily access and update going forward. We approved a new business expense policy in this month’s Board meeting. Our Ministerial Assessment Committee is researching how other churches create accountability mechanisms. Also this month we created a Board Finance and Audit Committee that will help the Board do its due diligence around its financial responsibilities. It will oversee our financial reports and endowment, the capital campaign finances, the auditors, our annual budgeting, and our financial policies.  Denise Kappler and Liz Fuchs are leading our Capital Campaign Steering Committee in weekly meetings to create a strong foundation for our campaign. Thanks to Barbara Buzzell for leading the team planning the Campaign Kickoff for Sunday, March 15 at an all-church 10:15 a.m. worship service and brunch to be held at Washington-Liberty High School. This will be an exciting landmark event for our church, mark your calendars!  Finally, our gratitude to the Ministerial Search Committee for the intense work they are doing for us in this highly confidential phase when they are reviewing candidates. It will be a while before we hear from them, and we eagerly await their recommendations. Offer them your confidence and support, we hold them in our hearts.    In faith and community, Linda

New Staff Meet Christina Kennard, RE Program Assistant Hi, my name is Christina, and I am so excited to be starting with the RE program. I was raised as a CUUC, a UU in Concord, N.H. I am currently an online undergraduate student, working towards medical school in the future! I am passionate about learning and apply it when I am learning new languages like ASL (American Sign Language). I also love crafting and hope to apply that in the community. I look forward to getting to know everyone here at UUCAVA.

Talk to Nom Com! Sunday, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 1  The Nominating Committee is the body that interviews prospective board members and nominates attendees to General Assembly. But that's not all! Think of us as one entryway to deeper involvement in our community. Do you have an interest in leadership or volunteering but can’t find the right fit? Talk to us! Do you know someone amazing but who needs a little encouragement to get more involved? Talk to us! Want to learn more about open board positions or GA 2020? Come to our "Talk to Us!" table on February 2, 9, 16, and 23, and March 1. We are also looking for candidates to join Nominating Committee next year, so stop by if that might be you or someone you know.   See you soon! Josh Mohr, Nancy Hyde, Paula Bendl Smith, Danielle Jones, & Ashley Greve 

Opportunities to Connect and Grow

Living the 8th Principle Deepen your understanding of systemic oppression  Mark your calendars for the UUCA Spring Anti-Racism workshop series! Each session 7:00-9:00 p.m. at UUCA. Registration helpful – contact Ann Ulmschneider, aulmsch@msn.com. Microaggressions (led by Ann Ulmschneider) on Wed., Feb. 26 Implicit Bias (led by Warren Wright) on Wed., Mar. 25 Speaking Out (led by Diane Dorius) on Tues., Mar. 31 Show up, speak out and challenge oppression and racism in our community Showing Up for Racial Justice DC will host their next welcome/orientation session on Sun., Feb. 9, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Cleveland Park Library in DC. This is a great way to plug in to racial justice work in the District, including how to be an ally to Black Lives Matter DC. Sign up here.

Racial Justice Workshop Microagressions Wednesday, February 26, 7-9 p.m. Join in the discussion of how we can dismantle white supremacy by attending the first of three workshops. Examine common microaggressions as people of color experience them. These seemingly small acts add up over time to send the message that people of color do not belong. Led by Ann Ulmschneider. Two additional workshops: Implicit Bias on March 25 Speaking Out on March 31 Registration is helpful, but not required. Email Ann Ulmschneider, aulmsch@msn.com.

Revolutionary Love Conference Taking Love and Justice into the Streets April 24-26 - All Souls Church Unitarian-DC A conference dedicated to multifaith, multiracial justice organizing is taking place at All Souls Church Unitarian in the District and is open to anyone interested in social and racial justice work. With inspiring movement-builders like William Barber, Ruby Sales, Valarie Kaur, angel Kyodo Williams, Brian McLaren, and Linda Sarsour, we will gather to learn, strategize, and share best practices for taking love and justice out into the streets in this critical year. Rev. Terasa and Walter Clark, along with other UUCA leaders and social justice activists are attending and you are welcome to join them. There is a discounted registration rate for local UUs that ends February 14 Discount code: UUVOTE20. Questions? Contact Rev. Terasa, TCooley@uucava.org. For conference details and registration, click here.

Faith 360 Classes for Winter 2020 Faith 360 is the Adult Faith Development program we offer here at UUCA. The Unitarian Universalist faith assumes that we are always learning and growing. Personal insight, disciplined reflection, group faith exploration—all are pieces of how we support one another in bringing more depth and value to our lives. Through classes, workshops and practice groups we can help support those who are new to Unitarian Universalism while also providing seasoned UUs opportunities for spiritual growth—truly there is something for everyone.  UPCOMING CLASSES - REGISTRATION HERE

Articulating Your Faith Two Opportunities (1-virtual, or 1-in person) February 6 or 13, 7-9 p.m. Articulating Your Faith is a one session workshop designed to help UUs talk about Unitarian Universalism. Two opportunities to participate. One session will meet as a Zoom call on Thursday, Feb. 6, 7-9 p.m. or in person on Thursday, Feb. 13, 7-9 p.m.

Cooking Together Friday, January 31, 6-8 p.m. Join Rev. Terasa for a night of cooking and eating together. Cooking can seem like a lot of pressure sometimes and so Rev. Terasa is hoping to take some of the pressure off (literally!) by offering a demo of how to use your Instant Pot! So many people have talked about getting one for Christmas and then not knowing how to use it. All are welcome but you must sign up in advance. There is a $10 offering for food supplies. Register here.

Spirituality Book Club - February Selection Acedia and Me by Kathleen Norris Tuesday, February 4, 7-9 p.m. Kathleen Norris has written several much loved books, yet she couldn't drag herself out of bed in the morning, couldn't summon the energy for her daily tasks. Norris recognized her familiar battle with acedia, a word she had discovered in early Church text years earlier. Discussion led by Betsy Rosso Rosenblatt. No registration.

Tea and Crafts 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m. Begins February 4 Join Linda Lutes Corsoro and friends for this time of fellowship and fun. Bring your current project for an afternoon of creativity and conversation. All crafts and projects welcome—knitting, crochet, sewing, beading. Don’t craft? Come anyway—you can pour the tea! Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 1-3 in Room 13/15. Begins February 4. No registration.

Healing Chants of Many Times and Many Places Four sessions: 2nd Tuesdays, Begins February 7, 7-:45 p.m. Chanting the world over has long been one form of healing for self and others. Join us for a four session introduction to chant, and other basic songs in the spirit of ancient traditions. Led by Jennifer S. E. Haywood , Ph.D.

Righteous Minds Four sessions: Fridays, Feb. 21, 28, March 6, 13 This course examines the psychology of political polarization in the United States, with the goal of better understanding values and beliefs across current political and cultural boundaries. The four-session course uses interactive exercises, case studies, lectures, and group discussions to explore how we become attached to the values and assumptions that separate us into Blue and Red America. Participation in all four sessions is strongly encouraged, as is a willingness to listen to and understand different points of view.  Please click here to learn more about the course. Led by Bill Roos.

Hike On the Run Sunday, February 2, 11 a.m. - Noon - Barcroft Park Join us after the first service this Sunday for a short walk/hike along the Four Mile Run bike path in Barcroft Park. We will observe the features of the globally-rare Magnolia Bog habitat, walk above Four Mile Run, and look for signs of spring such as skunk cabbage and tiny flower buds on spicebush, the host plant for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly. The hike is for all ages and will be about one mile. The trail is paved and mostly flat. Walking sticks may be helpful in steeper areas and in case the ground and leaves are wet. Meet at Barcroft Park ( 4200 S. Four Mile Run Dr., Arlington), near the soccer field, at 11 a.m. UUCA member and friend,  Kristen Patterson and Shirley Gay, will co-lead the hike.

New UU Series Sunday, February 2, after 2nd service The New UU Series is our introductory orientation to UUCA. Offered in six stand-alone sessions, it will be on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. The next one is this Sunday, February 2, about 12:30-1:30 p.m., Welcome Room. The topic is Membership, Stewardship and Belonging with Sarah Masters, Director of Congregational Life. Special for this week, there will be an opportunity to sign the Membership Book at the conclusion of the class. No registration is needed unless you need free childcare, sarah.masters@uucava.org Upcoming sessions: Feb. 16: UU History & Theology with Rev. Terasa Cooley Mar 1: Campus Tour & Partners with Paul Kearney

Chalice Theatre Tickets On Sale A celebration of personal discovery, Alix in Wonderland is a wholly original take on social norms, self-perception, and what it really means to grow up in today's world. A tumble down that world-famous rabbit hole brings teenage Alix face-to-face with the wild, wacky, and annoying denizens of Lewis Carroll's Wonderland, but none of them are quite as anyone remembers them. Alix's journey becomes one of profound questioning and exploration on the way to becoming fully and joyfully oneself.  Tickets available here.

UUCA CENTER STAGE PRESENTS Books & Boots BASH A book release celebration w/ Dr. Cullen Ruff Saturday, February 1, 7:15 p.m. UUCA member Cullen Ruff invites everyone to come and kick up your heels in celebration of the publication of his book, Looking WITHIN. For those of you who may not be aware, Dr. Ruff is an experienced dancer and he and his favorite DJ will lead us in line-dancing and West Coast Swing! Book-signing and refreshments. Boots and western wear encouraged but not required.

Advocate for Reforms in Richmond! Two dates to choose from: Feb. 4 or 20 VOICE ( Virginia Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) is pressing for reforms in state-level laws, for the second year in a row. A UUCA contingent is joining fellow VOICE leaders from across Northern Virginia to advocate in Richmond in February. VOICE is aiming to have a presence there among our lawmakers every day while they're in session. This year we'll talk with our delegates and senators to  Press for reforms to end unnecessary incarceration for nonviolent offenses and permanently end the practice of suspending driver's licenses for nonpayment of court fines and fees Seek state funding to double the number of counselors in our elementary schools Increase state investment in pre-K and after-school programs for our neediest families Increase Virginia's Housing Trust Fund and require cities and towns to plan for affordable housing Can you join us? It's a big commitment--one full day--but one day is all we ask. Please join us on either Tuesday February 4 or Thursday February 20 (leave at 6 a.m. and return by 7 p.m.). Our task is to visit legislators in small groups, remaining flexible about lawmakers ever-changing schedules. Online sign-ups here. Questions? Stop by the VOICE table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday or contact Pat Findikoglu, patfindikoglu@gmail.com.

Carbon Footprint Challenge Workshop Sunday, February 9, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Be part of the solution to the climate crisis! Did you know 40% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions come from five basic household activities we do every day--electricity use, home heating, transportation, food choices, and waste (according to the 2017 EPA emissions inventory). There are now affordable and accessible alternatives to all of these activities that can help stop global warming and save money. Come to the "Carbon Footprint Challenge" workshop on February 9, from 12:30-2:30 p.m., in the Board Room, and learn what steps you can take to make the biggest differences. Join the Carbon Footprint Challenge! Sign-up here.  Visit the Climate Crisis Action Coalition’s website for more information.

Men's Book Group The Rise Sunday, February 9, 7:30 p.m. Chapel The non-fiction book choice for the February is The Rise, by Sarah Lewis, suggested by Lyle Priddy. The group meets on the second Sunday. All men are welcome. Questions? Contact Ken Marshall, kenmar42@gmail.com. Upcoming reads: March 8. Bel Canto, a novel, by Ann Patchett April 12. The Killers of the Flower Moon, by David Grann

AFRICAN AMERICAN WRITER BOOK SHARING The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead Friday, February 21, 7:30 p.m. Welcome Room In The Nickel Boys, Colson Whitehead tells the story of two boys sentenced to a hellish reform school called the Nickel Academy, whose mission statement says it provides "physical, intellectual and moral training" so the delinquent boys in their charge can become "honorable and honest men." The reality is that the lives of these young boys include torture, rape, and threats for these children’s safety.   Our African American Writer Book Sharing will share our experiences in reading this fictionalized account about what was the real at Dozier School for Boys, a now-closed reformatory school in Florida that operated for more than a century. Recently, Florida officials announced plans to search the campus for more bodies hidden in unmarked graves.   The main characters Turner and Elwood have very different viewpoints with tension between Elwood's ideals and Turner's skepticism leading to a decision that has long-reaching consequences. While Whitehead used surrealism in The Underground Railroad, he centers on brutal realism to tell a horrific part of African American history. All are invited to share what we learn and experience through reading about all of our history. Questions? Contact Linda Lutes Corsoro, lindahlutes@gmail.com, or Pat Findikoglu, pfindikoglu@gmail.com.

PEACE CAMP-Register Today! My Two Hands Hold the Earth June 22-26 and June 29-July 2, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more than 20 years UUCA has offered through Little Friends for Peace a summer camp program like no other--Peace Camp! For two one-week sessions children (ages 5-14) from UUCA and our community partners join together for activities in art, games and presentations that teach mindfulness, empathy, anger management, and conflict resolution. This year's theme, My Two Hands Hold the Earth, emphasizes practicing care for ourselves each other, and our earth. For more information on Peace Camp and how to register, visit www.lffp.org or contact peacecamp@liffp.org. Peace Camp flyer here.

Discipline Series: It’s All Good...Until It’s Not Four Thursdays, Jan. 30 - Feb. 20, 7-8:30 p.m. Join UUCA and AUCP (Arlington Unitarian Preschool Cooperative) parents to learn new techniques for managing children's behavior so it's easier on you, and they learn independence and responsibility. This series, sponsored by AUCP, is presented by Michael Swisher, a parent educator with the Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families at the Arlington Department of Human Services. These events are aimed at parents of preschool and early elementary-aged children, but are open to all. February 6: Structure and Routine - Structure is critically important for small children! The more organized we are with time, things/spaces, and expectations, the more our children will learn autonomy and responsibility. February 13: Incentives - Incentive systems can help us encourage children to do what they don’t necessarily want to do (or stop doing something we don’t want them to do). February 20: The Right Response and Consequences - How do we respond ‘in the moment’? Take home strategies and techniques; along with guidelines for appropriate consequences – all with a goal of helping children to learn, and maintaining a positive relationship between them.

UUCA Can Take the Heat! Last week's Youth-sponsored Chili Cook-Off was another hot success! Everyone who took part in the taste-testing was a winner! As always, there was a wide range of flavors and styles--something for everyone. Congratulations to all of our winning chili chefs and thanks to our congregation for supporting the Youth Service Trips! Best Name: “Are you now or have you ever BEAN a member of the Communist Party?” – Annie Parker Hottest Chili: “Peculiar Burning Sensation” - Walter Clark Most Unique: “Would You Eat It in a Box?” – Jess Sabo People’s Choice & Best Vegetarian – “Disco Inferno” – reigning champion Lauren MacLaren Best Meat - "Reggie" - Will Parker-Simkin 1st Annual Akram Award (Our Favorite Youth Picked His Favorite Chili) – “Reggie” – Will Parker-Simkin

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 ‌ ‌