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MoonFire Chocolate Ritual
Sun., April 21, 1:00 p.m.
Do you have any leftover chocolate Easter candy? Perhaps from Valentine’s Day? Maybe even from Halloween? Even if you don’t, but still love chocolate, please join MoonFire on Sunday, April 21 at 1:00 PM as we concoct a fun, chocolate-filled ritual to the Gods and Goddesses of love, happiness, and laughter. We’ll celebrate with treats, and seek in ritual the joy that comes from the divine. For this ritual everyone must bring joy in their hearts, and irreverence in their words!
A potluck and time for fellowship will follow the ritual, so bring a dish (chocolate or otherwise!) or drink to share, along with your own plates/utensils, if possible. Any questions, please contact us at moonfirecoords@gmail.com.
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Article II: All About Love
A Learning Workshop Opportunity on Zoom
When: Last two dates, Sunday April 21, 28 and May 5 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm
Where: Zoom, link to be emailed
Register Here: Faith 360 Registration Form
This four-session workshop co-presented by members of the UUCA Board and Adult RE Committee, provides an opportunity to take a deeper dive into the proposed Article II language beyond a simple read. Come and explore how this new language speaks to you.
To learn more about this foundational change, you are invited to participate in a four-session informational Zoom workshop which began on April 14. This workshop is particularly encouraged for folks considering serving as a GA delegate.
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UUCA Volunteers Needed!
Have you ever wondered how you can sign up to volunteer at UUCA? Mystery solved! You can sign up to volunteer by clicking the link below to get started on your journey. Please sign up today. Any questions, feel free to reach out to Nicole Haley at nhaley@uucava.org for support.
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Member Pamela Broberg is a joyful new grandma with the birth of Oscar Ren Singer to her son Mickey and daughter in law Amanda.
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If you have personal news to share, such as births, graduations, special moments, or challenges, email careteam@uucava.org for support, or kackerman@uucava.org with announcments.
Are You In Need of Support?
Pastoral Care Hotline: 571-277-4428 | careteam@uucava.org
When you attend a church for the first time, one of the questions you might ask is, do the people here look out for one another? At UUCA we have created a network of caring connections that will provide a supportive, compassionate presence when you may be struggling, alone, or in pain.
Our Pastoral Care Team responds to concerns through careful listening, checks on you if you are ill and need help, is there to help you through life’s transitions, and provides food and other support services when you need that extra helping hand.
Our UUCA Ministers offer that unique spiritual guidance you might be looking for, and also offer one-on-one support when you may be facing an especially difficult time.
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More events listed below.
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Church Grounds Beautification Day!
Sat., April 27, 2024, from 10 am – 1 pm
Our church grounds are a place of peace, reflection, and fellowship, and it's essential that we maintain their beauty for generations to come. To achieve this, we are organizing a Church Grounds Beautification Day in conjunction with DIG (Do It Green), and we need your help to make it a success!
For further information, or to RSVP, please contact Matt Connors at mconnors@uucava.org or call 571-317-1873
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Voter Mobilization Organizing School
Saturday, April 27, 2024, 10:30 to 3:00 PM, All Souls Church Unitarian, Washington, DC
You and your family are invited to join UUs from the DMV region at our first ever voter mobilization school! We are more effective when we gather together. Come for spiritual grounding, relationship building, and concrete skills training to engage as many people as possible in the 2024 election. Also, we welcome youth and offer programming for pre-K and older kids in addition to the organizing school. This event is co-sponsored by UU for Social Justice, UU the Vote, and the Reeb Voting Rights Project at All Souls. To coordinate transportation contact Suzan at suzanc825@gmail.com.
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Our Stories, Our Lives
Apr. 23, 11:00-12:30. Zoom Link Click Here
Please drop in for UUCA's informal conversation-and-storytelling group, "Our Stories, Our Lives." You'll share your response to this prompt: "Have you ever found out something you wished you had never known?"
We'll react to each other's stories and, probably, find ourselves surprised by what-all comes up. Open to all.
Facilitators: Jacomina de Regt and Diane Ullius.
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UUCA's Polymnia Rings Handbells at Local Handbell Festival
Twelve members of Polymnia joined over 100 other ringers from area churches and other organizations at a day long handbell festival Saturday April 13, 2024 in Herndon, VA. Organized by the community auditioned ensemble, VA Bronze, the festival was an opportunity for ringers to hone their skills on five musical selections chosen in advance. The UUCA ringers had prepared for weeks for this event presenting some of the selections in recent worship services at UUCA. Collectively, the festival ringers rehearsed under the baton of a guest conductor to refine their music-making, The event concluded with a public concert.
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VUUSAN (Virginia Unitarian Universalist State Action Network)
is hosting a Zoom program on Tuesday, April 23, at 7:00 p.m.
VUUSAN's goal is not to direct anyone to any particular project— their individual members and their congregations have a spectrum of specific interests, and ways they participate. They aim to provide resources and information to UUs throughout Virginia regarding voting rights issues. They are also working to educate folks about general matters involving the threats to our democracy. On the 23rd, they have put together a terrific list of speakers, including the president of the Virginia LWV (Joan Porte, who happens to be a UU). Here is a link to learn more about the event VUUSAN ZOOM EVENT.docx
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Religious Education Volunteer Recruitment
We are currently recruiting volunteers for the 2024-2025 Religious Education program. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities or have questions, please contact LeeAnn at lwilliams@uucava.org.
Ready to volunteer? Click here.
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Calling UUCA Teachers and Facilitators
Have an idea, program, workshop, or class you would like to share with our community through the Faith 360 program? Submit a proposal here.
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BOTH/AND: bēheld Concert and Happy Hour! Tickets on Sale Now!
Fri., May 10, 7:00pm, UUCA, CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Joni Mitchell's iconic song, "Both Sides Now," was written when the singer was just 21. However, her recent performance at age 80 on the Grammy stage gripped the world in a new way: it exemplified living and aging with grace and remaining open to possibility. What have we both lost and gained in living every day? Join women’s vocal group, bēheld (led by UUCA’s interim music director, Jen Hayman) for an evening of storytelling and song inspired by Joni and with instrumentalists Janelle Gill (piano), Topher Dunne (bass) and Keith Butler Jr (percussion).
bēheld is composed of some professional musicians, and all professional badasses. Born out of a pandemic need to maintain music, community relationship, and sisterhood, the group has blossomed over the past four years, performing for worship services, events, conferences, public demonstrations, and even at the vigil honoring the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Our repertoire spans social justice songs of the past 75 years, combined with pop and soul songs of today that honor the work of women, the challenges we face in an increasingly demanding and cruel world, and the joy we experience when we find a community that recognizes and celebrates all that we are, all that we hold, and all that we bring. Click here to watch bēheld preforming at UUCA!
Do you have a both/and story you'd be willing to share? If yes, please send to beheldmusic@gmail.com.
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Child Dedication
Sun., May 12 -- Contact LeeAnn to participate
Child Dedication is a very special ritual where we as a community pledge our support and care to our families as they raise their children in our Unitarian Universalist faith. This Dedication Ceremony is for children and youth of all ages—not just babies. If you have not had an opportunity to participate in a Dedication, our next Dedication will take place on Sunday, Mary 12th—Mother's Day. For more information or to sign up to participate, contact LeeAnn at Lwilliams@uucava.org.
For more information about the Unitarian ritual of Child Dedication, visit here--Baptism / Child Dedication in Unitarian Universalism | UUA.org.
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Faith 360 Classes: Register Now!
These programs all start the beginning of March. See which one suits YOU!
Click here for full catalog and registration.
| Check Out These Faith 360 Classes Starting Soon | |
Article II Workshop (In Person)
A Deep dive into the values embodies in the UUA's work around this effort.
Led By UUCA Board
April 7, 14, 21, 28
My Muslim American Life
Join Hurunnessa Fariad as she talks about immigrating to the U.S. as a small child and growing up with both Muslim and American identities in Queens, NYC. She will also go into how her faith has shaped her view about herself and the work she does as a woman in multifaith peace building.
Led By: Hurnunnessa Fariad, Meets: Sunday, April 28, Time: 12:45 to 1:30, In Person
The “I Believe” Book Club
This is a three-session program by Zoom, to be led by Bill Fogarty, for those who want to read but don't have much time! This will be a "quick read" book club, reading six or seven "I Believe" statements (2 to 3 pages each) of various people who contributed to the 1950's series, and the NPR series of the early 2000's. The first session will include the musings of Helen Hayes, Eleanor Roosevelt and Wallace Stegner, among others. It is anticipated that each session will be about one hour in length.
Led By: Bill Fogarty, Meets: Tues in April (4/2, 4/9, 4/16),Time: 7:30 to 9 pm, On Zoom
Want to learn more about volunteering in our RE program or have questions? Contact LeeAnn at Lwilliams@uucava.org. Ready for volunteer, click here.
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"Love Unites; Stories Ignite" at the 2024 UU General Assembly
Embrace a new world of connection and inspiration from anywhere. Attend the virtual UU General Assembly. Dive into a groundbreaking experience from the comfort of your own space.
When: June 20 - 23 Workshops will also be available on demand between May and August.
- Gain insights from influential voices in the UU community and beyond.
- Explore your faith and perspectives with fellow attendees.
- Discover opportunities for meaningful engagement on social justice, climate justice, and other initiatives.
- Celebrate the beauty of UU community through dynamic worship services.
- And be inspired to make a difference in the world.
Register Online at: https://www.uua.org/ga
Registration rates increase May 15. If you have questions, please contact: Mary Pike at marylpva@gmail.com And, if you register, please let her know as the Nominating Committee is looking for those who wish to be delegates at GA.
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Help Peace Camp Sail!
Upcycle art supplies for Peace Camp
With registration closed, we are turning to making this a great summer for those Peace Campers.
For our art program, we like to reuse your unused supplies and household items as the backbone of art projects. Start saving now, we will collect them in June. We need 140 shoe boxes, tubes (paper towel and toilet paper) for scopes, paper, and calendars. So, start collecting now and hold until June! We don’t have enough storage to accept them right now. And, we will also need people to cut pictures out of calendars and magazines for collages, etc. This is a seated, at home job for all ages.
Peace Camp offers a social emotional learning daytime program for children ages 5-14 who come from UUCA and Community Partners. The camp is a partnership between UUCA and LFFP (Little Friends for Peace). For more information about volunteering, contact Erin Frances Reinhart at e.reinhart@lffp.org. For questions about the art program, contact MollieJewell2@gmail.com, 571-331-3297.
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LFFP Peace Circles continue via Zoom
If you enjoyed LFFP’s Peace Circle during in the February “Wanderings” service, consider joining our Wednesday Night Peace Circles at 7:30. Our Zoom link is HERE, ID: 863 717 5637, passcode: peace.
This series continues on Apr 3rd, Apr 17th, May 1st, and May 15th.
For more information, come visit our table in Fellowship Hall after the service or see Peace Circles Flyer.
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Cozy Reads Book Club
Next Meeting: April 18, 7:00 p.m., Zoom.
Meets the 3rd Thursday of the month
Did you happen to make a New Year's Resolution to read more books? Or do you want to make some new connections here at UUCA? Join the Cozy Reads Book club at the next gathering. The discussions are lively, enlightening and not always about the book!
April 18, 2024: The Cloisters by Katy Hays
May 16, 2024: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Click here for a list of upcoming books and descriptions. Questions: lwilliams@uucava.org
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African American Book Sharing Circle
Fri., April 19, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
Author Visit
Jeffrey Blount will join our meeting to discuss his new book Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way.
Blount tells the story of James Henry Ferguson. After a highly publicized fall from grace, Ferguson attempts to flee from the chaos in his life. He ends up in a community he had never heard of before, one that has been neglected and ignored by everyone in rural Ham, Mississippi. A place of abject poverty, the neighborhood is commonly referred to as "Around the Way."
Zoom link: https://uucava-org.zoom.us/j/86431166987?pwd=Q2VWazBQcnRVTzgvOEFibERHYXQ2dz09
For additional information, contact Pat Findikoglu (pfindikoglu@gmail.com) or Ann Ulmschneider (aulmsch@msn.com.)
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Hopepunk Book Club
Next Meeting: May 2 7:00 p.m, In Person at UUCA
Meets the 1st Thursday of the month
UUCA's new Hopepunk Book Club will be reading speculative fiction that imagines positive futures, embraces kindness, and inspires hope in humanity's ability to solve our problems. For May, we'll read Psalm of the Wild Built by Becky Chambers. Contact valarietbryant@gmail.com for more information.
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The Men's Book Group of UUCA
Sun., May 12, 2024, at 7:30 P.M., Zoom
The Club Dumas, a novel by Arturo Perez-Reverte, suggested by Dean Kauffman, as our selection for the May 12, meeting.The book is available in new and used paperback and in audio, digital and Kindle versions. Print copies are available in the Fairfax County system.
As always, please bring any titles you have read and would like the group to read and discuss in future months. The rules are that the person suggesting a book must have read the entire book (not just the opening chapter or an enticing review!), and that it must be available in libraries, or available in paperback or used, or in digital versions. We traditionally alternate fiction and non-fiction books, but if a majority wants to change that format, we could alter that 1:1 ratio.
Unlike the "Fight Club,'' the first rule of our Book Group is: Tell any reader who you think might be interested about attending our meetings about the Book Group.
If there are any questions about the group and its meetings, or if you want to be on our monthly email list, please email Ken Marshall at kenmar42@gmail.com or call him at (703) 533-8004.
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Monday: Meditation and Dharma Talk
7:30 pm-8:45 pm, UUCA Activity Room and simultaneously on Zoom
A meditation and dharma talk with an opportunity for sharing afterward is offered in partnership with the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW). Held in the Activity Room on the lower level and simultaneously on Zoom. Subscribe to the email list on the IMCW page for the event to receive the Zoom link, topics, class cancellation alerts, and private access to the recorded talks.
Contact: Stig Regli.
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Wednesday: Hour of Silence
7:30 pm-8:45 pm, UUCA Room 20 (Youth Room)
Join us in Room 20 on Wednesday evenings for an hour of in-person silent sitting and/or walking meditation or contemplation, followed by mindful discussion. We enjoy this opportunity to ground ourselves in the middle of our busy week. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can begin at 7:30, and bring what you need to be comfortable.
Contact: Suzan Chastain.
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Friday: First Light Meditation
7:00 am-7:45 am, on Zoom LINK HERE
A half-hour silent meditation with an opportunity for sharing afterward, on Zoom. Contact: David McTaggart at dmctagg@gmail.com or Gregg Forte at gforte@mac.com.
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Newsletter deadline: Connections deadline for submissions is EACH Tuesday at 10 a.m. with publication on Thursday. See below on how to submit an announcement.
How to submit an announcement to UUCA's Connections newsletter:
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