February is Black History Month | |
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“One day, our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings.”
Franklin Thomas, the first Black president and CEO of the Ford Foundation
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Why Wars? Threats, Enemies and Virtuous Violence: A Global Perspective
Sun., Feb. 4, 12:30pm, UUCA
Why war? Why do some national, religious, ethnic, and racial groups address their grievances with adversaries through violence rather than peace? These are questions for all countries, including the United States, that are engulfed directly or indirectly in war. In this session we’ll take a global perspective and focus on the large-scale trends of wars, their underlying causes, and the prospects for peace. A 40–45 minute talk with time for Q/A.
About our facilitator: UUCA member Daniel Rothbart is Professor of Conflict Analysis and Resolution at The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University. He specializes in prevention of mass violence, ethnic conflicts, civilians in war and the psycho-politics of conflict. He currently serves as co-director of the Program on Prevention of Mass Violence as well as director of the Laboratory for Peace entitled Transforming the Mind for Peace.
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Winter Pop In Event
Tues., Feb. 6th, 6-8pm, UUCA Campus
Want to experience a sample of what UUCA has to offer for adult faith development programming? Want to make new connections here at church? Want to join in meaningful conversations or reflect on your spiritual journey without committing to a long-term class?
Then, just POP IN on Tuesday, Feb. 6! No need to register, simply show up. RSVP if you are willing -- help us plan!
From 6-6:45 pm gather in Fellowship Hall for hors d'oeuvres and conversation.
At 7:00 pm select from a lineup of 1-hour classes and workshops that will give you a taste of all the great adult programming offered here at UUCA.
Workshops to choose from include: Social Justice Sing along, Art in the Sanctuary, Gaming and Religion, and more!
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Music Workshop
Feb. 10th, 10am - 2pm
As the song goes: Draw the circle wide, Draw it wider still. Our community of faith includes amazing volunteer choirs. We tell ourselves, and the world, that UU’s are welcoming of strangers, no matter our differences or our life journeys. If we are Welcoming, why do we forget those experiences when it comes to our repertoire, our musical approach, and our understanding of “excellence”? Join Jen Hayman, interim music director, for an exploration of various musical traditions and styles. Together, let’s consider how to make our music reflect the stories of all of us.
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If you have personal news to share, such as births, graduations, special moments, or challenges, email pastoralcare@uucava.org.
Are You In Need of Support?
Pastoral Care Hotline: 571-277-4428 | pastoralcare@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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Faith 360 Registration Open!
Check out all the great classes open for registration! Many options over the next few months -- register early!
Click here for full catalog and registration.
| UUCA Volunteers Visit PathForward | |
Over thirty UUCA volunteers visited PathForward in January to learn about PathForward’s mission to end homelessness in Arlington and to bag 100 meals for Homeless Services Center clients. If you weren’t able to join us at PathForward, never fear! Volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate in UUCA’s Bagged Meals program on the second and last Sunday of every month in the UUCA Fellowship Hall. To learn more about the program or to sign up for volunteer slots, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094BA8AA22A1F4CF8-uuca.
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Youth Behavioral Health Assembly
February 7th, 7 - 8:30 pm, Kenmore Middle School (200 S Carlin Springs Rd)
After-school programming is a desperately needed component of Arlington's efforts to address the youth behavioral health crisis and reduce opioid use. VOICE is calling us to be there to show our county and school officials just how important this issue is to our community.
Specifically, we are being called to come together to ask members of the County Board and leaders from the school system to prioritize funding for free, high-quality after-school programs in the FY2025 budget.
Register HERE. Contact Patricia Findikoglu <patfindikoglu@gmail.com> for more information on how you and your young people can be directly involved.
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VOICE Lifetime Award to Robert Buckman
The VOICE Lifetime Impact Award was given to former VOICE Co-Chair & Strategy team member Robert Buckman for an unwavering commitment to justice & to building power that created lasting systemic change. Robert was one of the founding leaders of VOICE and has been a critical participant in VOICE's victories and growth throughout its history.
| Save the Date for the Spring Fling Dance! | |
Fri., Mar. 22, Evening at UUCA
Spark Connections! Boogie down to UUCA for a fun evening of dance and music on March 22! Slide into spring with friends and make some new ones too. An added twist will be activities to foster new friendships! All abilities welcome. More information to come.
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More events listed below.
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Chalice Theatre’s production of Seussical is Coming!
Opens March 1; tickets will go on sale next week! The cast and production team have been working all January to build the show; we are now seeking volunteers to help in multiple areas for the production. If you have experience, or are talented, or want to learn more about how a show gets to the stage, join us! We are looking for folks who can: create the program: paint props and set: craft props; work the front of house (ushers, box office); and musicians, particularly a drummer and bass player. If you are interested, send a note to chalicetheatre25@gmail.com or see Tom O’Reilly after services on Sunday.
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UUCA Racial Justice Task Force Presents: "I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO"
Sun., March 17, 2024, 12:30 pm, UUCA
90 Minutes, Director Raoul Peck
Raoul Peck’s fluid documentary uses the timeless anger of James Baldwin to animate his history of the black experience in America, from Hollywood stereotypes to police brutality. BFI (British Film Institute), 2020
Raoul Peck’s documentary brings to life James Baldwin’s urgent ideas about race in America, even if it leaves out a key aspect of the writer’s life and work: his sexuality. The Atlantic, 2017
In 1979, James Baldwin wrote a letter to his literary agent describing his next project, "Remember This House." The book was to be a revolutionary, personal account of the lives and assassinations of three of his close friends: Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. At the time of Baldwin's death in 1987, he left behind only 30 completed pages of this manuscript. In this documentary -- Filmmaker Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished in this documentary. IMDb, 2017
A simple lunch will be provided (Pizza & Beverages). There will be a discussion following the film. NOTE: Due to subject matter and film length, this event is suggested for adults and older teens. RSVP sign-up available soon.
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Sail into Peace Camp June 17 and June 24
Peace camp will be held at UCUA the weeks of June 17 and June 24. This year’s theme is “Sail into Peace Camp.” Peace Camp is a partnership between UUCA and LFFP that offers social emotional learning program for children ages 5-14 who come from UUCA and Community Partners. Look for the flyer and registration by Christmas For more information, contact MJ Park, Executive Dir, LFFP (240) 838-4549, mjpeace@gmail.com, or see https://lffp.org.
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Come to a Peace Circle
Join a Wednesday night Peace Circle sponsored by Little Friends for Peace (LFFP), our partners in the summer Peace Camp One hour circles start at 7:30 via Zoom. Upcoming circles and their timely discussion themes:
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/SVdvXvAnoE3tco4r9
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Save the Date Peace Camp at UUCA weeks – June 17 and June 24th
The date is set, Peace camp will be held at UUCA the weeks of June 17 and June 24. The flyer is coming soon, and registration will open shortly.
UUCA and LFFP are excited to offer this social-emotional learning program for children ages 5-14 who come from UUCA and Community Partners. Using art, cooperative games, presentations, and the circle process, children learn mindfulness, empathy, anger management, and conflict resolution.
For more information, contact MJ Park, Executive Director, LFFP, (240) 838-4549, mjpeace@gmail.com, or visit https://lffp.org.
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Cozy Reads Book Club
Next Meeting: Feb. 15, 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!
List of books for Sept. 2023-March, 2024 with book covers. Questions: lwilliams@uucava.org
African American Book Sharing Circle
Fri., February 16, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
Come to discuss the book behind the movie American Fiction (nominated for Best Picture). Percival Everett's ‘s Erasure is a blistering satire about race and writing. Thelonious "Monk" Ellison's writing career has bottomed out: his latest manuscript has been rejected by seventeen publishers. He seethes on the sidelines of the literary establishment as he watches the meteoric success of We's Lives in Da Ghetto, a first novel by a woman who once visited "some relatives in Harlem for a couple of days." Meanwhile, Monk struggles with real family challenges—his aged mother is succumbing to Alzheimer's. Monk dashes off a novel meant to be an indictment of Juanita Mae Jenkins's bestseller. He doesn't intend for My Pafology to be published, let alone taken seriously, but it is—under the pseudonym Stagg R. Leigh—and soon it becomes the Next Big Thing. How Monk deals with the personal and professional fallout galvanizes this audacious, hysterical, and quietly devastating novel.
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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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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