|
Come to the All-Ages Spring Fling Dance!
Fri., Mar. 22, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Join this fun dance evening with the great DJ Myra! Kids and adults welcome, consent forward, featuring light refreshments, mocktails, and a photo booth! Free, but donations welcomed. All abilities welcome. Please RSVP and, if possible, volunteer HERE.
| |
March is Women's History Month | |
|
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”
– Michelle Obama
| |
|
Bibliography from Last Sunday's Service
This past Sunday's service [link] was particularly rich with background materials! Rev. Amanda shares the list that she and Betsy Rosenblatt Rosso used:
"A Psalm for the Wild Built" by Becky Chambers
Ramadan Home by Rev. Summer Albayati (https://www.uua.org/worship/words/poetry/ramadam-home)
V'ahavta by Aurora Levins Morales (http://www.auroralevinsmorales.com/blog/vahavta)
References were included to quotes by Bryan Stevenson, author of "Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption," and science fiction author Ursula K. Le Guin.
| |
|
"Adopt-A-Street" Trash Pickup Event! All Ages Welcome!
Sat., Mar. 16, 10am-12pm, Meet at UUCA
The UUCA Climate Action Team (CAT) has partnered with Arlington County's "Adopt-A-Street" trash pickup program to earn a Stormwater fee credit of up to $10,000 a year for the church. UUCA CAT is inviting all generations to join us to help pick up trash in our church neighborhood.(Rainout date March 23)
This is a great event for families, youth, seniors and young adults! And feel free to invite your friends! It takes small steps to make big changes so we hope you will be a part of our effort to improve our environment! To meet the stormwater credit requirements we will need a minimum of 15 volunteers. If you have any questions you can contact Stiven Foster at stivenfoster@gmail.com.
Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BA5AA2FA6FB6-48161884-uuca
| |
Film Screening: I Am Not Your Negro
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.
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.
Contact: Rev. Carol Thomas Cissel
Email:revctc@uucava.org
Led By: The Racial Justice Task Force
Meets: Sunday, March 17, 2024, Time: 12:45—2 pm, In Person
| |
MoonFire: Spring Equinox & Ostara
Sun., Mar. 17, 1pm, Reeb Center
Please join MoonFire for a ritual celebrating the Spring Equinox and Ostara as a magical welcome to the new season! Spring is a time of change and growth, and the equinox is a time of balance. In this ritual, we will be doing a change spell, so we can move towards being a slightly more balanced individual, as we move into the new season. In keeping with the spirit of Ostara, we will be decorating eggs, which we will then use for an egg rolling divination.
A potluck and time for fellowship will follow the ritual, so bring a dish or drink to share, along with your own plates/utensils, if possible. Any questions, please contact us at moonfirecoords@gmail.com.
| |
UUJME Online Gathering to Listen and Learn
UUJME (Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East) invites you to a gathering on Monday, March 18th at 7:00 p.m. We will meet via ZOOM. This will be a safe space to listen to each other, learn more about the UUA statement of 2/14/2024 ( UUA Condemns Violence Against Gaza, Urges Immediate and Total Ceasefire | Press Releases | UUA.org), and share information about actions being taken by UUs and other faith communities. Come and join us. We’ll talk about where you are and how you are feeling. Please register in advance to receive the Zoom link: email Rev. CTC at revctc@uucava.org.
We hope you will attend additional gatherings on Monday, April 15th and Monday, May 20th.
| |
|
With profound sorrow, we ask you to hold the Sutton family in your hearts. John Sutton died unexpectedly following a routine procedure on March 2, 2024. His wife, Chris, and their daughters (Laura and Andrea) were with him. The family is devastated and not yet ready for calls or visits, but Chris asked us to let their UUCA family know what happened.
A Celebration of John's Life is planned for this Summer.
Please understand that additional information about that service and where to send donations in honor of John will follow soon. A Meal Train has been set up, please use this link to offer your help: https://mealtrain.com/qo4n38.
______________
If you have personal news to share, such as births, graduations, special moments, or challenges, email careteam@uucava.org.
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.
| |
|
More events listed below.
Please note some email providers will truncate this message.
| |
|
New UU Classes, April 2024
Considering joining UUCA? Seize the opportunity to learn more about our church by signing up for this informative mini three-part series.
This series is led by Membership Engagement Manager Nicole Haley and Rev. Amanda Poppei. This is a three-part series, and you should plan to attend all three.
Class 1: Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 7- 8:30 PM on Zoom
Class 2: Sunday, April 21,2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:10 AM Board Room
Class 3: Sunday, April 28, 2024, from 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM Board Room
Click here to register.
| |
|
Yes, you can!
Yes, you can teach religious education. We get this question all the time: “I don’t know much about religion (or something else), so I’m not sure I can or should teach!” Well, if you care, about the congregation, about kids, about getting to know other members of the congregation then you are totally qualified to become a religious education teacher. What the kids want is caring, community, and compassion. They want teachers to genuinely care about them and help build community through fun, interesting activities. Sure, some of the activities might sneak in content, but we are here to help with that.
Religious education requires four things: 1) you must want to become part of a basic ministry of the church: caring for our children and youth. 2) the ability to show up and lead once a month, and to show up to help once a month. 3) excitement about your faith, and other people. 4) to contact us at THIS EMAIL to sign up today for next year!
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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 | |
The (Boundaried, Hopeful, Systems-Oriented) Wisdom of Ted Lasso
Join Rev. Amanda for this three-part class, in which you'll explore the lessons we can learn from the hit Apple TV show Ted Lasso...from a family systems perspective. We'll watch an episode during each class. No prior knowledge of the show is required!
Led By: Rev. Amanda, Meets: April 9, 16, 30, Time: 7—8:30 pm, In person, Reeb Center
Owning Your Religious Past
This workshop provides participants the opportunity to reflection on, reexamine, and retrieve positive aspects of past religious connections. Together we will explore the people, places, and artifacts that once held religious significance. The workshop is designed to provide both group sharing and private exploration, using journal writing exercises, art, and guided mediation.
Led By: LeeAnn Williams, Meets: April 2, 9, 16, 23, Time: 7—8:30 pm, In person
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
| |
|
"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 March 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.
| |
Peace Camp needs Peacekeepers to Help Peace Camp Sail!
Help Peace Camp set sail at UUCA weekdays from June 17th to 28th, from 9:00 to 3:00 PM. Join the Peace Camp Team for half a day, a full day, a few hours, or more!
This year we are recruiting a new volunteer position of Peacekeeper. Peacekeepers can serve as Front Desk Attendant, Hall Monitor, Peace Museum Guide, and others. Hours are flexible. For job descriptions, see Peacekeeper Flyer. For additional camp locations, dates, and time, please visit www.LFFP.org/peacecamp. To get involved, please get in touch with MJ Park at mjpeace@gmail.com or 240-838-4549.
| |
|
DIG Workday
Sat., March 23, 10 am - 12 pm
Come help DIG, Do it Green, as “WE WORK WITH NATURE“ on the UUCA campus. We will help valuable native plants thrive by weeding and dividing. Our native plants provide many essential ecosystem services but they need our help.
We won’t “Stare at Ferns” on the 23 rd. However, if you’re especially interested in ferns, we’ll meet you at Green Spring Gardens Park in June where we can see more ferns. Right now, Spice Bush is flowering along Four Mile Run and in a few weeks, Virginia Bluebells will be making quite a show at Riverbend and many other parks and natural areas. Celebrate spring with a visit to a true natural area.
Our first DIG Workday is a little late this year as the first day of spring is March 19 and weather on two earlier Saturdays kept us inside. Bring gloves and tools if you have them and stay as long as you can. Meet near the Pollinator Garden. We’ll reschedule if necessary. Thanks.
Questions: Shirley, shirleywg@icloud.com or Sonia, surbom@gmail.com. Contact Sonia to join the DIG Listserve.
| |
|
African American Book Sharing Circle
Fri., March 15, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
We will discuss The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person by Frederick Joseph, a book that has been selected as an “all-church read.” Joseph calls up race-related anecdotes from his past, explaining why they were hurtful and how he might handle things now. Each chapter features voices of activists and artists, touching on everything from cultural appropriation to power dynamics, "reverse racism" to white privilege, microaggressions to the tragic results of overt racism.
Save the date: On April 19, author Jeffrey Blount will join us to discuss his new book, Mr. Jimmy from Around Here. Last year, we had a lively discussion with Mr. Blount about The Emancipation of Evan Walls.
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.)
| |
Early American To 21st Century Black Women Writers
Wed., Mar. 20, 7-9pm on Zoom
Come and join our discussion of essays and poems by Audre Lorde (1934-1992), self-described “black, lesbian, feminist, mother, warrior, poet.” Lorde dedicated her life and talents to confronting all forms of injustice, as she believed there could be "no hierarchy of oppressions." No advance reading; Gay Gibson Cima is facilitating and will provide brief biographies and texts. All are welcome! Contact: cimag@georgetown.edu.
Zoom link: https://uucava-org.zoom.us/j/86431166987?pwd=Q2VWazBQcnRVTzgvOEFibERHYXQ2dz09
| |
Cozy Reads Book Club
Next Meeting: Mar. 21, 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 Read: The Cloisters, by Katy Hays
List of books for Sept. 2023-March, 2024 with book covers. Questions: lwilliams@uucava.org
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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:
| | | | |
