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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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Article II: All About Love
A Learning Workshop Opportunity on Zoom
When: Last two dates, Sunday April 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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Faith 360 Class Starts Sunday!
"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. Sign up HERE.
Led By: Hurnunnessa Fariad, Meets: Sunday, April 28, Time: 12:45 to 1:30, In Person
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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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Mary Jean (MJ) Schmelzer is having major surgery on April 29. While she doesn’t know how long she’ll be hospitalized, she would very much appreciate calls (if you already have her phone number) and cards.
Mary Jean Schmelzer
7412 Spring Village Drive
Apt. 115
Springfield, VA 22250
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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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Religious Education Classes This Week
- Multigenerational Workship Service for Flower Communion.
- Childcare is provided for children 3 years and younger in Room 5
Most RE classes will NOT meet this week.
1st, 5th, and 8th Grade OWL Classes will Meet at the Usual Time.
Teen Group is away on their retreat.
Here at UUCA we offer several ways kids can enjoy worship:
- Spirit Space: For kids 4 years and younger at the front of the Sanctuary.
- Fellowship Hall: Play space for toddlers and kids of all ages. Puzzles and coloring sheets for anyone!
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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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UU the Vote Postcarding is Back!
This Sunday, Fellowship Hall
Join UU the Vote to send postcards to BIPOC voters alerting them to vote in hotly contested Virginia Congressional primaries starting May 3. Research shows that primary voting greatly increases the likelihood that voters will vote in the fall general election. The voters we contact tend to be low income voters who do not make large campaign contributions and are often overlooked by other voter outreach efforts. Help ensure their voices are raised in Virginia elections. Pick up a set of 20 postcards containing everything you need (e.g., postcards, postage) in the Fellowship Hall this Sunday or make arrangements to pick up a set at other times by contacting Ellen at elltaylor41@aol.com. Postcarding materials cost $14 per set. A donation is suggested, but not required. Can’t postcard? Make a donation so others can write. For further info contact suzanc825@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 | |
Workshops and Classes Meeting starting in May
Theological Walking Tour of UUCA
Bill Fogarty will lead a walking tour of the building, starting in the sanctuary, with stops at various parts of the building, where he will talk about church history.
Meets: Sunday, May 5
Time: 12:30 – 1:15
In person: Meet at the back of the Sanctuary near the candle tables
Walks in Nature
Join Bill Fogarty and Denise Kappler in a nature walk on Saturday, May 18 gathering at 9 AM, for a walk inspired by our UU value to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
Meets: Saturday, May 18
Time: 9 AM
Offsite
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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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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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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