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Board Bulletin The Board held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, and I wanted to briefly share a few highlights from the meeting:
- The Board settled on an “open question” for discernment and ongoing discussion for this year. Last year’s open question was, “How does UUCA ensure its long-term sustainability?” and it sparked a lot of deep discussions and strategic planning for the Board. The “open question” for the 2024-2025 year is, “What does a thriving UUCA look like and feel like?”
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The Board updated and revised the Alcohol Policy, HERE to add a new limitation against servers at social functions drinking while serving others. This policy will be posted to the UUCA website with other policies and can be found along with other church governance documents here: https://www.uucava.org/governance/. A direct link to the policies is here: UUCA Policies.
- The Board received an update and report from Rev. Amanda Poppei.
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The Treasurer and the Board Finance and Audit Committee (BFAC) presented the August financial reports to the Board. The Treasurer’s report is linked HERE.
- The Board approved a recommendation from BFAC to resume returning funds collected from the Capital Campaign back into the Endowment. As you may recall, in order to pay off our mortgage, we “borrowed” $500,000 from the endowment and have been steadily paying that back over time in order to weather market volatility. We paid $300,000 back so far and have collected another $195,000, meaning we only need another $5,000 to fully reimburse the Endowment. The BFAC recommended, and the Board accepted, a plan to return $25,000 per month for the next four months. Within the short term, we intend to completely pay back the Endowment.
- The Board approved a resolution adopting certain changes to the UU Organizations Retirement Plan.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I can be reached by email at burke.kappler@gmail.com. If you would like to email the entire board, you can do so at this email: Board@uucava.org.
Yours in faith and community,
Burke Kappler
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QA2: Queer or Questioning, Awareness and Acceptance
October 5, 2024 from 9am to noon at UUCA
Join us at a gathering of organizations and individuals that support, advocate for, and celebrate LGBTQIA+ children and youth. Ask questions, make connections, and find resources! QA2 2024 will feature resources and workshops for LGBTQIA+ young people, families, and allies. We are inviting organizations that support LGBTQIA+ children, youth, and families to participate. If you’re interested in joining us, or want to learn more, contact Betsy Rosso at forqkids@gmail.com.
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Lay Leadership Fundamentals
Sat, Oct. 5, 9am to noon (In person at UUCA)
Interested in developing your leadership skills? Interested in becoming more involved in our UUCA community? Want to learn some skills that you can use both at church and in your "real life?"
Then join us this coming Saturday for the Lay Leadership Fundamentals workshop. This "Leadership 101" workshop will introduce leadership as a spiritual practice, focusing on how to offer a non-anxious presence, and offer opportunities to practice differentiated leadership. UUs from area congregations will be joining us for this workshop. All are invited to attend this event—you do not need to be registered for this year's LEAD Cohort.
Register here for Lay Leadership Fundamentals here
Have questions about Lay Leadership Fundamentals or the LEAD program, contact LeeAnn at lwilliams@uucava.org.
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Crescendo Ringers Meets Next in November
Crescendo, our ensemble for beginning and intermediate ringers, has been meeting between services over the past two Sundays and we are excited to have new ringers involved. This group is running independent sessions for anyone with or without handbell/music experience. Our next session will be in November so keep checking Connections for additional information.
Next Sunday, October 6th, Polymnia, our more advanced ensemble, will be participating in both services and we hope you will come to enjoy their musical offerings.
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LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group Picnic
Sun., Oct. 6th, 1:00pm, Lubber Run Park
Do you identify somewhere on the many spectrums of the LGBTQIA+ rainbow? Do you want to make friends who also identify as queer in some way? We would love to meet you this Sunday! For this month, we are going to head down the street after service for a picnic at Lubber Run Park. Bring your own bag lunch and feel free to bring games or anything else you'd like to enjoy the park. The weather is looking good now, so keep your fingers crossed for sunshine! We will alternatively convene in the church Welcome Room if there is rain. Email with questions.
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Are you a Certified Arborist?
At the Church we have a small tree, and a couple of bushes, that are very sick.
We are hoping there is a certified arborist within our congregation that can provide guidance and the way forward for these lovely gems of natural beauty. If you are able to provide a little advice, please contact Matt Connors (facmgr@uucava.org).
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BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) Affinity Group
Are you interested in being part of the UUCA BIPOC Affinity Group? This group is for our BIPOC members and friends. It is a BIPOC Sacred Space – created by and for BIPOC people.
Please complete this 1-minute survey to respond or reach out to Nicole Haley at nhaley@uucava.org.
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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 announcements.
Can WE help YOU?
Care Team Hotline: 571-277-4428 | careteam@uucava.org
One of the questions you might ask is, “How do the people at UUCA 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 Care Team responds to concerns through careful listening, checks on you if you are ill and need help, and is there to help you through life’s transitions. They can also provide food and other support services when you need an extra helping hand.
Our UUCA Ministers offer that unique spiritual guidance you might be looking for. Both are here with one-2-one support when you need it. You can reach them directly: Rev. Amanda (apoppei@uucava.org) or Rev. CTC (revctc@uucava.org) or by calling the church office at 703-892-2565
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More events listed below.
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October 6 Deadline for
Services Auction Donations!
The Annual Services Auction is a major source of revenue for UUCA. Your donations are essential to its success! Scroll down for more information.
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Religious Education
Most Religious Education classes will not meet this week. Instead, families are invited to remain in the sanctuary for the Animal Blessing service. Childcare will be available at both services in Room 3 for littles 2 years and younger. Coming of Age will meet as usual at the 2nd service.
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!
If you are new to our community, please register your children and teens here. This will add you to our mailing list.
Lay Leadership Fundamentals
Saturday, Oct. 5, 9am to noon (In person at UUCA)
Interested in developing your leadership skills? Interested in becoming more involved in our UUCA community? Want to learn some skills that you can use both at church and in your "real life?"
Then join us this coming Saturday for the Lay Leadership Fundamentals workshop. This "Leadership 101" workshop will introduce leadership as a spiritual practice, focusing on how to offer a non-anxious presence, and offer opportunities to practice differentiated leadership. All are invited to attend this event—you do not need to be registered for this year's LEAD Cohort.
Register here for Lay Leadership Fundamentals here
LEAD 2024-2025 Cohort and Sharing Group Registration Now Open
LEAD (Leadership Exploration and Development) is UUCA's very own spiritually grounded leadership development program. This year-long program meets monthly to explore, share, and build community. If you would like to be part of this year's LEAD cohort, register here. Or reach out to LeeAnn with any questions.
Faith 360 Registration Open
Registration for Faith 360—UUCA's adult faith development program is now open. We have a great lineup of workshops in store.
Click here for more information, the list of classes and to register.
Halloween Party -- Save the Date!
Sun., Oct. 27, After Second Service
Families should save the date to party after second service for some SPOOKTACULAR fun!
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LEAD Registration Now Open
LEAD (Leadership Exploration and Development) is UUCA's very own spiritually grounded leadership development program. This year-long program meets monthly to explore, share, and build community. If you would like to be part of this year's LEAD cohort, register here. Or reach out to LeeAnn with any questions.
Faith 360 Registration Now Open
Registration for Faith 360—UUCA's adult faith development program—is open now!
Register Here
We have a great lineup of workshops in store. Here are just a few...
- Walks in Nature hike at Riverbend Park with Denise and Bill
- Setting the Table: How to Navigate the Holidays with Rev. Amanda
- Social Justice Film Shorts with Rev. CTC
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Covenant Groups Registration is Open!
Covenant Groups for 2024-25 registration is open! Online registration is here, and there will be a registration table at the upcoming Faith Fair.
Covenant Groups allow us to share what touches our hearts and souls with others in a safe setting. In our groups, we explore our spirituality, build relationships, and provide service to UUCA and the wider community. Groups of 8 to 12 people meet monthly from October to June. A trained facilitator leads each group using written and online materials as resources.
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Chalice Theatre: Once Upon a Mattress!
Chalice Theatre is excited to announce its winter multigenerational show – Once Upon a Mattress! This song-filled comedic retelling of the Princess and the Pea story will be presented in the Reeb Center opening February 28, 2025! Auditions will be held November 16 and 18.
We are looking for a few people to help fill the production side of the show. In particular, an assistant stage manager, a props chief, a production assistant, and a lead painter. If you would like to help us put on a show, let us know at chalicetheatre25@gmail.com. Experience not necessary, but helpful.
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Join us for Game Night!
Fri., Oct. 18, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Let the Games begin! Come play your favorite games - BINGO!, board games, puzzles, cards, legos, and some outdoor games indoors! And bring your puzzles to participate in a puzzle exchange to take home a "new" to you puzzle. Kids and adults welcome, featuring light refreshments, and some small prizes. Free, but donations welcomed. All abilities welcome.
RSVP and Volunteer form coming soon!
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UUCA's Climate Action Team's
"Saving the Earth Bite by Bite" Cooking Club
Sun., Oct. 13th, 12:30 am
Our third Plant Based Cooking Class will be on Sunday, October 13th - 15 minutes after the second service. Come learn to make (and taste) some yummy plant based dishes. No experience necessary, just a willingness to join in on the fun!
RSVP needed (so we can get the right amount of supplies). Please email sarahebates@icloud.com. You will get an email back confirming your spot.
Thanks! Sarah Bates and Linda Rothbart, Bite by Bite, UUCA's Climate Action Team
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Boo at UU!
Sat., Nov. 2, 7pm, UUCA
UUCA SERVICES AUCTION IS COMING SOON!
The auction catalog will go live at the end of next week, so we need your donations ASAP! We need your tasty food, exciting adventures, wise and engaging consulting, classes in whatever you know, tickets to great entertainment, and of course, delicious dinners! And, don’t forget the Tiny Jewel Box is accepting items every Sunday.
NEWS FLASH: A preview of the catalog is open at the auction website! Use the grid view of the online catalog. Donating is easy, at the auction table on Sunday or online Boo at UU. Once you are at the website, click on the Donate Now button, which allows you to describe your offering, attach an image, and let us know who you are. Once you have submitted your donation, auction team will review and get back to you with any questions before adding it to the catalog. Note that if you are offering an event, it is helpful to specify a date so bidders can plan. If you are using a phone, you may need to click on the menu button on the top right of the page to find the Donate button.
Find the auction team after services to find out more! Bidding will start October 25. Then, plan to attend the Boo @ UU Celebration and Live Auction on November 2! Costumes encouraged!
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Be A Pantry Steward!
We truly need your help to keep our Little Free Pantry filled. Can you be a PANTRY STEWARD for one week? For the months of September, October, November, and December we need enthusiastic stewards to keep the Little Free Pantry filled. The process is simple and rewarding! The remaining weeks of Dec. are TBD.
Just stop by UUCA 1 or 2 times weekly and fill our pantry. (1) You can bring a bag of nonperishable food to restock the pantry, or (2) come inside, grab a cart from the kitchen, load it up with food from the pantry storage closet (downstairs), and then restock the pantry. Folx are needed to care for our pantry for one week at a time. Click the link below to choose your week and sign up. Questions? Please contact Nicole Haley (nhaley@uucava.org) or Rev. CTC (revctc@uucava.org).
Click HERE to sign up.
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Save the Date! Tibetan Prayer Weekend
Sat & Sun, Nov. 9 & 10, 10am - 5pm, UUCA Reeb Center
UUCA has again partnered with the Capital Area Tibetan Association, this time to host a weekend of post-election prayers for peace with nuns from the Jangchub Choeling Nunnery, a community of Tibetan Nuns living in exile in India. Join us for chanting prayers on Saturday, November 9 and/or Sunday, November 10th, each day from 10 AM to 5PM, in the Rev. James J. Reeb Center! Those coming for the prayer session on Sunday should park in the Masonic Lodge parking lot across George Mason Drive from the Church and cross carefully at the traffic light. A vegetarian lunch will be offered each day. Donations will be gratefully accepted to support the visiting nuns with a suggested donation of $35. All are welcome; no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
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Help Those Experiencing Homelessness -- New Opportunities!
In response to an outpouring of volunteer interest in the Bagged Meals program, UUCA is opening up two new opportunities for congregants of all ages to help people experiencing homelessness in our community:
1) Starting October, 4 volunteer slots will be available on the second Sunday of each month to serve hot meals to clients at the PathForward Homeless Services Center. You can sign up via the same SignUpGenius page as the Bagged Meals program (linked below).
2) In January, PathForward is once again opening their doors to UUCA volunteers of all ages to assemble bagged meals on site and tour the Homeless Services Center. Those of us who participated last year had a wonderful experience; if you haven't yet had a chance to visit PathForward and get to know their programs, please consider signing up!
You can sign up for these and other opportunities here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094BA8AA22A1F4CF8-uuca
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The Doors Are Under Repair!
The two center doors in the main entrance are unable to be unlocked. We are preparing to integrate these doors with an electronic lock, which eventually will allow us to see who is at the door and unlock it from the office! While we are making significant progress, we are not ready to switch over to the new system and anticipate a few weeks before we will have everything in place.
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Need Help Accessing the Membership Directory?
If you're a member trying to access the directory, it's easy! Just click the Shelby link and enter your email address and password.
Forgot your password? No worries! Simply click "Forgot Password," and you'll receive a prompt to reset it.
UUCA Scavenger Hunt
Can you locate the Fibonacci sequence located at UUCA? It's a mystery and only a few have discovered it. Let us know if you find it!
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Hey! Are You Part of the Facebook Group?
You might have already joined UUCA's Facebook page, but did you know there is a GROUP, just for UUCA members and friends? Check it out HERE.
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Wednesday Night Peace Circles. Root. Connect. Share. Change
LFFP invites you to join our Ugandan Peace Academy on Zoom! Join us to experience, learn, and practice Peace! Click here to register. Visit us on the web at https://www.lffp.org/ for more information.
Select Friday mornings from 8:30 - 9:45 AM (EDT/EST). Upcoming Dates and Topics:
October 4th - Restorative Practices
October 18th - Trust
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8637175637?pwd=N3pvcmNuZmVxaW1DT0dHTHFqVDVFdz09
Meeting ID: 863 717 5637, Passcode: peace
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Send in Photos from Your Group Gatherings
Do you meet for a Book Club, Covenant Group, Adult RE, or Committee Meeting? Please, send us a photo or two! Katie would LOVE to have some photos from your groups -- both posed and informal. Just use your cell phone camera -- they are so good now -- and email them in. Please ask permission prior to taking the photos and let people know they will be used for UUCA newsletters (and possibly on the website!) If possible, include the names of those photographed. Submit photos to kackerman@uucava.org.
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Hopepunk Book Club
Next Meeting: October 3, 7:00 p.m, Board Room
UUCA's Hopepunk Book Club reads speculative fiction that imagines positive futures and inspires hope in humanity's ability to solve our climate and justice problems.
In October we'll discuss New York 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson, about how the city survives (and thrives) after a 50 foot rise in sea level. Contact valarietbryant@gmail.com for more information
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African American Book Sharing Circle
Friday, October 18, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
We will discuss All American Boys, a book for young readers, by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely (2015). When sixteen-year-old Rashad is mistakenly accused of stealing, classmate Quinn witnesses his brutal beating at the hands of a police officer who happens to be the older brother of his best friend. The story unfolds through Rashad and Quinn's alternating viewpoints. The book gives voice to the thoughts and feelings of teenagers as they confront the experience of police brutality. This book was recently banned by a Virginia school district.
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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