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April 1, 7pm, Boardroom: Roundtable on Arlington Politics & Governance
Want to get involved with local politics, but don't know how? Care about Arlington issues, but not sure who makes policy? Join a roundtable discussion about how decisions get made in Arlington, and how you can contribute.
We'll learn from UUCAers Tenley Peterson —chair of Arlington’s Planning Commission since 2019, with a previous 8 years on the Fiscal Affairs Advisory Commission— and Melissa Benn, 6 months into her stint as a Climate Change, Energy, and Environment (C2E2) Commissioner & Election Official.
| | We are reaching the end of the month, but it is never too late to make your gift or your pledge! This year, we have heard from many of our members and leaders about why UUCA is so needed right now, as a community that provides refuge, resistance, and resilience in uncertain times. If you are able to give financially, please use this link to make your gift or pledge. If you are also facing personal uncertainty, your presence is a gift to us too! | | |
Need to Reserve a Sunday Table in Fellowship Hall?
Going forward, if you need a table on a Sunday, please complete a form to submit a formal request. If your request is for a Social Justice space, be sure to get approval from Rev. CTC before submitting. Click this link to request a table.
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Our Director of Music, David, works with a community choir as well! This community choir, Voce Chamber Singers, will have two performances in early April:
Friday, April 4 @ 7:30pm at UUCA
Sunday, April 6 @ 4:00pm at Church of the Holy Comforter
CONCERT DESCRIPTION:
Join Voce Chamber Singers as we shine a light on one thousand years of repertoire by female composers, including music from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, 19th-century, and modern day. This program will feature a professional chamber orchestra and the world premiere of our Voce Alumni Commission by composer, Emily Mason.
LINK TO PURCHASE TICKETS: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=vcs
Discount code for members of UU Church of Arlington (all caps): UUFRIEND
This code is intended to benefit individuals who are directly affiliated with UUCA (staff, members, and their families) and should work for both performances.
The box for promo codes is located on the main arts people ticketing page before you select which concert you'd like to attend.
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Spark: A Theological Convocation
Shaping our shared theology, moving toward collective liberation
April 3-5 at UU Fairfax, Oakton VA
The Convocation will provide an arena to reflect on Unitarian Universalist theology in a setting separate from denominational business or governance discussions. We will gather in person in order to embody the theology we are trying to discern.
Through a combination of panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to share in collective acts of ideation and discernment and to help shape our shared UU theology for the years to come, with all of their challenges and opportunities.
Spark organizers hope participants will take these conversations home to their local congregations or regions, where the questions can take on further life - ultimately for perennial and sustained theological conversations across Unitarian Universalism that provide opportunities for covenantal understanding of mission and imagination.
Did you attend Seminary for a Day? Or maybe you wanted to, but couldn't? This is an excellent continuation for some of the work and discussions started there. Learn more, see the speaker line up, and register here: Spark: A Theological Convocation
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Single services continue until further notice!
Based on feedback from members and friends, along with conversations held among staff and board members, we will continue holding worship at 10:15am on Sunday mornings. We are excited to continue to gather as one community. Stay tuned for more updates.
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If you are able-bodied and not traveling with children, please consider parking at one of our external lot options. These include:
a) Park across George Mason Dr in the Masonic Lodge parking lot (use this address in your GPS: 1 S. George Mason Dr, Arlington, VA 22204),
b) Park on the street in the neighborhood or along George Mason Dr,
c) Park at Arlington Hall West Park and follow the trail to 1st Pl S and UUCA.
Or, find a friend (or two) who lives nearby and arrange to carpool to church together. This not only will free up space in the parking lot, but also supports climate activism!
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UUCA member Marian Forte, 80, passed away at Virginia Hospital Center on Saturday, March 15, in the presence of her husband and daughter, Gregg and Carolyn. She had been rapidly recovering from hip replacement surgery performed on February 18, and then unfortunately, took an unexpected turn for the worse. She collapsed and could not be revived. Marian’s family and her many friends are working through the shock of losing her, and arrangements for a memorial service will be announced later.
If you have personal news to share, such as births, graduations, special moments, or challenges, email careteam@uucava.org for support, or communications@uucava.org with announcements.
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Can WE Help YOU?
Care Team Hotline: 703-892-2565, extension 1210 | careteam@ucava.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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| | Lifespan Faith Development- Find Inspiration | | It is time for us to start thinking about the 2025-26 Religious Education year! With the amazing growth our program saw this year, we need YOUR help in supporting our youth in the classrooms. Watch the video above for a special message from Rev. Amanda! | | |
Religious Education
This Week in Religious Education
Most RE Classes will NOT meet this coming Sunday. Families are welcome to gather for worship together, as we acknowledge the last Sunday before Rev. Amanda goes on Sabbatical. Childcare will be provided for children 2 years old and younger in the Nursery.
Classes Meeting This Coming Sunday
- Nursery
- 1st Grade OWL
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5th Grade OWL
- 8th Grade OWL
- 9th-12th Grade Teen Group
Junior Choir will perform in service this week.
Here at UUCA we offer several ways kids can enjoy their time at UUCA:
- Spirit Space: For kids 4 years and younger at the front of the Sanctuary.
- Reeb Center: Play space for toddlers and kids of all ages. Puzzles and coloring sheets for anyone! Parents, please supervise your children while they enjoy this space.
If you are new to our community, please register your children and teens here. This will add you to our mailing list.
Child Dedication
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. If you have not had an opportunity to participate in a Dedication, this would be a very festive and meaningful time to do so. If you have questions or would like to sign up to participate, please email 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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Adult Faith Exploration
Spring Session of Faith 360
Registration for the Spring Session of Faith 360 is now open. You can find the list of offerings and register here: https://uucava.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/d4cd088d-a5b9-4e97-9385-f104997896a6
Digital Privacy for Activists (And Everyone Else)
Join Jay Stanley from the ACLU for an overview of the rights and technologies that protect personal information in the digital space. Mr. Stanley will address practical actions for everyday people, including how individuals can limit access to their personal information and generally enhance their digital security. He will also talk about some of the biggest policy issues being debated in the privacy space today. Jay is a senior policy analyst with the national ACLU’s Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, where he researches, writes and speaks about technology-related privacy and civil liberties issues and their future.
Facilitator: Jay Stanley
Date: Sunday, May 6
Time: Noon to 2 PM
In person
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Are you interested in becoming a new member of UUCA or perhaps you're simply interested in learning more about UUCA? Our new classes will be starting very soon. If you're ready to start the journey, please take a moment to complete the New to UU Membership Interest Form. If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Haley at nhaley@uucava.org.
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First Fridays
April 4 from 6:30-9pm - join us for a Vegetarian Potluck to Celebrate Earthday & Climate Action in partnership with the Climate Action Team.
May 2 from 6:30-9pm - join us to celebrate and honor ALL the women who’ve raised us, nurtured us & guided us AND bring a dish that someone special used to make for you!
June 6 from 6:30-9pm - join us for Drag Queen Bingo, food will be provided
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Circle Dinners
Circle Dinners are back! Circle Dinners are a wonderful way to build community and deepen connections at UUCA! Each month, participants gather in small groups to share a meal in one another’s homes, fostering meaningful conversations and new friendships. Click this link if you're interested in hosting a circle dinner!
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Poverty, by America
Author: Matthew Desmond
DISCUSSION GROUP @ UUCA –
April 13, 2025 (After Sunday Service)
With all that is going on in the country, let us not forget the story of poverty in the US, and the role we all may be playing.
The United States, the richest country on earth, has more poverty than any other advanced democracy. Why? Why does this land of plenty allow one in every eight of its children to go without basic necessities, permit scores of its citizens to live and die on the streets, and authorize its corporations to pay poverty wages? In this landmark book, acclaimed sociologist Matthew Desmond draws on history, research, and original reporting to show how affluent Americans knowingly and unknowingly keep poor people poor. Those of us who are financially secure exploit the poor, driving down their wages while forcing them to overpay for housing and access to cash and credit.
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Save the Date! April 25, 2025: 6:30pm-9:30pm
Join us for fun, food, music, and trivia- we all need some magic for a night!
We are partnering with Camp Sarraka as they organize a fundraiser. The goal? To provide an extensive number of scholarships for kids to attend camp with them this summer. More details, including their mission, how to purchase tickets, and exciting happenings, coming soon!
This will be an evening of trivia, dancing, food, and fun- all while supporting a great cause. So join us for 1st Road South's Trivia Night Fundraiser in April!
Watch the video below for information and a special invitation made just for you!
| | Volunteer- Live With Purpose | | |
Help Peace Camp Launch!
Peace Camp recruiting volunteer assistant positions, High School students eligible.
Community Service Hours!
Peace Camp is recruiting high school students for volunteer staff positions and kitchen helpers to make this a fun, peaceful summer for those campers.
Volunteer positions for responsible high school students include Junior Counselor, Activities Junior Specialist, Museum Junior Guide, Generalist, and Special Guests, as well as kitchen support. Volunteers will gain experience working as a team, receive training in social emotional wellness, and complete community service hours. Fill out the application and schedule your interview. More details at Information for High School Junior Support Crew. Once accepted, training is required for all positions.
Peace Camp offers a social emotional learning program for children ages 5-14 who come from UUCA and Community Partners. The camp runs from 9-3 daily from June 30 to July 11. Lunch is provided. Peace Camp is a partnership between UUCA and LFFP (Little Friends for Peace). For more information about how you can support Peace Camp, contact MJ Park at mjpeace@gmail.com. For information about kitchen helpers, contact Mollie Jewell at MollieJewell2@gmail.com.
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COME TO GUATEMALA JULY 8 – 17:
Come with other UUs July 8 – 17 to deepen our congregational ties visiting Rabinal, Guatemala, where we partner with ADIVIMA to support the Maya Achi people in their struggle for justice. We support accompaniers who work with local people, including accompanying them into court over the disappeared people from their town, and reparations concerning the building of the Chixoy hydroelectric dam and subsequent genocide, among other challenges. As a congregation, we also support scholarships for local middle and high school kids to attend school instead of working in the fields. The trip includes opportunities to visit scholarship students in their homes and schools, and other forms of learning and cultural exchange. In the past, our congregation, including ministers, has found such trips very meaningful.
We recently got word that our partner church, JUC in Colorado, is organizing this trip. Logistics are still being worked out. The deadline to commit with a $200 payment is April 15. To express interest and obtain JUC’s trip flyer, contact Barbara Locklin (blocklin3@gmail.com, (703) 400-9382), or Marcia Trick (marciatrick@gmail.com, (703) 801-9841.
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Are you handy with a sewing machine?
In an effort to be more sustainable, we are looking for someone who enjoys sewing to make some very simple activity bags for kids to use at our multigenerational worship services. These bags would be used to hold crayons, pencils, fidgets, etc. If you are interested, please reach out to LeeAnn.
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Help Those Experiencing Homelessness
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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Can you help keep the Little Pantry stocked? If you're interested in volunteering, please click this link to sign up.
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Church Directory
Curious why you don’t have access to a full congregation directory? To respect privacy, only those who choose to be included can view and share contact information. If you'd like to join, you'll be able to see the contact details of others who have also opted in, and they’ll be able to see yours as well. If you’d like to opt in, click this link to sign up
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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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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! We 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 nhaley@uucava.org and communications@uucava.org.
| | | The Men's Book Group of UUCA will meet via Zoom, Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 7:30 P.M., to discuss Nineteen Eighty-Four, a dystopian, cautionary tale by George Orwell, one of the most banned books of all time, published in 1949. The author describes what happens when a government seeks complete, or near-total, control of its citizens. The book was suggested by Bill Reilly. | | |
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:
- Deadline is 10 a.m. each Tuesday.
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Submit article requests to communications@uucava.org, subject line: Connections
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Questions about Connections? Contact communications@uucava.org.
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