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Circles of Support for Trying Times
Life can feel overwhelming right now, and sometimes we need a safe space to pause, reflect, and find peace. Starting on Sunday, Feb. 23 several of our Leading from Within alumni will be hosting a Circles of Support drop-in group twice a month on Sundays after service. These circles will provide participants with a space to reflect, share, and feel supported—or simply sit in silence and breathe.
The format is based on the Circles of Trust process which is a contemplative practice developed by the Center for Courage & Renewal.
This group is open to all—whether you’re a federal employee navigating stress, a parent feeling the weight of responsibilities, or anyone in need of a community that understands the importance of stillness. It is also drop-in—no ongoing committee or registration required. We are here for you when you need us.
Dates: 2/23, 3/9, 3/23, 4/6, 4/27, 5/11, 6/1
Times: 11:45 to 1:15 PM
Location: Chapel
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Tickets are now available for the Chalice Theatre’s production of:
Once Upon a Mattress
Written during the Golden Age of American musicals, Once Upon A Mattress is a humorous take on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale The Princess and the Pea. The show’s popularity has endured through generations, even enjoying a revival on Broadway in 2024. Using a Drag Queen Story Hour as our setting, this production will highlight the storybook charm of the show and its message that, in fairy tales at least, anyone can be a princess.
Tickets available Here , at www.UUCAVA.org/Chalice-Theatre, and in person after services on Sundays.
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Black History Month is here! This year's theme is “Celebrating the Mosaic: Black is Limitless”. In February and throughout the year, we encourage you to engage with and explore the richness of Black culture and make space to examine your relationship and connection to Black History. Why is BHM important? It shines a light on the many ways Black people are uncredited in our history books and undervalued in the Arts, Business, Science, and Academia. BHM is one way to create brave spaces where the Black creators of tomorrow can grow and flourish.
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UUCA Black History Month Reads | |
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Impolite Conversations: On Race, Politics, Sex, Money, and Religion
Published: February 21, 2017
Authors: Cora Daniels &
John L. Jackson Jr.
DISCUSSION GROUP @ UUCA – March 9, 2025 (After Sunday Service)
When was the last time you said everything on your mind without holding back? In this no-holds-barred discussion of America’s top hot-button issues, a journalist and a cultural anthropologist express opinions that are widely held in private—but rarely heard in public…what if we applied tell-it-like-it-is honesty to grown-up issues? Here, two respected thinkers and writers openly discuss five “third-rail” topics—from multi-racial identities to celebrity worship to hyper-masculinity among black boys—and open the stage for honest discussions about important and timely concerns.
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Poverty, by America
Published: March 21, 2023
Author: Matthew Desmond
DISCUSSION GROUP @ UUCA –
April 13, 2025 (After Sunday Service)
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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On Saturday, February 22 you are invited to (in person or online) Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation's annual
Kiplinger Ethics Lecture: "Wonders and Worries In Genetic Engineering”
Saturday, February 22, 3:00 pm in the Sanctuary
Cedar Lane UU Congregation
9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda MD 20814
Have you heard of “savior sibling’ births? Join us February 22nd at 3 PM when Dr. Jeffrey Kahn, Director of the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics will discuss the ethics of using genetics to choose the traits of children. What are the implications for the use of human gene editing tools?
Free and open to the public. Refreshments following the lecture and discussion.
Also available via livestream at bit.ly/kiplingerlecture.
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Interested in attending the next meeting of the Federal Connection Group? The next meet up will take place this upcoming Sunday February 23, 2025, at 12:00 noon. For the purpose of attendance and space can you please complete this 1-minute form to let us know if you can attend. The group will potentially meet in the sanctuary unless otherwise noted in a follow up email.
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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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Peace Camp Calling Peace Astronauts and Mission Imagination Support Crew!
Registration for 2025 Peace Camp is now open, and spaces are going fast! Sign your camper up to explore the Peace Galaxy: Mission Imagination. June 30-July 11 from 9-3 (includes lunch) at UUCA. Peace Astronauts ages 5-14 will experience cooperative games, team-building, storytelling, discussions and projects on conflict resolution, self-expression, and exploration of positive change.
For more information, see 2025 Peace Camp Peace Galaxy. Or visit our table in Fellowship Hall after services in February or contact MJ Park at peacecamp@LFFP.org.
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Throughout the month of February, UUCA's Nominating Committee (NomCom) will be interacting with the congregation in order to identify candidates for several leadership roles: Approximately 14 Delegates to the 2025 General Assembly, 1 member of the 2025-26 Board of Directors, and 3-4 members of the 2025-26 Nominating Committee. The members of the Committee are Nancy Hyde, Ron Teeter, Barbara Locklin, and Diane Williams. The Committee will be hosting a table in Fellowship Hall after this Sunday's service and February 23, so please stop by to find out much more about these leadership opportunities. If you won't be at UUCA but would like to connect with the Committee, please reach out to Diane Williams (cell: 703-508-6961). The NomCom will be more than happy to talk with you and share the additional information that will be available at our information table. | |
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Patricia “Pat” Ann Williamson passed away on January 27, 2025 surrounded by loving family. Pat was a long time member and volunteer here at UUCA. She was also an avid volunteer at the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). She had a strong desire to help others and used her time to volunteer at her polling place and help feed others in need. She was never afraid to use her voice for others who had none.
There will be a memorial service in remembrance of her life this Sunday, February 23rd, at UUCA beginning at 2pm. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations in Pat’s memory may be directed to the Arlington Food Assistance Center, link below.
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.
Please note some email providers will truncate this message.
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Lifespan Faith Development- Find Inspiration | |
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Religious Education
This Week in Religious Education
RE Classes will meet this coming Sunday. Childcare will be provided for children 2 years old and younger in the Nursery. 8th Grade OWL and Teen Group will also meet.
Junior Choir will perform 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.
- Fellowship Hall: 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.
Teen Service Trip Opportunity
Do you have a teen interested in participating in an overnight service trip this spring? We are working to send a group to the Appalachian South Folklife Center in Pipestem, WV, from Saturday, April 12, to Wednesday, April 16. If you would like more details about the trip, please contact Youth Coordinator, Ashley Johnson (ajohnson@uucava.org). If you are ready to commit, please complete the registration form and submit a $100 deposit to reserve your spot.
Registration: https://uucava.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/9e45630f-24eb-404e-8537-80e69aae4600
If you are new to our community, please register your children and teens here. This will add you to our mailing list.
Child Dedication
We are thinking about celebrating a Child Dedication some time this spring.
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 opens Feb. 20. Please watch your inbox for more information and registration link. Faith 360 is the Adult Faith Development program here at UUCA.
Classes Offered this Spring Include:
The Theology of Good Omens—come discuss the hit series
Digital Privacy for Activism—Learn how to stay informed and safe
Hikes in Nature--Join an easy and kid-friendly hike at Huntley Meadows
Facilitator Toolkit—Learn all about group facilitation
UU Role Playing Games—Role playing with a special UU twist
Watch your inbox for a special email tomorrow all about our Spring Adult Faith Exploration offerings!
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Circles of Support for Trying Times
Life can feel overwhelming right now, and sometimes we need a safe space to pause, reflect, and find peace. Starting on Sunday, Feb. 23 several of our Leading from Within alumni will be hosting a Circles of Support drop-in group twice a month on Sundays after service. These circles will provide participants with a space to reflect, share, and feel supported—or simply sit in silence and breathe.
The format is based on the Circles of Trust process which is a contemplative practice developed by the Center for Courage & Renewal.
This group is open to all—whether you’re a federal employee navigating stress, a parent feeling the weight of responsibilities, or anyone in need of a community that understands the importance of stillness. It is also drop-in—no ongoing committee or registration required. We are here for you when you need us.
Dates: 2/23, 3/9, 3/23, 4/6, 4/27, 5/11, 6/1
Times: 11:45 to 1:15 PM
Location: Chapel
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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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Events- Come for Community | |
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First Friday, March 7 from 6:30-9pm: Family Board Games Night for All Ages
Join us for a family friendly board games night, we will have plenty of games for all ages or bring your favorite to play with others. Pizza and light refreshments will be provided.
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Volunteer- Live With Purpose | |
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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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CALLING on UUCA Children and their Families:
Can you help fill a basket of favorite books and small toys for ALIVE!’s Empty Bowls Fundraiser Auction on March 8th?
We are looking for new books, small stuffed animals and toys that you like or even love. We will fill the basket after service on Sunday, March 2nd in the Fellowship Hall and ask you to write a note about why you like or love this toy or book to go with the gift.
The person who wins the basket will give the basket items to children at the ALIVE! House Shelter and to other children whose families are receiving other services from ALIVE!
Who doesn’t love to get an unexpected gift!?
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Entering the Mosaic.
As we move forward into the 2024-2025 church year, UUCA is also moving forward into the MOSIAC. What does that mean? Here at church, you will see a few changes: more art in our public spaces, “Mosaic Sunday” once a month, film showings and congregational-wide book reads, and time for compassionate conversations (on several topics) to encourage open dialogue and understanding. Why? We are working collectively to foster belonging and liberation in our congregations. UUCA is also leaning into one of our Board’s goals: Build on current anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multicultural (AR/AO/MC) work through training and other activities in order to link our spiritual growth to actions that build the Beloved Community.
Simply put, UUCA is intentionally deepening its role, and you, our congregation, are at the heart of this. We are focusing on dismantling racism and oppression within our community and in the world while creating spaces and opportunities for learning, gathering, and transformation. Your active participation and support are crucial in this journey.
Ready to get started? Click here to access the Mosaic Facilitation Training. Remember, enter the code "mosaic" to access the curriculum for free when registering. We want to ensure that this valuable resource is accessible to all. This online, easily accessible training is FOR ALL OF US.
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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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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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You’re invited to Wednesday Night Peace Circles
7:30 - 8:30 PM via Zoom.
Join our circle every other Wednesday at 7:30pm. Starting Jan 15 and extending through March 19. Root. Connect. Share. Grow. Change. Zoom meeting ID: 863 717 5637 / passcode: PEACE.
Upcoming Dates and Topics are:
March 5th - Keeping a Healthy Balance
March 19th - Making Good Choices
Sign up for reminders and to join our circle.
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Security System Update
We’re excited to announce that the installation of our new security system has been completed! The video cameras are now in place and actively recording, providing enhanced monitoring and security. Additionally, the new door entry system is fully operational, improving access control throughout the building. While the final touches are still being worked out, we are pleased to report that the project is considered complete and ready to serve our needs.
We appreciate your patience throughout this upgrade process and are confident that these changes will significantly improve the safety and security of our space.
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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.
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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.
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Savvy Seniors Affinity Group Outing! | |
Climate Action Team "Bite by Bite" Vegan Cooking Class! | |
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African American Book Sharing Circle
On February 21, we will discuss The survivors of the Clotilda: the lost stories of the last captives of the American slave trade, by Hannah Durkin (2024) An immersive and revelatory history of the Clotilda, the last slave ship to land on US soil, told through the stories of its survivors-the last documented survivors of any slave ship-whose lives diverged and intersected in profound ways.
On March 21, we will discuss Colored Television by Danzy Senna (2024). After failing to sell her novel, main characterJane turns her desperate gaze to Hollywood. When she finagles a meeting with a hot young producer with a seven-figure deal to create "diverse content" for a streaming network, he seems excited to work with a "real writer" to create what he envisions as the greatest biracial comedy ever to hit the small screen. Things finally seem to be going right for Jane--until they go terribly wrong.
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Our Stories, Our Lives
Tuesday, February 25, 11am, Zoom Link Two
Our prompt for this month invties particpants to look back: Thinking of the jobs you've held, is there one that stands out as your favorite?" We'll each take about 3-6 minutes to respond to this question. The conversation will proceed from there: questions, shared experiences, and probably lots of laughs. Facilitators are Jacomina de Regt and/or Diane Ullius. All UUCAers are welcome.
Zoom link: https://uucava-org.zoom.us/j/86431166987?pwd=Q2VWazBQcnRVTzgvOEFibERHYXQ2dz09.
Alternate way to sign on: Zoom ID 864 3116 6987, Passcode 1948.)
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Hope Punk Book Club
Next Meeting: Thursday March 13, 7pm, Boardroom
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 March we'll discuss Terraformers, by Annalee Newitz [just Part 1, the first 40% of the book]. It's got a distant planet, park rangers, an evil corporation, engineered intelligent animals, and flying moose.
Contact valarietbryant@gmail.com for more information
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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:
- 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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