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In This Issue
This Week and Weekend
Memorial Services
Grow
Connect
Serve
News From our Friends

 

Weekend Worship

Sat., Sep. 1, 4:30 p.m.

Sun., Sep. 2, 10 a.m.  

Religious Exploration 

Sat., 4:30 p.m. - no RE; childcare for ages 4-11 in Prog. Bldg.
Sun., 10 a.m. - RE starts in Sanctuary. Nursery care in Sanctuary Bldg.

Worship Theme

September's worship theme is "Awakening:"

"A single event can awaken within us a stranger totally unknown to us. To live is to be slowly born."
- Antoine de Saint-Exuperym   

 

Share the Plate
recipient for September is the Peace Corp. Nigeria Alumni Foundation (PCNAF), helping the people of Nigeria build a brighter future through education.               

Calendar

Want to see a monthly view of all upcoming events, meetings, worship? Click Here.

Want to see what is happening today?  

Click Here.   
 
Announcements
Our next deadline is Tue., Sep. 4. Send announcements to our communications staff.

Facebook  

Click the logo below, then click the thumbs up "LIKE" sign.

Newsletter

Check out "UUCF Connections."  

 
Blog

Check out our latest blog, "Faith Matters."   

 

Email List  

Click here to join our email list.  

   

Questions?

Contact the UUCF office, 703-281-4230.

 

 

Announcements
for
 Aug. 29-Sep. 5 
Class Choices for Youth Abound
  

Youth Ministry Coordinator
Helen Rose 
This fall we have lots of great classes for youth in grades 7-12! Our offerings include "Neighboring Faiths" and Middle School "OWL" ("Our Whole Lives") for 7th and 8th graders, respectively, and facilitated discussions for youth in grades 9-12 that explore ethics and UU principles through film. "Coming of Age" (also called "UU and You") is offered for 9th graders on Sundays at 9:15 a.m. Registration for "UU & You" is due Sep. 1 to ensure we have at least 10 participants. New this year is a High School "OWL" program starting in January. Please find a detailed description and list of times by clicking any of the links below. Click here to register.  Contact me for information about any of these classes. 

- Helen Rose

Share Your Vision

Twelve Focus Groups Remain 

 

Below are the 12 remaining focus group meetings at which the UUCF Board of Directors will present a vision for the future and hear congregational feedback. RSVPs needed for childcare only. Meetings with childcare available are indicated below.

 

Focus Group Meeting Dates/Times 

 

Sun., Sep. 2          11 a.m. (childcare provided) 

Thu., Sep. 6          7 p.m.

Sun., Sep. 9          10:30 a.m.

Sun., Sep. 9          12:30 p.m.

Wed., Sep. 12       7 p.m. (childcare provided)

Sat., Sep. 15          5:30 p.m. 

Sun., Sep. 16        10:30 a.m. (childcare provided)

Sun., Sep. 16        12:30 p.m.

Wed., Sep. 19       7 p.m.

Sat., Sep. 22          5:30 p.m. (childcare provided)

Sun., Sep. 23         10:30 a.m.

Sun., Sep. 23         12:30 p.m. (childcare provided)

Ingathering Picnic?  
Or Ingathering Carnival?!! 

Sat., Sep. 8, 5:30 p.m.

 

This year's picnic promises big time fun for all ages. In addition to the standard picnic fare, sno-cones and cake, we'll have a veritable carnival of attractions - all brought to you through the hidden talents of other congregants:  

Be on the lookout for face painters, animal balloon makers, a palm reader, a fortune teller AND a ventriloquist. We will also have volleyball and other games going. If you have outdoor games you'd like to share, please bring them. 

 

Plus, we're making the food easy this year. UUCF will provide the hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie dogs, soft drinks and cake. To ensure we have a good variety of dishes, we're asking you to bring items according to the first letter of your last name: A-G appetizer/munchies, H-O side dish, P-Z salad.

 

For questions, or if you'd like to volunteer for setup or cleanup, contact Mary Foster, 703-282-4230. 


This Week and Weekend    
    

Please Register Your Children for RE! Classes Start Sep. 15. Thank you to all who have registered. Take a moment to register online.    

 

Serve our Community by Teaching RE. We are all seeking ways to grow, connect and serve within our community. When you teach RE, you are doing all three! Our greatest need is Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday at 11:15 a.m. Email Linnea Nelson, Katherine Riddle or Helen Rose today to find out how you can be a teacher-leader in our community.

  

Learn by Teaching! Become a UUCF Adult Programs Facilitator. We have curricula about our faith, UU parenting, UU history and many other topics. But we need fun, interesting people to present them. No experience facilitating at UUCF necessary. Contact Barb Brehm.  

 

It's Time to Sing! Join the Chorale. Practices start Thu., Aug. 30, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Sanctuary. This 60-voice adult ensemble (ages 16 and up) performs a wide range of musical styles, including: world music, classical, jazz, pop, folk and more. New members welcome at any time. No audition required.      

 

UUCF Grounds Work Day. Sat., Sep. 1, 8 a.m.-noon.Fight back against the bumper crop of crab grass and other weeds invading the UUCF gardens. Or, prune and pick up sticks. Bring the children for a lesson in practical gardening. Sturdy gloves and tools needed for cleaning beds or pruning. We have tools if you don't. We'll be happy with as little or as much time as you can give.

 

Drumming for the Spirit, Drumming for Peace. Sundays, 3-4 p.m., This week in the Chapel. Suggested donation: $1-10/session. Our drum circle is led by percussionist, Kofi Dennis. Kofi hails from Ghana and has performed all over the DC area, including the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap. His engaging rhythms and storytelling inspire. Bring your own drum or use one provided.    

 

Poetry Club. Sun., Sep. 2, 4 p.m., Room 10. Open to all who like to read or write poetry. For information contact Barbara Dutchak

  

PlaygroUUp. Back in Action for the Fall. First and third Tuesdays; 10-11:30 a.m., Program Building. Fellowship group of families with young children (ages 0-5). Caregivers and expectant parents welcome. Sep. 4 - music with Ms. Marsha; Sep. 18 - fall crafts and activities. For information contact Meghan Crowley.         

 

RE Teacher/Administrator Training. Please  RSVP by Sep. 4. Training on Sat., Sep. 8, 8:30 a.m.- noon. When you RSVP, please also let us know if you need childcare. New features include: expanded teacher team time, campus security training for RE administrators and facilitator training for high school teachers. All teachers and RE administrators are requested to attend. Refreshments begin at 8:15 a.m. Come early if you want to mingle.      

 

Occasional Nighttime Babysitter Needed. Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays. Our ministerial intern, Sarah Lenzi, is looking for experienced babysitters to watch her nine-month-old in the Nursery during evening meetings throughout the congregational year. $10-12 an hour. If interested email Sarah.   

 

Memorial Services
These UUCF members and friends will be honored at upcoming memorial services: 

Burt Coffman. Sun., Sep. 2, 1 p.m., UUCF.
Ken Carroll. Sat., Sep. 15, 11 a.m., UUCF.
Nancy Hughes. Sat., Oct. 20, 9 a.m., UUCF.
 
Grow
The following opportunities help us grow as individuals and as a community.

   

Open Women's Spirit Circle No Longer Meeting. If you are interested in joining a a Women's Spirit Circle, contact Susan Bennett.  

 

Covenant Group Facilitator Training. Sundays, Sep. 9 and 16 (must attend both), 1-4 p.m., Rooms 3/4. Space limited. RSVP required. UUCF Covenant Groups are small groups led by trained facilitators that meet at least once a month, Oct.-May, for thoughtful, heartfelt conversation and exploration in a spiritual context. Have you thought about leading a group like this? Training introduces covenant group model, explains role of group facilitator and provides opportunities for role playing and coaching. All welcome; no prior or future commitment required.

Eighth Annual 911 Unity Walk. Sun., Sep. 9, 1-5 p.m. Unique interfaith program and experience beginning at Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb St., N.W., continuing to houses of worship near/along Embassy Row, in DC. Free online registration or join Furman Riley and others from UUCF. Seeking volunteer to organize car pool from UUCF.

 

"The Plight of Civilians in War." Global Affairs Discussion Group. Tue., Sep. 11, 7:30-9 p.m., Social Hall. UUCF member, Daniel Rothbart, Ph.D., George Mason University Professor at the Center for Conflict Resolution, shows that violence against civilian noncombatants in contemporary wars is neither occasional nor merely accidental, but is systematic based on the ways wars are fought. Contact Randy Adams .   

 

Facilitator Training for Adult Programs. Sat., Sep. 15, 9-11 a.m., Program Building. Led by Susan Bennett, we will cover all the basics you need to know to make your facilitation experience at UUCF smooth, easy and fun. The secrets of the RE storage room, how the Adult Programs Committee can help you develop programs, ABC's of facilitation in a faith setting and more! Open to current and past facilitators and potential new facilitators. Contact Katherine Riddle.

Save the Date! Women's Spirit Circle Fall Equinox Retreat. Sat., Sep. 22, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Register by Sept 16. Fee: $30. Open to all women (9th grade and up). Make a date with yourself spiritual exploration, sisterhood and fun! Take some "me time" for self reflection, meditation and to consider what you need to bring balance into your life. Features workshops, council sharing, lunch and an outdoor ritual to welcome autumn, the moment of balance. Lunch and all supplies included. For information contact Susan Bennett.

 

"Exploring Social Media." Global Affairs Discussion GroupTue., Sep. 25, 7:30 p.m., Program Building. (Originally scheduled for Jul. 3 and postponed due to power outages.) Presenter Scott Peterson, UUCF member and partner in RelayStation Social Media.For questions contact Randy Adams.  

 

"Welcoming LGBTs in Your Faith Community" Conference at UUCF. Fri., Oct. 19, 7 p.m., movie - "An Ordinary Family;" and Sat., Oct. 20, 1-8:30 p.m. -  workshops, worship, fellowship dinner and guest speaker Zack Wahls, author of "My Two Moms." For congregations and individuals questioning how to reconcile the tenets of their faith and LGBT inclusion. Come if you have an LGBT child, want to prevent school bullying or hope to influence legislators on LGBT issues. All are welcome. Register here or email for more information. Please tell your friends. Volunteers needed

 

Connect 
The following opportunities help us connect with each other. Click here for a listing of more ways to connect at UUCF.   

 

New! NAMI Support Meeting. Thu., Sep. 6, 7:30 p.m., Program Building. If you have a loved one who has a mental illness, this support group is for you. Meets every first Thursday. All are welcome. For information contact Joanna Walker, 703-620-2633      

 

PlaygroUUp. Back in Action for the Fall. First and third Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Program Building. Fellowship group of families with young children (ages 0-5). Caregivers and expectant parents welcome. Sep. 4 - music with Ms. Marsha; Sep. 18 - fall crafts and activities. For information contact Meghan Crowley.         

 

Transform UUCF and the Wider World. Come to the Volunteer Fair! Sep. 15-16, after worship services. Volunteers make UUCF the wonderful community it is. On weekends we need ushers, coffeemakers and flower designers. Our social justice programming needs volunteers around issues like LGBT, poverty, homelessness, hunger, the environment, etc. Come find out about these opportunities and more.   

 

Foreign Film Night. Fri., Sep. 21, 7:30 p.m., the Machina's. Argentine film "Live-In Maid." For information contact Donna Machina.  

 

Lunch and More at National Harbor. Travel Trek. Sat., Sep. 29, 10:45 a.m. - gather in UUCF parking lot to carpool or drive separately and meet at the Gaylord Resort and Hotel for all-you-can-eat luncheon buffet - $18. Park in Gaylord Resort lot and keep your ticket with you for a three-hour-free stamp at the restaurant. After lunch each carpool will decide what they wish to do, including Saturday market with crafts, art and food or strolling the many shops. To sign up or for questions, contact Elaine Keener, 703-476-9333.  

 

UUCF Fall Adult Retreat. Oct. 5-7, Claymont Court, WV. Join your UUCF friends at this historic country setting for spiritual, intellectual and artistic activities, exciting workshops and delicious meals. Jokes, dancing, an original one-act play and much more on Saturday evening. Print out a registration form or visit our registration booth in the Commons after services. For information contact Richard May. 

Artisans Needed. UUCF Holiday Bazaar. Sat. and Sun., Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Nov. 18, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Are you an artist or craftperson? The annual UUCF Holiday Bazaar is a great place to show and sell your work. To apply for a booth at the show contact Mary Ellen Larkins. Applications due Oct. 15. 

 

Serve

The following are opportunities for service within and beyond UUCF. Click here to find out about more ways to serve.

 

Needed: At-large Member of Social Justice Council (SJC). SJC meets first Tuesday of the month, 7:30 p.m., Program Building. SJC is composed of the chairs or selected representatives from each of the committees/groups doing social justice work at UUCF.  Group meets monthly to share ideas across groups, select Share-the-Plate recipients and plan social justice activities. Must have an interest in social justice work. Contact Steve Myles.

Now Recruiting ESOL Team Teachers. Classes twice a day every Tuesday starting Sep. 11, 10:15 a.m.-noon and 7:15-8:45 p.m., Reston's Southgate Community Center. No experience necessary. Special need for evening teachers. Training session Tue., Aug. 28, 7 p.m., or Sat., Sep. 8, 1:30 p.m., UUCF. Contact Mary Binderman. Click here for details.

Fight Local Hunger. Be Part of the Big Picture. Complete the Circle 2012. Sun., Oct. 21, 2-5 p.m., Fairfax. Sign up by Sep. 23. Cost: $5 covers cost of t-shirts. Nearly 70,000 people in Fairfax County don't know where their next meal is coming from. Our Daily Bread's Complete the Circle project raises awareness and fights hunger in the county. Last year, about 700 people (including almost 70 UUCFers) participated, bringing 2,500 lbs. of non-perishable food to the event and then posing in color-coded t-shirts as a "living painting," photographed from the sky. This year's goal is $10,000, 10,000 lbs. of food and 1,000 participants. To be part of the UUCF team, contact Barb Brehm or Ruth Reagan.

 

News From our Friends

This section brings you announcements from UUCF members and friends as well as neighboring UU congregations, UU organizations or organizations affiliated with this Congregation.     

  

"Goddess Diaries" Auditions. Thu., Aug. 30, 7-9 p.m., Sub 1, Room 3334, George Mason University. Send email to Stacey to sign up. The third annual production of the "Goddess Diaries" is coming to GMU Oct. 12-13.  Four roles will be cast for actresses, 18- 50 years old.    

  

Marquis Ensemble Concert. Sun., Sep. 2, 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 2932 King Street, Alexandria. This ensemble, featuring Diane Winter Pyles on piano, also includes Jean-Francois Bescond, clarinet, and Igor Zubkovsky, cello. Concert includes music of Saint-Saens, Faure, Beethoven, Liszt and others. Admission is free. All are welcome.  Note: the ensemble will also play at UUCF services on Sep. 1-2.        

 

Come Sing with Mosaic Harmony. Alternate Tuesdays, starting Sep. 4., Sanctuary. Join this interfaith community choir. No auditions and no requirement to read music. We learn the inspiring songs by repeating the phrases. All voices needed. Learn more.       

 

Western Fairfax PFLAG and FLY Meeting. Tue., Sep. 4, 7:30-9 p.m., UUCF Program Building. Concurrent meeting of PFLAG, a support group for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and FLY (Fairfax Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning Youth), a support and social group for youth ages 12 (with parental permission) to 19. Email PFLAG or find FLY on Facebook    

 

Gentle Kripalu Yoga Program. Wednesdays, Sep. 12- Oct. 31, 7-8:15 p.m., Rooms 3-4. Eight classes - $75. Drop-ins - $15 per class. Feeling stiff? Creaky? Cranky? Stretch yourself! Contact Jan Cooper, Certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher, 703-426-0463.

  

Fall Yoga at UUCF. Saturdays, Sep. 15-Dec. 14, 9:30-11 a.m., Rooms 3 & 4. For beginners and experienced yogis. New manuals and sets as well as old favorites. Improve your breathing, reduce stress and pain, get in shape and enhance your quality of life. Rates: $15 a session ($11 for seniors); $168 for the 14 sessions; $74 for 7. One free session for first-time participants. Contact Ravi Kaur (Christine Mason), 571-213-3192.         

 

Shepherd's Center Adventures In Learning - Fall 2012. Classes held each Thursday, Sep. 20-Nov. 8. Open House/Registration Day, Thu., Sep. 13, 10 a.m.-noon, UUCF. Download the classes schedule and registration form.  

 

Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) Lunch n' Life Series Speaker. Mon., Sep. 17., noon, Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Reservations and prepayment by Sep. 11. $10 admission includes lunch. Author and novelist Tim Wendel speaks about his new book, "Summer of '68 - The Season that Changed Baseball and America Forever."A writer for "The Washington Post," "GQ" and "Esquire," Tim teaches writing at Johns Hopkins University. For reservations contact SCOV office, 703-281-0538.

 

Mindful Journey with UUs to Argentina. Feb. 23 - Mar. 3, 2013. Toronto's Neighbourhood UU Congregation's Eighth Annual Silent Retreat. This time to Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls. Click here for more information.