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Weekend Worship
Sat., Sep. 29, 4:30 p.m.
Sun., Sep. 30, 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Religious Exploration
K-6th grade starts in the Chapel; 7th and 8th grade in classrooms; high school in Sanctuary.
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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
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Calendar
Want to see a monthly view of all upcoming events, meetings, worship? Click Here.
Want to see what is happening today?
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Announcements
Our next deadline is Tue., Oct. 2. Send announcements to our communications staff.
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Facebook
Click the logo below, then click the thumbs up "LIKE" sign.
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Announcements
for Sep. 26-Oct. 3
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Forming Connections
Through Small Groups
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Associate Minister
Rev. Laura
Horton-Ludwig
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Hope to see you at our Small Group Signup event in the Commons after services this weekend. We are launching several new Covenant Groups, and many other groups will have information and signups available. Come and discover new ways to get connected!
I'll also be preaching on the power of small groups to change lives. One of my texts this week is a movie that over-40-year-olds may recall: "The Breakfast Club." Have you seen it? Five teens from very different backgrounds get stuck in detention, start talking and discover they have a whole lot more in common than they would have thought. Our high school students are going to be watching this film on Saturday night at our first "Movies with the Ministers" of the year. It's part of their "Popcorn Theology" series, exploring big questions through movies and conversation. (High school students and parents: sign up by contacting Helen Rose.)
See you in church,
Laura
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This Week and Weekend
All activities are open to all unless otherwise listed.
Fundraising Calendar online. Each year the UUCF Coordinating Team publishes a calendar of the congregation's fundraising events to help you plan your giving throughout the year. Click here for this year's calendar. The Fall Adult Program guide for all classes is now available here or you may pick up a printed copy in the commons after all services.
Tea time for seniors. Thu., Sep. 27, 2 p.m., Sanctuary/Commons. Are you 70+? Do you want to make an impact on our community and the world? Do you want to connect with other UUCFers interested in Social Justice and service? Join us for tea and brainstorm with intern minister Sarah Lenzi, social justice minister Kären Rasmussen and member Judy Beattie about how seniors can get more involved in justice work! Email Sarah with questions.
Calling all artists: writers, photographers, musicians, actors, painters, ... teens too, all welcome! Fri., Sep. 28, 7:30 p.m., Social Hall. WomenArts says "To create lasting social change ... facts and figures are not enough ... We need to reach people's hearts as well as their minds. Artists know how to do this ..." How can UUCF artists collaboratively use our art to engage in social justice work and help heal the world? Come and brainstorm! Drinks and snacks provided. RSVP to Marsha Giusti, 703-425-1902. Click on artheals.org for information on art and social justice work.
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Bridge Group. Fri., Sep. 28, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Room 11. Contact Judy Gallimore.
"Spirituality/Unitarian Universalism. What is Faith?" Adult Programs course. Sep. 30, Oct. 14 and Nov. 4, 4-5:30 p.m., Program Building. Facilitated by Ministerial Intern Sarah Lenzi. Register at ap@uucf.org. Join us for three successive, stand-alone but interconnected book discussions exploring how we as UUs might understand the term "faith." Sept. 30: "Finding your Religion" by Scott McLennan; Oct. 14: "Faith" by Sharon Salzberg; Nov. 4: "The Courage to Be" by Paul Tillich. All the books are available through Amazon new or used and are likely available at the local library. If you have trouble locating copies, please email Sarah.
"America's Nuclear Future." Science, Reason and Religion Forum. Sun., Sep. 30, 12:45 - 1:45 p.m., Chapel. The President's Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future is completing a comprehensive review of policies for managing the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle and will recommend a new plan. Janet Kotra helps us examine the scientific and ethical issues central to nuclear power in a world confronting climate change and vulnerabilities manifested by the Fukushima Dai-ichi disaster. Drumming for the Spirit, Drumming for Peace. Sundays, 3-4 p.m., 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. "A Sense of Place." Adult Programs course. Sundays, Sep. 30-Nov. 11, 4-6 p.m. Facilitated by Bob Root. Register at ap@uucf.org. The text used in this course costs $23. Course is based on Northwest Earth Institute's course, "Discovering a Sense of Place." Designed to help you: Gain an understanding of bioregional perspectives; consider developing an intimate relationship with your place; and explore protecting the place we live. "Introduction to Yoga." Adult Programs course. Eight Sundays, Sep. 30-Nov. 18, 4-5:30 p.m. Facilitated by Bess Matlock. Is yoga exercise? Religion? Science? This course is an introduction to the practice of yoga. Each week we'll explore yogic philosophy, pranayama (breath techniques) and asana (postures). Open to all levels of fitness and all ages. Come for all eight classes, or drop in. Wear comfortable clothing and please bring a yoga mat and blanket. Get involved on the Youth/Adult Committee. Meeting on Sun., Sep. 30., 6-8 p.m., Program Building. Get engaged in decision making, implementing and supporting the youth social and social justice programs for the coming year. All are welcome. For information contact Helen Rose. UU Humanist Group. Mon., Oct. 1, 7:30-9 p.m., Commons. Contact Ira Hamburg. PlaygroUUp - Music with Ms. Marsha. Tue., Oct. 2, 10-11:30 a.m., Teen Center. Fellowship group of young children (ages 0-5) and parents/caregivers. Contact Meghan Crowley.
Meditation Covenant Group. Tue., Oct. 2, 7-8:30 p.m., Chapel. Contact Karen Monroe.
"Resistance and Transformation: UU Social Justice History." Adult Programs course. 14 Weeks. Second and fourth Wednesdays, 7 p.m., October through May. Preregistration required by Oct. 3. At least eight participants required.
Facilitated by Tom Hillman and Craig Bennett. Grounded in the belief that even "failures" in our history can be instructive, this program presents the ongoing struggle of our tradition to live up to its ever-evolving ideals of social transformation. Themes include abolition, peace-making, civil rights, free speech, utopianism, counterculture, the women's movements of the 19th and 20th centuries, sexuality education and LGBT equality. Urgent need for volunteers at Ragan Oaks. UUCF partners with FACETS to help Ragan Oaks affordable housing complex near Fair Oaks. Residents are primarily immigrants of Middle Eastern and Latino backgrounds. Urgent needs for homework help, college prep and boys' and girls' group facilitation at a variety of times. Click to learn more. Contact Jessi, 703-272-7147. Your opportunity to make a connection with our children is still available! We need about 10 people to teach RE at the 11:15 service, beginning with 2 and 3 year olds (What could be more fun?) through 6th grade. Need more reasons to teach? Think about teaching a class that your child has not yet taken to see what to expect, or use the curriculum and time with other great teachers to deepen your own UU parenting skills. Please contact Katherine or Linnea to discuss the best match for you! Connect, Serve, and Grow with this invaluable opportunity! Wish list for RE: Before we buy these items, if you have the following to donate to our RE program, please let Katherine know: flat screen TV, DVDs on world religions, large pieces of fabric, and books with children's poetry or meditations.
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Memorial Services
The following UUCF member will be honored at an upcoming memorial service:
Motoaki "Moto" Sato. Sun. Sep. 30, 2 p.m., UUCF.
Nancy Hughes. Sat., Oct. 20, 9 a.m., UUCF.
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Grow
The following opportunities help us grow as individuals and as a community.
Continue the conversation. Saturday Polylogues. Saturdays after 4:30 p.m. services, Sanctuary. Starts Sep. 22. Continue the conversation after Saturday services. Visit with your friends, grab some coffee and come back to the Sanctuary to talk with fellow congregants about the sermon topic. Note: Polylogue is a dialogue among many participants; sharing of one's thoughts on a topic and respectful listening to others' perspectives. Polylogues will be held only on Saturdays when sermons are given. All are welcome.
"Being a UU Parent." Adult Programs course. Sundays, Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 4-6 p.m., Program Building. Facilitated by Kathleen Garces-Foley. Register at ap@uucf.org. What does it mean to be a UU parent? How do we understand and support what our children are learning in UU Religious Exploration? We'll discuss the challenges of sharing our values with our children and integrating UUism into our family life. Note: This course is not a support group.
"The Gift of Years." Adult Programs course. Tuesdays, Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30, 7:30 p.m., Program Building. Facilitated by Joy Hatfield and Sandy Myles. Register at ap@uucf.org. Are you about to retire or have you already? Do you know the difference between "aging" and "eldering?" It's time to consider this gift of years you've been given! Sandy and Joy will help you learn from your past experiences, relationships and mentors and discuss how you can become your "authentic self" to provide the most meaning to you, your family and your community.
"Violence in Mexico." Global Affairs Discussion Group (GADG). Oct. 9, 7:30-9 p.m., Social Hall. Since Mexican President Felipe Calderon took office in Dec. 2006 more than 60,000 people have been killed and 10,000 have disappeared in drug-related violence in Mexico. In 2011, the Mexican Movement for Peace emerged in response to this widespread violence. After two caravans in Mexico, the movement recently traveled in the U.S. Maureen Meyer, Sr. Assoc. for Mexico and Central America, Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), shares information on WOLA's support for the caravan, the key U.S. policy issues at play, including a petition to President Obama on arms trafficking, and next steps for this work to support the victims in Mexico. 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. All are welcome. Register here or email for more information. Please tell your friends. Volunteers needed.
"Classics of Unitarian and Universalist Theology." A Drop-in series for youth and adults. Oct. 28, Dec. 2, Jan. 20 and Feb. 24, 4-6 p.m., Program Building. Facilitated by Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig. Read the texts and related sermons before the class and then gather to discuss them as a group. This year focuses on 19th Century Unitarians and Universalists. Readings average 30-40 pages per session. Texts available online or through the UUCF office. Oct. 28 session: Hosea Ballou's, excerpts from "A Treatise on the Atonement" (1819). RSVPs appreciated but not required.
Great Books Discussion Group (GBDG). Mon., Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m., Room 11. Discussions explore the meaning of "classic" books. This month reading "The Prince" by Niccolo Machiavelli. For Nov. 26, reading "The Social Contract" by Jean Jacques Rousseau. Stop by any month. Just read the selection before the meeting. Contact Randy Adams.
Second Annual UUCF Couples Enrichment Retreat. Nov. 10-11. Sevenoaks Retreat Center, Madison, Virginia. Led by Zimri Putney, Sc.M., Pathwork Helper, mindfulness therapist and longtime UUCF member and teacher, and Tehila Selzer-Putney, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, with over 30 years of working with couples and individuals. $395 per couple including overnight lodging and meals. All couples have unrealized potential for deeper intimacy, warmth, pleasure, communications and more tenderness, compassion and loving kindness. In this two-day experiential retreat you will have the opportunity to work with your partner to create these rewards. The program is based on the UUA's "Principled Commitment: A Program For Unitarian Universalist Couples," and the leaders' therapeutic, mindfulness and spiritual experience. Open to married or partnered couples of all gender combinations. Limited to 10 couples. Contact Zim Putney, 703-517-7372.
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Connect
The following opportunities help us connect with each other. Click here for a listing of more ways to connect at UUCF.
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.
Young Adult post-polylogue pizza. Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m., Sanctuary. Join us for young adult fellowship and discussion over pizza. Suggested donation $5. Please RSVP to Sarah and indicate any dietary needs.
Newcomers Orientation Class. Sat., Oct. 13, 12-4 p.m. This four-hour class is an overview of the history and basic tenets of UU and the programs and volunteer opportunities at UUCF. Light lunch provided. Please let us know if you would need child care to attend. For questions or to register, please contact Carol Jensen.
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.
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Serve
The following are opportunities for service within and beyond UUCF. Click here to find out about more ways to serve.
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. Sponsor a Partner Church scholarship student. You can change the world - one student at a time! Your American dollars go far to further the education and opportunities for high school/college students from Szentgerice, at the Unitarian Kollegium in Transylvania, Romania, or for a class of nursery to 10th grade students at the Puriang Unitarian School in the Khasi Hills of India. UUCF's Partner Church Scholarship Program is part of the UU Partner Church Council program to "Educate an International UU Child." As a donor you will partner with and receive news of "your" student in Transylvania or class in Puriang. Please visit the PCC table in the Commons for more information and/or to sign up as a sponsor or contact Sue Berman. 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.
UUCF Blood Drive. Sun., Nov. 4, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Did you know that each donation can help save up to three lives and there's a chronic shortage of blood? Donating is easy and completely safe and can actually be fun in a loving and caring community like UUCF. Make your life-saving appointment today. Sign up online in about a minute. Or, sign up by email to Ken Foley, 703-242-0258, (provide your preferred time on the quarter-hour).
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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.
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.
Teach-in on "Racism/Mass Incarceration and Investment in the Prison Industrial Complex." Sat., Sep. 29, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., All Souls Church Unitarian. This event is offered through collaboration with The People's Coalition and Occupy DC. Other groups from the Washington, DC, area are also involved. The People's Coalition is a grassroots, diverse, secular and multi-faith community organization formed in the 1990s in response to police shootings of young African American men. With the killing of Trayvon Martin, the group re-formed in March 2012.
Concurrent Meeting of Western Fairfax PFLAG and FLY. Tue., Oct. 2, 7:30-9:30 p.m., UUCF Program Building. PFLAG is a support group for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and FLY is a support/social group for LGBTQ youth and allies ages 12 (with parental permission) to 19. FLY also holds Teen Lounges on the third Friday of each month. Email PFLAG or go to FLY's Facebook page for time and place.
The Third Annual Goddess Diaries. Oct. 12-13, 7:30 p.m., Harris Theater, George Mason University. From surviving bridal registries and bad husbands to facing the uncertainties of new motherhood, seven true stories chronicle key milestones in the lives of girls and women, storytellers ranging in age from 11 to 66. Here's a link for tickets. All proceeds benefit GMU's Victims of Violence Fund.
"Weaving our Stories of Justice." Joseph Priestley District 2012 Racial Justice Conference. Oct. 19-20, 5:30 p.m. Friday - 5 p.m. Saturday, UU Church of Annapolis. Fee: $45, adults; $20, youth; $5, children. Includes fellowship, informative sessions, worship, music, poetry and more. Register here.
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