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Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington
April 18, 2013

Holding Boston in Our Hearts
From Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith
candles_long The Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington shares in the grief from the bombing of the Boston Marathon Monday afternoon. We pray for the healing of the scores of people wounded. We pray for comfort for the families and friends of the three who were killed, with hope that the other severely injured people recover. We pray for the tortured souls that chose to lash out violently in their pain and anxiety, rather than trust in the ways of peace.

We give thanks for the first responders, the firefighters, the police officers, the nurses and doctors, counselors and others who sprang into action immediately. We give thanks for all who managed to escape unharmed.

We give thanks, too, for heartfelt spiritual leadership in these difficult times, including that from within our larger Unitarian Universalist Association: Read more.

 



Sunday's Service
"Vehicular Theology: Safety, Kindness,
and Driving for Peace & Justice"

Sunday, April 21, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
With Rev. Keyes. The congregation sings the traditional Jerusalem hymn (as heard in the movie Chariots of Fire) and Clerestory Choir sings an arrangement of Jerusalem written for the Washington National Cathedral Choir.

Preview Order of Service here




Share the Plate Recipients - April 21
Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice in the National Capitol Region
Share the Plate on April 21 will be split with the UUs for Social Justice in the National Capitol Region (UUSJ), a partnership of individuals, congregations, and organizations deeply committed to our UU religious principles.  UUSJ priority issues are comprehensive immigration reform, LGBTQ rights, environmental sustainability, and income inequality. 


Prayers from the Unitarian Bishop of Hungary
Of all the messages of condolence and care we have received in the wake of the Boston tragedy, this is one of the most touching:

Kolozsvar, Transylvania the 16th of April, 2013.

Dear Friends!
We were shocked and saddened to hear about the bombs at the Boston Marathon. It is unthinkable that sound people would consider and prepare in cold blood the killing of their fellow beings. It is unthinkable, yet it happened, maiming and killing not just those present but in a way hurting all of us: it shattered once again our sense of safety and freedom, our ideals about human beings and our life.  Read more.

Celebrating Appreciative Inquiry
The Board thanks everyone who came to the happy hour Friday, April 5, to celebrate Appreciative Inquiry. We were very pleased with the turn out, and we hope you were inspired by the impressions and reflections of the presenters. They included Board Chair John Bohman, Board Members Gretchen Menn, Ken Marshall, David McTaggart, Mary Pike, and Wendy Jessup, and Transition Team members D Olandt, Bill Fogarty, and Stephen Brannon. Each presenter sat at a different table where there were many lively and wide ranging discussions.

A special thank you to the organizers, and to Maura O'Reilly who sang "Beautiful City," and Bob Kline who accompanied her.  We are also grateful for the participation and help of Fellowship X who cleaned up the mess we made of Fellowship Hall.
Special Message from UUCA's Youth Ministry Coordinator
Stephens_erin Dear UUCA Youth and Families,
Because of the increasing demands of my doctoral studies at George Mason University, I regret to inform you that as of June 15, I will no longer be serving as the Youth Ministry Coordinator of UUCA. It has truly been wonderful to get to know the youth and families in this congregation. Your commitment to sustaining, building, and caring for each other, this congregation, and this community has inspired me and taught me a lot. The youth here are an incredible treasure, full of wisdom even though they have a lot of life left to live. They are resilient, talented, inventive, and tons of fun-- I have learned a lot from them and am grateful for my experiences with them. I will hold these memories dear as I increase my focus on my doctoral program. Thank you so much for the care and support you have extended to me during my tenure. 
With Sincerity and Appreciation,
Erin Stephens
Smart Muscles
Stretch and Movement for Better Living
Session begins Friday, April 19, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
This class helps relieve chronic muscle pain and spasm, prevent common muscular injuries and helps to lengthen and relax tight muscles. 9 classes/$108. Drop-in $20.  Sign up here. More information on class, contact Eileen Kozak.
Fellowship X Friday Nights
Friday, April 19, 8 p.m. - Chapel
Find well-being through "Smart-Muscles"  with Eileen Kozak
Eileen Kozak is an Aerobics and Fitness Association of America certified group exercise instructor who specializes in helping people reduce chronic pain. The discussion will cover the science and methods of Dr. Janet Travell who discovered and pioneered myofascial trigger point therapy and who is best known for her work with JFK. This session is for beginners  -- No rigorous workout will be done. Fellowship X is a social and spiritual fellowship serving Generation X UUs (those born in the '60s and '70s). They normally meet on Friday nights at the church then go out to eat afterwards. All are welcome. Contact: Melissa Rea.
Photo Solutions
April 19 & 20 | Fri.: 9 a.m - 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. | Sat.: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Explore traditional and digital solutions for your photos. Contact Linda Ayers.

Monthly SoulCollage Circle
Sweet Dreams: Using SoulCollage to Find
Meaning in Your Dreams
Saturday, April 20, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  - Room 13/15
This month's meeting will focus on how to use SoulCollage (and your inner artist) to more deeply understand and explore your dreams. Beginners welcome. No artistic experience required. Most supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring photographs and images that appeal to you or that represent something from a recent memorable dream. Please register here. For more information on the Circle, contact Teri Gullo.
"Between Times" Conversation
Sunday, April 21 - 10:30 - 11 a.m. Board Lounge
Sunday's conversation will be a Living by Heart Reunion with Rev. Keyes for all who attended the fall spiritual retreat and all those interested in finding out about the one coming up September 14. It's a chance to share practices, learnings and longings. .
Youth Group Bake Sale
Sunday, April 21 - After each service
cookies UUCA's Youth Group will sell cookies, cupcakes, brownies, scones and other tasty treats for a modest donation in Fellowship Hall on Sunday. Next week the youth will prepare meals for the homeless and their annual cereal drive has helped feed many needy families in the area. Your support on Sunday will help to continue their good works.
Hard Hat Tour of the New Building
celebration_center Sunday, April 21
This Sunday the members of the Building and Architecture Committee will open up the new addition for your viewing pleasure. The crews have made tremendous headway this spring and there is an opportunity to see firsthand how the spaces are shaping up. In between services and immediately following the 11:15am service you will be able to access the upper level via . . . read more.
Join Green Action to Celebrate Earth Day 2013
Sunday, April 21
earthday UUCA's Green Action will celebrate Earth Day on Sunday, April 21, with exhibits and displays in Fellowship Hall after both services.  Come see how UUCA is keeping its new construction as environmentally sustainable as possible, and learn about local water quality, local foods, and other ways to contribute to a sustainable environment.



Earth Day for RE Children and Youth
This Sunday, during RE hour, children and youth learning groups will have the chance to have a special look at the "green" aspects of UUCA's constructions projects. UUCA children have been very articulate about their interest in saving the planet earth, and the church's Green Action team has promised to show them how their church is helping.
Young Adult Potluck Brunch
Sunday, April 21
Join the Young Adult group for a potluck brunch after the 11:15 service. There will be a discussion of the sermon and upcoming activities. Contact: Ben D'Avanzo.
MoonFire 
Norse Balance Ritual 
Sunday, April 21, 1:30 p.m. - Fellowship Hall 
Please join MoonFire for a Norse/Druid-inspired balance ritual. As the world around us turns green, may we remember what our ancestors once knew: to survive, we must balance what we take from the land and the gods with what we are willing to give.  A potluck and fellowship will follow the ritual; if possible, please bring your own feast gear so that we may minimize waste. MoonFire follows and explores earth-centered spiritual paths as a Unitarian Universalist fellowship. Contact: [email protected]

Youth Leadership Training

Sunday, April 21, 12:45  - 2:45 p.m. 

Little Friends For Peace offers peace leadership training for youth on the third Sunday of the month through May. The training is divided into three tracks: 1) Peace Club - 3rd thru 5th grade; 2) Peace Makers In Action - 6th thru 8th grade; 3) Youth Peace Leaders - high school.  $20 per session. Lunch available for $5 or bring your own. Registration required here. For more information, contact MJ Park.

Annual Peace Corp Volunteer Potluck

peacecorps Sunday, April 21, 5:30 p.m. - Fellowship Hall

All former, current (or anyone interested) Peace Corp volunteers are welcome to join UUCA's Annual PC Volunteer Potluck dinner next Sunday. Everyone is encouraged to bring a dish from the country where they served. Contact:

Not My Life - A Film Screening

notmylife_flyer Sponsored by the Immigration Working Group & Reproductive Justice Group  

Sunday, April 21, 2 p.m. - Fellowship Hall 
Filmed on five continents, in a dozen countries, Not My Life features more than fifty interviews with human trafficking victims and their advocates. Heartbreaking though many of its stories may be, ultimately Not My Life's message is an inspiring one of hope. The film is a tribute to the enormous resilience of the human spirit. This film is for mature audiences and open to the public. For more information, contact Amy Grenier
Hooked on Growth?
hUUmanists to discuss Growthbusters
Monday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.
hUUmanists will meet and view a film titled GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Paul Ehrlich, Professor of Population Studies, Stanford University, and author of The Population Bomb, says ". . . could be the most important film ever made. It tackles the three lethal taboos that threaten our civilization, those against discussing overpopulation, overconsumption, and the nonsensical idea that economic growth itself is a net benefit even in rich countries and can and must continue forever."  All are welcome.  For further information contact Jeri Cummins.  
Introduction to Our Faith
With Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith
Saturday, May 4, 8:30-1:00 p.m. - Chapel
Come meet other newcomers in a convivial sharing of faith journeys; questions and answers with our ministers and lay leaders; and a short video presentation. Not to mention food. This is where you get in-depth answers to all your questions, find out what this church is really all about, and maybe make a friend or two for life. No fee. Register here.
Effective Faith-Based Advocacy
Presented by UUSJ
Saturday, May 4, 2:00-3:30 p.m. Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church
Join UUs for Social Justice in the National Capital Region (UUSJ) for a presentation on and discussion of "Effective Faith-Based Advocacy on Capitol Hill: Through the Lens of Climate Change." Stop by the UUSJ table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday to register or link here for online registration.  For more information contact Lavona Grow 703-524-4860.

General Assembly 2013 Update

Represent UUCA at GA
Want to rub elbows with thousands of UUs from across the United States? Consider becoming part of the delegation that will represent UUCA at General Assembly in Louisville, Ky., June 19-23. Go as a delegate, alternate or simply attend without an official capacity. There will be sessions on immigration, sustainable social change, environmental issues, reproductive rights, civil rights, and much more, including programs for youth and young adults. Stop by the Nominating Committee table in Fellowship Hall after services on Sunday or contact Fred Stokeld or John Gunning.

Wheel of Life
  • Congratulations to Claudia Blake on the birth of her grandson in Portland, Oregon.
  • Congratulations to Chad and D Ohlandt, along with big brother Callen, on the birth of Zachariah Burke Ohlandt, April 11.  
  • Our condolences to Evelyn Hazen on the death of her husband Stan Hazen.  
Like play-dough?
You'll enjoy our 5-year-olds and younger - Teach RE in 2013-14. Sign up here.
UUCA - Ministry Abounds  
martin_justin
On Sunday, April 14, Justin Martin was ordained to the Unitarian Universalist ministry in a joyous service held at the Fairfax UU Congregation. What was stunning to many of us were the number of UUCA connections there. The newly ordained Rev. Justin Martin, was UUCA's Religious Education Coordinator for three years while he was in seminary. Robed and ordained participants included the Rev. Dr. Linda Olson Peebles (who preached the sermon) and former UUCA intern the Rev. Natalie Fenimore (who gave the charge to the minister). Robed seminarians in the procession included Andrew Mertz (former UUCA Director of Youth Ministry), and Sue Browning and Madelyn Campbell (UUCA members and lay leaders). Six people whose ministries have been inspired and supported by this congregation. Something to be very proud of. 
Immigration Reform News
VOICE

Today, Rev. Carlton was part of a VOICE delegation that met with Sen. Mark Warner (D.Va.) to discuss how we can all promote responsible immigration reform.

Check out this video of last week's Immigration Reform Rally held in DC - produced by Cristian Torres and Barbara Johnson of the Buckingham Media Group.
A10 snapshot


April is Food Collection Month for ALIVE!
food_collection ALexandrians InVolved Ecumenically
Let's fill those boxes this Sunday - Remember to bring non-perishable foods - Collections boxes located in the upper and lower lobbies. For more information about ALIVE!, contact UUCA representative Ann Marie Hay.  
ESOL Enjoying Spring Resurgence

Our ESOL program needs new volunteers, particularly for our Conversation Only sessions on Wednesday evening (7:30-9:00 p.m.) and Saturday morning (10-11:30 a.m.). Help our typically well-educated students improve on their English through simple conversation. You don't have to be an experienced teacher, nor do you have to make firm commitments. Come when you can and join the other volunteers present that day.  Students hail from Russia, South Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Spain, Morroco, Peru, Mexico, Bolivia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Sudan, Mali, China, etc.  For more information contact ESOL Conversation Chair, Pat Ware, at 571-244-5914.  


Upcoming

�FIESTA! - Saturday, May 11, 6:30 p.m. - Fellowship Hall. Join our Buckingham neighbors for an evening of delicious food (it's a potluck), entertainment, and fun. Families are especially welcome.

Men's Book Group - Sunday, May 12, 7:30 p.m. - Chapel. Discusses E.O. Wilson's The Social Conquest of Earth.  All men are welcome.  Bob Waters will lead the discussion.  Call him at 703-241-2782 with any questions. The book for June 9 is O Pioneers by Willa Cather.

Spring Choral Concert
Sunday, June 9, 4 p.m.



Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington
4444 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22204
703-892-2565 | This e-newsletter is published each week on Thursday. Submit announcements to [email protected] by noon on Wednesday.