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Connections
Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington
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A diverse, welcoming community of open minds and hearts
| May 16, 2013
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Connect - Grow - Serve
from the Board of Trustees
 At UUCA, we empower meaningful lives by a process of Connecting, Growing and Serving. - We Connect to ground ourselves in belonging.
- We Grow by nurturing our spirit.
- We Serve needs greater than our own.
This brief statement of purpose and mission is the response of your Board of Trustees to the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) conversations within the congregation. The Board is seeking your feedback and comments to this response. Please let us know if we are on to something. Through AI, you helped discern our community's future: our wishes, values, and possibilities. You gave hundreds of clues from the flip charts that you created during the AI sessions. From this huge word scramble, we looked for and found patterns, as we gained insight. A collective inter-generational vision emerged, and we realized that much of what you had said was in alignment with prophetic voices from within our Unitarian Universalist movement. Yes, our hearts are in a holy place and we stand on sacred ground to build the common good. At its core, UUCA is a religious community of faith. We help each other to become better persons. We serve the wider world. One Board member observed that UUCA is like a bridge providing a way across to a more fulfilling future. Read more about this mission in the Board's new Policy Manual. It is through these policies that the Board delegates executive authority to the Senior Minister on how s/he is to lead and manage the affairs of our congregation. Policy 1 "Identity and Ends" is the most important part of the manual in that it describes our Mission, Values, Moral Owners, and Ends. The latter Ends inform the Executive specifically how to interpret our "Connect * Grow * Serve" mission to lead us forward. |
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Sunday Worship - May 19, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
 "While Still There Is Light"
with Revs. Mary McKinnon Ganz and David Keyes. A service about loving life in the face of death. Following the service, Rev. Ganz will sign copies of the book, While Still There Is Light, available at UUCA's Bookstall in Fellowship Hall. Order of Service
Note: Summer 10:15am single service begins May 26
May Share the Plate -
Partners for Arlington and Guatemala
Throughout the month of May, UUCA shares its weekly offering with one of the congregation's important social justice programs -- Partners for Arlington and Guatemala, more commonly known as PAG. . . . Read moreLast Sunday, the Share the Plate offering collected $424.50 for PAG. Thank you for your continued generosity.
UUCA Delegation to Guatemala Dec. 6-15 -
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 A look back on last Sunday. . . Twenty of our high school youth led worship on May 12, asking and answering the question "Why am I here?" -- In many ways, offering food for thought for people of all ages. This service inspired many responses, written in the new book of "Celebrations and Memories" during the lighting of candles, expressing appreciations for life, for mothers, for children, for the church, as well as recognition of the losses that some of us have had in our lives. One person wrote "My joy is for this awesome youth program. It's what brought us into this church!" Click here for more photos. |
CHURCH MATTERSRestated UUCA Board Policy Manual Published The UUCA Board of Trustees has finished its review of its policies and has published a restated Policy Manual (dated May 10, 2013). Please go to this link for a copy to review. Now, it is your turn to give feedback, either in person on May 21, 6:00pm at the Board Listening Session, or by making a written submission. The Board wants to hear from UUCA members about this important governance document and the policies it contains. The Board is seeking the benefit of a review from the variety of perspectives that are found within our entire congregation. Your comments and suggestions are welcome during the five-week period between now and the June Board meeting. Written comments are especially welcome, particularly your reactions to Part 1.
Board Listening Sessions Scheduled  The Board has scheduled two listening/feedback sessions. This is an opportunity to let us know what you are thinking about UUCA. There will be a facilitator, and everyone who comes will be given the opportunity to speak at least once. In order to accommodate all who might want to speak, each speaker will be allowed two minutes to speak until all others who want to speak have spoken at least once. - Sunday, May 19, 12:45 - 2:30pm. Where Should We Go From Here? What could have gone better or needs to be changed? What are your expectations for the Board and Search Committee in the coming year?
- Tuesday, May 21, 6:00 - 7:30pm. Will focus on the revised Board Policy Manual, particularly on Part 1, which includes mission, values, moral ownership, and ends (goals).
If you are not able to attend one of these sessions in person, the Board would welcome your written comments. Please send them to Mary Pike or give them to any Board member.
UUCA Annual Congregational Meeting - Sun, June 2, 11:30am
 This year's meeting will be held immediately following the single 10:15 a.m. worship service. A buffet brunch will be served and program for children (with special kid food menu) will be held during the meeting. Agenda items include: yearly awards, budget approval, and election of officers and trustees.
Meet the Candidates Forum - Sun, May 26, 11:30am
First Congregational Budget Meeting Held  On Tuesday, May 14, Chief Administrative Officer Brian Smith met with 34 UUCA members to review a draft of the 2013-14 budget. Brian reviewed the highlights and large changes from year to year. The floor was then opened to questions and comments. Lively conversation touched on the major areas of life at UUCA - Social Action, Ministry & Worship, and Religious Education. Several Board members and Treasurer Chad Ohlandt were in attendance and spoke to how the budgeting process works under policy governance. Congregants will have another chance to review the final proposed budget on Saturday, June 1, beginning at 10:00 a.m. We thank you for your thoughtful feedback as we continue to strive to create a budget that is representative of the goals and mission of the church.
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DENOMINATIONAL MATTERS | |
UUCA member Natty Averett is a member of the UUA Board (and former UUCA Board Chair) - In this video she gives witness for Environmental Justice at GA 2013
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Rev. Linda is UUMA President-Designate and shares Why Ministers Should Attend GA 2013
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
RE Year-end and Summer Plans
While this Sunday, May 19, is the last Sunday of two services until fall, our 2012-2013 learning groups still have some fun in the coming weeks.
Services and RE at 10:15 each Sunday will look like this: - Every Sunday, there will be loving supervision for children age 4 and younger
- May 26 - Following the "For All Ages" part of the service in the sanctuary, children and teachers will join Fred Persi in the Chapel for Insight Meditation, story, crafts, and snack.
- June 2 - Following the "For All Ages" and the Bridging Ceremonies to recognize our graduating 8th graders and seniors, all learning groups will meet in their rooms for celebration, honoring their teachers, and visiting the rooms they will be "graduating" to in the fall. A kid-friendly brunch is at 11:30 a.m., then games, movies, and crafts while parents attend the Annual Meeting.
- June 9 - Flower Communion - All children are invited to bring flowers and participate in the entire service with Rev. Carlton and Intern Minister Gretchen.
- June 16 - While some of our families are at the Family Retreat in Big Meadows, the others will enjoy the beginning of Summer RE, with lots of fun, learning, and friends.
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Seniors & Shakes with Rev. Linda
Friday, May 17, 5 p.m. at the Silver Diner - Clarendon
In recognition of the accomplishments of graduating high school youth, seniors are invited to join Rev. Linda and Erin Stephens at the Silver Diner on Friday, May 17, at 5pm for shakes and dessert. We will celebrate their accomplishments and issue our support as they move onto new experiences and challenges. We are proud of our youth and affirm their continued spiritual growth and connection to the UU faith as they journey forward. For more information, contact Erin at erin@uucava.org.
Family Meditation - Sun, May 26, 3:30 - 4:30pm This class is for 5 to 11-year-olds and parents and includes lessons on basic Buddhist teachings, short meditations, movement exercises and hands-on activities geared toward developing mindfulness. Parents attend the class with their children. No charge and no registration required.
Peace Camp -- UUCA's Summer Camp Program  You're in luck! A few spots are still available in UUCA's popular summer camp program - Peace Camp. Children (5 to 14 yrs.) learn about the great peacemakers of the world and learn the tools needed to live life peacefully with each other and the earth. Camp meets the weeks of June 24, July 1, and July 8. You may register for one, two, or all three weeks. To register online, click here. If you have any questions, please contact Jason Powell or 571-572-9285.
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CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Fellowship X - Friday, May 17, 8:00pm
This week's topic: Mindfulness at Work - A stress-reduction tool. Mindfulness meditation and practicing mindfulness in other areas of our lives has been scientifically proven to be powerfully effective. In this session we'll do some experiential practice in mindfulness. For more information, click here.
MoonFire Beltane Ritual - Sun, May 19, 1:30pm
Please join MoonFire this Sunday for a celebration of Beltane, the Pagan festival of the re-emergence of life after the quiet of winter. The ritual will focus on the precariousness of Beltane: some days summer feels like it has returned. Other days still feel like winter is with us. Come help us bring summer on. A potluck and fellowship will follow the ritual; if possible, please bring your own feast gear so that we may minimize trash. Questions? Contact moonfirecoords@gmail.com . MoonFire follows and explores earth-centered spiritual paths as a Unitarian Universalist fellowship. Our mission is to explore, learn, and teach traditions of earth-based religions in a sacred and safe community, and to celebrate holidays marked by the solstices and the four seasons. For further information on MoonFire, click here.
hUUmanists - The Storytelling of Science - Mon, May 20, 7:30pm We will view a video entitled "The Storytelling of Science" featuring a number of leading notables in the field of science, including astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, theoretical physicist Brian Greene, and Science Friday's Ira Flatow, talking about their favorite science stories and how to convey the excitement of science and the importance of promoting a public understanding of science. Contact: Jere Cummins.
Well Spouse - Tue, May 21, 7:00pm The Arlington Well Spouse support group is for individuals caring for a chronically ill and/or disabled spouse or partner. The group meets the third Tuesday of the month at UUCA. For more information, please contact Jessica.
Men's Book Group & O Pioneers - Sun, June 9, 7:30pm
The Mens' Book Group will discuss Willa Cather's O Pioneers at its next meeting. O Pioneers was Cather's first novel of her Great Plains trilogy. It tells the story of a family of Swedish immigrants in a farming community in Nebraska at the turn of the 20th century. All men are welcome. For more information, contact Kit Britton.
All Souls Sends a Big THANK YOU A BIG THANK YOU goes to everyone who voted for All Soul Church Unitarian in the District. Over the past three weeks, the community-wide effort enlisted the public's help to choose which of 24 historic buildings, icons and landmarks in the DC area should receive preservation funding. This was the region's first-ever preservation effort powered by social media. All Souls was one of the 13 chosen to receive funding. Your online voting helped All Souls win a $50,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The grant will help restore their historical bell tower.
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CREATIVE ARTS
Creative Sharing Circle - Wed, May 22, 7:30pm
 Calling musicians, poets, and other folks who want to share their creative efforts of any nature. Let's gather together in the Chapel and share with each other. This will be similar to a jam session but expanded to include more than music and song. Bring your instrument, verse or prose (piano is available) -- You're also welcome to come just to listen, though this is a "Sharing Circle" -- not a performance. If you can't make this session but you are interested in future events, please contact Beth.
Spring Music Ensembles Concert - Sun, June 9, 4pm f rom Bob Griffith, Director of Creative Arts
 Featured ensembles are three choirs conducted by Bea Ann Phillips: Chalice Choir, TrUUbadours Choir, and Youth Choir; Clerestory Choir, conducted by Bob Griffith; and handbell ensembles Polymnia, Bellissimo! and Youth Ringers, led by Ken Bissell. The concert also features Clerestory Choir and orchestra on "Gloria" by British composer John Rutter. Admission free and open to the public. For details, contact Bob Griffith, Director of Creative Arts. |
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Aid to East Africa Project - Sat, May 18, 10am - 1pm  Asante Mariamu is a non-profit based in Arlington dedicated to helping people with albinism in East Africa. This Saturday at UUCA the Asante organization will be gathering new or gently used long-sleeved lightweight button down shirts, bucket style hats with brims, kids' sunglasses, SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen and SPF lip balm. Many people with albinism in East Africa die in their early thirties from skin cancer because of the lack of adequate skin care and medical services. You can help by dropping off donations of the items mentioned above at 10am on Saturday in the Board Room. And you are welcome to stay to help. The group will be gathering the donations and preparing them for shipping. This is a family friendly volunteer event. For more information, please contact Susan DuBois.
Reproductive Justice - Expanding Our Social Justice Calling
Sunday, May 19, 6-8:30pm
Join UUCA's Reproductive Justice group to learn more about the new UUA Reproductive Justice Congregational Study Action Issue and plans to bring the curriculum to UUCA. UURJ members will provide a short program on the CSAI process and the framework for Reproductive Justice. Small group discussions will also be held to provide insight into how this CSAI fits with other social justice initiatives such as LGBTQ, income inequality, immigration, healthcare and Green action. A potluck dinner and refreshments will be served. Childcare provided if requested. Please RSVP here.
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VOICE Actions for Affordable Housing
Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement (VOICE) is gearing up for a number of actions to promote affordable housing in Northern Virginia. Join us for these upcoming actions:
Sun, May 19, 3:30 - 5pm. "One Reston Walk" - begins Temporary Road & Jonathan Way and ends at Crescent Apartments, 1527 Cameron Crescent, Reston, Virginia. This action concerns the planned redevelopment of Crescent Apartments. As Fairfax County owns the land, officials should be using that leverage to negotiate a financing/development plan with developers that takes into account the incomes and family size of current tenants - not replacing three bedroom apartments with more expensive two-bedroom apartments and thus forcing the families to leave.
Mon, June 3, 7:00 - 9:30pm. Location: Woodbridge Middle School, 2201 York Dr., Woodbridge, Virginia. Meet with Senator Warner and other Virginia officials, as well as representatives from JP Morgan, GE, and Bank of America to either launch major agreements or to launch a fight for $15 million in equity funds to redevelop blighted properties and to preserve affordable rental housing.
Sun., June 23, 3:30 - 5:30pm. Location: Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 1601 S. 13th Rd., Arlington. Meet with Arlington leaders to launch a summer campaign to develop 1,000 units of affordable housing in the next five years. For more information on any of the Actions above, contact Marcia Trick.
Buckingham Helpers
Buckingham Fiesta was a real fest
 The UU/Buckingham community Fiesta celebrated in Fellowship Hall was a huge success. About 80 people attended the May 11 event, which featured delicious Latino dishes and entertainment by Buckingham artists, including costumed children performing a Mayan dance. Two of Cynthia Young's voice students also participated. Everyone--children and adults--danced to a Latino beat to end the fun-filled evening.
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WHEEL OF LIFE
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In Our Thoughts
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Please keep Don Campbell in your thoughts. At the time of this email, Don is in the hospital and resting comfortably. For updates or to leave well-wishes, you may visit his Caring Bridge link. - Best wishes to Anne Roberson, who is home recovering from knee surgery. She appreciates the care she has been receiving from church friends, and welcomes calls.
- Loving thoughts go to Henry Ernstthal who is in the last days of his life, resting comfortably in hospice care at The Washington Home, surrounded by family, including his wife, Mary Lynn.
- We send warm wishes of farewell to Carol Ann Davis as she moves to Wilmington, N.C. to be close to her children and grandchildren.
Gretchen Graduates May 19
 Join us in congratulating our intern minister Gretchen Weis! She will graduate from Meadville Lombard Theological School, one of two Unitarian Universalist seminaries, in Chicago on Sunday, May 19, where she will receive her Masters of Divinity degree. Gretchen will celebrate and visit with family over the next two weeks, but will be back at UUCA right after the Memorial Day weekend. Congregants will have an opportunity at the annual congregational meeting on June 2 to help celebrate Gretchen's graduation from seminary, as well as completion of her ministerial internship at UUCA this past year. We look forward to her remaining with us June through August as one of our summer ministers as well. Back to top |
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Last Sunday
Church Matters
Denominational Matters Religious Education Congregational Life Creative Arts Social Justice Wheel of Life
Stay Connected
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UPCOMING
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June 8 - 4:30pm
Join the UU contingent in the Capital Pride Parade.Contact: Equality UUCA
June 9 - 11am - 5pm
Volunteer at the UU Booth at the Capital Pride Festival. Contact: Equality UUCA
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CONTACT US
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington
4444 Arlington Bvd, Arlington, VA 22204
Phone: 703-892-2565
Email: uuca@uucava.org
Website: www.uucava.org
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