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Connections
Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington
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A diverse, welcoming community of open minds and hearts
| May 23, 2013
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On Church Politics and Dogma
 A front page article in last week's Washington Post included the observation that young Americans are "becoming less religiously affiliated [because] many see church as too focused on internal politics and dogma, and not enough on bettering the outside world." I think writer Michelle Boorstein got that right. Living in the Courthouse/Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington, I am surrounded by young singles and couples recently resettled here, and in need, it seems, of belonging, connections, meaning and community -- the sorts of things that this church can provide. You are doing really well on the dogma front. Cherishing freedom of pulpit and pew, harsh and restrictive doctrines are not to be heard at UUCA. No one is asked, as was Alice in Wonderland, to believe 'six impossible things' each morning before breakfast. Instead, at UUCA, children and youth are exposed to eternal religious truths, sexuality education is recognized as the best there is, and all who gather for worship are challenged to broaden their horizons and grow their souls. It is true that large doses of internal politics will drive away people who need healing and love. This need not be a problem here. Two simple actions, widely embraced, should do the trick. First, take advantage of the many opportunities to participate in constructive ways in the governance of the church. There has been here, in recent weeks, a whole lot of listening going on. The Board, Nominating Committee and staff have sponsored a variety of conversations; no one should be expected to attend all of these sessions, but all who gather here should donate some time to support good governance, just as you donate time to support other good causes. Most importantly, your attendance at the annual meeting on June 2, following the single 10:15 worship service, will demonstrate your solidarity with all who are responsible for all the good things that go on here. My second suggestion: Take a moment now and before important meetings to review the Congregational Covenant (click here). Embracing this inspirational set of promises you make to each other will assure that no one in need will ever be driven away by an untoward focus on 'internal politics.' Looking forward to seeing you in church, and at the annual meeting, David |
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Sunday Service
  Sunday May 26, 10:15 a.m. SINGLE SERVICE BEGINS"Memory and Hope" Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith reflects on his tenure at UUCA, with an eye for the future.
Sunday's Order of Service
May Share the Plate
Throughout the month of May, UUCA has shared its weekly offering with one of the congregation's important social justice programs -- Partners for Arlington and Guatemala, more commonly known as PAG. . . . Read more
This Sunday is the last Sunday in May where the the offering will be shared with PAG. Last week, the Share the Plate offering collected $1210.50 for PAG. Thank you for your continued generosity.
 UUCA Delegation to Guatemala Dec. 6-15 -
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Church Matters
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
Following the service the candidates for elected positions in the church will be available to chat and answer your questions. Click here for the list of candidates.
Board Feedback Sessions Held
 The Board thanks everyone who participated in the listening sessions held during the past week.Your feedback is helping the Board think about the course the Church is on and how the Board might improve its performance. We are absorbing all the input we have received, and a written summary and response is being prepared. There is still time to send us your written comments if you have anything you would like the Board to consider in its discernment process. Feel free to contact Board Chair John Bohman
"Question of the Month" from the Ministerial Search Committee The Ministerial Search Committee will soon present the first "Question of the Month" regarding our congregation's priorities: "Is the purpose of our congregation to a) transform society, or b) serve as a refuge for like-minded people?" All those visiting Fellowship Hall following June services will have the opportunity to answer the question. Answers will be recorded as part of an on-going effort to understand our congregation's priorities."
Of course, UUs are known for lots of questions. . . Questions about the Budget? - Sat, June 1, 10am
The Budget Hearing at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 1 in the Chapel is the place to ask any and all questions. Treasurer Chad Ohlandt and Administrator Brian Smith will be on hand to present the Board-approved spending plan. This will be the third special meeting to consider spending open to all. The budget has also been discussed at two open Board meetings. If you can't make this meeting, send your questions to Brian Smith.
Questions about Governance and Policy?
Board listening sessions (two in the past week and more to come) are the place to go. For questions about program and activities, contact staff@uucava.org or telephone 703-892-2565. |
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Wheel of Life
- A memorial service to celebrate the life of Ann Klein Ross will be held Sunday, May 26, 3pm in our Sanctuary with a reception to follow.
- Our condolences to Mary Lynn Ernstthal on the death of Henry Ernstthal, her husband of 50 years. Henry, a member of UUCA for close to 20 years and a past member of the Board of Trustees, died peacefully on May 20. Plans for a memorial service in the fall will be announced later this year.
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Religious Education RE Year-end and Summer Plans thru Labor Day
 Sundays - 10:15am
Nursery and Play for children 4 and younger
For older children:
- June 2. Following the "For All Ages" and the Bridging Ceremonies in the worship service, learning groups will meet in their rooms for a celebration to honor their teachers, and then visit the rooms they will be "graduating" to in the fall. During the annual meeting, there will be a kid-friendly brunch and then an hour of games, movies, and crafts.
- June 9 - Flower Communion. Children are invited to bring flowers and participate in the entire service with Revs. Carlton and Gretchen.
- June 16. While some 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.
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. |
Congregational Life
 Fellowship X and the Jefferson Bible -
Friday, May 24, 8pm
Back by popular demand -- Claude will do his service on the Jefferson Bible. The Jefferson Bible is Thomas Jefferson's condensed version of the big book, focusing on the doctrine of Jesus. For a complete list of upcoming events, click here.
2013 Services Auction Committee Kick-Off, Wed, June 5, 7:30pm
If you are interested in having some fun, meeting lots of folks, and helping to raise money for UUCA, please join us! If you have questions, please contact Kathy Smith email Kathy Smith or 703-658-0231.
Flower Ceremony - Sunday, June 9
 Remember to bring one flower (or a few) for UUCA's annual Flower Ceremony (also known as Flower Communion) on Sunday, June 9, 10:15am. This annual multigenerational event originated at the Unitarian church in Prague between the two World Wars. Norbert Capek (pronounced CHAH-peck), the minister of that congregation, wanted a custom that would be inclusive of both Jews and Christians. He created a ritual in which members and friends would bring flowers from their own gardens, representing their individuality, and join them with all the other flowers from all the other gardens - a symbol of the diversity and beauty of the congregation itself. Then each person would leave with a different flower than the one they arrived with, signaling the way in which we both give to and receive from each other. If you forget to bring a flower that day, don't worry - there will be more than enough for everyone.
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.
Spring Ahead to Fall Retreat
Regular sign-ups for the Fall Retreat wrap up this Sunday in Fellowship Hall. You don't want to miss out on this fun and popular long-standing tradition held in Capon Springs each year. For more information see Lee Bory on Sunday in Fellowship Hall.
Dr. Thandeka's Materials Available this Sunday
from Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith
Several of us were inspired by Dr. Thandeka's two-day workshop back in February. We still have free copies of materials that she shared with us that weekend -- papers on the emotional impact of music; the emotional foundations of religious experience; the future of liberal theology; the meaning of guilt and shame in our lives, and; loving "beyond belief". Pick them up at the table to your right on your way into Fellowship Hall and enjoy.
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Creative Arts 
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Social Justice
AWARE - Join the Conversation - Tue., May 28, 7:30pm - Room 13/15
 Please join the conversation about responses to questions asked of AWARE participants during the past couple of months related to AWARE's discernment around "multicultural congregation" and particularly what that means as our congregation begins the search for a new senior minister. Contact Sharon Williams.
Show Your UU Pride - Support the LGBTQ Community -
Celebrate Capital Pride June 8 & 9
 Are you proud of our Welcoming Congregation, and our welcoming faith? Proud to be GLBTQ? Proud to be an ally? Join the parade! You are invited to join the UU contingent in the Capital Pride Parade -- Saturday, June 8, at 4:30pm near DuPont Circle. Last year, more than 50 UU's from across Maryland, Virginia, and DC walked together to share our message of love and affirmation. It's a huge celebration that you won't want to miss! Contact Elizabeth Fogarty or stop by the Equality UUCA table in the Fellowship Hall to sign up. Pick up a UUCA t-shirt for only $10!
On Sunday, June 9, from 11 am - 6 pm, volunteers are needed to staff the UU booth at the Capital Pride Festival. We'll once again be taking instant photos of festival-goers in front of a Standing On the Side of Love banner and spreading the word about our welcoming faith. Can you help for a one or two hour shift? Contact Kelly Schlageter.
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:
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.
Congratulations Derek Singer and ESOL
Leaders, teachers, and participants in the UUCA ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) gathered for a cook-out and celebration May 19. People of different ages and many nations enjoyed sharing food and the pleasure of community at the home of Ric and Anne Blacksten. And they honored Derek Singer for his many years of leadership of this truly valuable program he launched in the 1990s.
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UUCA Photo Album
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Denominational Matters
Tornado Fund Established
The Southern Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) has established a relief fund to help the people of Oklahoma with immediate assistance and long-term aid after this week's devastating tornado. Click here for more information and to make a donation.
Summer Camp for All Ages - UUMAC - July 14-20 Unitarian Universalist MidAtlantic Community
There are lots of vacations that are fun, but not too many that have the potential to change your life. This experience of intentional all-ages community springs up at DeSales University in Pennsylvania for one short week -- July 14-20. Scholarships and volunteer opportunities to defray costs. Click here for complete information.
Summer Fun at Murray Grove Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center in New Jersey offers year-round programming. Please visit their website for a complete list of their summer programming. |
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| Connections - UUCA's eNewsltter |
Deadline for submissions is each Wednesday at noon.
Email to pubasst@uucava.org
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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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