Connections
                    Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington

CONNECT - GROW - SERVE |  www.uucava.org
September 12, 2013
Song, Spirit & Silence: 
A Spiritual Retreat

MOVING LOCATION For Saturday's Spiritual Retreat

There is still time to register for the Song, Spirit & Silence Spiritual Retreat to be held this Saturday, September 14, 9am to 4pm with Rev. David and new Director of Religious Education Erica Shadowsong. Participation is limited to those who have pre-registered by Friday noon.

NEW LOCATION:
(2-3 minute drive from the UUCA)

You can register by emailing [email protected] now or call 703-892-2565, ext. 351. 
service
Sunday Service
Sunday, September 15, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
 
"Building a New Way"

With Rev. Keyes, dedication of our teachers, a celebration of a major award presented to Rev. Linda Olson Peebles, and a playful introduction of our new religious educator. Chamber Choir sings Lover of the Children, Clerestory Choir sings Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life.
 
September's Give the Plate 
Donations will be split among three organizations that work with those in our community who do not have enough to meet their basic needs or who find themselves in crisis: 
  • ASPAN (Arlington Street People's Assistance Network)
  • AFAC (Arlington Food Assistance Network), and 
  • ALIVE! (Alexandrians InVolved Ecumenically). 
Last week's Give the Plate collection totaled $1,874. Thank you for your continued generosity.
RE
Religious Education
Welcome Back to Religious Education
From Erica ShadowsongConsulting Director Religious Education
Erica_photo  
Our first day of RE will begin this Sunday - Sept. 15, following a dedication of our wonderful, generous and committed RE ministry volunteers. We encourage families to join us as usual in the first part of the service. We will welcome and show our appreciation to our volunteers and have your children and youth see and meet them before joining them downstairs in the RE rooms.

In the spirit of staying connected with the greater congregation, I would like to encourage families to always make a habit of coming to the beginning of the service. This time is special; it is intentionally intergenerational, and it is important to help nurture a sense of Unitarian Universalist identity among children and youth. It is equally important for the greater congregation to be reminded of the many families that make up its community. Spending time together with multiple age groups represented helps to reinforce the sense of connection with the greater family of which we are all a part. So, I offer this to you as this week's tip for RE families for a meaningful and fulfilling church year.

The RE program still has some volunteering opportunities and vacancies. RE ministry is a special experience; involvement with RE on the part of both volunteers and the children and youth who participate is one of the main factors in developing lifelong UUs. Although often seen as the domain of adults with school-aged children, RE ministry is a special calling that has a place for anyone who will respond to the call. RE staff such as myself are available to help you explore your inner teacher and mentor.

We have an immediate need for volunteers for the following age groups: 5-year-olds (9:15), 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th grade (11:15) and 3- 4-year-olds (11:15). Can you help? Will you consider being a part of a small team of individuals whose spiritual practice is mentoring and bonding with children and youth? If this speaks to you at all, please don't hesitate; step up and give me a call (703-892-2565, ext. 238)  to learn more. And thank you. I look forward to continued conversations with many of you in the future; as always, my door remains open.
IN THIS ISSUE
ConnectGrowService-Graphic
FOLLOW US
Stay Connected

        
DONATE HERE
QR_Code
Scan or CLICK HERE
LINKS OF INTEREST
Upcoming Services

UUCA Contacts

UUCA Calendar

UUCA Photo Album

UUA.org



UUCAVA.org
Calendar_image
Life
Congregational Life
Small Groups Help Connect, Grow, and Serve at UUCA
 
Group_hands_photo Many UUCAers say that their experience at church has been made more meaningful by being in a Covenant Group, our small groups that meet monthly for deepening conversations. This is the chance to make real connections, to grow spiritually, and to find pathways to service. These groups of 10-12 people generally meet monthly; some explore questions related to each UUCA monthly theme, other have conversations on specific topics. Sign-ups happen this Sunday in Fellowship Hall. You can also sign up online here. If you have questions about Covenant Groups, please email Sarah Masters or call 703-892-2565, ext. 242.


Auction_photo
Let's "Celebrate UUCA!" at This Year's Services Auction
Visit the Auction table this Sunday to offer your dinners, adventures, and talents for UUCA's upcoming Services Auction -- the largest and most important (and most FUN!) fundraiser of the year. Please dig through your valuables to give to the Treasures and Jewel Box Rooms. We are accepting your written or in-kind offerings through Sunday, September 29. Donations for the Treasures and Jewel Box Rooms will be accepted through the end of October. Contact [email protected] to volunteer or make donations. For Treasures and Jewel Box donations, contact Carol Hopper at 703-379-8969. 


GAME On for Young Adults - Sunday, September 15
YoungAdult_photo
UUCA's Young Adult Group will get together for food, drinks and board games this Sunday after the second service. Please meet outside the Sanctuary. Feel free to bring your favorite board  games. For more information, contact Ben D'Avanzo.



MoonFire Mabon Ritual - Sunday, September 15, 1:30pm

This Sunday, you are welcome to join MoonFire for a ritual celebrating Mabon (MAY-bon), which marks the middle of the three harvest festivals. It's a time to pause between the acknowledgment of the end of summer and the entry into the veil that is winter. (Note this ritual will involve sewing: if anyone has thimbles they would be useful to bring). A potluck and fellowship will follow the ritual; if possible, please bring your own feast gear so that we may minimize waste. Mark your calendar for October 26 for the annual celebration of the ancient new year -- more information to follow. MoonFire follows and explores earth-centered spiritual paths as a UU 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, please visit www.moonfireuuca.org, or email [email protected].


Introduction to Our Faith with Rev. David Keyes
Wednesday, September 18, 5:30-9:00pm

chalice This class is a great opportunity to learn about the history and theology of Unitarian Universalism. There will be plenty of chances to ask questions and to get to know others in the class. The class is free and includes dinner. Registration is required. Register here. Free childcare is available by contacting Sarah Masters.



Early Christianities Study and Discussion Group
Meets Wed, Sept 18, 7:30pm
deadseascrollMost Dead Sea scrolls were discovered between 1948 and 1954, but some scrolls weren't fully translated and published until the 1990s, leading to controversy. Who were the people and institutions involved in working on the scrolls? What does it mean that the Temple Scroll doesn't use the first-person voice of Moses but rather uses the first-person voice of God?  Why did the Qumran community consider the Jerusalem temple to be impure? The DVD lecture series by Professor Gary Rendsburg guides us through these and other questions. For more information, contact is John Zeray.


Book_image "Beautiful Things" Happening at UUCA's Book Group - Sept. 19

The UUCA Book Group meets on third Thursdays from 1 to 2:30pm. You are welcome to join them Sept.19 for a discussion of . For more information, please contact Betsy Bailey.

Click here to view Mengestu reading an excerpt from his book.  




UUCA's Men's Book Group Selections
King_Lear_graphic
The Men's Book Group meets the second Sunday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel. The men read a wide selection that covers everything from current bestsellers to the classics - fiction and non-fiction - biographies and memoirs - and even an occasional play and book of poetry. New members are always welcome to join them in their discussions (even if you haven't read the book). Come and add your own recommended reading. The next few books up for discussion are:

Oct 13 - Shakespeare's King Lear
Nov 10 - Kristallnacht: Prelude to Destruction by Sir Martin Gilbert
Dec 12 -  J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye
Jan 12 -  Last Train to Paradise: Henry Flagler and the Spectacular Rise and Fall of the Railroad that Crossed the Ocean

For more information, contact Kit Britton.


Bauman_art
QUUEST Gallery presents New Works by Margaret M. Bauman
Artist Reception: Fri, Sept 20, 6 to 9pm - Upper Level Lobby 

This body of work is inspired by the Golden Section and Fibonacci sequence which happen to be indicated in our Sanctuary and lobby features. You are invited to next week's artist reception when Margaret will share the inspirations behind her work.

SJ
Social Justice
Unitarian Universalists for Reproductive Justice at UUCA - Sun, Sept 15, 12:30pm 
UURJ_photo
UUCA's UUs for Reproductive Justice (UURJ) is re-energizing for the new church year. Please join UURJ this Sunday, September 15, from 12:30 - 1:30 in the Volunteer Room. UURJ will meet the third Sunday of each month. The big UURJ project this year will be to offer a Congregation Study and Action Issue (CSAI) educational program on reproductive justice. If you can't make the meeting on Sunday, please drop by their table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday. You can also join their group online here or contact [email protected] to be added to the email list.  


"3,600 apply for 122 affordable housing units" - Support Affordable Housing Now
Affordable Housing graphic
Please stop by the VOICE table (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) on Sunday to learn how you can support affordable housing in Arlington. The unprecedented demand for affordable housing in Arlington was featured in a recent Washington Post article
For more information, contact David McTaggart.




UUCA Receives 2013 Immigration Award

UUs for Social Justice in the National Capital Region has announced that UUCA will be honored for their work in the past three years - studying and advocating for immigrants' rights.  Congratulations to the leaders of the 15-member UUCA Immigration Working Group for their impressive achievements. (Immigration Working Group report) The award will be presented at the 6th Annual Social Justice Awards Benefit Gala on October 20 in Bethesda, Maryland. Members and friends are invited to join the celebration. To RSVP and more information, click here.


music
Music
Recital Auditions - September 18 
MusicNotegraphic  
Are you an experienced musician? Would you like to share your gifts with the congregation and the community as part of the UUCA Recital Series? If so, auditions are Wednesday, September 18, 7 to 9pm. To set up your audition, please contact Bea Ann Phillips



Handbell Program Seeks New Ringers
bell_photo
Our handbell program currently includes three groups and we are looking for additional ringers. The three groups are: The Young Ringers for children in grades 3 through 6; Bellissimo, a multi- generational group which rehearses on Tuesday evening at 6pm; and Polymnia, a group of more experienced youth and adult ringers with rehearsals on Tuesday evening at 7pm. The Young Ringers rehearsal schedule is being reviewed and will be announced soon. All groups play for worship services and concerts, as well as participate in regional festivals. Email Ken Bissell or 703-622-2849.


Starting Anew with UUCA's Adult Choir
Choir
Do you enjoy singing in a choir? Do you like being around other amateur singers? Are you looking for a way to serve this congregation? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please consider joining UUCA's Clerestory Choir. Clerestory Choir is UUCA's adult choir and now is an excellent time to join. September is the beginning of the new church year, which means rehearsals start anew along with opportunities for new friendships and a new way to connect with the life of the church. Clerestory Choir sings for Sunday morning worship, September through May. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 8 to 10pm. Anyone can join -- no audition required. Just show up on any Thursday evening a few minutes before 8pm and look for Anne Roberson, our Choir Librarian. Anne will hand you a "first-timer" folder with all the music for that evening's rehearsal. It's that easy! For more details, contact conductor Bob Griffith at 703-892-2565, ext. 268 or [email protected].


Meyer_photo
Music Workshop
Rhythm for All Musicians
With Guest Clinician Matt Meyer
Sat., Sept. 28, 2 to 4pm
Workshop fee: $10 

Welcome all singers, handbell ringers, and other instrumental musicians of all skill levels. Rhythm for All Musicians is an energetic, fully participatory workshop designed to help musicians better understand rhythm in the mind, body, and spirit. With Matt Meyer's guidance, musicians explore theories and practices of West African, South Indian and European perspectives on rhythm. By using song, body percussion and a few other instruments, we will gain a more holistic comprehension of rhythm's function in the brain, as well as in the body. After venturing into odd time signatures, syncopation, and polyrhythms, we come back home to more familiar music with a new found confidence and depth of understanding. Rhythm for All Musicians is an essential workshop for any musician looking to explore world music or just to improve their accuracy and feel for reading the notes on the page. For more details, contact Bob Griffith (or 703-892-2565, ext. 268).

Matters
Church Matters
Crossing the Bridge: Are You Ready?
From the Stewardship Committee
ConnectGrowService-Graphic
From September 22 to September 29, UUCA celebrates Bridge Week, as part of the month's focus on Rededication.

Here's what we are bridging:
  • We are bridging from our existing level of dedication to the level that will transform us as a congregation and as individuals.
  • We are bridging from the financial pledges we made last spring to the level of pledging we really need in order to attract the very best candidate as our next Senior Minister.
  • We are bridging-with the inspiration of Rev. Fred Muir, guest preacher on September 22 -- from a congregation of individualists to a congregation focused on a committed community.  
  • By September 29, at the end of Bridge Week, we will be celebrating our commitment in a rhythmic and harmonious way with guest musician/speaker Matt Meyer. 
Are you ready to take YOUR next step? Now is the time to maximize our financial and logistical contributions to UUCA. Now is the time to show that we are a generous and committed congregation. You'll hear the details on September 22, but please start thinking now: Can you add $200 to your 2013-14 pledge? $500? $1,000? Can you double the pledge that you made back in March? Whatever you can do, know that your financial pledge to UUCA always matters. The work of this congregation depends on your pledges. We count on the dedication of our members; your generous stewardship is what allows UUCA to serve you and to serve the broader community. At this time in particular, your stewardship is a huge part of what will allow us to demonstrate that we are a congregation worth the most sincere efforts of our movement's most talented senior ministers. Now is our chance to show that we are a congregation full of energized and committed members and friends.

Please be sure to participate in worship next week, September 22, and please plan to discern with any others in your household exactly how much more you are able to contribute to UUCA. As always, your pledges are received with gratitude and allocated with care.


God or No God? Early results from our survey
Blog Posted by Warren Wright, Chair, Ministerial Search Committee, on 9/11/13
WWright_photo
We are nearing the end of our survey period and I have already seen some preliminary results. One of the questions we ask is, "Please describe all that apply to your faith." Thirty-two per cent of respondents in our congregation "find the idea of God meaningful", while 22% are "uncomfortable with the word God and other religious language". Only 7% agree that "reason and rationality should be the only standard at church". Meanwhile the #1 response was, "There is room in my faith for realities I have not experienced." These results are not conclusive, as the survey period has not ended, however, this may provide some direction as to the the sentiments of our congregation. Stay tuned...  What are your thoughts about these results?  Reminder: The survey period ends September 15th. 


Reconnecting Retreat
From John Bohman, Chair, UUCA Board of Trustees

Last weekend, the Board of Trustees had a special retreat to start this second year of transition at UUCA.  The Board conducted no formal business.  Instead, we reconnected with each other and the members of the senior staff.  We welcomed our newest Board member, Steve Brannon, as well as our new RE Director, Erica Shadowsong.  Search Committee members participated to learn more about the role of the Board and how we operate as the governing body of the Church.   Laura Park, from Unity Consulting, led the retreat.

We reflected on last year's Board practice, and we exchanged the insights we gained and the lessons we learned.  We explored how to deepen our connections within the Church and how our Board work grows our faith as committed Unitarian Universalists. All of us re-dedicated our Board service to the health of our congregation and to lighting "the flame of informed connection."

We reviewed again the impact of last winter's appreciative inquiry sessions within the congregation, and how the results are showing us the way to becoming a mission-driven Church.   And, we discussed the opportunities this year  that will bring the whole Church community to connect, grow, and serve.  
wheel
Wheel of Life
Get well wishes to Donnell Cobb-Bauman, recovering from a broken leg.

Condolences to Lois Gunlicks on the death of her sister.
 
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Larry Bory will be held Saturday, September 21, 11am in the UUCA Sanctuary, with a reception to follow.

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.


Copyright � 2013. All Rights Reserved.