Connections
                    Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington

CONNECT - GROW - SERVE |  www.uucava.org
Thursday, October 3, 2013
UUCA - Help in the Storm
From Rev. Dr. Linda Olson Peebles, Minister of Faith in Action

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Natural disasters strike, and people come together to help clean up the mud from a flood, to give clothing to those whose houses have burned down, to offer aid and assistance to victims of earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and other natural disasters.

This week, a tidal wave of another kind is washing over millions of people - members and friends of UUCA included. With the federal shutdown, people's livelihoods are affected, and many of those impacted don't have a safety net cushion of finances to help them. The very sad part of this disaster is that it isn't due to natural forces; it's a storm that's been created by human beings.

The ministers and leaders of UUCA want to assure you that our congregation is here for those of you who are being impacted -- directly or indirectly -- by the current budget impasse, as well as for those who have had trouble finding employment because of the ongoing crisis in the US economy. Feel free to be in touch if you would like a pastoral ear, to join a support group, or to help facilitate a support group (email me here or call the church office at 703-892-2565). Our hearts go out to all of you, and to our neighbors, whose livelihood is affected by the storms of our times.

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THIS SUNDAY - SERVICE - October 6, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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"Little Boxes" 
With Interim Senior Minister David Keyes. 
Neat categories for religious beliefs, and religious prejudice, are no longer such good fits. Music: The Polymnia handbell choir will play the Prelude. Youth Choir will sing Little Boxes by Mavina Reynolds and the children's choirs - Chalice Choir & TrUUbadors -- will also sing. Adult Clerestory Choir will sing Balia di Sehu, a harvest song from Curacao, Bonaire, and Aruba.


Next Sunday - October 13
"Going Public with Faith"
With Rev. Dr. Linda Olson Peebles


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A Solid Bridge

UUCA members and friends pledged more than $72,000 for the September 22-29 Bridge Week. Wow! New members and first-time pledgers contributed more than one-third of this total. Double WOW! 

These generous commitments will help enable UUCA to meet its commitments in programming and staffing for the rest of the 2013-2014 year, and they go a long way toward filling the line for "Additional Fundraising" in the church budget that was approved by the congregation at last June's annual meeting. We can rightly honor each other for stepping up to meet this urgent need for the beloved community that we are building together.

If you are one of those who pledged during Bridge Week, thank you! If you haven't yet increased your 2013-14 pledge, you can still do so. Additions to your pledge are welcome at any time. Go to http://www.uucava.org/page/annual-pledge or drop a yellow pledge card into the offering basket any Sunday. Our gratitude and our shared generosity make UUCA possible.

Special thanks to the Stewardship Team: Mary Avery, Paula Bendl Smith, Roberto Garcia Saltos, Denise Kappler, Pete Kostik, Leah Pellegrino, Art Stevens, Diane Ullius, and Phyllis Woodring.



Wednesday, October 16, is a very special evening with renowned UU minister and book author, Galen Guengerich. Rev. Guengerich will share why he is convinced that science is the last best hope for religion in the modern world. You may want to visit his column on religion in the Huffington Post. This event is free and open to the public. We encourage you bring your family and friends. Childcare is available upon request - PLEASE RESERVE FOR CHILDCARE HERE

God Revised: How Religion Must Evolve in a Scientific Age is available for sale on Sunday at the bookstall. 


Your Last Chance for Discovery Session
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Your Ministerial Search Committee invites you to participate in the last two Discovery Sessions this Sunday morning, October 6. Both remaining sessions will take place during services, starting at 9:15 am and 11:15 a.m. Each facilitated group session runs 90 minutes. Click here to sign up for one of the remaining sessions, and if you require childcare during the session let us know how many children and their ages in the comments section. This is your opportunity to talk with us about leadership and qualities you would like to see in our future senior minister. Read Warren Wright's recent blog about some interesting survey results about our ethnic makeup, and you can add your comments there too. You may contact the MSC with questions at [email protected].


Jan Hus and the Flaming Chalice:  Looking at Adult RE

From Erica Shadowsong, Consulting Director of Religious Education

 

May I tell you a story?

 

This story starts with a little boy named Jan (Yahn) Hus (Hoos).  The children with which he grew up used to make fun of him because his name sounded like the word for goose.  They used to call him "Hus the goose." 

 

But as much as they made fun of him Jan knew he was going to do something important and when he grew up he became a minister. And as a minister he taught some pretty important things. For these reasons and because he really spoke to their lives the people loved Jan Hus. For those same reasons many officials in the religion, people in charge, didn't like Jan Hus or what he had to say.  The church officials who were in charge were so upset that they had Jan Hus thrown in jail. Read more.

 


Give the Plate for October Supports Beacon House

Beacon House is a UU-founded and supported nonprofit after-school tutoring and mentoring program for low-income children in Washington, D.C. In 1991, Reverend Donald Robinson, a UU urban minister, started feeding and helping a dozen children with their homework in a basement apartment in the Edgewood Terrace public housing apartments. Today Beacon House welcomes 125 low-income children through its doors each day after school. The children are provided a nutritious meal, get help with their homework, participate in intensive math and reading tutoring programs, life-skills and college readiness mentoring programs. They also have opportunities to play organized sports, take field trips to museums and parks, and more. Over the years, UUCA has been one of the most active supporters of Beacon House. Their children take part in Peace Camp, Mistletoe Mall, Chalice Theater, the Secret Santa program, children's choirs and other church activities.


Fellowship X  - Religious Traditions in Our Daily Lives - Friday, October 4, 8 p.m.

Have you ever found yourself in an awkward position not knowing quite how to handle grace at a dinner, or singing "God Bless America" at a Nats game? On the latter Rev. James P. Marsh, Jr., a Methodist minister wrote an editorial published in the May 31, 2013 Washington Post, and you may be surprised what he had to say. We will read and share our thoughts on this article as well as reflect on some other "awkward" moments and how we have handled them. The evening will be led by Al. For more information on Fellowship X visit their website here. 


This Saturday - DIG in the Grounds Outdoor Fun Work Day (DIG)
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The weather will be beautiful; the bulbs and mums will be there; the weeds and invasive plants need to go. Stop by at the first annual Outdoor Fun in the Fall Work Day at UUCA on October 5, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Bring a shovel, gloves, some bulbs...or not. Materials, tools, and gloves provided. Lunch at 11:30. Email Linda Lutes Corsoro or call her at 703-920-5519 for more details.
 
Brains on Trial -- hUUmanists Meet Monday, October 7, 7:30 p.m. 

The hUUmanist group welcomes all to view Part I of a recent PBS documentary, Brains on Trial with Alan Alda which examines new findings about the brain. Current neuroscience findings on adolescent brains has impacted how the courts sentence youthful offenders under 18. For instance it is now deemed cruel and unusual punishment (and therefore unconstitutional) to impose a death sentence on such youthful offenders. The documentary considers whether these new findings should also impact how adults are sentenced. For more information, contact Jere Cummins.


Day Alliance - Tuesday, October 8

Caleb Stewart Rossiter is the October guest speaker for Day Alliance. Rossiter is a progressive activist who has spent four decades fighting against the US foreign policy of supporting repressive governments in the formerly colonized countries. He is currently the co-director of the American Exceptionalism Media Project, which he founded in 2012 with activist and educator Raed Jarrar.

You are welcome to join Day Alliance for their brief business meeting at 10:30 a.m., and the speaker at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon with a vegetarian option. All are welcome, you need not be a member. RSVP for lunch to Phyllis Lehner at 703578-7633  or email Lois Czapiewski.


Beauty in the Dirt - First Meeting October 8, 7:30 p.m.
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What kind of tree should we plant in the new circular planter? That's one of the topics for discussion on Tuesday, October 8, at 7:30 p.m., for the first Dig in the Grounds (DIG) Team meeting. How can we make our grounds a sanctuary as beautiful as our building? Call (703-920-5519) or email Linda Lutes Corsoro with questions, suggestions, or to express interest.


Women's Humanist Group Meets - Wed., October 9, 7:30 p.m.

The Women's Humanist Group will view a TED video on  The Art of Choosing in different cultures, based on "groundbreaking" research. How do different cultures make choices and feel about choice?  What is the connection to freedom, freedom of choice?  Discussion will follow the video. Contact:  Lucia Heard.







Introduction to Our Faith with Rev. David Keyes
Saturday, Oct 12, 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
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Want to learn more about our religious tradition? Curious about UUCA? Considering membership here? There will be plenty of chances to ask questions and to get to know others in the class. The class is free and includes lunch.  Registration is required.  Register here. Free childcare is provided upon request.


50+ Group Lunch - Sunday, October 13 
 
The UUCA 50+ Group will have a potluck lunch on Sunday, October 13, 1 p.m., in room 13/15. All 50+ members and friends are welcome. Please RSVP to Ann Gordon


UUCA's Men's Book Group Meets October 13
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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.


Join a Covenant Group - Pathway to Connect, Grow, Serve

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Two Covenant Groups still have space open. Regular signups in Fellowship Hall are over, but you can still sign up online here or by contacting Sarah Masters, [email protected].

 

We will be forming new groups as the year proceeds, so if you are interested but not ready to commit at this time, please still fill out the online form and indicate you'd like to be added to the wait-list.  

October Covenant Group Theme - Religion Revised and Revisited

 

Many Covenant Groups are focusing on the UUCA monthly themes. In October, they are reflecting on the message from Galen Guengerich's book God Revised. All UUCAers, members, friends, and neighbors, are invited Wednesday, October 16, at 7 p.m., to hear in person from Rev. Guengerich (minister from All Souls UU in New York City) when he discusses his latest book, God Revised: How Religion Must Evolve in a Scientific Age.

 


SHINE - Singing to Heal, Inspire, Nurture and Energize - Mon., October 14, 7 p.m.

SHINE is UUCA's Healing Choir and offers all members and friends the opportunity to explore the healing power of music through singing to comfort and support those suffering, alone, and in need of human connection. No auditions, no choral experience, no music reading, no long-term commitment necessary.Rehearsals are designed to promote healing and awareness within ourselves through the physical and emotional aspects of singing so that we may in turn promote healing in others. Rehearsals every 2nd and 4th Mondays at UUCA (and elsewhere) at 7 to 8:30 p.m.Contact Bea Ann Phillips for more information. 


2013 Social Justice Awards Gala - October 20, 5:30 p.m.

Please plan on attending this year's annual Awards Gala, sponsored by UUs for Social Justice and the OpenDoor Housing Fund, on October 20, at Positano Ristorante, in Bethesda. Each year the UUSJ Awards Gala
recognizes area UU congregations and individuals who have made a significant impact in the community through their social justice advocacy. This year, UUCA is being recognized with two awards --  UUCA's Immigration Working Group will receive the Immigration Award for its three year concentration on immigrant rights and Elizabeth Fogarty will receive the LGBTQ Award for her advocacy work in the gay community. Click here for the Gala flyer. For more information and to make reservations, click here.


MoonFire Samhain Ritual - "Our Ancestors' Well" - Saturday, October 26, 7:30 p.m.

MoonFire invites you to come celebrate the ancient new year ritual to recognize Samhain (SAH-wen), the time when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead becomes thin, and our sacred ancestors are close. This ritual is designed to link us to our ancestral past, help us find balance in our hectic present, and to inspire us toward the future. Please note that because of the time, length, and theme of this event, it may not be appropriate for children. For pre-ritual activities, please arrive between 7:15 - 7:30 p.m. All attendees are encouraged (but not required) to wear ritual garb, to bring an item of remembrance to place on the altar, a potluck dish to share following the ritual, and their own feast gear, if possible. For further information on MoonFire, please visit www.moonfireuuca.org or email [email protected].


 
Buckingham Helpers

UUCA's Buckingham Outreach project helps organize workers from the Buckingham community to offer a variety of services - services such as: mulching, moving furniture, drywall installation, and painting. Talented cooks can prepare a traditional Latin American dish for a special dinner. To fill out a request form, visit the Buckingham Outreach table in Fellowship Hall after the service on Sunday. For more information, contact Nancy Hall.
 
Got Stuff? 

It's a wonderful thing that many UUCAers think of the church when they have items that they no longer need but are still useful. We wish to recycle whenever possible and re-use items that are needed. Please note, if you have anything you'd like to pass onto the church (furniture, electronics, office supplies, etc.), please email our facilities manager Paul Kearney ([email protected] or call 703-892-2565, ext. 231) before bringing them to the church. For space and safety reasons, we cannot accept drop off donations without prior notice. 


Washington Post: "Arlington Incomes Outpaced by Rents" 
 
Housing_graphic VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) is calling for your support for Affordable Housing Now in Arlington. Please add your name at the VOICE table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday.
  • Housing costs are rising faster than wages. 
  • 25% of housing units for projected job growth must be affordable to those earning less than $50,000. 
  • Currently, "affordable housing" in Arlington is affordable only to families earning more than $60,000. 
  • 46% of Arlington Public School employees cannot afford to live in Arlington. 
  • Many children growing up in Arlington are being forced to leave. 
  • Social diversity is being squeezed out of Arlington. 
  • Traffic congestion is increasing as more people commute to work in Arlington. 
  • VOICE is proposing creative solutions to this issue. Ask questions and show your support for Affordable Housing Now.
VOICE contact: David McTaggart.


UU History Convo - November 7 - 10 
 
UUCAers are especially fortunate that we are across the river from a major convocation featuring important and interesting speakers on our UU history. The program held at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, starts Thursday evening, November 7, with theme speaker Mark Morrison-Reed, and runs through Sunday, November 10. Registration can be for the entire series, or for just one or two days. This convocation will enhance UUCA's own theme of the month of November - our history! More information and registration can be found here. Register now.


Exciting News About the Driveway and Parking Lot 
 
The paving will be complete on Friday and the driveway and the parking lot will be open that afternoon.  The driveway and parking lot will be open throughout the weekend, though the lower lot will not have parking spaces painted. Please be cautious and courteous when parking in the lower lot this weekend. We are so close to the end of this project and thank you for your continued patience and help as we reach the finish line.


Wheel of Life

Welcome to this World. We welcome Wesley Davis Nabavi, born Saturday, September 28, to proud parents Ali Nabavi and Karen Roberts and big brother Elliott.

Best wishes to Eric Ackerman, recovering from surgery. 

 
Condolences to the family and friends of Chisolm McAvoy, who died September 26. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 4, 11 a.m. in UUCA's 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.


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