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                    Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington

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Friday, January 3, 2014
"No one ever asked me..."

(photo: AirForceTimes)

Attending services at First Unitarian in San Francisco last Sunday,  I heard the Rev. Roger Jones tell a beautiful story about visiting a dying veteran of the Second World War.

The old man explained why he had never before talked about the German soldiers he shot in battle: "No one ever asked me, or seemed very interested."

And so he carried his guilt nearly to his grave. If only, Roger told us in his sermon, this troubled veteran could have talked freely to friends at church. If only church were a place where there were many opportunities for telling our truth, and a place where there were always engaged listeners.

May it be so at UUCA in January. Our theme for the month is "Faith in War and Peace," with messages from the pulpit about genocide in Guatemala, the pain and insights of military chaplains, the ways in which war can tear apart families, and how they can heal. It may not always be easy to hear these messages, yet your willingness to do exactly that, in worship and in covenant groups, is what will make this church a truly worthwhile place.

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Let us now bow down to the god Janus, depicted as looking both backward and forward. As I gaze back at the year past, I see and hear the wonders of Christmas Eve. Bob Griffith orchestrated a magnificent evening of music, with the inspired assistance of Bea Ann Phillips, Bob Kline, Ken Bissell, and all the singers of the choirs and the guest musicians. The trumpets were stirring, the virtuosity uplifting -- yet the best part of Christmas Eve was being in the presence of hundreds of hopeful children and their loving parents, grandparents, and friends. It was a time when the human family at its best seemed to be on display, turning us all toward a bright New Year.

Best,
David_signature1

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
All  UUCA activities, including the church office, are canceled and/or closed for today - Fri, January 3rd.  It is the policy of UUCA to follow the lead of Arlington Public Schools when they close schools due to inclement weather.
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Holiday Greetings
From Rev. Michael McGee, Minister Emeritus

Terry and I would like to wish a happy holiday to all of our UUCA friends. We're enjoying a warm Christmas in Sarasota, Florida where we live now most of the year.   

We've been following your progress in building the church -- especially the beautiful new addition and finally a real parking lot! -- and searching for a new senior minister with enthusiasm and pride. You continue to shine brightly in our many fond memories of our time together and our hopes and best wishes for the new year.
This Sunday Service - January 5, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.

"We Are Here"
Rev. Dr. Linda Olson Peebles and some of the UUCA delegation who traveled to Guatemala reflect on the impact of war and injustice on the indigenous people in that country and how we can be in solidarity with those we seek to help. The music includes several Spanish pieces, including Te Quiero (I Love You) and Ellen Beard sings a solo - Con amores, la mi madre (With Love, Oh Mother of Mine).
Getting Personal - UUCA's Guatemala Scholarships
From Rev. Dr. Linda Olson Peebles

On December 29, as a part of our church service looking forward to the New Year, Erin FitzGerald gave a powerful reflection about UUCA's initiative to give scholarships to Mayan Guatemalan youth.  For those of you who couldn't be there, here are her words.  They inspire me!
Visit Guatemala Table on Sunday

Members of the recent Guatemala delegation will be in Fellowship Hall after each service to share some of their experiences. When you visit the Guatemala tables, you'll learn more about UUCA's actions in Guatemala --  the human rights accompaniment program, Mayan scholarships, our solidarity with communities opposing destructive transnational mining and mega-project development. You will also find a wide selection of  fair-trade items for sale at reasonable prices. Proceeds support UUCA's efforts in Guatemala, as well as benefitting the Guatemalan artisans who supplied the products.

Give-the-Plate This Sunday
Last Sunday, the one-service Give-the-Plate collection totaled $1,360 and went to VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement). On Christmas Eve, the offering from the three services went to organizations that help provide food and shelter to those in need in northern Virginia and totaled $8,521.

This Sunday, the offerings from both services will go for scholarships to Mayan youth in Rabinal, Guatemala; and to local children in the Buckingham community. The offering will help provide educational opportunities to youth in Guatemala and help provide children of immigrant families scholarships to Peace Camp, UUCA's summer camp program.
 
Next Sunday Service - January 12, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.

"Beyond the Barbed Wire: A Vision for Inclusion"
With Rev. Sarah Lammert, UUA Director of Ministries & Faith Development and Military Chaplain Supervisor, along with Rev. Rebekah A. Montgomery, UU Minister and Military Chaplain, US Army - Reserves. Unitarian Universalists have had ministers serving as military chaplains since George Washington commissioned 20 ministers as chaplains for his Continental Army.  Yet since the time of Vietnam in particular, UU's have on the whole held the armed services at arm's length, welcoming service members and veterans only awkwardly in most congregations. How do we reconcile our stance for peace with a more genuine embrace of those who serve or have served our nation's military?  In other words, how can we live into our vision of being truly welcoming? Music: Guest singer/songwriter Barrett Smith sings and plays his guitar.
Fitz Samuel Memorial Service - Saturday, January 4

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Fitz Samuel will be held on Saturday, January 4, 3 p.m. in our Center with Rev. Dr. Linda Olson Peebles officiating.

January Theme & Covenant Groups

Throughout the month of January, UUCA services and many Covenant Groups will reflect on the theme of faith in war and peace. Our January 12 preacher, Rev. Sarah Lammert, Ecclesiastical Endorser for Unitarian Universalist Chaplains, recommends several books to gain deeper understanding of her work:
Click here for excerpts to read, followed by guiding questions for reflection. 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Interfaith Service - Mon., Jan. 20, 12 p.m.

All UUCAers are encouraged to attend this special one-hour service in our sanctuary on Monday, January 20. A reception will follow. Leaders from neighboring mosques, synagogues, and churches will participate, and the wider community is invited.
Fellowship X 10th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, January 4, 7 to 9 p.m.
West Village of Shirlington Club House, 4155 S. Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington


Current and former members of Fellowship X (2004 - present) and the UUCA Young Adult group from 1991 - 2003, are invited to a fun-filled reunion you will not want to miss. January 2014 marks the 10th anniversary of Fellowship X (UUCA's Gen X group). Formed in the early 90s, the Young Adult group was one of the largest and most successful in the entire UUA. In 2004, Fellowship X was created as Young Adult members matured.  

The reunion's cost is $10 per person and is open to adults only.  More details and registration information is available at http://www.meetup.com/Fellowship-X-NoVa/events/154657792/    RSVP's are encouraged but not required by contacting [email protected].
Join Soon to be Eligible to Vote
From Sarah Masters, Director of Congregational Life

As we prepare to welcome a new minister this year, you might want to be sure that you are able to vote. You must be a member for 90 days before the congregational meeting at which the vote takes place. While this meeting hasn't been scheduled yet, it is likely that the last chance you'll have to join in time is the January signing, which will be on Sunday, January 12 after each service.  The path to membership includes taking the Introduction to Our Faith class (see next announcement), meeting with a minister, and making a financial pledge. Questions?  Contact Sarah Masters, Director of Congregational Life,

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"Many Voices, One Community"
The Senior Minister Search 2013-14 Congregational Packet is available here (it's a large file - it may take a while to download). It's a must read for all UUCA members and anyone considering membership. It's a fascinating documentation of who we are, where we've been, and where and who we'd like to be.
Introduction to Our Faith with Rev. Linda Olson Peebles
Saturday, January 11, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

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.  Free childcare is available by contacting Sarah Masters

Day Alliance Program - Tue., Jan. 14

Josh Ruebneris an American author, political analyst, and activist is the guest speaker for the Day Alliance gathering on Tuesday, January 14. He is the author of Shattered Hopes: Obama's Failure to Broker Israeli-Palestinian Peace, published by Verso Books. Ruebner currently serves as the National Advocacy Director of US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation. In this capacity Ruebner works to end United States military aid to Israel and on other policy initiatives. He co-founded Jews for Peace in Palestine and Israel in 2000, which has since merged with Jewish Voice for Peace. Ruebner is a former analyst in Middle East affairs at Congressional Research Service, a federal government agency providing members of Congress with policy analysis.

You are welcome to join Day Alliance for their brief business meeting at 10:30 a.m., and the guest speaker at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon at noon. The catered lunch is $10. RSVP for lunch to Phyllis Lehner at 703-578-7688 or email Lois Czapiewski.

Real Happiness at Work - Buddhist Workshop - Sun., Jan. 26, 7 - 9 p.m.
Sharon Salzberg, a New York Times best selling author and influential teacher of Buddhist meditation practices will conduct a special workshop that explores a path to finding real happiness at work. 
 
Online registration is now open - REGISTER HERE
50-plus Group Gets Together - Sun., Jan. 12

The 50-plus Group will start the new year with a potluck lunch after second service on Sunday January 12, at 12:45 p.m. Please bring a dish to share. Newcomers welcome -- stop by and say hello.

Training on Lobbying for Social Justice - Sat., Jan. 5, 2 to 4 p.m.

The UU Congregation of Fairfax and Fairfax County Citizens Against Gun Violence are co-sponsoring a legislative lobbying training on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2013, 2-4 p.m. at UUCF, 2709 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, Virginia. Focused on current gun control legislation in the U.S. Congress, the training will also convey principles of lobbying applicable to other social justice issues.  For more information, contact UUCF member Bob Hatfield.
 
Wheel of Life
Congratulations to Peter Kostik and Bruce Rieder who were married on Friday, December 27 after 28 years together.

Deepest condolences to Paula Bendl Smith and Linda Battaglini.  Both had sisters who died over the holidays.
 
Did you know?

Did you know that UUCA has a written policy and procedure doc for your reference? The Redbook has useful information for many common situations or events at UUCA. You can find the Redbook on the Governance page of UUCA's website (click here).
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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