Connectiosn -banner photo

UUCA Home      |     CONNECT - GROW - SERVE
Sunday Worship

Promises of Heart and Hand, Hurt and Healing
September 21, 9:15 & 11:15am
Sermon by Rev Dr Linda Olson Peebles
Inside this Issue
Give-the-PlateGivePlate
This month, the Northern Virginia interfaith community is joining in a regional focus on the challenges of hunger and adequate housing for thousands of children, women, and men in our community. UUCA joins in this emphasis by donating the entirety of our September Sunday morning offerings to three regional agencies with whom we have longtime partnerships:  AFAC, ASPAN, and ALIVE!  These organizations help our congregation put its faith into action by providing food, housing, emergency relief, and outreach to families with children.  Needs for these kinds of  services have been increasing steadily in recent years.  This year new support is needed for families with few resources who have taken into their households hundreds of the unaccompanied minors who have traveled from Central America. Last Sunday's GTP totaled $2,834. Thank you for your continued generosity.

Note: Checks need to be written to "UUCA" with "Offering" on the memo line. If your check is to go towards your Pledge, please write "Pledge" on the memo line. Online donations can be made here. On Sundays, you can also make online donations by using the QR code found in the back of the pews (it's also on the bottom of each Connections).
Art & Soul
UUCA's 2014 AUCTION - November 1auction

UUCA's yearly auction is just around the corner --  And we need DONATIONS and VOLUNTEERS! Please sign up at the Auction table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday or online NOW. You can also contact Sarah Masters or Tom O'Reilly for details on donating and volunteering. 
The Book of LifeLife
A new part of our weekly worship service is UUCA's "Book of Life."  Each week, as we say the names in our hearts, and light the candles representing our deepest hurts and joy of the soul, we will also write into the Book of Life - names, events, phrases of poems or prayers which are in our hearts - anything that feels sacred to your life.
Religious EducationReligiousEd
From Erica Shadowsong, Director of Religious Education
We were thrilled to see so many of you in our RE programs at 9:15 and 11:15 last Sunday.  Please make yourselves known to us in the downstairs foyer if you are new; volunteers at the front desk can help you with information and registration, and RE staff want to know who you are!
 
Sunday Nursery Information
Our nursery is attended by a paid professional who is assisted by church volunteers every Sunday.  Nursery hours are continuous from 8:30am to 1pm, and extended during special after-service events.  Four-year-olds and up begin in the service in either the Sanctuary or the Worship Caf� in the Center until the children's blessing song.  Two- and three-year-olds are welcome in the nursery, and volunteers will escort them to their rooms when RE begins.

Come be Woven with RE!  We still Need You...
The following needs remain in our RE classes.
  • 9:15:  2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th grades, and front desk volunteers.
  • 11:15  2s, 3s and 7th Grade Neighboring Faiths, as well as Youth Advisors.
  • We also have a need for subs or floaters.
Help us complete these teaching teams; these classes currently have two or three teachers, many longtime RE volunteers.  If you have never volunteered for RE before, please consider lending your time with us. Contact Erica Shadowsong.

Childcare at UUCA Events
UUCA is currently providing childcare on Thursday nights when the choir meets, and we are working to expand to other nights. If you are in need of childcare to attend a UUCA event, please let us know, and we will do our best to provide it.  Reimbursement for private childcare arrangements is also available in many cases.  To learn about our childcare reimbursement offers, contact Erica Shadowsong.

Upcoming Events in Religious Education

9/26:  Friday Game Night. Join us for our first monthly game night.  This multigenerational event is suitable for game enthusiasts of all stripes.  Middle and high school youth are especially welcome.  The evening will include a potluck dinner.  Bring a dinner dish, salad or light dessert, and bring your games.  Video, board and appropriate party games, original games and card games. . . whatever you enjoy.  And, join Rev Aaron for one of his favorites, Magic the Gathering. Want to help out with this event, or teach a game?  Youth and game enthusiasts email Rev Aaron.

9/28:  7th and 8th Grade Potluck. Come learn about the exciting plans for our Neighboring Faiths and Coming of Age programs. Geared toward seventh graders and eighth graders not participating in the Our Whole Lives sexuality education program, these programs form the core of our adolescent's exploration of faith, Unitarian Universalist values, and their community.  Families will meet the facilitators of these classes, and learn about the field trips and overnight opportunities as well as other aspects of the programs.  They will also have an opportunity to sign up for Coming of Age, a class which meets every other Sunday in the evening.  Information on Covenant Groups will also be available for parents. For more information and to RSVP, contact Erica Shadowsong.
Faith in Action: Connecting - Growing - ServingFaith
Climate March in NYC This Sunday
Climate March logoUnitarian Universalists, and people of other faiths, are gathering in New York City this weekend to make the depth of our concern on climate change clear to world leaders who are meeting for a UN conference on the climate. There will be a variety of activities including an interfaith service with UU Association president, Rev Peter Morales. The activities planned will culminate with a march on Sunday. If you're not able to make the trip, you can still stay in touch -- the march and other activities will be live-streamed on the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice website. Click here for more information.
September PAG (Partners for Arlington & Guatemala) Events
Helping the Guatemalan Community in Arlington
  • Volunteer & kids September 20, 21. Sat - 9am-5pm, Sun - 9am-3pm. Assist Refugees and Immigrants in our Community. Volunteers are needed to help immigrants and their families obtain identification documents. Spanish speaking volunteers are needed to help immigrants fill out identification forms and passport applications. English only volunteers will serve food, help with childcare and offer other assistance.  Location:  Mobil Consulate at Arlington Mill (Columbia Pike and Dinwiddie St).  To volunteer click here. For more information call MJ Schmelzer, 703-524-7621.
  • Sunday, October 5, 12:30 to 5pm. Potluck Picnic at Alcova Heights Park, sponsored by PAG/Buckingham and Religious Education.  There will be grills, there will be fun and games!
  • Wed, October 15, 7:30pm. Victor Caal Tzuy, an activist from the community of Las Margaritas in Guatemala will speak.  He will share stories of community-based organizing and resistance to the Xalal� Hydroelectric Dam, a government imposed project that would, if constructed, irreparably damage the land, livelihoods and culture of nearly 100 Maya Q'eqchi' indigenous communities.  
  • The Greater Washington Immigration Film Festival - Oct. 24-26. Thirteen touching stories and thought-provoking documentaries will play in area UU churches and other venues. On Sunday, October 26, at 6:30pm, "Harvest of Empire" will air at UUCA. Based on the book by Juan Gonzalez, this film takes "an unflinching look at the role that U.S. economic and military interests played in triggering an unprecedented wave of migration." To learn more or to get involved in this exciting project, contact Marilyn Baker.
Meet Lidia Lorena Cortes Manuel

A PAG (Partners for Arlington and Guatemala) Scholarship Recipient
I qualified for an ADIVIMA* scholarship because my grandfather, Pedro Cortez L�pez, was assassinated by the Guatemalan army on the 28th of September, 1982. It seems that because of this trauma my father has not been able to succeed in life. However, we children along with our mother are struggling and working to keep going.

Our biggest problem is economic. In these times we must buy corn. What we actually harvest ourselves does not suffice for a whole year. During the past few growing seasons we have been suffering from drought. The rain stops when the corn is ripening and we lose the crop.  

 

*(The Association for the Integral Development of the Victims of the Violence of the Verapaces Maya Achi)

Art on Our Walls by Ubaldo Sanchez in September
sawdust artist Ubaldo Sanchez is a Guatemalan artist whose projects explore the rich, crafts-based art of Guatemala -- painted pottery, silk-screen printing, sculpture and painting. He has designed and painted numerous murals and community projects in Arlington and the DC Metro area. Most recently, he has designed and completed " Alfombras de Aserr�n" (traditional, colorful sawdust carpets) for the Folklife Festivals in Washington, DC and Richmond, Va.  (The Alfombras are a Guatemalan tradition dating back to the Mayans, who made the carpets of flowers for their kings to walk on.)
September is Regional Food Awareness and Action Month
food_collection Three organizations in the area that work to fight hunger and food insecurity are AFAC, ALIVE! and A-SPAN.  During the month of September, UUCA's Give-the-Plate benefits these three organizations. Besides monetary support through GTP, UUCA will collect food and shelter items for each organization. Donations needed:
  • FOOD. Low-sugar cereals, peanut butter, cooking oil in plastic bottles, small bags of flour, canned tuna, canned meats, low-sodium soups, pasta, etc.
  • NECESSARIES. Deodorant, soap, shampoo & conditioner, disposable razors, shaving cream, combs & brushes, mouth wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste. Small sizes only.
More extensive donation lists and information are available in Fellowship Hall on Sundays during September.  Or, for A-SPAN, contact Bonnie O'Day, ; for ALIVE!, contact Ann Marie Hay; and for AFAC, contact Denise Kappler.
Express support for Affordable Housing and the Social Safety Net in Arlington
 VOICE invites us to participate in the following events: VOICE_LOGO
  • Each Sunday after Service at the VOICE table. Sign letters of concern addressed to the Arlington County Board.
  • Monday, September 22, 6:30-9pm. Housing Study Forum at Washington Lee High School.
  • Thursday, September 30, 7-9pm. VOICE and the Arlington Interfaith Council co-host a Safety Net Forum on current demands for food assistance, healthcare and housing at UUCA.
UUCA is a leading member congregation of VOICE, a coalition of 45 faith congregations organizing public demand for social justice in Northern Virginia. Contact our Pat Findikoglu or call 703-975-8292 with any questions regarding VOICE and its ongoing affordable housing campaign.
UUs of Color in the DC Area: Building Community Together
Sunday, September 21, 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. - Cedar Lane UU Church
RevArchene photo Nearly every UU congregation in the metropolitan area has among its members people of color (POC) in modest numbers. UUCA's former intern minister, Rev Archene Turner, is helping to build a community for spiritual and collegial support for POC families, youth and leaders in the DC metro UU congregations. You are welcome to join her and others at their initial gathering this Sunday at Cedar Lane UU. Click here for more information.
Home Energy Workshop and Potluck
Sunday, September 28, 6 - 8:30pm
Come to a Home Energy Workshop presented by Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment and Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light,  sponsored by UUCA's Green Action. The potluck is from 6 to 7pm.  Please come to both or just come for the workshop, which will cover the importance of energy efficiency and tips for saving energy in the home. Participants will learn how to evaluate different segments of the home and are encouraged to complete the Energy Start Yardstick tool to assess their home's energy efficiency and see how it compares to others.  Bring the results with you to the event for feedback and suggestions on what to do with the information.  Learn more about the Yardstick and complete yours online here.  For more information, email MJ Schmelzer or 703-524-7621.
"Paycheck to Paycheck" - Showing of Economic Justice Film
Sunday, September 28, 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.
PayCheck photo Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice and the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy are hosting a free screening of the acclaimed HBO documentary Paycheck to Paycheck: The Life and Times of Katrina Gilbert, a moving story of a single mother struggling to break free of poverty.
A Wider Welcome - A Bolder Justice: Beyond Partisan Division
Saturday, October 4, 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. Accotink UU Church
Election season is upon us, and opinions and ideas are flowing.  Though are we really open to diversity of political discourse?  Do we really encourage and accept differing political views in our own congregations?  How can we understand our own political bias, be more effective in our understanding and conversations, and open our doors wide to intentionally extend our love and welcome to all? These bold questions challenges us to strive toward a bolder justice. Come and join the conversation that will be led by Rev Anya Sammler-Michael of UU Congregation of Sterling, Rev Scott Sammler-Michael of Accotink UU Church, and Paul Roche, Board Chair of Sterling UU Church. For more information or to register, click here.
MoonFire Mabon Ritualmoonfire
Sunday, September 21, 1:30pm
We apologize for the late notice, but the leader of MoonFire's previously announced ritual will be out of town, so please join us this Sunday for a different ritual celebrating Mabon, which marks the middle of the three Pagan harvest festivals.  This ritual will include a guided meditation on "Connecting with the Divine from your personal Astral Temple." Important Note:  the ritual leader this month is very allergic to fragrances; please do not wear perfumes, colognes, or essential oils, and please do not bring any scented items to the ritual. As always, a potluck and time for fellowship will follow the ritual. Bring a dish or drink to share, along with your own plates/utensils.  For further information on MoonFire, please visit www.moonfireuuca.org or [email protected].
Buddhist Fellowship Meditation ClassBuddhist
JonathonFoust photo
Monday, September 22, 7:30 to 8:45pm
Jonathan Foust of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington returns on Monday night to lead our Buddhist meditation class. This week's class will be an introduction to mindful meditation. It will begin with a brief overview and welcome, followed by a thirty-minute guided meditation. After a short break, Jonathan will lead a short talk related to mindfulness and skillful living. No set fee, though donations are accepted.
Yoga WorkshopYoga
Saturday, September 20, 10 to 11:30am
Join us for a centering workshop to learn ways that yoga can help you cultivate resilience. During the 1.5-hour class, you'll pair yoga postures with inner work, creating the conditions for success by subtly connecting mind and body exercises. Spaces are limited, please RSVP to [email protected].
Smart Muscles - Stretch & Movement for Better LivingMuscle
Fridays 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
This class helps relieve chronic muscle pain and spasm, prevent common muscular injuries and helps to lengthen and relax tight muscles. Twelve classes/$144. Drop-in $20. More information on class, contact Eileen Kozak or 703-536-3797.
Baby Club BBQBBQ
baby-blocks2.jpg Saturday, September 27, 4 to 6pm
The Baby Club kicks off the new year with a family BBQ on Saturday, September 27, 4 to 6pm.  The group is for parents (and soon-to-be parents) of infants and toddlers.  They typically meet for play dates that give chances to connect and share stories, advice, concerns, etc.  All families are welcome.  Email Lauren Courtney for the location and more information. To keep track of all Baby Club activities, click here
Announcing Auditionsaudition
For Frigga and the Mistletoe - A One-Act Opera
Mistletoe sprig  Viscum album  with berries and leafs, isolated on a white background. Singers and actors of all ages, shapes, genders, and backgrounds are encouraged to audition. As part of UUCA's ambition to be a church without walls, we encourage all people to audition, whether associated with the church or not.  Tell your friends! Auditions dates are September 23, 24 and 29, 30. Performance dates are December 12, 13, and 14. Auditions will be scheduled by appointment only. Schedule a 30-minute audition slot by contacting Barbara at [email protected]. For more details on auditioning, click here.
Let's Start Singingsing
Children and Youth Singers
Bea Ann photo It's the perfect time to start singing!  A new church year, a new minister, and a re-newed vision for our children and youth as members of our community and beyond!

Opportunities for young singers:  
  • Chalice Choir (pre-K - 3rd grade) Every Sunday, 10:30-11:15am in Chapel
  • TrUUbadours (4th - 6th grade) Every Sunday, 12:30-1pm in Chapel
  • Youth Choir (7th - 12th grade) Every Sunday, 1-1:45pm in Sanctuary
Come SHINE With Us!
SHINE (Singing to Heal, Inspire, Nurture and Energize) is UUCA's Healing Community Choir.  Meets 2nd and 4th Monday from 7-8:30pm. Membership at UUCA NOT required. Families are welcome and encouraged to join.

For more information on Children & Youth Choirs and SHINE!, email Bea Ann Phillips or 703-966-3226.
Soul Matters Covenant GroupsGroups
Round frame for natural grey stones Rev. Aaron urges everyone at UUCA to join him and others in a small group which meet monthly or bi-monthly to go deeper, exploring the themes he is preaching on each week.  The themes will touch on the question "What Does It Mean to Be a People of..." with each month offering a different quality.  In September, we consider "What does it mean to be a people of promise?"  In October, we'll think about being a people of renewal, in November, grace, in December, wonder. Sign up online HERE or visit the table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday.
Wheel of LifeWheel
Congratulations to Margaret Wilson, who has been chosen to receive the Charles P. Monroe Civil Rights Award at the 68th annual Freedom Fund banquet, sponsored by the Arlington branch of the NAACP.

Congratulations to Frank Corsoro on the birth of his granddaughter, Brooklyn Michaela, in Buffalo, N.Y. on August 18 to Frank's son Michael and daughter-in-law Mirelys.

Condolences to David and Mary Shilton on the death of Dave's mother in California Sept. 11. 
Connections is produced weekly and normally emailed on Thursday. Deadline is Wednesday at NOON each week. ADD "CONNECTIONS" TO SUBJECT BOX. Email announcements to [email protected]

To receive Connections in your email inbox each week, please click here
  

Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington   |   4444 Arlington Blvd, Arlington VA 22204   |   703-892-2565