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Sunday Worship
October 5, 9:15 and 11:15am
"Falling Upward"
Sermon by
Rev. Aaron McEmrys, Senior Minister

Sunday Volunteers Needed

We're off to a great start to the church year and we still need more helpers on Sunday morning.  Biggest needs are for Center Ushers, Greeters (Upstairs, Downstairs, and Outside), Service Production Team (Sound & Video), and Coffee Hospitality.  But help is needed in all areas.  If you can help one Sunday a month, as a substitute, or just once, please contact Sarah Masters, sarah.masters@uucava.org.

Sunday, October 12 - the Mason's lot will be closed due to resurfacing. Thank you for parking in the Arlington Hall Park lot.
Inside this Issue
Give-the-PlateGivePlate
In September, UUCA donated the GTP offerings to three regional agencies: AFAC, ASPAN, and ALIVE!  Last week's offering totaled $2,591. The total for the whole month of September totaled $11,637.50 and will be divided evenly between the three agencies .

For this Sunday, October 5, the GTP offering will go to support the work of Metro DC PFLAG, which sponsors the Arlington PFLAG Community Group that meets monthly at UUCA, ALY-Arlington LGBTQA Youth, and other community groups in DC/Maryland/Virginia.

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

The UUCA Services Auction is November 1.  This year we are planning something different; maybe dinner, perhaps a bit more fancy, new format; details coming next week, so for now SAVE the DATE!  We are still accepting donations, particularly potential live auction items, and we always need 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. 
Quilt Raffle Tickets Now Available
Auction Quilt photo UUCA's Quilt Covenant Group has created another beautiful quilt for this year's Art & Soul Auction. Tickets are on sale after the services on Sunday in Fellowship Hall. This year's quilt also includes a coordinating pillow. The size of the quilt (4.5' by 6') is perfect for a bed topper or sofa throw. With it's colorful design and quality craftsmanship, it could also be displayed as a fine piece of fabric art. Extra fabric for a hanging sleeve and clamps are included. The winning ticket will be drawn at the Auction on November 1 and the winner does not have to be present. Tickets are $2 a piece/$5 for three/$10 for eight. (Tip: bring your home address mailing labels to eliminate the need to write on the back of the MANY ticket stubs you will purchase ;-)
Playground Closed this Weekend
The playground will be closed both Saturday and Sunday (Oct 4 & 5) due to the re-sealing of the playground equipment. A BIG thank you and loads of appreciation go to the Arlington Unitarian Church Preschool (AUCP) for the continued upkeep of the playground.
All events listed are at UUCA unless otherwise noted.
UUCA Concert SeriesConcert
Barrett Smith in Concert Sunday
Sunday, October 5, 7pm - The Center
Barrett Smith photo Join your UU friends and family in welcoming Barrett Smith, who will present the first in this church year's concert series. Barrett comes to us from Asheville, North Carolina, to bring a beautiful mix of elegant songwriting and exquisite guitar work. With a background in classical guitar, Barrett brings an astonishing level of instrumental mastery to his songs and compositions, as well as an intense passion and a light-hearted intimacy to his show which immediately connects him to an audience. It will be an evening that promises to deliver all of the emotion and artistry that you always hope for in a live music experience, so bring guests with whom to share the warmth. Light refreshments will be served, but please feel free to bring something to share for a short reception after the concert. Contact Susan Andalora (or 703-517-7388), for additional information
Day Allianceday
Will a Smart Phone Make Your Smarter?
With Guest Speakers: Brenton Gregory-Morley and Allan Phoenix
Tuesday, October 14
Join Day Alliance for their next speaker/luncheon program when Brenton Gregory-Morley and Allan Phoenix tells us how our smartphone can be our personal butler. Your phone can be programmed to wake you up, dial your calls, make your lists, give you reminders, send emails, text messages, store information safely, be your reference librarian, turn you into a photographer, and more. Brenton and Allan will demonstrate real-time applications possible with the smartphone and answer as many questions as you have.


The Day Alliance business meeting is at 10:30am, the speaker program from 11am to noon, followed by a luncheon that includes shepherd's pie catered by Dixie Vereen. Contact Christine Gregory (or 703-525-6253) if you have special dietary needs. For a luncheon reservation, contact Renee Gholtz at 703-354-4555.

A reminder to current members, as well as new persons wishing to join, the annual dues are just $15 ($35 for a contributing member) payable at the meeting - NOTE: You do not have to be a member to attend this program. If you have questions about membership, you may email Veronica Priddy or call her at 703-521-3386.
New UU Class with Rev AaronNew
Our next New UU class (formerly known as Introduction to Our Faith) will be Wednesday, October 15, 5:30-9:00pm. 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, but registration is required.  Register here. Free childcare is available on request. Please email Sarah Masters to request childcare. 
Covenant Groupscovenant
October Theme: "What Does it Mean to be a People of Renewal?"
Round frame for natural grey stones
"Each night, when I go to sleep, I die.
And the next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn."


There are still some openings in a few Soul Matters Covenant Groups.  We are also starting two new groups that will meet on Sundays at 4pm and 7pm.  Click here to sign up.
Women Humanistwomen
Wednesday, October 8, 7:30pm
All women are invited to view and discuss a video by Sam Harris titled Science Can Answer Moral Questions.  He sees abstract values as an illusion and seems to base morality on human well-being which is observable; evil is human suffering. Sam Harris, neuroscientist and philosopher,  has been identified as one of the "Four Horsemen of Atheism" -- company he shares with Richard Dawkins, Dan Dennett and Christopher Hitchens. An outspoken proponent of skepticism and science, his two books -- The End of Faith and its follow-up Letter to a Christian Nation -- have become best-sellers. For more information on UUCA's Women Humanist Group, contact Lucia Heard.
Faith in Action: Connecting - Growing - ServingFaith
Celebrate with Equality UUCAequality
In 1992, UUCA came out as a Welcoming Congregation - a congregation that intentionally welcomes and celebrates the presence and participation of people who are LGBTQ (Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender-Queer). UUCA was the first UU congregation in the mid-Atlantic region to do so.  This Sunday, October 5, we have so much to celebrate in honor of National Coming Out Day (October 11) - a day to celebrate coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or as an ally:
  • The Give-the-Plate offering will go to support the work of Metro DC PFLAG, which sponsors the Arlington PFLAG Community Group that meets monthly at UUCA, ALY-Arlington LGBTQA Youth, and other community groups in DMV.
  • Let's Eat Cake! Come out for equality with Equality UUCA during fellowship hour with rainbow cake.
  • Stop by the Equality UUCA table to learn more about Metro DC PFLAG and to sign up to lend a hand at the UU booth at the Pride Festival or volunteer for the "A La Familia" program on October 21.  
  • Attend the first-ever Northern Virginia Pride Festival. Everyone is invited to join the UU contingent, Metro DC PFLAG, and many others at the Bull Run Special Events Center, Centreville, this Sunday, October 5, 12 to 7pm.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Fogarty.
Free Electronic Recycling Event in Alexandriarecycling
Saturday, October 4, 9am to 1pm
Glasgow Middle School, 4101 Fairfax Parkway, Alexandria
Bring your computers - monitors - televisions - cell phones - mp3 players - ink & toner cartridges - printers - microwaves - cables & wires - laptops - all electronics. (Fee for TV's $15 to $35 depending on size). The truck fills up fast, so come early. Contact: Regina Kaufman.
Appreciative Inquiry - Peace Connectionsinquiry
Three times to choose from & no registration needed:
Saturday, October 4, 10 to 11:30am
Sunday, October 5, 12:30 to 2pm  [snacks provided]
Thursday, October 9, 7 to 8:30pm
For fifteen years, hundreds of UUCAers and neighbors have been impacted by the powerful lessons peace learned in Peace Camp. Everyone - alumni, current participants, supporters over the years and those who want to learn more about Peace Camp -  are invited to join in a congregational conversation in the spirit of the October theme - "What does it mean to be a people of Renewal?"  Through a facilitated process called "Appreciative Inquiry" we will name what we love and value, share our wishes and dreams, and envision possibilities for the future, as we renew our congregation's commitment to bringing together a multicultural community to learn how to live in peace. For more information, contact Bill Fogarty.
Arlington Affordable Housing Study Workshophousing
Saturday, October 11, 9am to 12pm - Fairlington Community Center
VOICE calls on Arlington residents to participate in this county-sponsored workshop "to explore and develop options for affordable housing policies and strategies." Find more information here.

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.
October PAG (Partners for Arlington & Guatemala) EventsPAG
Helping the Guatemalan Community in Arlington
  • Sunday, October 5, 12:30 to 5pm. Potluck Picnic at Alcova Heights Park, sponsored by PAG/Buckingham and Religious Education. This a family-friendly event. Bring food and enthusiasm to share. Grills, games, and fun provided!  Rain location is Fellowship Hall. Contact: Nancy Hall.
  • Wed, October 15, 7:30pm. Victor Caal Tzuy, an activist from the community of Las Margaritas in Guatemala, will will share stories of community-based organizing and resistance to the Xalalá 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. Flyer here. 
  • The Greater Washington Immigration Film Festival - Oct. 24-26 - Tickets FREE. Thirteen touching stories and thought-provoking documentaries that help put a face on immigration and motivate viewers to take action for reform will play in area UU churches and other venues. All the films are FREE (donation optional) except for the reception and featured film and winner of the Sundance 2013 Cinematography Award - Who is Dayani Cristal? on Saturday, October 25. On Sunday, October 26, at 7pm (doors open at 6:30pm), Harvest of Empire will air at UUCA. A discussion with the director and producer will follow the film.

    Reserve your seats now at: www.immigrationfilmfest.org.

A Wider Welcome - A Bolder Justice: Beyond Partisan Divisionpartisan
Saturday, October 4, 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. Accotink UU Church
This program will help us to compassionately witness an often unchallenged bias that exists in our congregations and association. We'll learn how to deepen the conversations around partisan division that exists around labels like "liberals" and "conservative." Come and join the conversation 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. Click here for flyer. UUCA contact: Lavona Grow.  
Culpepper Garden Gatheringculpepper
Join us for Cocktails & Conversation
UUCA members and friends are invited to an exciting evening to learn about recent changes and events at Culpepper Garden, Arlington's award-winning nonprofit community providing affordable housing for seniors. When: Thursday, October 23, 6 to 7:30pm. Where: Home of Betsey Wildhack, Culpepper Garden Board Member and elderlaw attorney. RSVP and address: Vicki Kirkbride (703-528-0162, ext 209)
Peace Academy for Adultsacademny
Thursdays Oct 30 thru Nov 20 - A Core Curriculum Series from Little Friends of Peace
Peace Academy classes provide adults the opportunity to experience and  practice peace building as well as learn strategies for teaching peace to others. Peace Academy welcomes everyone from educators seeking professional development, to community or group leaders wanting to strengthen positive leadership skills, to anyone hoping to discover more about peace education. Session 1. Beginning Peace: Defining, Describing, and Understanding the Practice of Peace; Session 2. Creating Peace: At Home, at School and in Your Neighborhood; Session 3. Solving Problems: Peaceful Conflict Resolution & the Peace Train; Session 4. Celebrating Peace: Living Peace and Empowering Others. $60 per individual session or $200 for the entire series. Financial assistance and student rates available. Flyer here. Contact Sara Policastro for details. 
Inclusivity Through Joy & Creativityjpd
2014 JPD Racial Justice Conference
November 7 and 8 - UU Congregation of Sterling, Va.
Come see how slam poetry, music infused worship, aesthetics, joy and creativity can infuse your congregation with inclusivity.  Come and share your passion for building the world we dream about.  All are encouraged to attend. Click here for more information.
Young Adults Question the Universeyoung
mini-pizza-spatula.jpg Join the Young Adult Group for their semi-regular "Beer, Pizza, and Questions About the Universe" on Wednesday, October 8.  Find more information on Facebook (click here).
Have a Song in your Heart?choirs
Choir photo  
Could UUCA benefit from your singing energy? If you have any experience at all singing in a choir - any place, any time, at any age - UUCA could use your musical energy!  You are welcome to join Clerestory Choir, our adult choir. Clerestory Choir supports the themes of Sunday worship with inspiring music. It's a community that offers an opportunity for you to develop new friendships in service to the entire church community. Enrich your own creative experience by participating in a ministry that nurtures the heart and lifts the spirit through the making of beautiful music. Inquire at bob.griffith@uucava.org or 703-892-2565 ext. 268.
Fall Labyrinth Walkwalk
labyrinth Monday, October 20, 6:30 to 7:30pm
This walk will be in conjunction with the Buddhist meditation class that will follow at 7:30pm. All are welcome at either session. Labyrinth guides will be available to answer questions or give walking suggestions. For more information, contact Sara Ellen Swatt.
Wheel of LifeWheel
Healing thoughts to Paul Peak, hospitalized this week.

Congratulations to Xixi Yin and Paul Duncan who were married this week in UUCA's sanctuary by Rev. Linda OlsonPeebles.

Margaret Wilson, who has led the Civic Coalition for Minority Affairs in Arlington, will be presented with the Charles P. Monroe Civil Rights Award at the 68th annual Freedom Fund banquet, sponsored by the Arlington branch of the NAACP on October 18.  Reservations for the banquet are no longer possible but you may become a sponsor of the NAACP for a nominal fee. For more information, click here.
Connections is produced weekly and normally emailed on Thursday. Deadline is Wednesday at NOON each week. ADD "CONNECTIONS" TO SUBJECT BOX. Email announcements to pubasst@uucava.org

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