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Sunday Worship
March 8, 2015, 9:15 & 11:15am
UUCA ramp covered in snow



The "Fairer" Sex
Sermon by Rev Aaron McEmrys

 











Reminder: Daylight savings time begins this Sunday. Be sure to set your clocks one hour ahead before going to bed on Saturday. 
 
Thank you Jose and Manuel 
No matter what Sunday's weather may bring, UUCA's trusty custodial team - Jose Pineda and Manuel Rivera  -  will make sure we have a welcoming entrance that's clear and safe.  
Jose photo
Manuel photo

In case you missed it . . .
If you missed yesterday's special email letter from Rev Aaron and Rev Linda, click here to read it.

Last Sunday's service with our guest storyteller, Dee Setalla, click here.

Audios of some of the past sermons are here.

If you're going to miss the service this Sunday, you can always watch the recording of the sermon at anytime at  www.uucava.org.
Give-the-PlateGivePlate
Sumi Nungua - March 8
Hopi elders This Sunday we continue our support to Sumi Nungua, a non-profit organization which helps provide food, medicines, and sundries to elders in the Navajo and Hopi reservations of Arizona.  Most of these elders are living without electricity or running water, and the basic supplies they need for everyday living are not available to them.  Sumi Nungua provides these.  It also works toward finding alternative ways to provide energy solutions, reducing the carbon footprint and maintaining a healthy environment.  "Sumi Nungwa" is a Hopi term meaning "Coming Together."   

At the end of March UUCA Youth are visiting the people served by this organization. They look forward to making a gift to them from the congregation's generosity, as together we put our faith into action. 

See report below on pancake fundraiser.
DreamForge Comes Calling
The DreamForge stewardship campaign for 2015-16 is wrapping up. Hundreds of UUCAers have pledged their financial support to the work of the congregation for the period July 2015-June 2016. Many have made their most generous pledge ever! A hearty THANK YOU goes to those who have joined the DreamForge that will help transform our dreams into reality. Supporting the ministry of this church will take ALL of us.

Stewardship pledges are how we make our dreams come true, and there's still time for you to make YOUR pledge. Go online here; or put your orange pledge card in the basket this Sunday; or mail your card back to UUCA today in the stamped envelope that you received in the mail about a month ago. And, please include the white "dream" card to tell us about your dreams for this congregation.

If we don't hear from you, you'll hear from us. Dozens of hard-working volunteers have agreed to make telethon-style calls starting next week to chat with those who have not yet pledged. But seriously, please communicate your promise now. Don't make us call you!

FYI: The first open budget meeting will be Wednesday, March 18, from 7:00 to 9:00pm in the Activity Room. All are welcome.
Religious EducationReligiousEd
Why We Should all be Talking About Children of Eden
From Erica Shadowsong, Director of Religious Education
Photo of themes from Children of God
Dear RE Families and Volunteers,
I know many of you already have plans to see the Chalice Theater production of Children of Eden.  I saw it this past weekend, and I want to put in my own special plug.  Children of Eden is based on the book of Genesis, and explores several of the themes we cover in RE, from themes of family to themes of responsibility.

For those of us studying our fourth Source, "Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves," as the fourth and fifth graders are currently doing, this is an excellent opportunity to engage with another telling of stories they have heard and wrestled with, acted out and responded to.  Read more.
New Adult Enrichment Program
Parents, see following program of special interest!

Wednesday, March 11 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm in the Upper Level, Sanctuary.  Free.
You're Not the Boss of Me!: Motivating Strong-Willed Toddlers, Tweens & Teens
With Kirk and Casey Martin. Celebrate Calm founder Kirk Martin, and his son, Casey, will provide parents and teachers with a dozen strategies that will eliminate defiance, disrespect, yelling, bullying, sibling fights and more that characterize our homes and classrooms. Kirk provides concrete, practical strategies that work with kids of all ages in everyday situations.  Arrive early for the special Q&A with Kirk (that begins 10 minutes prior to the workshop beginning). Visit www.CelebrateCalm.com and see the flyer to learn more. Childcare provided.
New UU Class with Rev Linda
candles_long Our next New UU class (formerly known as Introduction to Our Faith) will be Wednesday, March 18, 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.
Faith in Action: Connecting - Growing - ServingFaith


Guatemala
Spring Festival
Fundraiser - March 20
UUCA's PAG (Partners for Arlington and Guatemala) has been invited by the UUA to share the story of our involvement in accompaniment of human rights defenders in Guatemala. A presentation - "The Power of Accompaniment" will be part of this year's UUA General Assembly in Portland, Oregon, in June. Please help us fund this GA presentation by attending this fundraiser designed for the whole family. For more information, contact MJ Schmelzer-Hoekstra. For the full-size flyer, click here.

Help UUCA's Urban Forest - March 21
Fall leaves through window How fortunate we are at UUCA to have a patch of urban forest on our church property.  It is a special treat to watch through our sanctuary windows during Sunday services the change of seasons with varying activities of woodpeckers, hawks and other birds. To maintain and protect this lovely little plot of woods, several UUCA master naturalists and others will begin an invasive plant removal on Saturday, March 21, from 9 to noon.  You are invited to help; please contact Pat Findikoglu at [email protected] or 703-975-8292 if you plan to come.  If you have work gloves or tools, please bring them.  If you can work during the week, other work days will likely be scheduled.  Please contact Jennifer Frum at [email protected] or 703-300-2496 for details.
Young Adult Spring Lobby Day: Training and Advocacy on Climate Justice
Saturday, March 14 - Tuesday, March 17
The session begins with lunch at the Washington Plaza Hotel at 12 noon. Deadline for registering extended to March 13. Registration fee $50 and $25 (low income).  The UU College of Social Justice and the UU Service Committee are partnering with the Friends Committee on National Legislation and the Franciscan Action Network on a national, multifaith training.  For more information and to register, click here. For further information on the young adult training, contact Andrew Silva at [email protected].
How to Make Your Climate Efforts Count
A Program of UUs for Social Justice in the National Capital Region
Saturday, March 14, 9:30am - Gathering, 10am - 12:30pm
Strategize together with Pamela Sparr, UU Service Committee (UUSC) Associate Director and Commit2Respond (a UUA and UUSC climate initiative) steering committee member. 
Location: National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle, NW, Washington, DC
Register here. If you have any questions or need more information, contact Rev Cyn Snavely at 202-600-9132 or [email protected].
Fair Trade Chocolate for Easter
Equal Exchange logo Equal Exchange products will be available during fellowship hours on March 8 and 29.  Boxes of dark chocolate Easter eggs will be available.  To reserve your box of Easter eggs, please contact Sara Anderson as soon as possible. Note: only dark chocolate eggs will be available.
Every Dollar Counts: How You Use Your Money to Live Your Values
moneybag_graphic.jpg Learn about Socially Responsible Investing and Divestment and how you can make changes so that your fiscal practices more closely match your UU values.  Save the Date, Sunday, March 22, 5:30 - 8:00 at UUCA.
Celebrating Earth Day - April 19 
earthday On Sunday, April 19 (the Sunday before Earth Day), UUCA will celebrate Earth Day with a potluck lunch, educational exhibits, and an opportunity for all to show and tell what they have done for Earth Day.  Further details to be announced soon. 

And, how are you helping the planet? Rev Aaron has asked us to make a pledge to do something to help the planet by Earth Day. Here's what some are doing:
  • Carol Knutsen buys more food in bulk, uses recyclable containers, takes shorter showers and uses other practices to save water.
  • Sally Determan is switching to more energy efficient light bulbs, is more sensitive to HVAC settings, and is reducing meat consumption.
  • Madelyn Campbell is installing solar panels on her roof.
  • Dorothy Mulligan drives a Prius, groups her errands to reduce driving, and has started a blog for some 60 friends that reports on activities that harm the planet; current issue reveals that 8 million metric tons of plastic trash enter the oceans each year.

Make your Earth Day pledge here.  

Youth Pancake Breakfast BIG Success!
Youth & Chaperones Through rain, sleet, snow and ice, our youth persevered on Sunday and raised nearly $3,000 with our Pancake Breakfast and Hopi pottery raffle!  The funds will help support Youth Social Outreach efforts, including our upcoming trip to the Hopi and Navajo Reservations when we will embark on a journey of spiritual discovery, service and learning, as we work and build community with these wonderful people.  Many thanks to those of you who contributed and who purchased raffle tickets for the beautiful pot our Hopi friend, Dee Setella donated to the cause.  (Congratulations to Jennifer Wright - winner of the raffle.)

This past weekend, UUCA was host to Dee and Cheryl Marzec, Executive Director of Sumi Nungwa, a non-profit organization dedicated to the needs of the Hopi and Navajo people.  The two presented a sensitivity training session on Saturday to the youth and chaperones going on the trip, and Dee participated in services on Sunday.  They were both honored to be here with us and enjoyed seeing our congregation "in action" with many impromptu opportunities to network with others on social justice issues, experience Chalice Theatre, and get a glimpse of our beloved community.
Rev Aaron & Dee Setalla
Youth serving up pancakes
Dee Setalla sharing about his pottery

For those of you who were unable to attend last Sunday, or if you'd like to further support this important outreach effort, please visit Faithify.org and make your tax deductible contribution.  Click here and choose "Sitting with the Elders" project. 

Please note - fundraising through Faithify is an all-or-nothing proposition. 
If we fail to raise the $10k target by March 27, we get nothing and all funds are returned to contributors.  Please feel free to share with those outside our congregation who may wish to support this important Youth Outreach project.

Day Alliance
Pathways Out of Domestic Violence and Homelessness
Caroline Jones, MSW, Executive Director, Doorways for Women and Families
Tuesday,  March 10, 2015
Caroline Jones photo Caroline Jones joined Doorways for Women and Families in 2003 and became executive director in 2011.  Doorways' comprehensive approach includes emergency and long-term housing, holistic support services as well as community partnerships and advocacy.  Last year, Doorways helped over 2,000 men, women and children.   Over her years at Doorways, Caroline Jones, has, among other things, transformed client service delivery to provide comprehensive, family-centered supports for women and children and led numerous expansions in shelter and housing programs.  
mother & child photo
All are invited to attend the Day Alliance program, which begins with coffee at 10am, a business meeting at 10:30am, followed by the program from 11am to noon, and a catered luncheon at noon.  Reservations are required for the luncheon.  Please make reservations ($15 per person) by Friday, March 6 by calling Renee Gholtz at 703-354-4555.
Auditions for Chalice Theatre's production of WIT
Chalice Theatre announces auditions for their Readers Theatre production of Wit , by Barbara Edson  and directed by David Rampy.  Auditions are Saturday, March 7, 2:00 to 4:00pm and Monday, March 9, 7:30 - 9:00pm; callbacks on Wednesday March 11, 7:30pm.  We will do cold readings from the play.  The cast includes five women and four men.  Three women ages 30, 50, and 70; two women age 20 and two men ages 30 and 50; and two men age 20.  ALL AGES APPROXIMATE!  Production dates are April 17, 18, and 19.  For further information, call David Rampy at 703-201-6645 or email at [email protected] or Tom O'Reilly at [email protected].
Children of Eden logo

Opens to rave reviews!

"Congratulations to the cast and crew! My family loved it. You think you know these stories but this play will make you see them in a new way."
- Kyle Dunbar

"What an inventive, moving, thoughtful production! Congratulations to all!"
- Gay Cima

Don't be left out in the cold! Last Friday and Saturday Children of Eden sold out! Purchase your tickets here now! Click below to view slide show. 
Children of Eden performers
Children of Eden singer
Children of Eden performers

Early GA Registration Now Open
Registrations received March 1 - April 30:
Adult Full-time (Wednesday - Sunday) $350
Adult One-day $135
Reduced or Youth Full-time (Wed- Sun) $205
Reduced or Youth One-day $85
After May 1:
Adult Full-time (Wed-Sun) $405
Adult One-day $150
Reduced or Youth Full-time (Wed-Sun) $235
Reduced or Youth One-day $100
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - or visit the GA table on Sunday.
General Assembly arena photo "I remember plenary sessions in which we sang with hundreds of fellow UUs. The power of community, of our UU community, left an indelible impression on me. I also remember the wide variety of seminars on various aspects of church life. One in particular, on the subject of power and authority within UU congregations, enlarged my understanding by allowing me to hear from a number of active ministers. "
Eric Ackerman
Carrie Newcomer Tickets go on sale March 8
Carrie Newcomer workshop/concert - April 11
Schedule Your Photo Session TODAY
dog taking a photo with an old camera It's time for a new photo directory! We've arranged with Lifetouch to take our photos and produce the directories. And, we want everyone included -- Members, Friends, Inquiring Friends and Newcomers! Photography dates are March 24 thru March 28 and March 31 thru April. You can sign up for your photo session in three convenient ways:
  1. Schedule your appointment online here (or visit the church website at www.uucava.org)
  2. Look for sign-up tables on Sunday in Fellowship Hall.
  3. For assistance, call Sarah Masters, 703-892-2565 x-242.
If you need transportation to your photo session, please contact Helping Hands or 703-892-2565.

Would you like to help out with the directory?
We need people to staff the table on Sunday mornings and during the photo sessions. Please contact Sarah Masters to volunteer at s[email protected].
Experience the Joyful Peace of Dancing on the Labyrinth

Spring Labyrinth Walk
Sunday, March 22, 3 to 6pm
  • 3 to 4pm Walking
  • 4 to 5pm Dancing
  • 5 to 6pm Walking
  • Childcare available

This year we are introducing meditation dancing in addition to walking on the Labyrinth. Dances will be taught and lead by Diana Pinkham of Dances of  Universal Peace. The dances are simple, meditative and joyous. They combine sacred phrases and chants with music and movement. For more information, contact Sara Ellen Swatt  at [email protected] .

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]

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