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Easter Service
Sunday, April 5, 9:15 and 11:15am
Everybody's Resurrection - sermon by Rev Aaron McEmrys
Live-streaming of Sunday's service is available at www.uucava.org
April 5 Give-the-PlateGivePlate
ACE logo This Sunday's Give-the-Plate offering will go to two local organizations, Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE) and Interfaith Power and Light, both of which are working to help hundreds of area organizations, including UUCA, to save energy, go green, and respond to climate change.

ACE is a small grassroots organization with a goal of creating a more sustainable Arlington, growing from a "don't litter" campaign in the 70's to an environmental education organization with a huge impact on our community. Last year ACE helped 147 families reduce their energy bills, planted 293 trees to improve Arlington's tree canopy, engaged volunteers in more than 1,500 hours to improve local parks and streams.

Interfaith power Light Interfaith Power and Light, part of a national network, provides regular opportunities for people of faith to speak out and bring a uniquely powerful moral voice to environmental advocacy campaigns. IPL works with a number of area UU congregations and UUs for Social Justice, supports solar power development, and has been an ally in UUCA efforts to improve the economic feasibility of solar energy.
Budget Review Meetings
There are two remaining budget review meetings scheduled. Both will be held in the Activity Room.
  • Saturday, April 18, at 10am
  • Thursday, May 7, at 7pm
Congregational Life

Photography Dates Extended
Couldn't find the time to have your photo taken for UUCA's new photo directory? Well, you're in luck! Two photo session dates have been added -- Appointments are now available on Tuesday, April 14 and Wednesday, April 15. Click here to schedule an appointment.

Fall Retreat
Would you like to help plan the Fall Retreat? An organizational meeting is set for Thursday, April 16, 7:30pm.  If you're interested but can't make the meeting, contact [email protected].

Helping Hands
Do you need a helping hand?  Church volunteers are on call to help!  Rides to church and medical appointments and providing casseroles are our specialties, but we may be able to help in other ways as well. Plus we have an extensive collection of medical equipment to lend. Contact [email protected].

Emergency Contact Information
We are collecting emergency contact information for UUCA Members and long-time Friends in the church database.  If you'd like to participate, contact [email protected].
Religious EducationReligiousEd
This Year's Easter Egg Hunt is a "Hunt for Justice"
After each service (UUCA playground): Families and children of all ages, please join us and the Easter Bunny after the All Welcome Service (after each service) for our Hunt for Justice. Here's how it will work:
  1. Hunt for empty eggs on the playground in our spaces for younger and older children
  2. Return your eggs, and receive 1 piece of Earth-friendly candy (at parents' discretion) AND an Earth-friendly surprise gift
  3. *NEW THIS YEAR!*  Each empty egg will count as one vote.  Place your eggs all in one, two or three of our baskets to choose an RE Social Justice project for the whole community!  Choose between the following:
  • Sitting with OUR Elders - Generational bingo with the resident seniors at Culpepper Garden will test our common experience of popular tech and trends from our many generations represented.
  • Create emergency preparedness kits for families and individuals served by the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC).
  • Third project TBD
Screen Time Talk with Lisa Guernsey April 16
Screen Time book cover How are children affected by what they watch and how they interact with screens?  Local mom Lisa Guernsey, author of Screen Time: How Electronic Media - from Baby Videos to Electronic Software - Affects Your Young Child, will address the question of "Raising Children in a BooksPlus World."  This event is co-sponsored by the Arlington/Alexandria chapter of the Holistic Moms Network and Arlington Unitarian Cooperative Preschool.  The event will be held at UUCA on Thursday, April 16.  Doors open at 7:00pm, introductions begin at 7:15 and the presentation will start promptly at 7:30.  The event is FREE and open to the public, but we are anticipating a large crowd. Space is limited to 100 people. Please reserve a spot on Eventbrite: http://bit.ly/1NpRe7c

The Holistic Moms chapter is encouraging interested folks to follow up this event with participation in national Screen Free Week from May 4-10.  Our chapter will host a Moms Night Out discussion in mid-late May to discuss the experience.  More information on Screen Free Week can be found at: http://www.screenfree.org/   More information about the Arlington/Alexandria chapter of the Holistic Moms Network can be found on our blog: http://holisticmomsarlalex.blogspot.com/
Open Forum with Congressman Jim Moran
Wednesday, April 29, 7:30pm
Jim Moran photo Join us for a conversation with former Congressman Jim Moran, who has just retired after serving 24 years in the US House representing the 8th District in Virginia. He served on the Appropriations and Interior Committees. This is a chance to hear about prospects for doing something about congressional gridlock, and learn his views on Middle East issues, immigration questions, the use of military force, and environmental issues, as well as matters affecting Northern Virginia in particular.  For further information, contact Allen Keiswetter
Faith in Action: Connecting - Growing - ServingFaith
Why should UUs care about Earth Day?
Many UUs believe in a spiritual and moral obligation to combat the consequences of climate change, especially on the most vulnerable populations. By taking action, as individuals and as congregations, we can live up to the UU Seventh Principle, "Covenant to affirm and promote...respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are apart."

UUCA will celebrate Earth Day and what we are doing to fight climate change on the Sunday before Earth Day, April 19, with a potluck luncheon and "show and tell" with exhibits and displays. Come join your friends and neighbors, and don't forget to do something to help the planet by Earth Day!

Over the next couple of weeks UUCA will be sharing via social media what some of the RE classes are doing in response to Rev Aaron's call to action. And, we'd also like you to send us photos or videos of what you or your family are doing. Send them now to [email protected]
(videos should be no longer than a minute).

Meanwhile, here is what some of our friends and neighbors are doing to help the planet:
  • Paul Kearney is leading a residential conservation and fishing camp for teenagers, helping to create the next generation of conservationists and teaching the wonder and fragility of aquatic ecosystems.
  • Erica Shadowsong is doing the Pan Vegan 30-Day Pledge.
  • Roger Soles and Carol Bursick are eradicating alien invasive plans at their farm, installing native plants, and cutting back on eating red meat.
So, how are you helping the planet? Make your Earth Day pledge here.
Calling All Artists and Earth Lovers
Lily watercolor Please consider entering an artwork in the Earth Day Exhibition that will take place in the Center Gallery from Sunday, April 19 - May 10. The opening of the exhibition will take place on Sunday, April 19 as part of UUCA's Earth Day Celebration. The celebration is part of our church's participation in National Earth Day (nationally recognized on April 22 http://www.earthday.org) and Rev Aaron's request that we all pledge to do SOMETHING to help the earth by Earth Day this year. Artworks that, either honor the beauty of our earthly home or, document activities that nourish this life will be humbly accepted.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: Artworks will be accepted on Saturday, April 18 from 10am to 12pm in the Center Gallery. If you are not able to bring your work in at that time, please arrange for someone else to deliver it. All work must be ready to hang: 2-D on rigid substrate with hanging wire. Questions: contact Carson Herrington.
Keeping Faith: Interfaith Prayer Service to Embrace the LGBT Communities before the Supreme Court Marriage Equality Cases
Sunday, April 26, 2015, 4:00pm  | Location: Congregation Etz Hayim, 2920 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington (Parking on South Garfield Street)
On April 28, the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments whether same-sex couples should have the freedom to marry and if state anti-marriage laws should be struck down as unconstitutional.
Join with Northern Virginia faith communities to embrace the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities at this hopeful and vulnerable time. Please note: Those who identify as male are asked to cover their heads with kipot. Congregation Etz Hayim will provide an ample supply for all to use. Those who identify as female are invited (though not required) to do the same. Sponsored by the Northern Virginia Network of People of Faith for Equality in Virginia. UUCA is an active member of POFEV, which was founded in 2006, an interfaith network of clergy and lay people working together for greater welcome and affirmation in faith communities and civil equality for LGBT Virginians.
The Laramie Project
Equality UUCA invites members and friends to "The Laramie Project" presented by the McLean High School Theatre Company, April 9-11, 7pm and April 12, 2pm. This inspirational and educational play is a collection of interviews from the town of Laramie conducted after the brutal beating of gay college student Matthew Shepard. The production allows for crucial discussions on prejudice, tolerance, and justice, and provides an engrossing evening of theatre. Ages 13+ Tickets available at www.mcleandrama.com.
Madelyn Campbell Ordination - April 12
Madelyn Campbell Ordination Invite
Members and friends are cordially invited to the ordination of Madelyn Campbell ceremony on Sunday, April 12, 4pm.
RSVP to [email protected]

Thank you to everyone who contributed to Madelyn's Faithify fund. While we have met our fundraising goal, additional resources are certainly welcome to ensure a festive event. Contact Annie Parker.
holding hands
Don't miss your opportunity to join  
UUCA's dynamic leadership team!
Get involved and have fun! The Nominating Committee is still accepting recommendations for Board Members, General Assembly Delegates, Nominating Committee and Joseph Priestley District Delegates.
Stop by the table after one of the services on Sunday and get more information.
Vandaveer flyer April 4 concert

LIVE AT THE CENTER!
presents
VANDAVEER
Sat, April 4, 8pm
Vandaveer is the song-singing, record-making, globetrotting project penned and put forth by folk-pop tunesmith Mark Charles Heidinger.  Vandaveer offers up melodic Americana that is both haunting and easy, forlorn and welcoming, with stories as universal as the songs they inhabit. Vandaveer shape-shifts from stage to studio and back with a host of revolving characters, most prominent among them Rose Guerin, offering up the loveliest harmonies heard this side of Eden. 

Vandaveer video here.

Tickets here.


Carrie Newcomer image
Above an interview with Krista Tippett of On Being - click image to listen
There is still Room
Get Tickets button
Carrie Newcomer
Concert and Workshop
Sat, April 11
At UUCAVA

"No matter who you are,
No matter where you're from,
There is room at the table for everyone."
Carrie Newcomer (From Room at the Table)

Carrie Newcomer will be at the UUCAVA for a workshop and concert on Saturday April 11 and also she will participate in services on Sunday April 12. Plan to participate in these events.

"Carrie Newcomer is the most insightful and lyrical singer-songwriter I know -- always attuned to the still, small voice of the soul that's so often muffled by the noise of the world. In this superb collection of new work, she engages us in a conversation about what it means to be human, vulnerable to the whole of life, learning to love. The poems to which she gives voice in these songs comprise the musical score of a life lived fully and well."
Parker J. Palmer,
About the Concert | 7:00pm
Newcomer has attracted a devoted following with her warm voice, exquisite melodies, and an irreverent yet spiritual view of the world. As in the work of poets Mary Oliver and Wendell Berry, Newcomer's songs are based in the ordinary, and infused with images from the natural world. Her work cuts across secular and spiritual boundaries. Listen to some of her music here. 

Get Tickets button
 
About the Workshop | 2:00 to 4:00pm
This workshop -- "Our Lives as Sacred Story: Exploring the Heart and Spirit of Our Experience" -- explores the creative connection between everyday living and spiritual growth. When we frame our individual and community stories through a spiritual lens, it changes how we see ourselves and the world. Carrie will use conversation, exploratory writing, music, group and individual experiences. This workshop welcomes all, including those who have previous experience in writing, songwriting or creative expression, as well as those who are interested in exploring new ways to tell their own personal and spiritual stories. 
Pricing
Workshop:
$15/Adult, $10/Youth & Sr over 65

Concert: $25/Adult, $15/Youth & Sr over 65
Workshop and Concert: $35/Adult, $20/Youth & Sr over 65

Note: You save $5 if you purchase your tickets online here or on Sunday mornings after the services. At the door prices will increase $5. 
 
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.   
Day Alliance
The View from Richmond
Alfonso Lopez, Delegate to Virginia General Assembly, 49th District
Tuesday,  April 14
Alfonso Lopez photo Alfonso Lopez has been an activist at the local, state, and federal level for more than 20 years. He served  as an Obama administration political appointee, Kaine administration cabinet-level appointee and is a longtime environmental activist. He received a bachelor's degree from Vassar College and a law degree from Tulane University Law School. Delegate Lopez, who lives in Arlington with his wife Sarah Zevin and son Aaron Rafael, has represented Virginia's 49th District in the House of Delegates since January 2012. 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, April 10 by calling Renee Gholz at 703-354-4555.
Women Humanists
Wednesday, April 8, 7:30pm
The Women's Humanists will meet on Wednesday night to view and discuss the video, How our microbes make us who we are by Rob Knight.  Our microbes influence our immune system, our weight, our mood, our digestion and more.  We are just beginning to understand their role in our bodies. For more information, contact Lucia Heard.
Broadway Fitness - by Aerobix Inc
Spring Session - Weds Only begins April 15
Do you love to listen and dance to Broadway show music?  Join our low impact Broadway choreographed fitness class for a great cardiovascular workout and time with good friends.  This one-hour dance exercise class includes toning, sit-ups and relaxation and will have you dancing (and humming) the rest of the day!  10 classes at 4:15pm on Wednesdays, April 15 to June 17, in the Activity Room.  Cost: $85.  Questions?  Please email Carol Osborne, Instructor, or call at 703-532-5323.
Men's Book Reads for April & May
The Men's Book Group will meet in the chapel at 7:30pm on Sunday, April 12. The selection is the novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon. The selection for May 10 is an autobiography, From Priest to Pagan: My Search for Truth, by John McNamee. The author is expected to be present for the May meeting.  Both books are available in paperback, and the former is in some local libraries. If there are any questions, contact Ken Marshall .
You Are Invited to a Community Passover Seder
seder-plate.jpg The Kol Ami congregation invites UUCA friends to join them for the second night Seder which is Saturday April 4, beginning at 5:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. This is a  participatory celebration of both the historic transformation of a slave people to a free one, and a commitment to work for social justice so that all people who are enslaved (whether tethered by being trafficked or enslaved by poverty) can experience the joy of freedom.  While rooted in the traditional Jewish Seder and Haggadah, Kol Ami's celebration is a universalist one, drawing on multiple sources to underscore our underlying oneness. Those interested in attending need to complete the registration form and sign up for a potluck offering.
Wheel of LifeWheel
Congratulations to UUCAers Sharon Hanger and Laura Heyer on their marriage, celebrated in our sanctuary on March 28.

Welcome to Malcolm Rafael Aquino Smith, born to UUCA administrator Brian Smith and his wife Regina, on March 27!
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington   |   4444 Arlington Blvd, Arlington VA 22204   |   703-892-2565