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Worship Service
Sunday, May 3, 9:15 and 11:15am
Be Amazed! baby
Rev Aaron McEmrys returns to the pulpit this Sunday -
Come and hear his message that is sure to amaze!
Give-the-PlateGivePlate
May GTP Recipient: NISGUA
nisgua logo This month's Give the Plate offerings support the work of NISGUA - the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala - a grassroots national organization that trains, supervises and provides on-the-ground support in Guatemala to accompaniers serving as international monitors for indigenous communities and individuals facing repression and violence because of their justice work. Since 2007, UUCA, through its Partners for Arlington and Guatemala (PAG) project, has been one of nine US sponsoring communities supporting these accompaniers. In that time UUCA has sponsored 14 accompaniers through NISGUA; and #15 will begin her work In July.
 
In turn, NISGUA is part of an international network that links the wider world to Guatemala in the grassroots global struggle for justice, human dignity and respect for the Earth. Formed in1981, NISGUA's network today is comprised of thousands of people across the U.S. who stand in solidarity with human rights defenders in Guatemala as they seek accountability for genocidal crimes of the past, push to change their government's repressive policies, challenge corporate-led development in Guatemala, and advocate for positive alternatives.
 
As a NISGUA partner, UUCA plays an important role in fostering human rights and justice in Guatemala and in advocating for change in US policies can help advance those rights.  Please give generously to this important partner ministry of the church.
Budget Process Update
The UUCA is heading into the final stages of its annual budgeting process. We started last month with our first open budget meeting where the first draft was presented. While it was very much in the red ($390,000), it was an opportunity to show expenses (full denominational giving, long term building maintenance, etc.) that the UUCA has had to do without over the last few years. This past weekend we reviewed the second draft that stripped away as many non-personnel expenses as possible. This draft shows a deficit of $113,000. You can see below a pie chart that shows where our expenses go and how little room we have to make final adjustments.

Final Review of 2015-16 Budget - May 7
Since he arrived, it has been a stated goal of Rev Aaron to have a balanced budget. We face a difficult couple of weeks as we attempt to close the remaining deficit before the final budget meeting on May 7, at 7pm. We appreciate all the opinions and comments of those who have attended the first 2 meetings and hope that as many of you as possible attend this final meeting.

Brian Smith
Chief Administrative Officer
Religious EducationReligiousEd
New Opportunities in Religious Education 2015-16
Kids_photo We are now looking at recruitment for next year in religious education!  Both short-term and long-term commitments are available that allow volunteers to make use of their individual skills and engage personal interests and areas of expertise.  We can't wait to see what many of you will offer!  Please check out and send in our volunteer interest form; this is just to let us know of your interest -- Filling out the form is not making a commitment.  Later, you will be given an opportunity to commit to a role. For more information, contact Erica Shadowsong, Director of Religious Education.
Important RE Dates
  • May 10, Mother's Day, will be an All Welcome Service; there will be no RE.  The nursery will be open.
  • May 31, last day of regular RE .
  • June 7, single summer worship service begins.
  • June 7, Annual Meeting. We will have a special service activity for children and youth, including lunch, and extended childcare and activities during the Annual Meeting, so please plan to join us! 
  • Watch this space and REConnect for upcoming information about our Summer RE program.

UUCA Baby Club Meeting - May 3

The UUCA Baby Club is holding an organizational meeting on May 3 between services in the nursery.  We welcome all families with children in this age group to join us to help determine the direction of the group for the next year.  Please join us! Contact: Brea Christopherson [email protected] 

Faith in Action: Connecting - Growing - ServingFaith
Food and Shelter Items Collection During May
food_collection UUCA works through community partners in Arlington and Alexandria to help our neighbors in need. Instead of our own food bank, we partner with community organizations such as ALIVE!, AFAC, and A-SPAN. During the month of May, UUCA will collect food and shelter items for each of the three organizations during the month.  Please bring any of the following items to Sunday services:
  • FOOD: Low-sugar cereals, peanut butter, canned meat (tuna, chicken, beef stew, etc.) pasta, mac and cheese, canned soup, canned vegetables, etc.  
  • NECESSARIES: Deodorant, soap, shampoo and conditioner, disposable razors, shaving cream, combs and brushes, mouth wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste.  Small sizes only.
If you have questions or would like information about how UUCA supports these organizations, please contact: for A-SPAN Bonnie O'Day; for ALIVE! Ann Marie Hay; and for AFAC, Denise Kappler.
This Sunday - Buckingham Cooks!
�Buen provecho!  Cooks from the Buckingham community will be selling savory Latino fare after both services this Sunday.  Part of the income from sales goes to local charities.
Fiesta graphic
Fiesta! - Sat, May 16, 6:30pm
Join fellow UUs and our Buckingham neighbors for UUCA's annual potluck Fiesta! It's an evening of delicious food, entertainment, and fun!  Families are especially welcome. Bring a dish to share. For more information, contact Nancy Hall.
Buckingham Helpers
Need help with yard work or house cleaning? Buckingham workers offer many services, such as mulching, moving furniture,  and  catering.   A Buckingham photographer can provide a visual record of your birthday or retirement party.  To fill out a request form,  visit the Buckingham Outreach table in Fellowship Hall after services on Sunday. For more information, contact Nancy Hall.
VOICE Arlington: VOICEs for Affordable Housing
VOICE Arlington: VOICEs for Affordable Housing
Arlington Needs Your Feedback on its Affordable Housing Master Plan
VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) asks that you read the plan and complete this brief survey to encourage the County Board to approve the plan's recommendations. This video, VOICEs for Affordable Housing, reveals the urgency of the housing crisis. For more information, contact David McTaggart.
Attention Fairfax Residents
The Fairfax County School Board will consider Policy 1450.6 at its May 7 meeting. The policy will add gender identity to the county schools' nondiscrimination policy for staff and students. Equality UUCA is asking you to lend your voice to this important measure in support of a safe and respectful environment for everyone. Email the board at [email protected]. A letter template is available here.  If possible, attend the meeting on Thursday, May 7 at 7pm in the auditorium at Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042.
Help Someone Learn to Use a Computer
silver-keyboard.jpg UUCA provides volunteers at the nearby Buckingham/Gates Community Center. Many of the residents are immigrants and need help with email, web searching, social networking, etc. Sessions are Tuesday and Thursday evenings plus special classes at other times.  Most people in the class speak some English, so speaking their native language is not a necessity, and others are available to help with translation. We need many volunteers so that no one needs to attend frequently. To volunteer, or for more information, contact Ric Blacksten, 703-980-5899.
Downsizing or De-cluttering?  donations_box.jpg
Bridges to Independence (formerly Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless) is always in need of certain items for families who are moving on to their own residences. If you have lightly used items (only from the list below) please feel free to place them in the Sullivan House receptacle in the coatroom. If you have furniture, please contact Alex Roth at 703-470-9429 or [email protected] to arrange pick-up. Thank you!
  • Full and twin sized beds
  • Towels, washcloths and twin sheet sets
  • Lightly used flatware, sturdy folding chairs
  • New baby and children's clothes and underwear and diapers
  • Full size toiletries of all kinds, especially ethnic hair products and feminine hygiene products
Day Alliance
"The Aging Brain" on Tue, May 12
Clinical psychologist Kacie Fisher (who grew up in UUCA's RE program) will present a talk on "How the Brain Ages: Cognitive Decline, Neuroplasticity & Ways to Prevent Impairment."  All are invited. The program 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, May 8 by calling Renee Gholz at 703-354-4555.
You and the Awesome Garage Band
Now YOU and your musical instrument can serve the congregation on Sunday morning! Guaranteed to help you connect with other musicians - and with the congregation on Sundays. Play exciting UUCA musical winners like Blue Boat Home, Open the Window, and more. Rehearsal is in the sanctuary this coming Sunday from 2 to 2:45pm. No audition necessary. Just show up with your instrument(s) - and your love of music - and jam! For more details, contact [email protected] or 703-892-2565 (ext. 268) or visit www.uucava.org/page/music-1.
Congregational Life

New UU Class - Sat, May 2, 8:30am - 12:00pm 

UU Chalice logo Unitarian Universalism is a way of thinking and being in the world. It is a faith discipline, enriched by faith traditions, that forms the foundation for a way to live this life. It matters how we conduct our lives and work to make the world a better place. Here at UUCA we challenged to deepen our own faith principles and practices in response to our own experience and, whenever possible, to stand on the side of love. Find out more about Unitarian Universalism, and about UUCA, at our next New UU class.  The class is free, but registration is required, click hereFree childcare is available on request. Contact Sarah Masters, [email protected].  

59th Annual Fall Retreat at Capon Springs, West Virginia - Sept 26-27
FallRetreatphoto Even while you are enjoying spring, take a few minutes to think about the beautiful fall in the mountains of West Virginia. For over 50 Septembers, UUCA folks have gathered together to enjoy getting to know each other better in this beautiful setting. This would be a great year for you to join us.  If you are new to UUCA or if you've been around for years, but just haven't been to the Fall Retreat before, come by our table in Fellowship Hall on Sundays during May and learn all about it. This year we are offering a discount to first-timers.  For more information, email Beth Rager or 703-527-2949.
dog taking a photo with an old camera

MORE DATES JUST ADDED - Photography Dates - June 19, 20

We still have a few appointments available for May 7-9 AND June 19 and 20 have just been added to the schedule. We would like this to be the most complete pictorial directory ever! Please schedule your photo session today. It's easy - it's painless - and no purchase is required. It's quite simple, the directory is not complete without you!  Click here to schedule!  
Live at the Center!
Ellen Bukstel concert flyer

UUCA's LIVE AT THE CENTER
and Stone Room Concerts presents

Ellen Bukstel
w/David Glaser
Sat, May 9, 8pm
A veteran to the stage since childhood and with close to 50 songwriting awards and acknowledgements to her credit, Ellen Bukstel challenges her listeners to laugh, dig deep and embrace the wild emotional roller coaster we call life.


Women's Humanists

Wed, May 13, 7:30pm

The Women's Humanists will meet to view and discuss Bryan Stevenson's TED video, "We need to talk about an injustice."  Stevenson is the founder and the executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative and author of the NY Times bestseller, Just Mercy.  He is a powerful speaker for justice in our criminal justice system, for prison reform and against bigotry in policing. For more information, contact Lucia Heard or Ginny Cronin

QUUest Gallery
What does RENEWAL, RESILIENCE, or REVELRY look like to you?
The QUUest Gallery will host an exhibition of artwork inspired by SOUL MATTERS themes of renewal, resilience, and revelry from May 17 through June 21.

If you have, or would like to make an artwork inspired by one of these themes, we'd love to show it. Keep in mind that YOUR PROCESS is part of the art itself. If any of these themes are manifest in your process, and you are able to articulate it for viewers via a 40-50 word statement (to be used as a wall label) - we will consider it a reflection of the themes.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: Artworks will be accepted on Sunday, May 17 from 9am to 12 noon, in the Board Lounge. If you are not able to bring your work in at this time, please arrange for someone else to delivery it. All work must be ready to hang: 2-D on rigid substrate with secure hanging wire. For more information, contact Carson Herrington
That was fun! Let's do it again!




Last week's Happy Hour was loads of fun!  So much fun that we are going to do it again!
Mark your calendar for the fourth Wednesday of each month - Plan on dropping in and touching base with your UUCA family and friends in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. No meetings, no agenda - just connect and get to know one another. Next UUCA Happy Hour is May 27, 6 to 7:30pm in the Board Room.
An Evening with Jim Moran
Allen Keiswetter, Jim Moran, Aaron McEmrys




Jim Moran photo
Wed, April 29 - Allen Keiswetter and Rev Aaron led an evening forum with recently retired US Congressman Jim Moran (Va.D).  Moran shared his thoughts on government gridlock and disfunction, Israeli-Palestinian relations, and social justice issues, just to name a few.  It was a rare opportunity to have a conversation with a politician that was able to speak frankly and from the heart. 
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington   |   4444 Arlington Blvd, Arlington VA 22204   |   703-892-2565