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Another Snowmageddon?
All indications are that we are in for another "Snowmageddon" in the DC metro area -- So, please watch the church website (www.uucava.org), Facebook, Twitter, and your inbox for the latest in UUCA updates. A decision on whether or not to cancel Sunday's service will be posted by 5:00 p.m. Saturday, January 23.
 
Service Information
Sunday, January 24, 9:15 and 11:15am


"Islam: 
The Wronged Religion"
Sermon by Rev. Aaron McEmrys
In the midst of today's Islamophobia, Rev. Aaron shines a light on the beauty and wisdom of Islam. 

Upcoming Service - Sunday January 31, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.

Rev. Linda Back to the Future
With Rev. Dr. Linda Olson Peebles
How do we tend to the brokenhearted? In spite of all what people say about the end of church-going in the 21st century, more than ever people need to find communities. We need communities for connection and deepening, for resistance to hatred and injustice and isolation, which robs us of our humanity. 
Church GovernanceGivePlate
Stewardship: Annual Giving Questions Answered
Perfect green open umbrella isolated on white
By Diane Ullius, coordinating Stewardship
under the Green Umbrella
As we approach the time when all UUCA congregants are asked to pledge their financial support for the coming year, here are some of the questions that come up:

What is the right amount for me and my family to pledge? As much as you can, of course! Some ways to consider that question: With last year's budget of about $1.45 million divided by about 1,000 households, the cost of serving UUCA's mission was about $1,450 a year per family. Well under half of our households pledged that much; in fact, half of our households pledged less than $1,000. That's not sustainable. Consider your own circumstances. Consider the relative importance of UUCA in your life. Consider what relationship you wish to have with this religious community. Then decide.

Besides my pledge, what are UUCA's other sources of income? Pledges are about 85 percent of the income. Other sources include rental income (which has increased this year), occasional special gifts, and other streams -- all of which add up to only 15 percent. Pledges are by far the most important source.

What is the timing for the Annual Giving campaign? The official launch of the campaign is Sunday, February 7; you'll receive a letter around then, with a pledge card asking for your intentions. Return your pledge card (or pledge online) any time in February. Remember, the pledge is your prediction of what you will give between July 2016 and June 2017; no one expects you to pay when you submit the card. The Annual Giving campaign officially ends on Sunday, February 28. By mid-March, we will announce the final results.

What's the relationship between our pledges and the annual budget?  READ MORE. 
Summary for January 19 Board Meeting
The Board was pleased to welcome several visitors to its meeting this month. As always, observers are invited to attend at any time and we greatly appreciate your presence.

This week the Board focused on the monitoring of Church Ends as well as proposed policy revisions. Now that we are in our second year of working with Rev. Aaron to ensure that policy governance is being adhered to through the process of interpreting our ends and monitoring their fulfillment, we are delving deeper into our roles and responsibilities. It is important to keep in mind that the monitoring reports are not only for the Board but for the congregation as well, and can be found in the minutes of our Board meetings and on a soon-to-be-updated Governance page on our website.

Of our three Ends -- that people feel they belong and are cared for; they experience a spiritually vital faith community; and that the Church is a force for service and social justice -- we undertook to review the first and establish some specific structures for how progress could be assessed. After a good back and forth discussion the Board asked Rev. Aaron to slightly revise his monitoring report related to people feeling they belong and are cared for. Some of the structural modifications we sought for future reports would be a reflection of goals-actions-results, more specific numbers to quantify progress in important areas mentioned in the report, and an assessment of communication with and feedback from the congregation as it relates to our Ends.

In reviewing our policies, the Board continually seeks to ensure that the wording and intention remain relevant and up-to-date. The Board's Policy Working Group recently began the work of digging in and learning what gaps might need to be filled and clarifying questions that have been raised in the last year in our policy oversight work. The Board discussed and voted on small changes in several subsections, with more minimal modifications to come in the near future. Any major policy changes or overall modifications to the Ends to add specificity will be considered as part of the Board's more comprehensive policy review of our Ends throughout the spring. Our goal, of course, is to ensure that our Ends reflect the dreams and aspirations of our congregational community as best as possible.
2016 UUCA Lay Leadership Conference - Saturday, January 30, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Center stain glass window This year's leadership conference will be held Saturday, January 30, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., in Fellowship Hall. The theme is "2016: A Look Ahead." Highlights include welcoming our new Chief Administrative Officer Tamara Srader, a group exercise based on the preliminary conclusions of the Strategic Planning Committee, and an interactive session on the launch of our annual giving campaign. Please RSVP to [email protected]. Contact Allen Keiswetter or Bill Fogarty if you have questions.
Take a Chair - Wednesday, January 27, 7 p.m.
An Invitation and Preview from the Annual Giving Team
The Annual Giving Team invites you to a conversation on Wednesday evening January 27, 7 p.m., in the Activity Room. Get a preview of the upcoming annual campaign that will commence in February. Share your ideas, questions, hopes, aspirations around money and generosity, and the role of annual giving in sustaining UUCA as an attractive and vibrant spiritual, cultural, and social justice force in our community. We wish for a free flowing opportunity to hear from the congregation in the style of a covenant group and to encourage some early thought around pledge decisions for this year. Please consider taking a chair to join the conversation. Child care is available. 
Wonder what's happening regarding strategic planning?
Strategic Planning Committee photo The Strategic Planning Committee will give an interim report on goals for 2016-2021 after each service in the Center Sunday January 31. Please join in the discussion. Contact is Allen Keiswetter.
Give-the-PlateGivePlate
January 24 GTP - Little Friends of Peace
In January, we remember Dr Martin Luther King, Jr and his work for peaceful multi-racial community. In honor of his legacy, UUCA will give its Sunday morning offerings on January 24 to Little Friends for Peace Little Friends for Peace (LFFP), an organization that teaches peace to children of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and economic classes. Little Friends for Peace is a non-profit organization that empowers children and adults to solve problems nonviolently, to build relationships through compassion and empathy, and to create a culture of peace. UUCA's Peace Ministry has partnered with LFFP since 1997, conducting an annual Peace Camp for children, youth counselors, and adult leaders - from our own congregation and from our community partners. Monies raised for LFFP on Sunday will go to Peace Camp scholarships for children from our partner organizations.
Lifespan and Religious EducationReligiousEd
Have you hosted our Family Chalice yet?
Chalice Family
Chalice Family participates in the chalice lighting

Chalice Family
The pass-off of the Chalice take-home box

Has your family hosted the Family Chalice yet? If not, sign up soon! Family Chalice is an easy way to bring that wonderful energy created in our worship services right into your home.  The idea is that at some point each day the family will gather to light the chalice, read the lighting words, taking a moment to kindle the flame of faith. And think about it -- creating time and space for a centering ritual is a GREAT way to recover from the holidays. 


NOTE: Our Chalice Family program is for ALL families -- empty-nesters, couples, singles  -- EVERYONE is welcome to participate. 
Chili CUUk Off Sunday, January 31
chili bowl The Youth Group's Annual Chili Cook Off will be held Sunday, January 31. UUCA cooks will dazzle us with their favorite meat and veggie chili recipes. Tickets include corn bread, a brownie, and drink for $5 for a bowl or $8 for a sample plate. Family price of $25 for four or more. Come hungry! Chili entry sign-ups here.
Coloring - It's all the rage!
coloring for adults image Join your UUCA community for Coloring Event on Saturday, January 30, 6-8 p.m.  Bring your favorite coloring books, crayons, gel pens, pencils and let your creativity explode! All ages invited and encouraged to attend because coloring isn't just for kids anymore. Haven't joined the mania but are curious?  Just come on-we have supplies and books to share. We'll begin with a potluck dinner, so bring something warm and cheery and delicious. Drinks provided.  (Read more about how Coloring is Best Alternative to Meditation)
PIONEERING VOICES: Portraits of Transgender People 
An exhibition of PIONEERING VOICES: Portraits of Transgender People, a touring photo-text display created by the award-winning Family Diversity Projects of Amherst, Massachusetts, is scheduled to open this Sunday, January 24. PIONEERING VOICES, with photographs by Jack Pierson and Gigi Kaeser and interviews edited by Peggy Gillespie and Jack Pierson, introduces people who identify as transgender or gender queer, and their partners and children. Through first-person interviews and color photographs, this exhibit seeks to challenge damaging myths and stereotypes about transgender people, and to educate viewers about this often marginalized group of people and the challenges they face.
Cub Scouts Can Earn UU Scout Religious Award
Sponsored by Unitarian Universalist Scouters Organization
Attention Cub Scouters: Earning the UU religious award satisfies advancement requirements in the Bear rank and in the Webelos/Arrow of Light rank. Wolves and Bears earn the Religion and Me award, while Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts earn the Religion and Family award. The two awards are similar, with age-appropriate activities for the Scouts to complete. Work is done largely at home with the family following exercises in a workbook. All ranks will meet together for group discussion twice and once more to complete a service project.  Dates are: January 31, February 28, and March 6 -- all at 2:00 p.m. Please contact Greg Griswold for more information on UUCA's Cub Scouts.
Smart Muscles - Stretch and Movement for Better Living
Session begins Friday, January 22, 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. 10 classes/$120.  More information class, call Eileen Kozak, 703-536-3797 or visit www.smart-muscles.com.
Congregational Life
Need Help Digging Out?
It looks as if the snow is really coming this weekend. If you are unable to get out of your driveway, or need some other assistance like food or an emergency ride, remember you can call UUCA's Pastoral Care hotline at 703-892-2565 x245. Leave a message and someone will get back to you ASAP. 
Un nuevo Grupo de Alianza
Un nuevo Grupo de Alianza (Covenant Group) llamado Temas del Alma (Soul Matters) se estar� formando para hispanohablantes. La fecha y hora estan por definirse pr�ximamente. Para formar parte de este grupo se requiere hablar espa�ol con fluidez. Favor notar que este no es un grupo para personas interesadas en aprender espa�ol.  Haga clic aqu� here
Buddhist Meditation

Joseph Bobrow - photo Waking Up From War: What Veterans Can Teach Us About Transforming Trauma and Coming To Life - 
w/ Zen Master Joseph Bobrow
Monday, January 25, 7:30 p.m.
This Monday night's Buddhist meditation class will have a special guest speaker --  Joseph Bobrow, a Zen master at Deep Streams Zen Institute, and a retired psychoanalyst. Since 2006, Joseph has provided interdisciplinary retreats that mobilize the power of community to help veterans, their families, and their caregivers transform the traumas of war and find peace. In the foreword to Joseph's new book,
Waking Up From War, His Holiness the Dalai Lama writes, "I am deeply happy to learn that since 2007, Joseph Bobrow and Coming Home Project have made the inner peace of veterans and their families their priority and have dedicated themselves to helping them." Books will be available for sale after the class. 

SPECIAL WEATHER ANNOUNCEMENT: If Arlington County Public Schools close on Monday due to the weather, this Buddhist Meditation class will cancel. 
Faith in Action: Connecting - Growing - ServingFaith
VOICE and 2016 Issue Agenda
VOICE_LOGO On January 24, VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) will meet to vote on and launch a bold new issue agenda for 2016. What are the most pressing issues facing our community and nation that are both "actionable and winnable" in this election year? Plan now to express your voice in this strategic discussion on Sunday, January 24, 4 to 6 p.m., Vienna Baptist Church, 541 Marshall Rd., SW, Vienna, Virginia. Carpool from UUCA at 3 p.m. RSVP to David McTaggart or call 703-835-6944.
Exploring Peace Ministry at UUCA - Sunday, January 24, 10:30-11:10 a.m.
We need your help in exploring UUCA's Peace Ministry.  Attend an "open meeting" exploring the gradual creation of a life-long, year-round Peace Ministry. The Peace Ministry's core activity is Peace Camp in the early summer.  We need your help to build on that core with programs for and by adults, families and youth. We are exploring all aspects: family workshops, adult peace education, RE peace education modules, teacher training and hosting or joining family and youth-led peace-related events. We have a modest budget this year as part of the Faith in Action ministry.

Please join the Peace Ministry team in the downstairs Activity Room on Sunday, January 24, from 10:30-11:10 a.m., for a discussion facilitated by John McLaughlin of UUCA and MJ Park of Little Friends for Peace. If you are interested in a Peace Ministry and can't attend the meeting -- or if you'd like more information, please contact John McLaughlin.

UUCA Peace Camp
Peace Campers
Registration Begins January 25 for Peace Camp 2016
  • Week 1: Mon, June 27 to Fri, July 1
  • Week2: Tues, July 5 to Fri, July 8
Campers (ages 5-14) can attend both weeks or just one. UUCA Peace Camp offers campers the opportunity to explore cooperation and conflict resolution in a safe and supportive environment. Campers discover that peace begins with them. Join us as we Connect - Grow - Serve. Registration begins January 25. Peace Camp at UUCA is a partnership between UUCA Peace Ministry and Little Friends for Peace.
Happening at Local UU Churches
  • How to Talk to Kids About Race - UU Congregation of Fairfax - February 6, 3:30-5:30 p.m. We know that racism thrives on silence. How can we have productive, honest conversations with our children and students about race so that the next generation is prepared to recognize and challenge racism? Join Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Northern Virginia for a panel discussion on how to talk to children about race. Parents, teachers, and anyone else who wants to be able to engage kids in these conversations is welcome to attend. Free childcare is provided for children up to age 12. If you need childcare, you MUST contact [email protected] at least three days before the event. Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road Oakton, Va. Register here.
  • Seminary for a Day - Cedar Lane UU Church - January 30, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. God, yes. God, no! One God at most? What's a Unitarian Universalist to do? UU theologians will explore these questions. Says keynote speaker, Mark Belletini, "The word 'God' for many people no longer works to express anything inspiring or useful in their lives. Whether your perspective on God is "yes, no, or maybe," you'll find your own theology both affirmed and challenged by the leaders of this event. $20 fee includes lunch. Childcare will be provided with sufficient need. Register here. Location: Cedar Lane UU Church, 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, Md. 
Chalice Theater
Twenty Years of Community-Building
By John Bohman
South Pacific dance scene
The South Pacific nurses favorite number I'm Gonna Was That Man Right Outta My Hair

South Pacific dance scene
There is Absolutely Nothing Like a Dame

Chalice Theater is celebrating its twentieth year with Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical play, South Pacific. The entire UUCA community is invited to engage in this story about military life, prejudice, and romance during World War II on a temporary military base in exotic Melanesia. Tickets for the performances will sell quickly, so get yours early.  Purchase tickets HERE. 

Every winter since 1996, groups of UUCA's have freely pooled their skills and talents and put on a musical. Chalice Theater has become a mainstay of the UUCA community, as an important outlet for creative expression and artistic growth, as well as a living lab for learning how to participate in an artistic community that is steeped in Unitarian Universalist values.  READ MORE.
Wheel of LifeWheel
Our condolences to Jeanne Everitt on the death of her mother Emma Susan Zook who died last week in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

Congratulations to the family of Rev. Linda on the arrival of Jane Grace Peebles, born at home on January 15.

Our condolences to the family and friends of Evelyn Falkowski, a former longtime member, who died last week at her home in Kensington Park, Maryland. A memorial service will be held on April 30, at the Cedar Lane UU Church in Bethesda. 
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington   |   4444 Arlington Blvd, Arlington VA 22204   |   703-892-2565