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Service Information
Sunday, March 20, 9:15 and 11:15am
Palm Sunday and Flower Communion Bring flower to share
This Sunday is both the Spring Equinox and Palm Sunday: a time of opening up, airing out cluttered spaces and welcoming Spring, with all the hope and promise it brings. In addition to our annual Flower Communion, we will also be honoring the Christian celebration of Palm Sunday, which marks the moment that Jesus' ministry of forgiveness and love found its way to the heart of Jerusalem.

We invite the young people in our congregation to play a very special role: they will process into the sanctuary with their arms full of palm fronds, which they will lay down as a symbol of the rising tide of radical welcome and love that prepares the way for all of us to enter. 

And, we ask everyone to bring a flower for our annual Flower Communion -- a ritual that reminds us of hope and welcome after a time of darkness and of our diverse and unique beauty in our beloved community. If you forget or prefer not to bring a flower, extras will be available. 
Invite your family and friends to join us online this Sunday
video imageYou may want to invite grandparents and other family members who live afar to join us online for our morning worship service this Sunday. We are having a special service of celebration and our children will be part of a special processional at the beginning of the service.  Anyone can watch the services  live from our website at www.uucava.org. To watch previously recorded services at anytime, just click the "Archives" tab on the video image. 
Parking notice for this weekend - Mason lot available on Saturday
Our neighbors, the Mason's, across the street on George Mason Drive, graciously allow parking in their lot on Sunday mornings. In addition, this Saturday, March 19, UUCAers will be able to park in their lot due to several functions at the church that day. 
Pilgrimage to the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan
Bhutan monastory Rev. Aaron is excited to announce a fall 2016 pilgrimage to Bhutan open to members of UUCA. His trip last fall was an incredible spiritual journey that he is eager to share with others to expand and deepen their spiritual awareness and connection to the Buddhist teachings that so closely align with our Unitarian Universalist values. This unique experience will be a study of the Buddhist faith and the Bhutanese traditions. It will be an active trip, not suitable for those with cardiac, respiratory, or circulatory disorders, or limited mobility. Travel dates are October 8-21 and the total cost per person will be approximately $5,000 (including airfare). Participants will be required to take 4 orientation classes prior to the trip. Space is limited and participants will be chosen by application which must be submitted by March 20. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting opportunity. For more information or to receive an application, please contact Bea Ann Phillips, [email protected].
MoonFire Spring Equinox Ritual - March 20, 1:30 p.m.
spring-word-flowers.jpg Come join MoonFire on Sunday, March 20, 1:30 p.m., for a ritual celebrating the Spring Equinox. The Wheel turns once again and we celebrate the return of the light. The Equinox marks when the time of darkness and the time of light is equal and the sun begins getting stronger and the days will be getting longer (and warmer)! We celebrate this time of the Earth awakening from her long winter's rest. We will use the Tarot to see what messages it has for us at this time of year - what should we be "growing" in our lives? Where do we need more light to shine? As always, a potluck and time for fellowship will follow the ritual, so bring a dish or drink to share, along with your own plates/utensils, if possible, so that we may minimize trash. For further information on MoonFire, please visit www.moonfireuuca.org or contact [email protected].
Labyrinth Walk and Dance - March 20
Labyrinth image

Spring Community Labyrinth
Walk and Dance - March 20
Experience the joy of meditative walking and dancing on UUCA's Labyrinth. 3-4 p.m. Walking. 4-5 p.m. Meditative Dance. 5-6 p.m. Walking. Flyer here.

UUA General Assembly 2016
GA 2016 General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process. This year's GA is in Columbus, Ohio, June 22-26 and the theme is Heart Land: Where Faiths Connect. The faith world is increasingly multifaith. People are crossing borders of religion and spiritual practice to create wholeness in their lives individually and collectively. The labels -- Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, theist and non-theist -- no longer define who or what we love, or how spirit moves in our lives. General Assembly 2016 will assemble leaders and communities of many faiths to worship together, learn from one another, and create a new vision of faith that no longer divides us, but connects us to an interdependent future that works for all. If you are interested or have questions about GA, please stop by the Nominating Table between services on Sunday or contact Pat Findikoglu, [email protected] or any other Nominating Committee member: Gerda Keiswetter, Melissa Rea, Reginia Koffman, David Shilton.
Give-the-PlateGivePlate
Little Friends of Peace logo For almost twenty years, UUCA's mission has been embodied and carried out through its partnership with Little Friends for Peace, an internationally acclaimed group which has offered workshops, trainings, and the annual summer Peace Camp. Participants (volunteers, counselors, campers, cooks, teachers) include UUCA members and friends, and families from Beacon House, Buckingham, and local affordable housing communities. In this multigenerational, multi-racial, and multi-ethnic experience, UUCA's dreams of beloved community come true.  To help make this dream come true, the UUCA Give-the-Plate offerings will be given to provide scholarships for children and youth to participate in this year's Peace Camp. Little Friends for Peace is a nonprofit organization that empowers children and adults to solve problems nonviolently, build relationships through compassion and empathy, and create a culture of peace. LFFP envisions communities where everyone has the opportunity to experience, learn, and practice peace. From playground put-downs and family fights to street crime and global conflict, violence builds from the ground up. We work to interrupt our current culture of violence through peace building. By teaching peace at an early age and practicing peace at every age we know together we can answer the violence with skills for peace.
Lifespan and Religious EducationReligiousEd
Special role for our children in worship this Sunday
Five hands waving palm branches against a white background This Sunday we will celebrate our annual Flower Communion -- which falls this year on Palm Sunday. Rev. Aaron is planning a very special service to celebrate this ritual. And, our children will play a very important role in worship this Sunday! Our children will take part in the processional at the beginning of the service. They will process into the sanctuary with their arms full of palm fronds, which they will lay down as a symbol of the rising tide of radical welcome and love that prepares the way for all of us to enter. This is a celebratory Sunday, so bright colors, tiara, sparkly dresses and bow ties welcomed! To learn more about the Unitarian ritual of Flower Communion, please click here.
Handbell Chapel Sunday, March 20
bell_photo This Sunday, the Polymnia and Bellissimo handbell groups will host a fun, interactive handbell-themed chapel during the 9:15 and 11:15a.m. services. Kids in grades K-5 will learn how to ring a variety of different handbells and chimes, experiment with chords and melodies, and participate in games and craft projects centered around bells. No prior experience with music or handbells is required. Everyone is welcome.
T-Shirt Sales Extended for One More Sunday
CASE T-shirt  graphic This Sunday is your very last chance to order a brand-spankin'-new UUCA T-shirt. Shirts may be ordered in various unisex, women's v-neck, or youth sizes. Visit the CASE table in Fellowship Hall during the coffee hours to order yours. Shirts are $20 and proceeds support the CASE program for youth who are not yet in high school and the work of the church. For more information about CASE or T-shirt sales, contact Annie Parker, [email protected], or Kate Gallup, [email protected]. Previously ordered shirts will be available for pick up at the CASE table this Sunday.
Coloring, It's all the rage!  Plus a Potluck - Friday, March 18, 6 to 8 p.m.
2 people showing off their coloring book Join your UUCA community for our second Coloring Event on Friday, March 18, 6 to 8 p.m. We had so much fun last time, we're doing it again! Bring your favorite coloring books, crayons, gel pens, pencils and let your creativity explode! All ages are invited and encouraged to attend because coloring isn't just for kids anymore. Haven't joined the mania but are curious?  Just come and join the fun. We have supplies and books to share. Also, we'll share a potluck dinner, so bring something warm and cheery and delicious. Drinks provided. Check out this link: Coloring Best Alternative to Meditation
Easter Sunday and the Hunt for Justice
Easter Egg Hunt for Justice
Sunday, March 27, our RE kids will celebrate Easter by participating in an All Welcome worship service. After church, kids will gather for the annual Hunt for Justice. If you haven't heard of the Hunt for Justice, here is how it works: Kids enjoy the same mad dash of filling their baskets with bright colored eggs. But, instead of the end game being all about candy, our kids will use the eggs to vote for a social justice activity they would like to support.  Last year, our kids voted to host a bingo tournament for our friends at Goodwin House. This year the voting options are food sorting for AFAC, making blankets for donation, and, again, hosting bingo at Goodwin House. Of course, there will be candy and other prizes involved -- all that hard work for social justice deserves some chocolate!  Don't miss this opportunity for our kids to practice our 5th UU Principle. Which one is that?  We all have a vote in what matters to us. It's the Hunt for Justice! 
Youth Put Values to Work During Spring Break 
Youth Group The Youth Group is partnering with the Appalachian South Folklife Center in West Virginia for their annual spring break service trip, March 20-26. It's been two years since their last service trip to this region and the youth are excited to return! This year, they will help locals fix up their homes. If you would like to learn more about the youth group service trips, come to the Appalachian Cultural Evening on April 24The youth will share their experience through song, photos, reflections, and FOOD! There will be regional cuisine such as chicken and dumplings, fried green tomatoes, and apple stack cake. Tickets go on sale April 3 after services or contact LeeAnn Williams, [email protected]
Wellspring Wednesdays
April 13 - May 18
Fostering lifelong learning and spiritual growth. Classes include:
  • All Things UUCA
  • How to Be A Trans Ally
  • Green Action
  • Building Your Own Theology
  • Emotional Wisdom
  • Way of the Bodhisattva 
Each Wellspring Wednesday evening includes supper, brief worship, and a choice of classes.  Free childcare provided. Click here for class brochure.  Registration begins in March 20. 
Hiring Childcare Providers
We currently have openings for childcare providers.  Hours include Sunday mornings, weekday evenings and some Saturdays. $15 per hour. Training provided. Must be 18 years of age or older and complete a background check. For more information please contact LeeAnn at [email protected]
Congregational Life
UUCA Fundraiser at Tazza Kitchen - This Sunday
Tazza Kitchen staff
Tazza Kitchen-Arlington Ridge will donate a percentage of our congregants' receipts to UUCA this  Sunday, March 20, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. When 10-25 people come, Tazza Kitchen will donate 15% of the food sales to the church, and if more than 25 come, they will donate 20%. Simply come and say you are part of the UUCA fundraiser. The Young Adult Group (YAG) has arranged this fundraiser benefiting the church's general fund. YAG will meet at the restaurant after the second service and all are welcome to join them. Last month at O'Sullivan's, YAG raised $72. Come and bring your friends and family to make it even more successful this Sunday. Location: Tazza Kitchen Arlington Ridge, 2931 South Glebe Road, Arlington. Questions? Contact Alice Goldberg at [email protected].
Exiles in Sepharad, the Jewish Millennium in Spain 
HUUmanists Meet - Monday, 28, 7:15 p.m. 
Exiles in Sepharad book cover
Arlingtonian Jeffrey Gorsky will talk about his new book Exiles in Sepharad, the Jewish Millennium in Spain. The book describes the dramatic one-thousand-year history of the Sephardic Jews in Spain. They flourished under both Muslim and Christian rule, enjoying prosperity and power. Their cultural contributions include important poets; the great Jewish philosopher Moses Maimonides; and Moses de Leon, author of the Zohar, the core text of the Kabbalah. The Sephardic Jews also endured considerable hardship. Fundamentalist Islamic tribes drove them from Muslim to Christian Spain. In 1391 thousands were killed and more than a third were forced to convert by anti-Jewish rioters. A century later the Spanish Inquisition began, accusing thousands of these converts of heresy. By the end of the fifteenth century Jews had been expelled from Spain and forcibly converted in Portugal and Navarre. After almost a millennium of harmonious existence, what had been the most populous and prosperous Jewish community in Europe ceased to exist on the Iberian Peninsula. Gorsky's book vividly relates this colorful period of Jewish history, from the era when Jewish culture was at its height in Muslim Spain to the horrors of the Inquisition and the Expulsion. All are welcome. For further information, contact Jere Cummins
Faith in Action: Connecting - Growing - ServingFaith
Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE) Meeting - March 17
Virginia CURE generally meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm in Room 12 (Lower Level). For more information about this month's meeting, please contact CURE President, Carla Peterson ([email protected], 703-242-6459 home, 703- 272-3624 mobile) or Ric Blacksten, CURE sponsor ([email protected], 703-980-5899).
Arabic Script Calligrapher to Share His Experiences - Thursday, March 17,7:30 p.m.
Zakariya photo UUCA's ESOL classes are pleased to share the opportunity to spend time with an artist of international renown, Dr. Mohamed  Zakariya, on Thursday, March 17, 7:30 p.m. Zakariya, a resident of Arlington, is an American master of Arabic script calligraphy. He's best known for his work on the Eid U.S. postage stamps. Born and raised in California, he was influenced by a trip to Morocco that changed his career path and eventually his faith. Zakariya has traveled the Muslim world studying the art of Islamic calligraphy, especially in Turkey. In 1984, he accepted the offer to study under the world-renowned master calligrapher Hasan Celebi in Istanbul. In 1988, Celebi declared Zakariya to be a master calligrapher. Dr. Zakariya trains his own students here in the U.S. and regularly holds exhibitions and workshops across the country. In 2002, he and his works were featured in the award-winning PBS documentary Muhammed: Legacy of a Prophet, produced by Unity Productions Foundation. For more information, contact Sarah Munson, [email protected]m.
A Sparkling Black and Gold Evening - Saturday, March 19, 5 to 8 p.m.
Bridges to Independence golden image UUCA is pleased to host a benefit for Bridges to Independence, a provider of services for homeless women and children and those at risk in Northern Virginia. All UUCAer's are invited to attend "A Sparkling Black and Gold Evening" on Saturday, March 19, 5 to 8 p.m., in the Center. The evening includes live music, art for sale, raffles, sparkling wine, and hors d'oeuvres by award-winning Chef Matt Hill of Lyon Hall. Special guests include Christian Dorsey and John Vihstadt, Arlington County Board members. To purchase tickets, click here. Questions? Please contact Alex Roth at [email protected]
Palestinian Leader to Speak at UUCA - Tuesday, March 22, 7:30 p.m.
UUCA's Committee for Peace and Justice in Israel/Palestine is co-sponsoring a guest speaker, Iyad Burnat, from Bi'lin, Palestine (West Bank) who has organized weekly non-violent demonstrations since 2005 against the Israeli occupation. Iyad Burnat was born in 1973 in Bil`in, a farming village seven miles west of Ramallah. He heads the Bil`in Popular Committee, which brings together local villagers, Israeli and international peace activists to protest Israel's separation wall and the encroachment of illegal settlements. The protesters maintain a commitment to non-violence in the face of armed military opposition. They have suffered many injuries and some deaths. The demonstrations are the subject of the 2012 Oscar-nominated documentary film 5 Broken Cameras, made by Iyad's brother, Emad Burnat. You are invited to come hear about Iyad's strategies for non-violent resistance with the goal of peace and justice for all peoples in the region. Questions? Contact Bill Reilly703-525-4075 (h) 571-332-2854 (c).
Partners for Peace and Justice 
Heart_Hands Our work for a peaceful and justice-seeking world begins with meeting one another and hearing each other's stories. Invite your friends -- from UUCA and the wider community -- to attend the following: 

Wednesdays, 7:30- 9 p.m.
  • March 30 - VOICE
  • April 6 - Race Matters
  • April 13 - Green Action and Climate Justice
Earth Day Sunday, April 17, following services - Planting and Dedication of the Peace Pole
Buckingham Cooks 
Cooks from the Buckingham community will be selling savory Latino fare after services this Sunday.

Buckingham Helpers
If you need help with your spring cleaning and/or yard work, please stop by the Buckingham Outreach table on Sunday to find out about the services offered by Buckingham Helpers. For more information, contact Nancy Hall, [email protected].
Equal Exchange products for Easter and Spring
Equal Exchange logo This Sunday, March 20, Equal Exchange chocolate bars will be for sale during fellowship hours. Olive oil from Palestine, coffees, teas, nuts and cocoa mix will also be for sale. All products are purchased through the Coffee Project and the UU Service Committee (UUSC) receives 5% return on products sold. At UUCA, we have been serving coffee bought through the UUSC Coffee Project since 2005. This is a win-win-win situation. You win by getting quality products at a good price, UUSC wins with the donation of 5% from Equal Exchange and the growers win by getting a good price for their products and business advice from EE. For more information, or to volunteer to help with the sales, please contact Sara Anderson, [email protected].
Committee for Peace and Justice in Israel/Palestine Host Film Series
Voices from the Holy Land 2016
Films in this series explore the complex and emotional issues preventing peace in Israel/Palestine for more than three generations. The series is co-sponsored by UUCA, Sabeel D.C. Metro (Palestinian Christian peace movement) and Grace Presbyterian Church, and supported by 18 religious institutions and other groups including the Washington Interfaith Alliance for Middle East Peace. All work to promote a better understanding of the decades-old conflict and non-violent solutions. Click here for more information on the films. 
Live at the Center

Brother Sun Concert - March 26
Brother Sun photo Live at the Center and Stone Room Concerts presents Brother Sun, March 26, 7 p.m. Brother Sun celebrate the amazing power of three-part male harmonies, singing contemporary folk with touches of gospel, blues, jazz and pop.  Hear their music here.
Chalice Theatre
Thank you From Chalice Theatre!
South Pacific cast photo
Navy officers photo
Lt Cable and Liet
Chalice Theatre would like to thank the church leadership, staff and congregation for all of their wonderful support during the rehearsals and performances of South Pacific. We could not create these magical shows without the generous use of the church space and the many other ways in which the community cheered us on.

The show was a success in terms of ticket sales -- we sold-out nine out of our ten performances - and we welcomed a number of new members to the group, some of whom have inquired about attending church services. More importantly, Chalice provided a ministry that is unique to the arts: a community of multi-generational folks contributing their many strengths and talents, all working together in a way that reflects the UU principals, through the intersection of music, dance, dialogue, sets, and costumes that bring a show to life.

Chalice Theatre is grateful for our home here at UUCA. Please join us for our upcoming 20th Anniversary Cabaret, and consider auditioning for one of our shows in the future!

-- Sarah Priestman, Co-Producer
20th Anniversary Celebration Cabaret 









Watch this space - 
Tickets to go on sale soon!


Wheel of LifeWheel
Robert Eldridge Memorial Service - March 26
A memorial service to celebrate the life and legacy of longtime member Robert Eldridge will be held in our sanctuary on Saturday, March 26, 2 p.m.
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington   |   4444 Arlington Blvd, Arlington VA 22204   |   703-892-2565