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Worship Service 
Sunday, June 26, 10:15 a.m.
Make Yourself Small sermon title
"Make Yourself Small" - Sermon by Rev. Aaron McEmrys, Senior Minister
Mountains are great. Everybody knows that. So are the Roman Coliseum, Stonehenge and the planet Jupiter great. Our society has always loved Hugeness: grand gestures, sweeping change and towering edifices. As the movies and late-night infomercials constantly remind us, "size matters." But in this counter-cultural service we will celebrate the Small, the diminutive and the unnoticed. We will draw inspiration from floating leaves, raindrops and small kindnesses as we pause to appreciate all the beautiful smallness within and without us.

Music includes: Guest pianist Barbara Schelstrate plays Sonata No. 4 in D Major by G. F. Handel --  Dave Shilton sings Linden Lea by Ralph Vaughan Williams, poem by William Barnes. 

Livestreaming and past recordings of the service are at www.uucava.org.
Gathering of the Waters
Water_photo Please remember to collect small samples of water during your summer travels. This year's Gathering of the Waters service will take place on Sunday, September 11. It's our special homecoming and ingathering service that begins our new church year. So, please collect a small sample of water from a place that is special to you -- or from the local pool or kitchen tap -- they can be special places too!
Give the PlateGivePlate
June 26 - Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice
GTP button
Make GTP donation here
Ever wonder what you, as a progressive Unitarian Universalist, can personally do to influence politicians and power brokers in Washington, D.C.? The answer could be donating to, and maybe even becoming a member of, UUSJ! (Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice in the National Capital Region).

UUSJ is a regional partnership of individuals, 16 congregations and UU affiliated organizations deeply committed to giving a voice to our UU religious principles and values. UUSJ believes we are stronger working together than separately. UUSJ recently has shifted its focus to advocacy -- taking advantage of its location to our nation's capital. UUs join together for regular visits to Capitol Hill policy-makers to advocate for social justice and change.

UUSJ's current priorities are:
  • Immigration Reform
  • The Environment and Climate Change
  • Escalating Inequality
G Mulligan w_ Lavona Grow
Gene Mulligan, 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient with Lavona Grow, UUSJ Board Chair 
UUSJ also honors and celebrates UU social justice activists at their annual Awards Benefit Gala that supports social justice grants. Recent award recipients from the Arlington UU congregation include: Gene Mulligan (2015 Lifetime Achievement Award), Marilyn Baker and Amy Grenier (2013 Immigration Award), Elizabeth Fogarty (2013 LGBTQ Award), Rev. Carlton Smith (2012 Minister of the Year), John and Chris Sutton (2009 Giraffe Award), Barbara Johnson, Ann Ulmschneider, Phyllis Dogan, and the former Arlington Journey Toward Wholeness Team (2008 Racial Justice/Multicultural Award).

Become a member of UUSJ! Any Give the Plate contribution of $40 or more entitles you to be a voting members of UUSJ. Simply fill out the application after the service in Fellowship Hall.
Green Umbrella
Revenue Enhancement Correction
Last week's list of people chairing new projects for revenue enhancement had a couple of errors. Please use this revised list to volunteer or to ask questions, view list here. We apologize for any inconvenience, and we still need your help!
A 2nd Chance: Revenue Enhancement Open Meeting - July 13
Join us Wednesday, July 13, 7:30 p.m., for another high-energy brainstorming-and-planning session as we move toward broadening UUCA's revenue base well beyond our yearly pledges. Bring your best ideas. Please reserve your spot by email to Stewardship Coordinator
Diane Ullius, [email protected].
Attention Amazon Shoppers
Amazon smile logoAmazon shoppers -- please remember to use ww.smile.amazon.com and choose UUCA as the charity to receive a donation each time you shop. The church receives a 0.5% donation from Amazon on eligible purchases. It's easy and painless and no extra cost to you. Please note that any donations through the AmazonSmile program is an additional gift to your annual pledge giving and there is no tax deduction.
Board of Trustees Report
Meeting of Tuesday, June 21, 2016
As this was the last Board meeting for the Church's 2015-2016 fiscal year, we want to thank outgoing board members Wendy Jessup and Mary Pike and outgoing secretary Joan Perry for their dedicated service, and welcome incoming members Al Himes and Warren Wright and our new secretary Betsey Lyon.  

At this month's meeting, the Board approved changes to its Ends as a result of three policy review sessions it conducted over the past year.  Concerns had been raised that Religious Education (RE) was not strongly reflected in our policies, so the Second End was modified to say, "People of all ages experience a vital faith community and have opportunities for personal and spiritual growth."  The Third End was changed to include our Church's commitment to Green Action.  The End now reads, "The Church is a force for service, social justice, and environmental justice."

Also, the Board discussed the draft Linkage Report which resulted from our interactions with RE families, teachers and staff over the past several months.  In an effort to ascertain how RE helps our spirit grow together as a church community, we focused on the vision of how religious education can emerge to become an integrated part of a multi-generational church-wide experience that deepens the values and spirituality of all congregants -- from the youngest to the oldest.  When the final report is complete in the next month, we will share our learnings in a separate report in Connections as well as post them on the website for ongoing accessibility.  Thank you again to all who participated in this outreach experience.  READ MORE
Denominational News
UUA President Issues Statement on SCOTUS Decision
"I am profoundly disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Court's 4-4 decision in United States v. Texas upholding a lower court decision that struck down President Obama's executive actions on immigration that expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and created Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA). My thoughts are with the millions of immigrant families whose lives are made harsher by this outcome." Read more. 
UUA President - Peter Morales

Greetings from UUCA Staff and Delegates at General Assembly
UUCA delegates Ben D'Avanzo (ball cap), Joan Kaufman and Allan Kellum.

Sarah Masters, UUCA Director of Congregation Life, with Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith, a former UUCA minister.

Sarah Masters with Sana Saeed, former UUCA Youth Coordinator. 
Pasi and Rev Robinson
UUCA member Pasi Chapman with Rev. Don Robinson of Beacon House in D.C. 
Greetings from UUCA staff and delegates at GA! No need to miss out entirely on this year's General Assembly in Columbus, Ohio (June 22-26). The high points of this year's UU conference are being livestreamed -- Join in on tonight's (Thursday) Service of the Living Tradition at 7:30 p.m. -- General Sessions each day -- and on Saturday night the Ware Lecture w/ Krista Tippett, author and On Being radio show host -- complete schedule and viewing here.  
Lifespan and Religious EducationReligiousEd

Over 120 members and friends of UUCA gathered at Big Meadows in the Shenandoah National Park this past weekend to enjoy nature and community.  The multi-generational group shared hikes, campfires, an outdoor worship service, a picnic, and a lively "No-Talent Talent Show."  CASE youth (grades 7 and 8) and friends had time for their own fun with flashlight tag, fire-cooked breakfast, s'mores, a sharing circle, and no cell phones!  This annual retreat, now in its 42nd year, is held on Father's Day weekend.  Save the date for 2017!   Kudos to Jenni Swisher, Kyle Dunbar, Jacqueline Lotts, Kristen Patterson, Annie Parker, and Kate Gallup for organizing!  View slide show here. 
Important OWL Registration Schedule
We are in the process of preparing for next year's OWL (Our Whole Lives sexuality education) program. Please mark your calendar with these important registration dates.
  • For UUCA Members Friday, July 8. Registration will open for 5th and 8th Grade OWL.
  • For Friends and Non-UUCA Members,  Friday, July 29. Registration for any remaining openings for the fall OWL program. 
Watch RE Connect and Connections for the registration link. You can find out more about the OWL program here OWL: Lifespan Sexuality Education.
 
Seven Principle Banners this Fall
Banner photo Did you see the lovely UU Principles Banner hanging from the pulpit last Sunday? Our elementary kids will be making our own set of banners this fall.  If you would like to assist in the creation of these lovely banners, please contact LeeAnn at [email protected].  Ways you can support the banner project:
  • Sewing the banners together -- this can be done on your own time at home
  • Tie Dye Party -- assist the kids in Tie Dyeing fabric on a Sunday 
  • Pre-cutting Fabric -- this too can be done at home
  • Hosting the Art Show -- that's right when the banners are complete we will celebrate with an art show!
  • Classroom Assistant -- helping kids on Sunday with the various projects. This can be a onetime volunteer opportunity. 
Materials and supplies provided.
Youth Summer Sundays
Don't take the summer off! We have programming for everyone. Our Youth program is for rising 6th graders and older and meets in the Youth Room.
Adult Faith Development
Check out what we are offering in Adult Faith Development this summer:
  • Qigong Practice Sessions. Each Thursday 10:30-Noon. Qigong is an ancient approach for achieving balance and vitality. The movements are gentle and can be done sitting, standing, or lying down. Qigong will meet in the Center from 10:30-Noon on Thursdays. Wear comfortable clothing. $10 suggested donation. Instructor: Carol Baker, Registered Nurse. No registration required, but appreciated. For more information, contact Carol at [email protected].
  • Biblical Storytelling Workshop. Sat., July 16, 10 a.m. Would you like to fully engage people of all ages in texts by making them come to life? Then this workshop is for you! You'll learn techniques for learning and telling stories, and you'll leave this 90-minute workshop with a story ready to go. We'll focus on a biblical text, but the techniques you learn can be applied to learning and telling any story. We'll learn how to engage in the text, and how to help others engage as well. You'll also get some recommendations for resources for further study.
    Led by Rev. Madelyn Campbell. Please register at [email protected].  Rev. Madelyn is an ordained UU minister, and has most recently served as the Interim Minister of the UU Church of the Shenandoah Valley. She has been a biblical storyteller since 2010, and is a member of the Network of Biblical Storytellers and has a certificate in The Arts and Theology with a concentration in drama and storytelling. She is currently pursuing certification in biblical storytelling through the Academy For Biblical Storytelling. 
Still looking for summer camps?
Engineer Camp image Did you know there are several summer camps  (besides our fabulous Peace Camp) that meet right here at UUCA during the summer? If you're still looking for a camp for the kiddos, you may want to consider the following:
Faith in Action: Connecting - Growing - ServingFaith
DIG Upcoming Workdays
  • Hickory tree nuts
    One of the native trees on our grounds -  Carya tomentosa, mockernut hickory
    Saturday, June 25, 9-11 a.m. Led by Sally Recinos and Kit Britton
  • Thursday, July 14, 9-11 a.m. Led by Jennifer Frum.
  • Wednesday, July 6 & 20, 3-4:30 p.m. Regular meeting.
UUCA's Do It Green Team has regularly scheduled workdays for ongoing grounds maintenance.  If you have gardening tools, please bring them -- a few extras will be available.
One-time Volunteer Opportunity with ALIVE! - June 26
ALIVE logo Here's a great volunteer opportunity for families with teens -- though singles and couples are welcome too!  On Saturday, June 26, 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., UUCA volunteers will help deliver furniture to those in need in Alexandria.  Families with pre-teene and teens, friends and neighbors can work as a team. Please contact Ann Marie Hay, 703-548-8412 or [email protected] for more information or to volunteer. UUCA is a member of ALIVE! (ALexandrians InVolved Ecumenically), 42 religious congregations and faith communities working together in Alexandria to help improve the lives of the less fortunate in our relatively well-to-do area.
Creative Arts
Now showing in the Center Gallery
Large Works poster



Last Chance to Claim Items in Lost and Found
Any of these items look familiar?

Please check to see if any of these items belong to you. Items left after June 26 will be donated to charity. 
Wheel of LifeWheel
Our thoughts and prayers of healing go to Letitia Haworth, former UUCA member and staff. Letitia is recovering from hip surgery in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Please no calls. Cards may be sent -- call the church office for address (703-328-8988).

Condolences to Sue Browning, and her family, on the death of her father, Art Carlson, June 16, at the age of 88.
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington   |   4444 Arlington Blvd, Arlington VA 22204   |   703-892-2565