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In this issue
Philippines relief efforts
Faith Matters blog
Pie baking and food delivery
Holiday Bazaar
This week & weekend
Children & youth
In memoriam
Grow
Connect
Serve
From our friends

Sat., Nov. 16, 4:30 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 17, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.    

Listen to podcasts of past sermons. 

Religious
Exploration
 

View schedule here. Nursery care in Sanctuary Building up
to age 3.
 
November's worship theme is Honesty.
"Whatever games are played with us, we must play no games with ourselves but deal in our privacy with the last honesty and truth."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson 
 
recipient for November is the Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV), a non-profit, volunteer-based, interfaith organization sponsored by 20 congregations to help older persons in Vienna and Oakton "age in place" and stay connected.

To see a monthly view of all upcoming events click here.

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happening today
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.

 

Our next deadline is Tue., Nov. 19. Send announcements to
our communications staff. All entries are edited before publication for brevity,
clarity and style.  

 

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Contact the UUCF
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Announcements
for Nov. 14-21
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Joint special appeal for Philippines relief efforts 
Second plate collection at all
services this weekend 
 
The loss of life and devastation in the Philippines from Typhoon Haiyan are truly staggering. The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) has close ties to the Philippines and, along with the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA), has launched a joint special appeal for relief efforts.
 
UUSC has a distinctive role to play even as other organizations spring into action. Its focus will be on those survivors most likely to fall through the cracks of traditional rescue and relief efforts. Thousands of families are at acute risk because of geography, ethnicity, religion or other factors that create barriers to accessing help.
 
To read a statement from UUSC President Bill Schulz and UUA President Rev. Peter Morales, click here.
 
Please consider giving generously this weekend to support our denomination's efforts to provide relief.
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Ministerial Intern
Eve Stevens
Faith Matters blog 
Our "place in this scheme"

In his essay, Autobiographical Notes, James Baldwin wrote:

"I know, in any case, that the most crucial time in my own development came when I was forced to recognize that I was a kind of bastard of the West; when I followed the line of my past I did not find myself in Europe, but in Africa. And this meant that in some subtle way, in a really profound way, I brought to Shakespeare, Bach, Rembrandt, to the stones of Paris to the cathedral at Chartres, and to the Empire State Building, a special attitude. These were not really my ... (read more) 

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Thanksgiving Pie Baking and  Food Delivery to CCNV 
Looking for opportunities to live our values through service? Join UUCF's Families for Social Justice for their annual pie-baking, Wed., Nov. 27, 2-5 p.m., Sanctuary. Volunteers are also needed to prepare Thanksgiving dishes and deliver them to UUCF Thu., Nov. 28, 8:15-9 a.m. Or you can volunteer to deliver dishes and desserts to the Center for Creative Non-Violence.   
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Save the date
Holiday Bazaar, Nov. 23-24, Chapel  

Stock up on holiday gifts next weekend at our annual Holiday Bazaar. Choose from a wider range of fine handmade crafts and art from local artists.
A percentage of sales goes to UUCF. 
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This week & weekend 

Live our commitment to the UUCF Gun Violence Prevention Congregational Resolution.
Join our vigil today at NRA headquarters. Thu., Nov. 14, 10-11 a.m., 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax. Vigils are being held on the 14th of each month to commemorate the tragedy in Newtown, CT, last Dec. 14. Signs are provided. Parking on nearby side streets. Questions to Bob Hatfield or Jerry Poje. 

Memoirs Writing Group. 
Fri., Nov. 15, 1:30-3 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Contact
Kristin Moyer.

Northern Virginia UU cluster meeting. Sat., Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., UUCF Sanctuary. UUs from NoVa congregations will meet to start a conversation about how we can work together more effectively, support each other and grow our faith. Event is free; lunch is included. RSVPs are required through Susan Bennett.
 
50th anniversary of UUA's first statement on reproductive choice. UU congregations nationwide are marking the anniversary Nov. 17. To learn more, visit the UUCF Reproductive Justice Task Force table in the commons after Sunday service or contact Kandi Mitchell.
 
Ethics and Morality. Sunday Forum - Science, Reason & ReligionSun., Nov. 17, 12:30 p.m., Chapel. Don Yacoe will speak on ethics and morality.  
 
Create & Chat. 1st and 3rd Mon., Nov. 18, 1-3 p.m., Prog. Bldg., Room 10. Bring your quilting, knitting, crochet or... Join us to finish that project you started or to be inspired to create something new. Contact Deb Kennedy or Ann Simon.

Global Affairs Discussion Group. Wed., Nov. 20, 7:15-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Open forum for discussion of current affairs worldwide. Bring an international issue of interest to share and discuss. Also, briefing on current UN activities. Contact Randy Adams.
 
Holiday schedule. For the next six weeks, we enter the holiday season, when our worship schedule varies a bit from the regular schedule. View the schedule here.
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Children & youth 

Muffin Making. Sat., Nov 16. Join the 4:30 RE class in muffin making. We provide the supplies but you are welcome to bring additional muffin mixes and pans. We will meet for Chapel and go to the Social Hall Kitchen to make the muffins. The muffins will be sent with the UUCF Thanksgiving food drive to the Center for Creative Non-Violence in Washington, DC.

Grade 1 Parent/guardian and child OWL orientation. Sun., Nov. 17, 1-2:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Required session before Jan.-Feb. OWL* Sun. RE classes. Child care available for younger siblings with RSVP no later than Thu., Nov. 14. Child care will be canceled if no requests are made by then. Contact Dan Earle. 

High School Youth Group. 
Sun., Nov. 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Rm. 11. Parents gather in Social Hall for informal discussion and fellowship. Contact James Forrest for more information.

Youth planning meeting for Feb. Vespers. Nov. 17, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Room 11. With Carol Campbell, Pat Haresch and James Forrest. February theme is Vulnerability, so start thinking now about readings or music in that theme. 

PlayGroUUp - Thanksgiving Craft. Tue., Nov. 19, 10 a.m., Teen Center. Fellowship group of babies, toddlers and their parents/caregivers. Siblings welcome. Meets 1st and 3rd Tue. Contact Meghan Crowley.

Next weekend - All-congregation service. No RE. Nov. 23 and 24. Worship theme for November is Gratitude! FUUSE (Fairfax Unitarian Universalist Summer Experience) youth will participate in the Sunday worship services. 

Afternoon out for parents. Sat., Nov. 23, 1-4 p.m., Preschool Pod, Prog. Bldg. For children ages 4-10. The Benner Covenant Group is offering you an afternoon for shopping, a movie, alone time or whatever you want! Children's activities include face painting, crafts, songs, story time, snacks and more! Limited spots; first come, first served. Reserve by Nov. 17 with H.J. Cummins or Leigh Geiger. Suggested donation: $20 per child; $40 max per family. Proceeds go to UUCF RE programs.

Thanksgiving pie-baking event.
Wed., Nov. 27, 2-5 p.m., Sanctuary. Join Families for Social Justice for their annual event. Pies will be delivered to the Center for Creative Non-Violence on Thanksgiving morning. Contact Mary Frances Kordick or Rev. Karen Rasmussen.

Post-Thanksgiving worship service.
Nov. 30/Dec 1: Special RE, Chapel. K-5 (Sacred Circle Dancing) with Diana Pinkham from International Peace Dances. No MS or HS RE but you are welcome to join the sacred circle dancing or the service in the Sanctuary.

MS Youth Group. Dec. 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Movie Night. Contact James Forrest for more information.
 
Child Dedications at all three services. Sat. and Sun., Dec. 14-15. If you'd like to have your child or children dedicated by the congregation, please complete this form. Contact Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig or Linnea Nelson with questions.

*OWL is a sexuality education program that strengthens our children and youth's relationships and understanding of their bodies in a developmentally appropriate manner. 
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In memoriam

A memorial for UUCF member Ron Shubert, husband of Jan Shubert, will be held on Sun., Nov. 17, 3 p.m., in the UUCF Chapel.    
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Grow
The following programs and opportunities help us grow as individuals and as a community.
 
Meditation Practice Group. Tue., Nov. 19, 7 p.m., Social Hall. Join us in supporting each other in our meditation practice. No expectation to attend every meeting. Contact Karen Monroe.
 
Classics of Unitarian and Universalist TheologyAdult Programs course.
Sun., Nov. 24 and Sun., Dec. 8, 4-5:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Drop-ins welcome; registration appreciated, not required. Facilitated by Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig. Do you ever wonder where Unitarian Universalism came from? Do you wish you were better at explaining UUism to other people? We'll trace the historical evolution of UUism in the U.S. by studying classic texts by UU theologians. Last year we focused on 19th Century UUs. This year, we explore 20th and 21st Century theologians. Please come having read the assigned reading before the class.

Ancient Wisdom in Modern Society: Renaissance of Traditional Chinese CultureAdult Programs course
. Sun., Nov. 24, 1-3 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Email ap@uucf.org to register. Presented by Dong Xiang. Looking for a taste of culture? A fresh perspective? A little inspiration? Join us for a special presentation inspired by the classical dance and music in Shen Yun and the essence of 5,000 years of civilization. The presenter will also share his insights on how to deal with modern challenges with the ancient wisdom.

Saturday Polylogue with Mary Katherine.
Sat., Nov. 30, after 4:30 p.m. service. All are invited to continue the conversation. Visit with your friends, grab some coffee and join our parish minister in the Legacy Room for a 30-minute discussion on the topic of her sermon: Looking for Signs of Grace. Note: Polylogue is a dialogue among many participants, sharing of one's thoughts on a topic and respectful listening to others' perspectives. All are welcome.

Newcomers Orientation.
Mon., Dec. 2 and 9, 7-9 p.m. This four-hour orientation is for those interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism and our congregation. Please plan to attend both sessions. Reserve childcare by Tue., Nov. 26. To register, contact Carol Jensen.
 
God Revised - books still available. We still have a few copies of the Rev. Galen Guengerich's book, God Revised: How Religion Must Evolve in a Scientific Age. If you would like to purchase a copy of this new book, please contact Mary Katherine. Price is $25.
 
Creating Our Lives Consciously From Our Deepest Inner ResourcesThu., Dec. 12, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Led by Zimri Putney, 703-517-7372. Email ap@uucf.org to register. Join a supportive community in a practical spiritual journey, opening the path to loving connections, peace, joy and success. We will read and reflect on the teachings of Chödrön, Tolle, Richo, Brach and others.
 
Got an idea for a class to share with UUCF members? The Adult Programs Committee is always looking for new class ideas and instructors. It can be a book discussion, curriculum from another church or any idea that helps us grow and connect. Send ideas to Barb Brehm.
 
Trip to Transylvania. Join the trip for UUCF youth and adults to Transylvania to visit our partner church, see historic Unitarian sites and, yes, explore Dracula's castle, from July 6-17 with a possible two-day extension in beautiful Budapest. Contact Dick Van Duizend or 703-536-3476.
 
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Connect 
Click here for a listing of ways to get involved and connect with each other at UUCF.

Covenant Group spots available. Looking for a small group at UUCF? Would you love to build close relationships and explore spiritual/ethical ideas and experiences? A few spaces are still available. Email Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig to sign up. If these groups don't fit your schedule, ask Rev. Laura to contact you when other groups have openings.
* Facilitators Ron Giusti & Manny Solon, 2nd Wed., 7:30-9:30 p.m., Goodwin House, Arlington, VA (2 openings).
* Facilitator Rebecca Benner, 1st Sun., 3-5 p.m., UUCF (2 openings).
 
Wednesday Morning Book ClubNov 20, 10 a.m.-noon, Prog. Bldg. This month reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Questions to Polly Feuer.
 
Great holiday gifts at the UUCF Holiday Bazaar. Fine handmade crafts and art from local artists. Nov. 23 and 24, UUCF Chapel. Percentage of sales goes to UUCF.
 
Great Books Discussion Group. Mon., Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Discussions explore the meaning of "classic" books. This month reading Das Capital, by Karl Marx. Everyone is welcome, whether you have read the book or not. Questions to Randy Adams.

Thanksgiving food delivery for CCNV. Thu., Nov. 28, 8:15-9 a.m. Volunteers needed to prepare Thanksgiving dishes and deliver them to UUCF on Thanksgiving morning for the annual Community for Creative Non-Violence (CCNV) Thanksgiving meal. Contact Bob Hatfield.

Potluck Thanksgiving Dinner. Thu., Nov. 28, 3 p.m., Sanctuary. RSVP by Sun., Nov. 24. Celebrate turkey day in community with your UUCF friends. Everyone welcome - singles, couples, families. Cost: $5 covers turkey and beverages. Bring your own place setting and glass. Contact Donna Machina to RSVP and coordinate a dish to share.
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Serve
Click here to find out about opportunities to live our values through service and advocacy within our congregation and beyond.
 
Join the UUCF Climate Action Group. 2nd and 4th Wed., Nov. 27, 7-9 p.m., Social Hall. We're working on the monthly documentary series, outreach, coalition-building and much more. The group is growing. If you have not come to a meeting before, please join us. Join our Religious Action on Climate Linked In group and our Facebook page. More info: Eric Goplerud, 703-759-0218. 
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From our friends

This section brings you announcements from UUCF members and friends, neighboring UU congregations, UU organizations or other organizations affiliated with this congregation.   


Yoga for the 21st Century. Saturdays through Dec. 21, 9:30-11 a.m., Prog. Bldg. Yoga can help re-frame your life, reduce stress and re-pattern your brain. Contact Ravi, 571-213-3192.
 
Tai Chi Chih classes for beginners. Mondays through Dec. 16, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Learn and practice Tai Chi Chih for health, energy, serenity and improved performance. An easy-to-learn moving meditation of 20 movements. First session free. $80 course fee adaptable. Contact Furman Riley
, accredited teacher of Tai Chi Chih, 703-217-6024.

 

Inspired Faith, Effective Action: A Hands-On Training in Doing Religiously Grounded Social Justice Work. Sat., Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., UU Church of Arlington. Sponsored by UUs for Social Justice and the UUA. How can we ground our actions in our religious principles? How can we better select social justice priorities and programs and involve our whole congregation? Come learn about and then have time to practice these skills with a team from your congregation. Questions contact Rev. Cindy Snavely, 202-600-9132, or Rev. Terence Ellen, 410-486-5766.

  
Fall in LoveMosaic Harmony Winter Fundraiser concert. Sat., Nov. 23, 8 p.m., UUCF Sanctuary. With soloists Nikki Barnett, Kharma Amos and Kala Payne. Mosaic Harmony, founded at UUCF with several other congregations to promote interfaith unity through music, is celebrating its 20th season. All proceeds benefit Mosaic Harmony. Mark your calendar also for our 20th Anniversary Concert, Anything's Possible, Sun., Apr. 27, 4 p.m., UUCF.    
 
15th Annual Community Thanksgiving Worship Service. Tue., Nov. 26, 7:30 p.m., Our Lady of Good Counsel, 8601 Wolftrap Rd., Vienna. Sponsored by the Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna. An offering will be collected to help support local food banks run by Our Daily Bread and Committee for Helping Others (CHO). Contact the Shepherd's Center, 703-281-0538.  
 
Alternative Gift Market. Sat., Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., UU Church in Reston. Visit 30 booths of socially conscious gifts from local and international charitable organizations. One-stop shopping for your holiday needs or to save for birthdays, thank you gifts and other occasions. Donations tax deductible; receipts provided. Cash and checks only.  
 
Bazaar and silent auction. Sat., Dec. 7, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., River Road UU Congregation, Bethesda. A giant estate sale with garage sale prices. Toys, holiday items, clothing, books, rugs, jewelry, art, kitchenware, sporting goods, food and more.  
 
Senior Saturday Night Social. Dec. 14, 5-8 p.m., Vienna Community Center. Sponsored by the Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna and the Vienna Community Center. Join us for an evening of dining, laughter and entertainment by the Tallwood Trio. Registration and $5 pre-payment required by Dec. 4. To register, contact the Shepherd's Center, 703-281-0538.  

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