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Weekend worship
Sat., Nov. 23, 4:30 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 24, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
Gratitude - A Service
of Thanksgiving.
All-congregation
service.
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
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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.
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Our next deadline is
Mon., Nov. 25, one day
earlier than usual
because of the holiday.
Send announcements
to our communications staff. All entries are
edited before
publication for
brevity, clarity and
style.
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Facebook
Click the logo below,
then click the thumbs
up "LIKE" sign.
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Announcements
for Nov. 21-28
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Annual Holiday Bazaar
Local, handmade art and crafts
Sat., Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun., Nov. 24, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Chapel, Program Building
 Avoid the malls and shop for local, handmade art and crafts for the holidays. A portion of the proceeds benefits UUCF. Choose from a wide range of offerings: Photography, fused glass plates, jewelry, birdhouses, dog and cat beds, jams, children's capes, skin products, recycled bags and lots more.
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A Thousand Thanks!
 How long would it take you to make a list of a thousand things for which you are grateful? Could we, together, offer a thousand thanks? This weekend we will start the process, inviting each of you to take a "one thousand thanks" card and share your thanksgiving. This act will help us spread the word that giving thanks improves our ability to experience the good and beautiful in our lives. Join us this weekend for our All-congregation Thanksgiving service.
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Day of Remembrance
Web-based project evolves
into international day of action
 This week marked the annual observance of the Transgender Day of Remembrance, honoring the memory of those killed in acts of anti-transgender violence. Transgender Awareness Week, which ended on Sunday, helps raise the visibility of transgender and gender non-conforming people and address the issues these communities face. The remembrance was started in 1998 by transgender activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith to memorialize the murder of Rita Hester in Allston, MA.
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Shopping Your Values
UUSC offers variety of fair trade options
In this season of gratitude and generosity, you can further your partnership with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (USCC) by Shopping Your Values.
 Visit the UUSC website for a variety of ethically sourced and/or eco-friendly items or see the UUSC table in the Commons for:
- Delectable pecans to finance better living standards for Southern Alternatives Agricultural Cooperative workers.
- Honey-fragrant beeswax pinecone candles to support northern Haitian mothers and aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Soothing scented Eva candles in hand-painted reusable bowls to provide income for Burmese refugees in the US and artisans in Kashmir.
You can also pick up a Guest at Your Table box. Return donations through Sun., Dec. 8.
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"Finish the job" on gun purchase background checks press conference/rally.
Fri., Nov. 22, 1:30 p.m., Rep. Frank Wolf's Herndon office. Please join fellow UUCFers and others to urge Rep. Wolf and other members of Congress to "finish the job" requiring background checks for gun purchasers. This month marks the 20th anniversary of the Brady Background Check bill, a significant accomplishment but one that covers only 60 percent of gun sales. Those gathered want Congress to pass legislation requiring background checks for commercial sales, which make up the other 40 percent. Contact Bob Hatfield.
Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing? Sunday Forum - Science, Reason & Religion. Sun., Nov. 24, 12:30 p.m., Sanctuary. With Zimri Putney. Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz posed this question, perhaps the most profound in the universe. Philosophers and scientific cosmologists have posited creative and courageous solutions. Various views will be covered in this program, which draws heavily on Jim Holt's Why Does the World Exist?: An Existential Detective Story.
Ancient Wisdom in Modern Society: Renaissance of Traditional Chinese Culture. Adult Programs course. Sun., Nov. 24, 1-3 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Email ap@uucf.org to register. Drop-ins welcome. 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.
Classics of Unitarian and Universalist Theology. Adult 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 read the assigned texts before class.
Parenting Support Group. Meets one Sunday a month. Next meeting Nov. 24, 7-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg., Room 10. Are you the parent of a child with special or unusual needs? Need some support? Please consider attending this
gathering of parents facing similar challenges. Contact Carrie Grabo.
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.
Deadline to sign up for the Potluck Thanksgiving Dinner. Thu., Nov. 28, 3 p.m., Sanctuary. 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 by Nov. 24 and coordinate a dish to share.
Holiday schedule. For the next six weeks, we enter the holiday season, when our worship schedule varies a bit from the regular schedule. Sun., Dec. 1 there will only be one service at 10 a.m. To view the rest of the schedule here.
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Children & youth
All-congregation service. No RE. Nov. 23 and 24. FUUSE (Fairfax Unitarian Universalist Summer Experience) youth interns will participate in the Saturday and Sunday worship services. PlayGroUUp Potluck. Sun., Nov. 24, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Social Hall. Fellowship group of babies, toddlers and their parents/caregivers. Siblings welcome. Bring a dish to share. Contact Meghan Crowley.
Thanksgiving pie-baking event. Wed., Nov. 27, 2-5 p.m., Sanctuary. Join Families for Social Justice for their annual event. Everyone brings their own ingredients and bowls to make one or more pies (we supply the pie plates). Pies will be delivered to the Center for Creative Non-Violence on Thanksgiving morning. Contact Linnea Nelson with questions.
Next Weekend - Special RE. Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Children 0-5 have childcare in the Preschool Pod or Nursery in the Sanctuary; grades K-5 participate in sacred circle dances in the Chapel; no youth classes except Coming of Age. (Sun., Dec. 1 there is only one service at 10 a.m.)
MS Youth Group. Dec. 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Teen Center. Movie Night. Contact James Forrest for more information. PlayGroUUp - Music with Ms. Marsha. Tue., Dec. 3, 10 a.m., Teen Center. Fellowship group of babies, toddlers and their parents/caregivers. Siblings welcome. Meets 1st and 3rd Tue. Contact Meghan Crowley.
Parents Day Out. Sat., Dec. 14, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Ages 2-4. The 2s & 3s teachers want to support the UUA-UUSC Philippines Relief Fund by offering a special "Day Out" for you to shop, have lunch or enjoy some time with your older children at the gift-making fair. Recommended donation for childcare is $20 per child/$40 max. per family.
Family Gift-making Fair. Sat., Dec. 14, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Ages 4-10 and their parents/guardians. It's back! A UUCF time-honored tradition of families gathering to make gifts for the holiday season. Note: This is not a drop-off event. Parents stay to help out and guide their children from room to room. Questions, or to volunteer to lead a craft (we supply the craft unless you have a favorite to share), contact Family FUUn Chairs Amy Nordeng or Jennifer McLaughlin. Donations will support the UUA-UUSC Philippine Relief Fund.
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.
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Caring news
Milestones, rites of passage and caring needs in our UUCF community.
Condolences to Judy Galliher, her husband, Rick, and their children, Ryan and Jess, on the death of Judy's mother, Doris Harju.
Condolences to Kelly Henderson, her husband, Scott Hagen, and their children, Spencer, Lewis and James, on the death of Kelly's mother.
Condolences to Paul Riddle, his wife, Katherine, and their children, Lisa, Emily, Erica and Jennifer, on the death of his sister-in-law, Cindy Riddle.
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Grow
The following programs and opportunities help us grow as individuals and as a community.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., Prog. Bldg. 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. Atheists Discrimination Globally and What Humanists Can Do About It. Humanists of UUCF meeting. Mon., Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., Chapel. Maggie Ardiente of the American Humanist Association (AHA) will speak about the rise of the religiously unaffiliated globally, specific instances of serious atheist discrimination (people being jailed or killed, not simply church/state type discrimination) and what AHA is doing about it through meetings with the State Department and connections through the religious freedom community. Contact Mary Bellamy. Diasporas and International Development: The In-Between Advantage. Global Affairs Discussion Group. Meets 1st and 3rd Wed. Next meeting Wed., Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m., Rooms 3 and 4, Prog. Bldg. With Jennifer Brinkerhoff. Immigrants who retain a strong connection to their country of origin often feel they live "in between": They are neither wholly American, nor are they still wholly Egyptian, Ethiopian or Chadian, for example. Come learn what the potential comparative advantages are for such individuals to contribute to meaningful change in their countries of origin. Contact Randy Adams. Creating Our Lives Consciously From Our Deepest Inner Resources. Thu., 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, 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.
Hang some greens, share some food, make some crafts. Sat., Dec. 7, 5:45 p.m., Sanctuary. December fellowship event. Please bring your favorite festive main dish, side dish or cookies to share. Adults are invited to help decorate the sanctuary for the holidays while children make old-fashioned holiday ornaments. Volunteers needed for setup and cleanup. Contact Mary Foster. We Need a Little Christmas performance by the Dashboard Divas. Sun., Dec. 15, 2 p.m., Sanctuary. All proceeds benefit Our Daily Bread. Good cheer and cookies will follow the performance. Sponsored by the UUCF Our Daily Bread Committee. Donations will be gratefully received.
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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., Rooms 3 and 4, Prog. Bldg. 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.
Inspired Faith, Effective Action: A Hands-On Training in Doing Religiously Grounded Social Justice Work. Sat., Nov. 23, 9:30 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. Register here. Questions contact Rev. Cindy Snavely, 202-600-9132, or Rev. Terence Ellen, 410-486-5766.
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.
Fall in Love. Mosaic 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.
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.
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. Contact the Shepherd's Center, 703-281-0538.
Christmas tree sale benefits Stop Hunger Now. Starts Nov. 30. Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. 6-9 p.m. Buy a fresh-cut Christmas tree from Vale United Methodist Church in Oakton and your purchase will
provide, on average, 120 life-saving meals for hungry children and families around the world. High-quality trees come in a range of sizes and varieties. Wreaths and pine roping also available, plus optional delivery to your home. Free hot cider and cookies. Mention UUCF and receive a 10% discount. More information, call 703-620-2594, or email the church.
Attachment parenting group. 1st Fri. Next meeting Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-12 noon, Program Bldg., Teen Center. Anyone can attend; children welcome. Group gathers to ask and answer questions, help and support each other, as well as to learn all aspects of baby and child care. Contact Annemarie McCaslin.
Benefit concert featuring Brother Sun. Fri., Dec. 6, 7 p.m., the Theater at Washington, Va., sponsored by Unitarian Universalists of the Blue Ridge. Adults $25, Under 18 $12. For reservations, visit the website. Rappahannock's own quartet, A Thousand Trees, will also perform.
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.
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.
Remembrance ceremony for Sandy Hook victims. Thu., Dec. 12, 3:45 p.m. In lieu of a public remembrance ceremony in Newtown, CT, a vigil will be held at the Washington National Cathedral two days before the one-year anniversary of the shooting rampage that killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The 75-minute event will also honor more than 30,000 people across the U.S. who have been killed by guns in the 11 months since the Newtown shootings.
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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