Science Can Answer Moral Questions: Humanists of UUCF. Mon., Jan. 6, 7:30 p.m., Chapel. Video featuring Sam Harris. Contact Mary Bellamy.

Writer's Resource Group. 2nd Wed. Next meeting Jan. 8, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. No registration needed; drop-ins welcome. Need to jump-start your creative writer's juices? Need encouragement and helpful hints? We don't read or edit each other's work, just share tips, techniques, articles and other suggestions. Contact facilitators Joy Hatfield or Linda Hunt.

 

January Vespers service. Fri., Jan. 10, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary. Children's Vespers. Don't miss this enchanted retelling of the story of good witch Befana who gives directions to the three wise men in their search for the child born under the star. A great way to end the holiday season! Produced by UU Minister Pat Haresch.  

Creating Our Lives Consciously From Our Deepest Inner Resources. Adult Programs course. Mon., Jan. 13, Feb. 10, Mar. 24, Apr. 7, May 5 and Jun. 2, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Led by Zimri Putney, 703-517-7372. 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. Register at ap@uucf.org.

Wi$dom Path: Money, Spirit and Life.Adult Programs course. Thu., Jan. 23, Feb. 20, Mar. 27, Apr. 24, May 15, Jun. 12, Sep. 11 and 25, Oct. 9 and 23, Nov. 13, Dec. 11, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Note: No classes in July or August. Participants explore how to make real and meaningful changes to better align their financial lives with their spiritual priorities and values. Attendance at all sessions encouraged but not required. Register at ap@uucf.org. Contact Bonnie Wald, 703-581-6825.

Beloved Conversations: Meditations on Race and Ethnicity. Adult Programs course. With Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig and Amy Kegley. Opening retreat Sat., Jan. 25, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Class meets Tue., Feb. 4 and 18, Mar. 4 and 18, Apr. 1 and 15, and May 6 and 20, 7-9 p.m., Room 5, Prog. Bldg. In the spirit of covenant groups, Beloved Conversations is an experiential and evocative curriculum for exploring the spiritual and intellectual dimensions of racism in our lives. Limited to 10 participants; register at ap@uucf.org.

Wisdom of Pema Chödrön. Adult Programs course. Tue., Jan. 28, Feb. 11, Mar. 11 and 25, Apr. 8 and 22, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Note: No meeting Feb. 25 because of the Hypothermia Shelter on our campus. Ongoing meditation/discussion group. Participants will discuss Chödrön's guide to compassionate living and its applications to our daily lives. Register at ap@uucf.org. Contact Sarah Hover.

Sunday Forum - Science, Reason & Religion. Next meeting Sun., Feb. 2, 12:30-2 p.m., Chapel. Informative and provocative sessions now being developed on topics including failed nation states, slave-holding, nuclear risks, food policy and care for the land.

Narratives and Counter-Narratives. Adult Programs course. Sun., Feb. 2 and 16, Mar. 16 and Apr. 13, 1-2:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg. With Eve Stevens. Participants seek to understand how stories we have been told shape our ideas and perceptions. We will try to hear the voices and stories in theology, history and literature that have been drowned out by the dominating perspective. As we listen for these counter-narratives, we will find new ways of telling our own stories and those of our UU community. Register at ap@uucf.org.

  
Behind the Kitchen Door, a discussion of the UUA Common Read for 2013-14. Two alternative sessions: Sun., Feb. 2, 4-5:30 p.m. and Wed., Feb. 5, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Please read the book in advance; it makes a great holiday present. Contact Mary Bellamy.

Creating Spiritual Family Practices at Home. Adult Programs course. Sat., Feb. 8, 2-3:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Join Linnea Nelson, Director of Religious Exploration, to explore how your family can create regular spiritual practices and meaningful rituals. After a brief worship, your family will choose between writing a grace to say before meals or creating a bedtime ritual (i.e., journaling, sharing gratitudes, taking a walk, meditating) that creates a peaceful space for your family. Bring your favorite poetry or meditation books for inspiration. Ages 5 and older with family members. Individual adults and couples welcome too. Register at ap@uucf.org.

Doodling is Good for You! Adult Programs course. Sun., Feb. 9, 1-3 p.m., Prog. Bldg. When you were in school, did you fill the margins of your notebooks with doodles? In meetings, are you drawing patterns on your memo pad? Guess what? You're feeding your brain! Learn some doodling techniques that may help you feel more centered and focused. $5 materials fee, payable to Kim at the beginning of class. Register at ap@uucf.org. Contact Kim Condas.

The Hidden Spring - A Spiritual Retreat. Adult Programs course. Sat., Feb. 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sanctuary. In late winter, we are enlivened by the knowledge that there is a hidden spring beneath us, waiting to emerge. The seeds are sprouting down in the cold earth and within ourselves. Join Rev. Mary Katherine Morn and fellow congregants for a day of spiritual exploration, practice and sharing. A vegetarian soup and bread lunch is included. A $10 donation for food is requested. Register at ap@uucf.org. Contact Susan Bennett.

The Evolution of the Human Mind: Darwin Day potluck. Humanists of UUCF. Sun., Feb. 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Sanctuary. With Dr. Mark Reimers.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Level 1 Training. Adult Programs course. Tue., Feb. 18, Mar. 4, 11, 18 and 25, Apr. 1, 8 and 15, 7-9:30 p.m., Social Hall. Note: No class Feb. 25 because of the Hypothermia Shelter on campus that week. Learn disaster preparedness, fire safety, basic medical operations, psychology and more. Free class is presented by trained volunteers and basic gear is provided by Fairfax County. Register here.

Next Chapter: How to Retire Wild, Happy and Free the UUCF Way. Adult Programs course. Tue., Feb. 18, Mar. 4 and 18, Apr. 1, 15 and 29, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. With Tom Hillman and Craig Clark. Retirement is a familiar term but perhaps the next chapter of your successful, gratifying and meaningful life is a better way to describe retirement. Class focuses on how to make our next chapter the one we want it to be. We'll learn from each other as well as from people who have written on this topic. Register at ap@uucf.org.

UUCF Leadership Circle. Adult Programs course. Wed., Feb. 19, 7-8:30 p.m. and Sun., May 18, 12:45-2:15 p.m. (lunch provided) at UUCF. Led by Rev. Mary Katherine Morn and Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig. Quarterly gathering of UUCF leaders, both current and future. All UUCFers welcome, whether you have been a congregational leader for decades or you are just starting to think about getting involved as a new leader. Register at ap@uucf.org.

New member-to-member Yahoo group. Forum allows members to share information, ask questions and post personal requests, including items for sale, etc. Sign up here.

Grief and Loss Support Group. Sun., Jan. 5, 12, 19, 1-2:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Drop-in support group for those experiencing grief and loss. Led by UUCF member Meghan Crowley, a social worker with expertise in bereavement. Contact Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig.

Monday Night Book Club. Jan. 13, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. This month reading Amusing Ourselves to Death (2005, 20-year edition) by Neil and Andrew Postman. Contact Don Andress.

Wednesday Morning Book Club. Jan. 15, 10 a.m.-noon, Prog. Bldg. This month reading Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. Contact Polly Feuer.

24th Annual UUCF Chili Cook-Off - save the date. Sat., Feb. 8, 5:30-9:30 p.m., Sanctuary. Volunteers needed to make chili and side dishes, as well as help with setup and cleanup. Contact Pete or Kathy Bridgeman, 703-255-9684.

Island Paradise Auction - save the date. Sat., Mar. 8, Sanctuary. Listen, can you hear them? The strum of a slack key guitar, waves lapping on soft beach sand. These are the sounds beckoning you to go to your calendars and save this date for the UUCF Annual Auction. Then all through the chill of winter, you can look forward to an evening of tropical-themed food and drinks and bidding merriment. To help, contact Karen Liggett or David McWilliams at auction@uucf.org or 571-314-2804.
 
Trip to Transylvania. Join the trip for UUCF youth and adults to Transylvania to visit our Partner Church, see historic Unitarian sites and explore Dracula's castle, Jul. 6-17, with a possible two-day extension in beautiful Budapest. Contact Dick Van Duizend, 703-536-3476, or, for youth, James Forrest.