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Join us for our Annual Auction, Sat. Mar. 8
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Listen to podcasts of past sermons.
Religious
Exploration
View schedule here. Nursery care in Sanctuary Building up to age 3.
January's worship theme is Neighbors.
"The moment any of them gave up on the difficult work of living with neighbors - and all of the compromise, frustration and delay that inevitably entailed - they risked losing everything."
- Nathaniel Philbrick, Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community and War
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recipient for January
is the Stroke Comeback Center, a community-based non-profit that provides support to families of stroke survivors and helps survivors achieve their personal best regardless of recovery timelines or ability to pay.
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Our next deadline is Tue., Jan. 28. Send announcements to our communications staff. All entries are edited before publication for brevity, clarity and style.
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Announcements
for Jan. 23-30
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UUCF welcomes Rev. Rob Keithan as guest ministerSat., Jan. 25, 4:30 p.m.
Sun., Jan. 26, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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Rev. Rob Keithan
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Rev. Rob Keithan, UU minister and Policy Director of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, will be the guest minister at all three services this weekend. He will be preaching on Religion, Sexuality and Reproductive Justice. In addition, Rev. Keithan and the UUCF Reproductive Justice Task Force host a dialogue about the roles of men in the struggle for reproductive justice at 1 p.m. in the Sanctuary. All are invited. Light lunch will be available. Contact Susan Bennett.
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24th Annual Chili CookoffSat., Feb. 8, 5:30-9:30 p.m., Sanctuary Come feast, make new friends, enjoy time with old friends and dance to live music! Fun for all ages! Suggested donation $10/person. Chili entry categories include vegetarian, meat and youth. Make at least three-quarters of a gallon of chili or 10-12 servings of a side dish. Be sure to bring your dish in a crock pot or with a warming plate. Other helpful tips available here. Volunteers needed to help set up and clean up as well as to make chili and side dishes. Contact Kathy or Pete Bridgeman, 703-255-9684.
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This week & weekendWinter Gatherings. Members and friends should have received an invitation to attend one of four remaining Winter Gatherings being held around the area near where you live. To sign up to attend a gathering, click here. Wi$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. Led by Bonnie Wald and Janine Greenwood. 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. Circle Dinner. Sat., Jan. 25, 6 p.m. Circle Dinners are potlucks hosted by participants in their homes. Come to meet new people and renew old acquaintances. Sign up in the Commons. Contact Raymon or Gisela Leon. Annual Partner Church brunch. Sun., Jan. 26, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Suggested donation of $10/person (max $30/family) to raise money for our youth who will visit our partner church in Transylvania in July. Contact Kerry Fraser, 703-255-5844.
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Membership class. Sun., Jan. 26, 12:45 p.m., Library. If you have been coming to UUCF for a while and want to make the commitment of membership, or if you are coming to us from another UU congregation and want to sign the membership book, please attend a Membership class. Register with Carol Jensen.
Parenting Support Group. Sun., Jan. 26, 7-9 p.m., Room 10, Prog. Bldg. A group for parents or caregivers of children of any age with special or unusual needs. Contact Carrie Grabo. Music from Oberlin at Oakton. Sun., Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary. Free concert featuring musicians from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Light refreshments follow the program.
Great Books Discussion Group. Mon., Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m., Room 11, Prog. Bldg. Discussions explore the meaning of "classic" books. This month reading A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway. Everyone is welcome, whether you have read the book or not. Contact Randy Adams.
Equality Virginia Day of Action (formerly Lobby Day). Tue., Jan. 28, Richmond. Join Rev. Mary Katherine Morn, Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig and members of Equality UUCF for this day of advocacy in the state capital. For details and to register, visit the website. Can't attend in person? Participate online! Contact Susan Bennett for carpooling info.
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.
Hypothermia Prevention Program. Feb. 23-Mar. 1. UUCF, with help from the Oakton Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Vale United Methodist Church, is participating for the ninth year in FACETS' Hypothermia Prevention Program when we help shelter our homeless neighbors. Please stop by our table in the Commons for more information and to sign up to volunteer. Contact Jim Gillespie or Ron Giusti.
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Congratulations
UUCF member Sandy Grady will be honored as the 2014 recipient of the American Boxing Association's A.J. Liebling Award for lifetime achievement in sportswriting.
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Saturday RE families - please note. Elementary classes are now held on Sundays only. Children attending Saturday services are invited to read or color quietly at the table in the back of the Sanctuary. Books and drawing materials are available for checkout from the Nursery. Saturday MS and HS RE classes in session Jan. 25.
Movie with the minister. Sat., Jan. 25, 5:30 p.m., Room 11, Prog. Bldg. Rev. Mary Katherine Morn joins us to watch Kumaré, a feature documentary directed by Vikram Gandhi about the time he impersonated a wise Indian guru. Bring $5 for pizza. RSVP to James Forrest. Sunday RE classes in session Jan. 26. K-Grade 5 begin in the Prog. Bldg. for Chapel with Ministerial Intern Eve Stevens before going to class (9:15) or to kindergarten or workshops (11:15). All other ages and grades begin in classrooms. Nursery care available in the Sanctuary Building. RE Committee focus groups. Sun., Jan. 26, 10:30 a.m. The RE Committee invites current and former teachers and parents to provide feedback on some of our RE curricula, including Web of Life, Holidays and Holy Days, Toolbox of Faith, Bibleodeon, Heeding the Call and the current high school rotation. A focus group on the new workshop model will be held at 12:30 p.m. Locations posted on front door of Program Building. If you want to provide feedback but cannot attend, please contact Kathy Hochberg. Info meeting about Quaker Work Camp. Sun., Jan. 26, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Room 11, Prog. Bldg. Parents and youth are invited to learn more about Quaker Work Camp Feb. 14-16. Program Coordinator Brad Ogilvie will share information and answer questions. PlaygroUUp potluck. Sun., Jan. 26, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Social Hall, Prog. Bldg. Fellowship group of babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents or caregivers. Siblings welcome. Bring a dish to share. Contact Meghan Crowley.Middle School ski trip. Thu., Jan. 30, 8 a.m. departure from UUCF to Ski Liberty. Make use of the FCPS student holiday when slopes should be more open than on a weekend. Chaperones/families invited; carpools will be arranged. RSVP to Marilyn Schuyler and complete the permission form here. All drivers must also complete the Driver of Youth application form, even if you are only driving your own family. Visit the Ski Liberty website to determine your child's/family's costs based on whether you are renting equipment. Purchase tickets in advance to get the best price. Parents/guardians must purchase tickets in advance for children participating in the trip alone. No MS RE but HS RE class in session Sat., Feb. 1. Classes begin in the Prog. Bldg. Sunday RE classes in session Feb. 2. K-Grade 5 begin in the Sanctuary for Together Time before going to class (9:15) or kindergarten or workshops (11:15). All other ages and grades begin in classrooms. Nursery care available in the Sanctuary Building. Heritage trip to Romania. Join this multi-generational trip to Romania Jul. 6-17. Deadline is Sun., Feb. 2. Contact James Forrest. Cost per person of $2,700 includes airfare, transportation, food and lodging. Youth-Led Vespers. Fri., Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary. Contact James Forrest ASAP if you would like to do a reading, musical piece or reflection. 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 adult family members. Individual adults and couples welcome too. Register at ap@uucf.org. New-Family Welcome. Sat., Feb. 8, 5:30-8 p.m. Is your family new to UUCF? Have you recently returned to Religious Exploration classes or visited a class or two in the past year? Please join us at the "get-to-know-you" tables at the Chili Cookoff. Children of all ages are welcome, as are partners or spouses who do not generally attend. Great chance to get to know other new families and the greater UUCF community. RSVP to Katherine Riddle. Quaker Work Camp at William Penn House in DC. Feb. 14-16. James Forrest leads this social justice weekend for UUCF youth and encourages all to participate. We will be working on a community garden and installing CFL light bulbs. Youth can receive service hours for participating and will feel a sense of satisfaction from making a difference. Cost not to exceed $100. RSVP to James Forrest by Feb. 2. UU-UNO (United Nations Office) spring seminar trip. Apr. 2-6, New York City. Join UU youth and adults from around the US and Canada for an exciting and educational spring seminar. UUCF youth will take the train to NYC, leaving the afternoon of Wed., Apr. 2, and returning Sat., Apr. 6. Activities take place at the UN building and youth will stay at All Souls UU Church accompanied by trained adult advisers. Approximate cost of trip is $400. RSVP to James Forrest by Mar. 7.
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Grow
The following programs and opportunities help us grow as individuals and as a community.
Newcomers Orientation. Sat., Feb. 1, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Sanctuary. Designed for those exploring what Unitarian Universalism and UUCF are all about. Includes an overview of the history and basic tenets of UUism and programs and volunteer opportunities at UUCF. Lunch included, and child care available if reserved by Jan. 28. Register with Carol Jensen. Long-Term Thinking: How Humanity Struggles with Difficult, Future Problems. Sunday Forum - Science, Reason & Religion. Sun., Feb. 2, 12:30 p.m., Chapel. Brett Lovgren will cover the Long Now Foundation, best known for its 10,000-year clock, and the Viridian Design movement. He will talk about his recent article posted on Medium, "The Long Now Foundation: Creating the Future With Clocks, Talks and Manuals; The Manuscript Monks of our Age." The article is part of a retrospective on the Viridian Design movement. The movement, an email list started in 2000 to address the Greenhouse Effect, closed down in 2008. Brett's talk will include information on the leaders of the two groups, Stewart Brand (Long Now) and Bruce Sterling (Viridian), and a discussion of their differing approaches to long-term thinking. Please join the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #AskSRR.
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, UUCF Library. Please read the book in advance. Contact Mary Bellamy. Meditation Practice Group. 1st and 3rd Tue. Feb. 4, 7 p.m., Chapel. Join us in supporting each other in our meditation practice. No expectation to attend every meeting. Contact Karen Monroe. Global Affairs Discussion Group. Wed., Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m., Rooms 3 & 4, Prog. Bldg. The Little Deeds with Mali Phonpadith. Our decisions to be kind and giving to others can shift the course of countless lives. Phonpadith and her family, assisted by a UU in Maryland, escaped Laos to arrive in the US. Hear her story of war, escape, loss, love and hope that reminds us that little deeds can become the greatest miracles. Contact Randy Adams. 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 when class starts. Register at ap@uucf.org. Contact Kim Condas. Creating Our Lives Consciously From Our Deepest Inner Resources. Adult Programs course. Mon., Feb. 10, Mar. 24, Apr. 7, May 5 and Jun. 2, 7:30-9 p.m., Rooms 3 & 4, 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. 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, 6-8 p.m., Sanctuary Commons. 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. Introduction to Dreamwork. Adult Programs course. Tue., Feb. 18, Mar. 4 and 18, Apr. 1 and 15, May 6, 7-9 p.m., Room 5, Prog. Bldg. With Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig. Do you ever wake up wondering what a strange dream meant? Or do you just wish you were better at remembering your dreams? This workshop is for anyone who wants to explore the meaning of their dreams in a safe small-group environment. We'll follow the guidelines of UU minister and internationally known dream expert Jeremy Taylor. Because of the nature of the workshops, participants are asked to commit to the full series (missing one or two is okay). Register at ap@uucf.org. Contact Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig. 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. Narratives and Counter-Narratives. Adult Programs course. Sun., Feb. 23, Mar. 16 and Apr. 13, 1-2:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Note: Class will meet in the Library on Feb. 23. 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. |
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Connect
Click here for a listing of ways to get involved and connect with each other at UUCF.
Feast of Imbolg - UUCF Women's Ritual Council. Sat., Feb. 1, 6 p.m. Imbolg is the time of year when ancient people celebrated the coming spring, offering hope that the earth would be transformed from cold and dark to warmth and light. Women ages 18 and up are invited to join this celebration and learn what Celtic goddesses Brighid and Ceridwen can teach us about hope and transformation. Potluck to follow. No RSVP needed. Contact Lynn Kuchenbrod.
Memoirs Writing Group. 1st and 3rd Fri. Feb. 7, 1:30-3 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Contact Kristin Moyer.  Auction Island Paradise seeks donations, volunteers. Beat the winter chill through warm thoughts of Island Paradise, UUCF's annual auction, coming Sat., Mar. 8. Get a jump start on the warm feeling that comes from making donations and being an auction volunteer. Don your Hawaiian shirt or hula skirt and visit the auction website or the table in the Commons after the services. Registration is now open and donations are being accepted through Feb. 8.
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Click here to find out about opportunities to live our values through service and advocacy within our congregation and beyond.
Yard Sale Committee meeting. 2nd Mon. Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m., Room 5, Prog. Bldg. Committee needs 2-3 people to organize this year's sale. If you are committed to our Partner Church program and would like to help raise funds to support it, here is a fun way to get involved. Contact Joanna Walker, 703-620-2633. Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions. 2nd and 4th Wed. Feb. 12, 7:15-9 p.m., Social Hall. Join our LinkedIn group and our Facebook page. Contact 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.
Beacon House volunteer opportunities. Beacon House, a UU-supported after-school tutoring and mentoring program for inner city children in Washington, DC, has volunteer opportunities Mon.-Sat. including early evening tutoring, afternoon homework help, Saturday science club, evening soccer coaching and more. Contact Barbara Clarke, 202-529-7376.
Vale United Methodist Church and Stop Hunger Now food packaging event. Sun., Jan. 26, noon-2 p.m. and 2:30-4:30 p.m., 11528 Vale Rd., Oakton. Proceeds from the annual Christmas tree sale enabled VUMC to purchase 50,000 meals for hungry children and families around the world. Thanks to those who supported this effort! To help package the meals, please sign up for your preferred time slot here (click on the Stop Hunger Now volunteer link) or contact program coordinator, Steve Miska, 703-946-9718.
OWL Sexuality Education for Adults. Wed., Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, 7-8 p.m., River Road UU Congregation. $50 fee; scholarships available. Contact Gabrielle Farrell, 301-229-0400 x104.
Arlington Unitarian Cooperative Preschool Open House. Sat., Feb. 1, 10 a.m.-noon. AUCP is a non-sectarian, parent-owned and operated, cooperative preschool for children ages infant through pre-K. Interested families are invited to tour classrooms, explore the playground, meet teachers and talk with current parents about their experiences at the school. Application deadline for the 2014-15 school year is Fri., Feb. 14. For more info, visit the school's website or call 703-892-3878.
UU Young Adult gathering. Sat., Feb. 1, 2-5 p.m., All Souls Unitarian , Washington, DC. Join UU adults ages 18-35 from area congregations for a film, refreshments and facilitated discussion on our spiritual and political journeys. Bidder 70 is a documentary about Tim DeChristopher, a young UU activist who went to jail for nearly two years after disrupting an illegal auction of federal land for fossil fuel drilling.
Mass Moral March for voters' rights. Sat., Feb. 8, Capitol Building, Raleigh, NC. Join the NAACP and UU partners as they march on Raleigh to protest laws that suppress the voice of the people. Register here.
WhaleCoast Alaska 2014. Jul. 11-23. Four Alaska UU fellowships invite you to experience Alaska through the eyes of local UUs, with friendly homestays and unique tour activities. See various wildlife, visit Denali National Park and experience Native Alaskan culture. For more info, visit the website or contact Dave Frey, 907-322-4966.
Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center. Located in Ocean County, NJ, the center serves UU congregations, groups, families and individuals year round on the site where John Murray preached his first Universalist sermon in America in 1770. It offers comfortable and affordable overnight accommodations for up to 42, meeting space, a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and more. For more info, visit the center's website, email or call 609-693-5558.
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