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Join us for our Annual Auction, Sat. Mar. 8
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 Click the icon to listen to last weekend's sermon.
Religious
Exploration
View schedule here. Nursery care in Sanctuary Building up to age 3.
February's worship theme is Vulnerability.
"Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path."
- Brené Brown, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead
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recipient for February
is Equality Virginia, a non-partisan, education, outreach and advocacy organization that seeks equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people throughout Virginia, through a wide variety of advocacy, outreach and education activities.
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Our next deadline is Tue., Feb. 11. Send announcements to our communications staff. All entries are edited before publication for brevity, clarity and style.
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Announcements
for Feb. 6-13
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February Vespers service
Fri., Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary Join us as we explore the meaning of vulnerability and how it impacts our lives, our world and our communities in this youth-led Vespers service, including poems, reflections and music written and performed by UUCF youth. Contact James Forrest.
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Chili Cookoff this Saturday
Second Saturday event
5:30 p.m., Sanctuary
 It's time to fire up your stoves and get your chili simmering! UUCF's 24th Annual Chili Cookoff will get under way this Saturday, Feb. 8, after the 4:30 p.m. worship service. Suggested donation $10/person. Click here for guidelines. Contact Kathy Bridgeman.
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Will you witness for love?
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Kelly Schlageter
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I know it seems like gay marriage is inevitable. I hope that's true. But there is so much between here and there, not only in terms of changing the law, but also changing hearts and minds.
Just last week, the
Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that "a group of Virginia religious leaders ... (read more)
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Healing serviceMon., Feb. 10, 7:30-8 p.m., Chapel
 For anyone carrying hurts, struggles, loss or illness. Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig will lead this brief service featuring readings, silence and music.
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Island Paradise Auction donations deadline extended
New due date - Feb. 16
 Don your Hawaiian shirts or hula skirts and get in the donating spirit. Donate online and, while you're there, make your bidder reservation for the big night, Sat., Mar. 8, and consider a volunteer opportunity. Then sit back and enjoy warm tropical thoughts knowing you've done your part to make this year's UUCF Auction a success. Mahalo!
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This week & weekend
NAMI family support meeting. Thu., Feb. 6, 7:30-9 p.m., Room 9, Prog. Bldg. Support meeting for families with a loved one suffering from mental illness. Contact Joanna Walker.
Memoirs Writing Group. 1st and 3rd Fri. Feb. 7, 1:30-3 p.m., Room 2, Prog. Bldg. Contact Kristin Moyer.
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Saturday Polylogue with Mary Katherine. Feb. 8, after the 4:30 p.m. worship service, Music Room. All are invited to continue the conversation after the service. Join our parish minister for a 30-minute discussion on the topic of her sermon, The Vulnerability of Our Earth Home (And Everything Else). Note: Polylogue is a dialogue among many participants; sharing of one's thoughts on a topic and respectful listening to others' perspectives. UU Beyond UUCF. Want to learn more about making connections in the wider UU world? Representatives from the Denominational Connections Committee will be in the Commons after services on Sun., Feb. 9, with information about General Assembly, UU camps and District Assembly. Contact Craig Bennett. Willing to serve? Current Board, Endowment Committee and Nominating Committee members will be in the Commons after services Sun., Feb. 9, and Sun., Feb. 16, to answer questions about serving UUCF in one of these capacities. Contact Bill Ades, 703-591-3549. Creativity - Can I Get Some? Sunday Forum - Science, Reason & Religion. Sun., Feb. 9, 12:30 p.m., Chapel. Raoul Drapeau talks about the wonders and mysteries of creativity. What is it? Do you have it? How can you get it? Raoul holds 14 patents and has an interdisciplinary background in teaching, lecturing, commercial arbitration, high-tech business management, product development and invention. Contact Bob Hatfield. Doodling is Good for You! Adult Programs course. Sun., Feb. 9, 1-3 p.m., Rooms 3 & 4, 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. Monday Night Book Club. 2nd Mon. Feb. 10, 7:30-9 p.m., Room 11, Prog. Bldg. We will discuss The Sweetest Hallelujah by Elaine Hussey. Contact Don Andress.
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. 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. Women's Personal Growth Group. 2nd Tue. Feb. 11, 10 a.m.-noon, Room 11, Prog. Bldg. Contact Connie Drapeau. Muslim Liaison Group. 2nd Tue. Feb. 11, 7:30-9 p.m., Room 5, Prog. Bldg. Build relationships with local Muslim communities and deepen our understanding of Islam. Contact Judy Penniman. Wisdom of Pema Chödrön. Adult Programs course. Tue., Feb. 11, Mar. 11 and 25, Apr. 8 and 22, 7:30-9 p.m., Rooms 3 & 4, 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. Brown Bag Theology with the Ministers. 2nd Wed. Feb. 12, noon, Sanctuary. Get to know our ministers over lunch and conversation. We discuss a variety of religious topics and concerns. Parents/caregivers with children are invited to bring them. Please bring your own lunch. Contact Rev. Mary Katherine Morn. Writer's Resource Group. 2nd Wed. Feb. 12, 7:30-9 p.m., Room 2, 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. 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 the table in the Commons for more info and to sign up to volunteer. Contact Jim Gillespie or Ron Giusti. |
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Saturday MS and HS RE classes in session Feb. 8.
Sunday RE classes in session Feb. 9. K-Grade 5 begin in the Chapel before going to class (9:15) and kindergarten or workshops (11:15). All other ages and grades begin in classrooms. Nursery care available in the Sanctuary Building. Creating Spiritual Family Practices at Home. Adult Programs course. Sat., Feb. 8, 2-3:30 p.m., Chapel. 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. 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. Grade 5 OWL parent/guardian meeting. Sun., Feb. 9, 1-2:30 p.m., Room 1, Prog. Bldg. No children allowed at the meeting but email childcare@uucf.org by Feb. 6 to reserve child care. The mandatory follow-up meeting with Grade 5 children and parent/guardian is Sun., Mar. 2, at 1 p.m. Child care for siblings available if reserved by Feb. 27. HS Youth Group. Sun., Feb. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Room 11, Prog. Bldg. Please bring $5 for pizza. Parents welcome to gather in the Social Hall. Quaker Work Camp at William Penn House in DC. Feb. 14-16. James Forrest leads this social justice weekend for UUCF youth in Grades 6-12. 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. Fee of $100 due to James Forrest to confirm your space. Feb. 16 - Sunday RE for ages 2 through Grade 5 only. RE starts in the Chapel. MS and HS are welcome to join workshops in the Chapel if you are not at the Quaker Work Camp. PlaygroUUp - Valentine's Day Party. 1st and 3rd Tue. Feb. 18, 10-11:30 a.m., Teen Center, Prog. Bldg. Fellowship group of babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents/caregivers. Siblings welcome. Contact Meghan Crowley. PlaygroUUp potluck. Sun., Feb. 23, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the Hochberg-Smerke home. Bring a dish to share. Contact Meghan Crowley or Kathy Smerke. Jazz worship service. Mar. 1-2. Enjoy playing in the Jazz Band or attending the service. Contact Mark Vogel for Jazz Band needs. 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.
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. Darwin Day potluck and The Evolution of the Human Mind. Humanists of UUCF. Sun., Feb. 16, 6-8 p.m., Sanctuary Commons. All UUCF members and friends invited. With Dr. Mark Reimers of First UU of Richmond. The human mind and consciousness has evolved from an ape mind over the past six million years. How have our brains and genes changed to bring this about? For the potluck, please bring a casserole (with a card listing the ingredients), starch, vegetable, fruit or dessert enough to feed 8-10 people and whatever you would like to drink. Contact Mary Bellamy. 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), Rooms 3 & 4, Prog. Bldg. 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. We'll explore transition planning - how we recruit and train our successors and why this is important - and spiritual practices to sustain ourselves as leaders. We'll share questions, stories and ideas. Register at ap@uucf.org. Wi$dom Path: Money, Spirit and Life. Adult Programs course. Thu., 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. 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.
Wednesday Morning Book Club. 3rd Wed. Feb. 19, 10 a.m.-noon, Library. We'll discuss Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray. Contact Polly Feuer. Circle Dinner. Sat., Feb. 22, 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.
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Click here to find out about opportunities to live our values through service and advocacy within our congregation and beyond.
Equality UUCF encourages you to support People of Faith for Equality in Virginia's 2014 Witness for Love. Fri., Feb. 14, 1 p.m., Fairfax County Courthouse, 4110 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax. Metropolitan Community Church of NOVA members Sarah Fershee and Ginny Miles (together 29 years!) will walk into the courthouse and apply for a marriage license. Let's stand with Sarah and Ginny and demonstrate our support for marriage equality in Virginia. Email for info.
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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.
UU Charleston seeks donations in aftermath of chemical spill. Donations will be used to aid service industry workers affected by restaurant closures after the chemical spill and to help residents pay water and utility bills, which have increased as part of needing to flush the system as part of the cleanup. Checks, made payable to UUC with the notation "Water Relief," can be mailed to UU Congregation of Charleston, 520 Kanawha Blvd. W., Charleston WV 25302.
Volunteer opportunities. Currently seeking Meals on Wheels drivers in Fairfax to deliver meals Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and volunteers to drive older and disabled adults to critical medical appointments. Volunteers are matched with clients who live in or near their neighborhood. Mileage reimbursement available. Contact Fairfax County Volunteer Solutions, 703-324-5406.
Attachment Parenting Group. 1st Fri. Feb. 7, 10 a.m.-noon, Room 9, Prog. Bldg. 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.
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.
Uma Noite di Jazz (A Night of Jazz) - Batida Diferente. Sat., Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary. American jazz and blues and Brazilian jazz, bossas and sambas featuring vocalist Kim Scudera, keyboardist and windsynth Rob Orwin, bassist Jerry del Rosso and percussionist Jeff Gilliam in concert. Proceeds benefit Our Daily Bread. Suggested donation $10/person.
Interfaith Peace Circle: An Evening of Sacred Invocation. Fri., Feb. 21, 7-9:30 p.m., Chapel. Featuring Saraswati Rain, a ritualist and songstress from Denver, CO. All are welcome to join in an experiential invocation of peace using interfaith and intercultural prayer, poetry, music and candle-lighting. Some easy, gentle movements and hand gestures are optional - those who would prefer to simply witness are encouraged to do so. Suggested offering $10-15. Contact Diana Pinkham, 703-591-2426.
Beethoven Blockbusters benefit concert and reception. Sat., Mar. 1, 7 p.m., River Road UU Congregation, Bethesda. Proceeds benefit the UUSC-UUA Philippines Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund. Featuring four of Beethoven's most popular piano sonatas: Moonlight, Les Adieux, Appassionata and Pathetique performed by award-winning, international pianist Eugene Albulescu. Tickets are on sale and available to be picked up at the door; $25 each or two for $40. Contact Emily Purcell, 301-910-4882, to purchase.
Eat well and do good! Sun., Mar. 2, 5 p.m., UUCF Sanctuary. Sponsored by NOVA Catholic community, this year's banquet is a fundraiser for Dream Project-VA, a local, non-profit that provides mentoring and college scholarships to immigrant youth (some documented, some not; most reside in Arlington). Goal is to raise $10,000. Tickets are $60. Come enjoy fabulous food, wine and entertainment for a good cause. Contact Joanna Walker for tickets or see her in the Commons after services.
Salvete! Latin enrichment for Grades 5-8. Fri., Mar. 7, 14, 21 and 28; Apr. 4, 11 and 25; May 9, 16 and 30; Jun. 6 and 13, 4:15-6:15 p.m., UUCF. An introduction to Latin language and culture of the ancient Romans presented by engaging, creative instructors from non-profit Ascanius: The Youth Classics Institute. Cost is $250 per student; financial aid is available. For info and to register, visit the website. Register by Feb. 21.
Lunch 'n Life quarterly series - Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna. Mon., Mar. 10, noon-2 p.m., Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2589 Chain Bridge Rd., Vienna. Secrets to Financial Success with Ric Edelman. Cost $10/person. Call 703-281-0538 before Mar. 3 to register.
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