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Religious
Exploration
View schedule here. Nursery care in Sanctuary Building
up to age 3.
April's worship theme is Transcendence.
"Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world."
- John Milton
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recipient for April is Potomac Conservancy, the region's leading clean water advocate, working to ensure the Potomac River boasts clean drinking water, healthy lands and connected communities.
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Our next deadline is Tue., Apr. 8. Send announcements to our communications staff. All entries are edited before publication for brevity, clarity and style.
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Announcements
for Apr. 3-10
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April Vespers service
Fri., Apr. 4, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary
 Everyone is invited to attend Hero Unbound: The Led Zeppelin Vespers, a mini-play woven around music, inspired by the works of Joseph Campbell and written by Carol Lee Campbell. Featured performers include David Addis, Mike Wingo and David Graziano. Contact Carol Campbell.
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New Dominions performance
Sun., Apr. 6, 7 p.m., Sanctuary
 This wonderful a cappella group from the University of Virginia has many fans at UUCF. The New Dominions' creative arrangements of recent rock and pop hits feature vocal percussion and amazing vocal agility, and they perform with infectious energy and humor. You don't want to miss it! Admission is free with donations gratefully accepted, and the whole family will enjoy the show. Stay for the reception after the concert and meet the New Dominions.
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It's all in the numbers!
UUCF Annual Giving Campaign 2014  What's significant about 1.8%? It's the amount of increase in the proposed UUCF expense budget for 2014-15. However, given the decline in pledge income in the current year, we will need a 5% increase in the total amount pledged to meet this modest expense increase. As of Apr. 1, we've received 81 pledges totaling $221,491, which is 20% of our $1.1 million goal. Get your pledge in by Apr. 20 to be entered in a drawing for two nights' lodging at the Hilton of your choice. Click here for Annual Giving Campaign info, including a pledge form.
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This week & weekend
Spring greetings to our partners in Transylvania and India. We are sending Easter/spring greeting cards to our partner congregations in Szentgerice and Puriang. Please stop by the Partner Church table after Sunday services to sign the sheet of paper we will tuck into the cards. We would like to include personal greetings and signatures from as many UUCF folks as possible. Earth Circles arrive at UUCF. In the weekends leading up to Earth Day, UUCF begins a congregation-wide initiative to help members become better aware of ways to reduce their environmental impact on the planet, especially as it applies to climate change. We'll begin an Earth Circle RE program Apr. 6 with some of our elementary school children. After Easter, we expand to a full-congregation program. Volunteers needed to help with Earth Circles rollout and execution. Contact Ed Butterworth. UUCF Social Justice Yard Sale is May 3 - volunteers and donations needed. Much help needed Apr. 30-May 3 for setup and during the sale. Please start saving your gently used clothes and household items. Proceeds benefit our Partner Church Circle, Mosaic Harmony, The Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna and the Northern Virginia affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Sign up in the Commons after services or contact Joanna Walker.
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NAMI family support meeting. Thu., Apr. 3, 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. Apr. 4, 1:30-3 p.m., Room 2, Prog. Bldg. Contact Kristin Moyer.
Saturday Polylogue. Apr. 5, after the 4:30 p.m. worship service, Sanctuary. All are invited to continue the conversation after the service. Join Rev. Mary Katherine Morn for a 30-minute discussion on the topic of her sermon, Holding On and Letting Go. Note: Polylogue is a dialogue among many participants; sharing of one's thoughts on a topic and respectful listening to others' perspectives. Celebrate Earth Day with our Unity neighbors. Sun., Apr. 6, 9 & 11 a.m., Unity Church, Hunter Mill Rd., Oakton. Unity Church of Fairfax invites UUCF to join them to celebrate Earth Day and share fellowship in caring for the earth. UUCF drummers join Unity drummers and Native American flautists to welcome us. Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig shares the pulpit with Unity's minister and members of the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions will participate in the service. A vegetarian potluck follows the 11 a.m. service.
Newcomers/Visitors Reception. Sun., Apr. 6, following both services, in the far corner of the Sanctuary Commons. If you're new to UUCF, please join us for coffee and conversation.
Broken Filters, Disordered Thinking and Schizophrenia. Sunday Forum - Science, Reason & Religion. Sun., Apr. 6, 12:30 p.m., Chapel. With Dwight Dickinson. Schizophrenia alters an individual's experience of the world in fundamental ways. Some people hear voices; some believe their thoughts are being controlled or their activities are under surveillance. For some, speech and behavior are disorganized in bizarre ways. For others, emotion, motivation and social interest are severely blunted. In contrast to depression or anxiety, which are understood as extremes of familiar feelings, schizophrenia can seem quite alien. Presentation offers a framework that may help make the experience of schizophrenia more imaginable. Contact Bob Hatfield.
Young Adult Brunch. 1st Sun. Apr. 6. Meet after the 11:15 a.m. service near the Sanctuary entrance to carpool to an area restaurant for brunch.
Narratives and Counter-Narratives. Adult Programs course. RESCHEDULED - Sun., Apr. 6, 1-2:30 p.m., Room 5, 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.
Drum Circle with Kofi Dennis. 1st Sun. Apr. 6, 3-4 p.m., Chapel. Suggested donation: $1-10/session. Percussionist Kofi Dennis hails from Ghana and has performed all over the DC area. His engaging rhythms and storytelling inspire. Bring your own drum or use one provided.
Poetry Club. 1st Sun. Apr. 6, 4-6 p.m., Room 5, Prog. Bldg. Contact Barb Dutchak.
Christian Connection Group. Sun., Apr. 6, 7 p.m., Library. What does it mean to be a Christian in the liberal religious tradition? Is it possible to work with Christian scripture, language and metaphor without necessarily affirming a creed? Contact John Monroe.
How Do We Talk About Belief and Non-Belief? Humanists of UUCF. Mon., Apr. 7, 7:30 p.m., Chapel. When and with whom do we talk about beliefs? Is it when an evangelist knocks on our door? When a family member, neighbor or co-worker casually assumes we are a theist? When someone takes a political position shaped by religious dogmatism? When an acquaintance asks for prayers? Come for refreshments at 7:15 p.m. and stay for the discussion. All are welcome. Contact Mary Bellamy.
Creating Our Lives Consciously From Our Deepest Inner Resources. Adult Programs course. Mon., 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. Apr. 8, 10 a.m.-noon, Room 11, Prog. Bldg. Contact Connie Drapeau.
Muslim Liaison Group. 2nd Tue. Apr. 8, 7:30-9 p.m., Room 5, Prog. Bldg. Build relationships with local Muslim communities and deepen our understanding of Islam. Contact Judy Penniman.
Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions (FACS) priorities presented at Fairfax County budget hearing. Tue., Apr. 8, immediately following the 6 p.m. presentation by the Fairfax County School Board, Board Auditorium, Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax. Eric Goplerud testifies briefly about FACS priorities at a Fairfax County Board of Supervisors hearing on the county's proposed budget for fiscal 2015. Everyone interested is encouraged to attend. Contact Eric Goplerud.
Wisdom of Pema Chödrön. Adult Programs course. Tue., Apr. 8 and 22, 7:30-9 p.m., Rooms 3 & 4, Prog. Bldg. Ongoing meditation and 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. Apr. 9, 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.
Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions. Wed., Apr. 9, 7-9 p.m., Room 5, Prog. Bldg.
Writer's Resource Group. 2nd Wed. Apr. 9, 7:30-9 p.m., Room 2, Prog. Bldg. Guest speaker Brett Lovgren, UUCF member and author of The Bicycle Path, shares his knowledge of self-publishing and suggestions for getting motivated to write. Includes question and answer session. Questions can be posted in advance on Twitter using hashtag #AskWRG. Contact Joy Hatfield or Linda Hunt. |
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Milestones, rites of passage and caring needs in our UUCF community.
Condolences to Michelle Danis, her husband, Victor Crutchfield, and their children, Gabriel, Benjamin, Gwen and Abby, on the death of Michelle's father, Gerry Danis.
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Sat. MS RE classes in session Apr. 5.
Sun. RE classes in session Apr. 6. K-Grade 5 begin in the Sanctuary for Together Time 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. Learn about next year's RE classes. If you missed the session last week, check out these links: Child and Youth Registration, Teacher Sign-up for Summer, Teacher Sign-up for Fall and Greeter Sign-up for Fall. To learn more about us, check out these links: UUCF RE brochure, 2014-15 curriculum and Workshop movie. MS Youth Group mini golf. Sun., Apr. 6, 3-5 p.m. Meet at Oak Marr Rec Center's main desk no later than 3:15 p.m. Group will go to Chipotle afterward. Outing coordinated by Leslie Ralston-Rakow. One more adult chaperone needed. RSVP to Katherine Riddle or contact James Forrest for more info. HS Youth Group. Sun., Apr. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Room 11, Prog. Bldg. Contact James Forrest. Note: In April, the HS youth group was rescheduled because of FCPS spring break. Group will finalize plans for youth service and sign up to help with UUCF Easter festivities.
Fairfax UU Summer Experience (FUUSE) for teens. Applications due Apr. 6 Note: This deadline is one month earlier than in the past. Learn details of FUUSE here. Let James Forrest know if your materials will arrive after Fri., Apr. 4. Spring Con 2014. Fri., Apr. 11-Sun., Apr. 13. For all HS youth, at the Main Line Unitarian Church, Devon, PA. To attend, please first register with UUCF so advisers can be assigned and transportation arranged and then register for the con here. Apply here to be a volunteer adviser for UUCF. No RE Sat., Apr. 12 and 19 (Seder) and Sun., Apr. 20 (Easter).Special RE Sun., Apr. 13. Begin in the Chapel. Join our annual outdoor (weather permitting) RE for K-Grade 5. Child care provided in the preschool pod of the Program Building. Nursery to age 3 available in the Sanctuary Building. PlaygroUUp - Hooray Spring! 1st and 3rd Tue. Apr. 15, 10-11:30 a.m. Meet at the playground outside. (Older children welcome as this is during FCPS spring break.) Fellowship group of babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents or caregivers. Siblings welcome. Contact Meghan Crowley. UU summer camps. Register online for summer leadership and camp opportunities and General Assembly youth programming. Rising Grade 9-12 youth: Save Aug. 21-24 for our annual beach trip.
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Grow
The following programs and opportunities help us grow as individuals and as a community.
Passover Seder. Sat., Apr. 19, 4:30 p.m., Sanctuary. This year's Seder includes a modified potluck dinner with UUCF providing roast chicken, wine and juice and the traditional Seder plates. Attendees asked to provide the rest of the meal. If you need recipe ideas, pick up a flyer in the Commons after services this weekend or check back in this space next week. Click here to volunteer for specific tasks. Please RSVP to Eve Stevens so we know how many places to prepare.
Wi$dom Path: Money, Spirit and Life. Adult Programs course. Thu., Apr. 24, May 15, Jun. 12, Sep. 11 and 25, Oct. 9 and 23, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11, 7:30-9 p.m., Rooms 3 & 4, Prog. Bldg. Led by Bonnie Wald and Janine Greenwood. Note: No classes in July or August. Participants explore how 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.
Great Books Discussion Group. Mon., Apr. 28, 7:30 p.m., Room 11, Prog. Bldg. Discussions explore the meaning of "classic" books. This month reading The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant. Everyone is welcome, whether you have read the book or not. Contact Randy Adams.
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Connect
Click here for a list of ways to get involved and connect with each other at UUCF.
Meditation Practice Group. 1st and 3rd Tue. Apr. 15, 7 p.m., Chapel. Join us in supporting each other in our meditation practice. No expectation to attend every meeting. Contact Karen Monroe. Wednesday Morning Book Club. 3rd Wed. Apr. 16, 10 a.m.-noon, Library. We'll discuss Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman. Contact Polly Feuer.Membership class. Wed., Apr. 16, 7 p.m., Library. A minister-led class for those ready to make the commitment of membership to UUCF. Please register with Carol Jensen.Infertility and Pregnancy Loss Support Group. Sun., Apr. 27, May 4, 11 and 18, 1-2:30 p.m., Room 10, Prog. Bldg. Contact Meghan Crowley. Newcomers Orientation. Tue., Apr. 30 and May 7, 7-9 p.m., Library. If you are new to UUCF and would like to learn more about us, this is your chance. Orientation is a four-hour class; please plan to attend both sessions. Child care available if you register by Apr. 25. Contact Carol Jensen. Reproductive Rights and Access discussion - save the date. Reproductive Justice Task Force. Sat., May 24, 6-9 p.m., Chapel. An evening presentation and discussion on the social, political and economic impacts on and of reproductive oppression. RSVP by May 18 to Kandi Mitchell.
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Click here to find out about opportunities to live our values through service and advocacy within our congregation and beyond.UUCF Grounds Work Day. Sat., Apr. 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (or whatever time you can spare). Plenty of invasive species to go around. Contact Bob Root. Partnering for Climate Change Solutions: A Community Organizing Event. Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions. Sat., Apr. 26, 1-3 p.m., Sanctuary. From 6:30-9 p.m. the same evening, a concert honoring Rachel Carson will be held in the Sanctuary. Features Dave Anderson, Kim Scudera, the Mike Wingo Trio and Jim Scott. Donations accepted for energy efficiency retro-fitting of multi-family low-income housing.
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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 and campus events.
Attachment parenting group. 1st Fri. Apr. 4, 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, and learn all aspects of baby and child care. Contact Annemarie McCaslin.
Calling All Artists! Create an image for Our Daily Bread's Complete the Circle event to be held this fall at Fairfax High School. Mail entries no later than Apr. 4. Winner receives $200 prize. Get the flyer here.
Spring yoga with Ravi. Sat., Apr. 5, 12, 19 and 26 and May 10 and 17, 9:30-11 a.m., Rooms 3 & 4, Prog. Bldg. If you have been wanting to try yoga, here is your chance. Discounts for seniors. Contact Ravi, 571-213-3192.
In the Name of Love: a Jazz Poetry Slam. Sat., Apr. 5, 7-10 p.m., Accotink UUC. Hosted by Regie Cabico and Sarah D. Lawson. Registration fee of $15 for readers entering contest, $5 admission for all others. Refreshments available for purchase, and jazz provided by students from George Mason University's School of Music. Proceeds benefit Opportunities, Alternatives and Resources of Fairfax, whose mission is "to rebuild lives and break the cycle of crime with opportunities, alternatives and resources for offenders and their families to create a safer community." First prize, $100; 2nd, 3rd and Youth prizes also awarded.
Claude AnShin Thomas: Zen of War and Peace. Thu., Apr. 10, 7 p.m., UU Church of Annapolis. Public talk about the True Costs of War followed by a book signing of At Hell's Gate. No registration required. Sponsored by the Mindfulness Practice Group of Annapolis, a spirituality group of the UU church and UU Buddhist Fellowship affiliate. All-day public retreat Sat., Apr. 12. All practices explained for those who have never meditated before. Bring a vegetarian dish to share. Register here.
Circle of Light: An Exploration in Spiritual Growth and Healing. Sat, Apr. 19, 12:30-2 p.m., UU Church of Reston. Enjoy guided imagery, meditation, drumming and singing as we celebrate the coming of spring. Please bring drums or other instruments. Contact Diane Black to RSVP or to volunteer to help with setup or cleanup.
Inequality for All documentary. Fri., May 2, 7 p.m., Goodloe Memorial UU Congregation, Bowie, MD. Featuring former US Labor Secretary Robert Reich, documentary raises awareness of the country's widening economic gap. It is time to change the conversation from concern to action - by convening Americans in homes across the country to watch the film together on the same night. A better understanding of the problem can lead to more effective action. Watch the trailer and learn more about the film here.
Economic Inequality Matters: Moving Toward Fairness. Sat., May 3, 9:30 a.m.-noon, UU Church of Arlington. Join UUs for Social Justice in the National Capital Region and partner groups for timely information on economic inequality with a focus on action and time for discussion. More details coming soon.
Celebrating our Authentic Selves - UUWomenSpirit spring event. Wed., May 14-Sun., May 18, Mountain Retreat and Learning Center, Highlands, NC. All women 18 and older invited to join this inclusive spiritual retreat in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. The Spring Institute and Gathering both offer spirit-nourishing workshops and rituals full of community and fun. Click here for details and to register.
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