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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. 15. Send announcements to our communications staff. All entries are edited before publication for brevity, clarity and style.
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Announcements
for Apr. 10-17
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Passover Seder
Sat., April 19, 4:30 p.m., Sanctuary
 Join us for a family-friendly Seder service followed by a celebratory dinner. Come for fellowship and to learn more about this Jewish tradition. We are looking for one volunteer to make vegetarian-based matzo ball soup, two volunteers to carve roasted chickens for the dinner and a few people to help with cleanup. Sign up here to volunteer. We ask everyone attending to bring a dish to share; vegetarian options especially welcome. Pick up a flyer in the Commons after services or peruse recipe ideas online at sites such as epicurious.com. RSVP to Eve Stevens.
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Another take on the numbers
Deciding how much to pledge
 Still looking over your Annual Giving Campaign materials and pondering your pledge for the 2014-15 congregational year? Take a look at this quick video of a UU from another part of the country talking about how her thinking about pledging has evolved over time. How important a part of your life is UUCF? How much does it mean to you? An update: As of Apr. 7, we've received 133 pledges, totaling $336,000 or 30% of our fundraising goal. Only 10 days left to submit your pledge and be entered into a drawing to win two nights' lodging at a Hilton Hotel of your choice.
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This week & weekend
Easter services and egg hunts. Sun., Apr. 20. An 8 a.m. service will be held Easter morning followed by the two regular services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Egg hunts will be held after the 9:15 and 11:15 services, followed by the traditional egg salad sandwiches. If you're willing to help with kids' activities, contact Meredith Carr or Jennifer McLaughlin.
Apr. 26-27 carpooling to UUCF in honor of Earth Day. We want to see how many carpools we can arrange among members and friends attending services Apr. 26-27. If you'd like to participate, email your name and the service you attend (Sat., 4:30 p.m. or Sun., 9:15 or 11:15 a.m.). You'll receive instructions for finding potential car pool participants who live near you. Email your newly found neighbors and arrange to carpool to services the last weekend of this month. Let's see how much air we can spare!
Earth Circles at UUCF. In the weekends leading up to Earth Day, UUCF begins an initiative to help members become more aware of ways to reduce their impact on the planet, especially as it applies to climate change. Volunteers needed to help with rollout and execution of the Earth Circles program to the entire congregation after Easter. Contact Ed Butterworth. |
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UUCF Social Justice Yard Sale welcomes pre-sorted donations. Wed., Apr. 30 and Thu., May 1, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Fri., May 2, 9 a.m.-noon. Note: No donations accepted on May 3, the day of the sale. Take these items to the Sanctuary: slacks, jackets and skirts on hangers (all else folded); housewares (dishes, flatware); books, CDs, DVDs and cassettes; jewelry, other accessories and shoes; sports and exercise equipment; and artwork and frames. Please leave furniture in front of the Sanctuary. Take these items to the Program Building: computers (less than three years old); office equipment and desk supplies; toys, children's clothes and shoes; luggage; decorative and holiday items; linens, fabric and drapes; small appliances and electronics. Call 703-314-6952 to arrange pickup of large items, which starts Apr. 21. Please consult flyers around campus for list of items that cannot be accepted. Contact Joanna Walker.
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. Saturday Polylogue. Apr. 12, after the 4:30 p.m. worship service, Sanctuary. All are invited to continue the conversation after the service. Join Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig for a 30-minute discussion on the topic of her sermon, What's Alive in You? Note: Polylogue is a dialogue among many participants, sharing of one's thoughts on a topic and respectful listening to others' perspectives.
Classic Encounters of Will and Grace: Channing and Emerson, Wilson and Berry. Sunday Forum - Science, Reason & Religion. Sun., Apr. 13, 12:30 p.m.,
Chapel. With Rev. Mary Katherine Morn. In the dialectic of Unitarian history and the more current conversation between E.O. Wilson and Wendell Berry, we discover a rich conversation about the nature of our experience and understanding as human beings. Note: Group will not meet Apr. 20. Contact Bob Hatfield.
Gun violence prevention vigil. Mon., Apr. 14, 10 a.m. NRA headquarters, 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax. Coalition of gun violence prevention organizations gather to honor those killed by gun violence. Contact Bob Hatfield.
Monday Night Book Club. Apr. 14, 7:30-9 p.m., Room 11, Prog. Bldg. This month reading Book of Ages: The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin by Jill Lepore. Contact Don Andress.
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.
Global Affairs Discussion Group. Wed., Apr. 16, 7:30 p.m., Rooms 3 & 4, Prog. Bldg. Open forum for participants to discuss the latest news with global implications. Contact Randy Adams.
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Caring news
Milestones, rites of passage and caring needs in our UUCF community.
Condolences to Margaret Sickels on the death of her sister, Mary.
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Memorial services
A service celebrating the life of Madge Karickhoff will be held Sat., Apr. 12 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Peter's in-the-Woods Episcopal Church in Fairfax Station.
A service celebrating the life of Marnie Perlik will be held Sat., Apr. 12 at 2 p.m. at the Greenspring Village chapel in Springfield.
A service celebrating the life of Janene Pence will be held Sat., May 31 at 2 p.m. in the UUCF Sanctuary.
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Volunteer for RE. Sign up by May 15 to be included in a raffle for two tickets to a French brunch at the Nelson's home in August. Signup links: Teach This Summer, Teach Next Year and Greet in the Fall or contact Linnea for a "Just Three Weeks" opportunity at 9:15. To learn more about us, check out these links: UUCF RE brochure, 2014-15 curriculum and Workshop movie. If the online signup isn't working for you, email Katherine, Linnea or James to sign up and for info.
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. Sat. MS RE classes in session Apr. 26.Sun. RE classes in session Apr. 27. K-Grade 5 begin in the Sanctuary for a visit from a special singer/storyteller 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. Child Dedications. Sat., May 10, 4:30 p.m. and Sun., May 11, 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. If you'd like to have your child or children dedicated by the congregation, please complete this form by 5 p.m., Thu., May 8. Contact Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig or Linnea Nelson with questions. 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.
Wisdom of Pema Chödrön. Adult Programs course. Tue., Apr. 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.
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 Republic by Plato. Everyone is welcome, whether you have read the book or not. Contact Randy Adams.Humanists of UUCF. Sun., May 4, 6 p.m., Chapel . With Ayanna Watson, an attorney in New York City and founder and president of Black American Atheists, a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between atheism and the black community. Note: This meeting is a day earlier than usual to accommodate our out-of-town speaker. Contact Mary Bellamy. Creating Our Lives Consciously From Our Deepest Inner Resources. Adult Programs course. Mon., 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.
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Connect
Click here for a list of ways to get involved and connect with each other at UUCF.
Memoirs Writing Group. 1st and 3rd Fri. Apr. 18, 1:30-3 p.m., Room 2, Prog. Bldg. Contact Kristin Moyer.
Circle Dinner. Sat., Apr. 26, 6 p.m. Circle Dinners are potlucks hosted by participants in their homes. Come meet new people and renew old acquaintances. Sign up in the Commons after services. Contact Raymon or Gisela Leon. 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. Wed., 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.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 retrofitting of multi-family, low-income housing. UUCF Spring Blood Drive. Sun., May 18, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Did you know that each donation can help save up to three lives and that our area has a chronic shortage of blood? Donating is easy, safe and can actually be fun in a loving and caring community like UUCF. Make your life-saving appointment today. Sign up online in about a minute or email or call Sean Foley, 703-242-0258, with your preferred time on the quarter hour between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Thank you for helping us save lives!
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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.
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.
Spring yoga with Ravi. Sat., Apr. 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.
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.
Bikes for the World used bike collection. Sat., Apr. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., in a corner of the UUCF parking lot. Put your old bike to good use by donating it to Bikes for the World that makes quality used bikes available to lower income people and select institutions in developing countries. All bikes welcome, except tricycles. A $10 tax-deductible donation is requested with each bike to help with shipping, reconditioning and distributing costs. Contact Alex Jacquay, 703-319-7859. Alex, a member of Troop 1983, is doing the bike collection as an Eagle Scout project.
Anything's Possible - Mosaic Harmony 20th anniversary fundraising concert and silent auction. Sun., Apr. 27, 4 p.m. (silent auction begins at 3:15 p.m.), UUCF Sanctuary. The choir began here at UUCF in collaboration with two nearby Christian churches to unify people of diverse faiths, races and cultural backgrounds by singing gospel music together. Mosaic Harmony has developed a repertoire of energetic and inspirational music, performing across the area. Tickets are $25 (children 12 and under, free) and can be purchased here (with a $2 additional service fee) or at the door. We expect to sell out so come early to get good seats and bid on items at our silent auction.
Do You See What I See? - Our Daily Bread 30th anniversary celebration. Fri., May 2, 7-10 p.m., Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Hwy., Fairfax. Dynamic community event includes a juried art show with a popular art contest, performances by various local talents and wine and appetizers from Dolce Vita restaurant. Tickets are $50 and available here or at the door. Proceeds benefit Our Daily Bread's families. For more info, call 703-273-8829 or email.
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.
Death Cafe - Memorial Society of Northern Virginia. Sun., May 18, 3-5 p.m., UU Church of Arlington. Small group discussion and tea party. Developed in the United Kingdom, death cafes provide a safe environment where people can express their thoughts and feelings about death. Facilitated by Cathie Conn, a certified End of Life Healing/Transition Celebrant. For info about the Memorial Society, visit the website.
Greater Washington Immigration Film Festival - save the date. Oct. 24-26, at UUCF and other venues. UUCF, area UU congregations and the Washington Ethical Society collaborate. For details as they emerge, visit the festival's Facebook page.
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