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Religious
Exploration
View schedule here. Nursery care in Sanctuary Building
up to age 3.
May's worship theme
is Curiosity.
"I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift would be curiosity."
- Eleanor Roosevelt
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Our next deadline is Tue., May 6. Send announcements to our communications staff. All entries are edited before publication for brevity, clarity and style.
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The BIG Thank You:
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
Sat., May 3, 5:30 p.m., Sanctuary
 Have you volunteered at UUCF in big or small ways in the last year? If so, the Big Thank You is for YOU! It's a way for the staff to thank volunteers for all they do to help things run smoothly at UUCF. Come for the 4:30 p.m. worship service and stay for dinner, live bluegrass music and a presentation by the staff in your honor. Families welcome; children may stay throughout the program. Nursery care for infants through age 3 available until 7:30 p.m. (no reservation needed). Come enjoy the fun and be recognized. |
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Social Justice Yard Sale
Sat., May 3, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., UUCF campus
 Pre-sorted donations accepted Thu., May 1, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Fri., May 2, 9 a.m.-noon. No donations accepted on Yard Sale day. Please donate only gently used items so we don't lose profits to disposal of unsold merchandise. Click here to see where to take specific items. Call 703-314-6952 to arrange pickup of large items. We cannot accept the following: encyclopedias, textbooks, manuals, cribs, TVs, recliners, stuffed animals, treadmills, heavy weights, infant and child carseats, sofa beds, large entertainment units, mattresses, Christmas trees, large inflatables, bunk beds and major appliances. Proceeds benefit The Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna, Mosaic Harmony, UU Partner Church Circle and National Alliance on Mental Illness-Northern Virginia. We still need more volunteers. Sign up here. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to attend the sale. Cash only. Contact Joanna Walker. |
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Pledging update
 We've received 322 pledges totaling $755,667, which is 68.7% of our goal. This means we still need 180 pledges totaling $344,333 to reach our goal. It will take precious staff and volunteer resources to track down pledges. Click here for a pledge form you can complete and submit online.
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This week & weekend
NAMI family support meeting. Thu., May 1, 7:30-9 p.m., Library. Support meeting for families with a loved one suffering from mental illness. Contact Joanna Walker.
Memoirs Writing Group. No meeting Fri., May 2, because of the Social Justice Yard Sale. Next meeting Fri., May 16, 1:30-3 p.m., Room 2, Prog. Bldg. Contact Kristin Moyer.
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May Vespers service. No service Fri., May 2, because of the Social Justice Yard Sale. A Jazz Vespers service will be held Fri., May 9, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary.
Newcomers/Visitors Reception. Sun., May 4, following both services, in the far corner of the Sanctuary Commons. If you're new to UUCF, please join us for coffee and conversation.
Young Adult Brunch. 1st Sun. May 4. Meet after the 11:15 a.m. service near the Sanctuary entrance to carpool to an area restaurant for brunch.
Why Not Let Nature Take Its Course? Sunday Forum - Science, Reason & Religion. Sun., May 4, 12:30 p.m., Chapel. With Jim McGlone. Nature can be viewed as a system of living and non-living components and interactions among them. Those interactions include checks and balances that keep the system on an even keel. When we remove some of these parts or add others the system keeps running but may not be under control and may take us to a place that is not good for us or the planet. Beltane ceremony. Sun., May 4, 1 p.m., UUCF Memorial Grove. Come celebrate Beltane, or May Day, which signifies the height of spring and the flowering of life in the pagan tradition. Family-friendly celebration includes the traditional maypole dance (weather permitting). All are welcome! Contact Kandi Mitchell or Janet Cushing. Infertility and Pregnancy Loss Support Group. Sun., May 4, 11 and 18, 1-2:30 p.m., Room 10, Prog. Bldg. Contact Meghan Crowley. Drum Circle with Kofi Dennis. 1st Sun. May 4, 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. May 4 meeting canceled. Next meeting Jun. 1. Contact Barb Dutchak. Diversity Matters. Humanists of UUCF. Sun., May 4, 6 p.m., Chapel. Ayanna Watson, president of Black Atheists of America, leads the discussion, including the importance of embracing one's own diversity and the benefits of encouraging others to embrace their differences. In an attempt to live a more ethical life, people often focus on similarities and are afraid to focus on what makes us different from others. Watson discusses how focusing on diversity helps us appreciate the dignity and worth of every person and work for justice, equity and compassion in human relationships. 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.
Meditation Practice Group. 1st and 3rd Tue. May 6, 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., May 7, 7:15 p.m., Rooms 3 & 4, Prog. Bldg. Eugene Mulligan, Kit Britton and Roger Soles present facts and background on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Group will view portions of the films 5 Broken Cameras and The Gatekeepers. Contact Randy Adams. |
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Caring news
Condolences to Janet Kotra, her husband, Rama, and their sons, Neel and Jay, on the death of Janet's mother, Joan T. Phelan.
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Memorial service
A service celebrating the life of Janene Pence will be held Sat., May 31, at 2 p.m., in the UUCF Sanctuary. Share thoughts or memories here. |
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Register online now for RE classes this summer and/or next fall.
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.
UUCF RE Teacher Award. Sun., May 4, is the deadline to send nominations for the Bill Welch Award for contributions to the RE program to Eric Anderson, Chair of the RE Committee.
PlaygroUUp - Music with Ms. Marsha. 1st and 3rd Tue. May 6, 10-11:30 a.m., Room 11, Prog. Bldg. Fellowship group of babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents or caregivers. Siblings welcome. Contact Meghan Crowley.
Sat. MS RE class in session May 3. OWL class meets at 4:15 p.m. for attendance and then goes as a group to the HS service in the Sanctuary. Nursery care available in the Sanctuary Building.
Sun. RE classes through Grade 8 in session May 4. All HS classes in the Sanctuary for the HS service. K-Grade 5 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.
Sat. MS RE class in session May 10. Class begins at 4:15 p.m. Sun. RE classes in session May 11. K-Grade 5 begin in the Chapel before going to class (9:15) or Kindergarten or Workshops (11:15). All other ages and grades begin in classrooms. 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. May 17-18 is last day of regular RE. All ages and grades begin in the Sanctuary Sun., May 18, for Teacher Appreciation during Together Time before going to class (9:15) or Kindergarten or Workshops (11:15).
No RE classes May 24-25. Memorial Day Weekend services Sat., May 24, 4:30 p.m. and Sun., May 25, 10 a.m. Nursery care to age 5 available Saturday in the Sanctuary Building. Nursery care to age 3 and child care to age 10 available Sunday.
HS sleepover. Sat., May 17, 4:30 p.m., to Sun., May 18, 9 a.m., Prog. Bldg. Bring $10 and a snack or beverages to share.
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Grow
The following programs and opportunities help us grow as individuals and as a community.
Looking for ideas for new Adult Programs courses. If you're interested in being part of our Adult Programs team, we'd love your help. Looking for people with ideas for classes to present to their fellow congregants starting this fall. Or if you'd rather present prepared curricula, we have those available for your use. Let us help you share a topic that interests you with others at UUCF. Contact Barb Brehm. Great Books Discussion Group. Group on hiatus until January 2015. Contact Randy Adams if you'd like your name to stay on the list for future reminders.
Wi$dom Path: Money, Spirit and Life. Adult Programs course. Thu., May 15, 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: June meeting will be held Wed., Jun. 4, in Room 5, Prog. Bldg. Check back in this space for alternate location. 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.
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Connect
Click here for a list of ways to get involved and connect with each other at UUCF.
Travel Treks. Become part of a great group that seeks to enjoy nearby destinations for cultural entertainment, education and social benefits. Travel Treks is going through some changes and we would like your participation. Contact John Kun.
May Vespers service. Fri., May 9, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary. Jazz Vespers features Dave Anderson, piano; Mike Wingo, percussion; Kim Scudera, vocals; and Ted Nelson, reader. Meditations on music and the spirit by Richard Gilbert.
UUCF Chorale in concert. Sat., May 10, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary. Part of the UUCF Benefit Concert Series. Please join us for an inspiring evening of music exploring why music is important to our lives. Director Mark Vogel leads the UUCF Chorale along with a chamber ensemble of instrumentalists. Includes selections from the Capital Harmonia Women's Chorus directed by Mary Ann East. Come explore the power of music through the works of W.A. Mozart, Morten Lauridsen, Moses Hogan, Gwyneth Walker, Franz Biebl, Jim Popoulis and more. Suggested donation: $15; students free. Proceeds benefit Shelter House Fairfax.
3rd Mon. May 19, 7:30 p.m., Room 1, Prog. Bldg. Is your interest in the environment passionate, scientific or something else? Join us! Contact Lois Phemister. Membership class. Tue., May 20, 7 p.m., Room 1, Prog. Bldg. If you have been coming to UUCF for a while and feel that it is time to make the commitment of membership or if you are coming from another UU congregation and are familiar with the faith but new to UUCF and wish to sign the membership book, you need to attend a short, minister-led membership class. Register with Carol Jensen and complete this form. Next class Sat., Jun. 7, 3 p.m. You must be a member to vote at the Annual Meeting Jun. 8. Wednesday Morning Book Club. 3rd Wed. May 21, 10 a.m.-noon, Library. We'll discuss Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor. Contact Polly Feuer.
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Click here to find out about opportunities to live our values through service and advocacy within our congregation and beyond.
Are you an accountant or bookkeeper? Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions seeks an individual to help keep our finances in order. We've received three grants and expect more to come. Contact Eric Goplerud.
Pastoral Care Associates Committee. Looking for congregation members to join the committee this fall. Help counsel and care for the spiritual needs of UUCF members and friends experiencing challenge and transition. Application process (with interview) and training session required. Contact Linda Kozloff.
UUCF Grounds Beautification Day. Sat., May 17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (or whatever time you can spare). Plenty of invasive species to go around. Contact Bob Root.
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. Thank you for helping us save lives!
Reproductive Rights and Access discussion. Reproductive Justice Task Force. Sat., May 24, 6-9 p.m., Chapel. A presentation and discussion on the relationship between reproductive oppression and its social, political and economic impacts. RSVP by May 18 to Kandi Mitchell.
ViVa Vienna volunteers needed. Sun., May 25 and Mon., May 26. Do you like spreading the word about Unitarian Universalism? Are you proud of the things we do here, such as our work for reasonable gun laws, LGBT rights, ending homelessness and getting the word out about climate change actions? Can you spare two hours to talk to the Vienna-Oakton community? Sign up here for a shift at our ViVa Vienna booth.
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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. May 2, 10 a.m.-noon, UUCF playground. Group gathers to ask and answer questions, help and support each other, and learn all aspects of baby and child care. Anyone can attend; children welcome. Contact Annemarie McCaslin.
Do You See What I See? - Our Daily Bread's 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. With Stephen Shaff, founder of Community-Vision Partners. 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. RSVP here. Contact Cynthia Snavely, 202-600-9132.
Concurrent meeting of Western Fairfax PFLAG and FLY. Tue., May 6, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Room 2 (PFLAG) and Rooms 3 & 4 (FLY), Prog. Bldg. PFLAG is a support group for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and FLY is a support/social group for LGBTQ youth and allies ages 12 (with parental permission) to 19. FLY also holds teen lounges on the third Friday of each month. Email PFLAG or visit FLY's Facebook page for time and place.
Gay Men's Chorus benefit concert. Fri., May 9, 6:30 p.m. (Spanish tapas and cash bar), 7:30 p.m. (concert begins), UU Congregation of Sterling. This will be a night to truly celebrate the inherent worth and dignity of all people with amazing music by a world-class chorus volunteering their time and talent. Adults: $15, children: $5. Child care provided. Purchase tickets here. Proceeds benefit People of Faith for Equality in Virginia. Sponsored by St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, Congregation Sha'are Shalom, St. James United Church of Christ, UU Church of Loudoun, Unity of Loudoun County and UU Congregation of Sterling.
Spring yoga with Ravi. Sat., May 10, 17, 31 and Jun. 7, 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.
Taking Care of Yourself and Your Loved One workshop. Sat., May 10, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., UU Church in Reston. With Michelle Smith, Marylou Neal and Martha Patterson. An overview of aging, disability and caregiver resources available in Fairfax County and how to access them. Includes meditation practice that caregivers can use to help relieve stress. $12 registration includes light lunch. Contact Dora Anderson or Linda Johnson.
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. Learn more about death cafes here.
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