ONE SERVICE THIS SUNDAY: 10:15 am! | |
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MoonFire Summer Solstice Ritual
Sunday, June 16, 1:00 p.m., Chapel (lower level)
Please join MoonFire on Sunday, June 16 at 1:00 PM for a ritual honoring Litha, or the Summer Solstice. Come revel in the Earth’s bounty and the sun’s high energy as we celebrate the reign of the Celtic Oak King as he gives way to the Holly King (sorry, no mimed battles - - this time!), and also reflect upon the beginning and ending of cycles in our own lives.
Please note this ritual will be held in the Chapel on the Lower Level.
A potluck and time for fellowship will follow the ritual, so bring a dish or drink to share, along with your own plates/utensils, if possible. Any questions, please contact us at moonfirecoords@gmail.com.
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UU the Vote –Support Black activists
Support a coalition of Black activist and faith groups as they mobilize Black voters in North Carolina to pledge to vote and recruit friends to do the same. Postcards to Black voters to support this effective relational organizing effort are due July 1. To learn about the effectiveness of our postcarding campaigns see click here. Pick up a set of 20 postcards containing everything you need (e.g., postcards, postage) in the Fellowship Hall this Sunday after the service or make arrangements to pick up a set at other times by contacting Ellen at elltaylor41@aol.com. Postcarding materials cost $14 per set. A donation is suggested, but not required. Can’t postcard? Donate to support others. For further info contact suzanc825@gmail.com.
Finally, make sure you vote in the important local primaries in Arlington and Alexandria—early voting through June 15 and Election Day June 18.
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Three UUCA History Documents Digitized
Three special historical documents have been digitized, and you're invited to check them out! They are the first issue of the Arlingtarian, printed in 1948, "The First Twenty Years," edited by Ruth Tryon, and "The 50th Anniversary Edition," edited by Dorothy Mulligan. Click HERE to visit the UUCA webpage hosting these documents.
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Books Needed for the UUCA Library
All June! Find donation bin in Fellowship Hall
Help us revitalize the UUCA library! This Pride month, we're accepting donations of new or gently-used non-fiction books related to LGBT justice, spirituality, activism, and how-to-be-an-ally. We're also accepting kids picture books that celebrate LGBT identities and families. We're looking for books published in 2010 or later. Please bring book donations to the box in Fellowship Hall on Sundays. [Please note: Books not accepted for the UUCA library will be donated onward.]
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We are saddened to share that Gene Mulligan died early Monday morning. We send so much care to Gene's four children and their families as they navigate this time of loss. Gene had been a member, and truly a leader and builder, of UUCA since 1959.
Condolences may be sent to Greg and Jeanne Mulligan, 4100 N. Charles St. Apt. 414
Baltimore, MD 21218. A service will be planned for later in the summer.
If you have personal news to share, such as births, graduations, special moments, or challenges, email careteam@uucava.org for support, or kackerman@uucava.org with announcements.
Are You In Need of Support?
Care Team Hotline: 571-277-4428 | careteam@uucava.org
When you attend a church for the first time, one of the questions you might ask is, do the people here look out for one another? At UUCA we have created a network of caring connections that will provide a supportive, compassionate presence when you may be struggling, alone, or in pain.
Our Care Team responds to concerns through careful listening, checks on you if you are ill and need help, is there to help you through life’s transitions, and provides food and other support services when you need that extra helping hand.
Our UUCA Ministers offer that unique spiritual guidance you might be looking for, and also offer one-on-one support when you may be facing an especially difficult time.
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More events listed below.
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Religious Education This Week
Religious Education Classes will meet Sunday. Check the schedule at the bottom of the stairs for class assignments.
Summer Sundays at UUCA
Join us for Summer Fun here at UUCA!
This summer, we will be offering three groups of Summer RE, plus infant care:
- Nursery Care: 6mo - 2 years in Room 3
- Preschool - 1st Grade: Story and Playtime in Room 5
- 2nd - 5th Grade: Exploring Our Senses in Room 2/4
- 6th Grade and Older: Collaborative Art Project in Room 13/15
Volunteer in Religious Education for Youth
We are currently recruiting volunteers for the 2024-2025 Religious Education program. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities or have questions, please contact LeeAnn at lwilliams@uucava.org.
Ready to volunteer? Click here.
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A Conversation About Hate In America
Sun., June 30, 11:30am (following the 10:15am Sunday Service)
- What is HATE?
- Why do we HATE?
- What are a few Hot Button HATE issues in the US?
- How can we stand up against HATE?
Join UUCA member Daniel Rothbart for a presentation, followed by Q&A. We’ll touch on the basics and more pointed issues such as Hate Groups and Deradicalization. Please bring your ideas and questions. Expect a lively discussion. Dan is a professor at The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. He has a professional and personal interest in Conflict Analysis and Peaceful Resolution and serves as Director of the Peace Lab and Co-Director of the Program for the Prevention of Mass Violence.
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Garden Work Day!
Sat., June 22, 9am-Noon
Our church grounds are a place of peace, reflection, and fellowship, and it's essential that we maintain their beauty for generations to come. To achieve this, we are organizing a Garden Work Day, and we need your help to make it a success!
Whether you have a green thumb, enjoy outdoor activities, or simply want to contribute your time to a great cause, we welcome volunteers of all skill levels and ages. This event is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow members of our church, build new friendships, and take pride in the beauty of our spiritual home.
Date & Time: Saturday June 22, 2024 from 9 am – Noon
For further information, or to RSVP, please contact Matt Connors at mconnors@uucava.org or Barbara Rovin at brovin@hotmail.com.
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Young Adult Group On Pause For Summer
For any folks looking for this lively group, please know meetings are on hold until after Labor Day. Watch Connections for updates!
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Send in Photos from Your Group Gatherings
Do you meet for a Book Club, Covenant Group, Adult RE, or Committee Meeting? Please, send us a photo or two! Katie would LOVE to have some photos from your groups -- both posed and informal. Just use your cell phone camera -- they are so good now -- and email them in. Please ask permission prior to taking the photos and let people know they will be used for UUCA newsletters (and possibly on the website!) If possible, include the names of those photographed. Submit photos to kackerman@uucava.org.
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Affinity Groups Forming Now!
Are you looking to connect with like-minded people on a particular topic? Maybe building your community and friend network? We have a group for you! Click this link to sign up or lead a group. If you have suggestions for a group not on our list, let us know!
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UUCA Volunteers Needed!
Have you ever wondered how you can sign up to volunteer at UUCA? Mystery solved! You can sign up to volunteer by clicking the link HERE to get started on your journey. Please sign up today. Any questions, feel free to reach out to Nicole Haley at nhaley@uucava.org for support.
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Peace Camp Still Recruiting Kitchen Volunteers
Sign up to help Peace Camp in the kitchen. Contact MollieJewell2@gmail.com, 703-941-5643 or text 571-331-3297.
Kitchen volunteers. The job is meal prep, meal service, and cleanup.
Volunteer hours are weekdays June 17 to June 28. Kitchen hours are 8:30 to 3:00. Pick your day(s) and time slot (2-7 hours), we are flexible. Our biggest need is 10:00 to 2:00. And we need more folks for mid-week: Thursdays and Wednesdays. Community service hours; teens welcome. The general schedule is:
- Early morning. Setup the kitchen & dining room and prepare the morning snack.
- Prime time - lunch. Sides of salad, sandwiches, fruit, and finger veggies, and rotating hot main dish. Buffet line.
- Afternoon - Cleanup
If you can help, please contact Mollie Jewell, 571-331-3297, MollieJewell2@gmail.com.
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"Love Unites; Stories Ignite" at the 2024 UU General Assembly
Embrace a new world of connection and inspiration from anywhere. Attend the virtual UU General Assembly. Dive into a groundbreaking experience from the comfort of your own space.
When: June 20 - 23 Workshops will also be available on demand between May and August.
- Gain insights from influential voices in the UU community and beyond.
- Explore your faith and perspectives with fellow attendees.
- Discover opportunities for meaningful engagement on social justice, climate justice, and other initiatives.
- Celebrate the beauty of UU community through dynamic worship services.
- And be inspired to make a difference in the world.
Register Online at: https://www.uua.org/ga
If you have questions, please contact: Mary Pike at marylpva@gmail.com And, if you register, please let her know as the Nominating Committee is looking for those who wish to be delegates at GA.
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African American Book Sharing Circle
Saturday, June 15, 11:00 am (Note change in our usual day.)
We will meet in person for a discussion of James: A Novel by Percival Everett. The book is a retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and ferociously funny, told from the enslaved Jim's point of view. When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he decides to hide on nearby Jackson Island until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father, recently returned to town. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and too-often-unreliable promise of the free states and beyond.
Email Pat Findikoglu for directions if you are interested in joining our gathering.
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Early American to 21st Century Black Women Writers
Wed., June 19, 7-9pm, Zoom Link Here
Rita Dove (b.1952)
Rita Dove is one of the most prominent poets of our time, recipient of multiple honors and awards, our country's poet laureate from 1993 to 1995. We will look at some biographical information, watch a short video interview, and read several of her poems, including some with Dove's own commentary. Join us on Zoom with Louise Marshall facilitating. No advance reading is required. This is a casual group, and all are warmly welcomed! Questions? Contact Gay Gibson Cima cimag@georgetown.edu.
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Cozy Reads Book Club
Meets the 3rd Thursday of the month 7:00 PM, Zoom, Next meeting: Jun 20th, Zoom.
Do you enjoy chatting about good books? Or do you want to make some new connections here at UUCA? Join the Cozy Reads Book club at the next gathering. The discussions are lively, enlightening and not always about the book!
June 20, 2024 (last meeting for the year) -- The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
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Hopepunk Book Club
Next Meeting: July 11 7:00 p.m, In Person at UUCA
UUCA's Hopepunk Book Club reads speculative fiction that imagines positive futures, embraces kindness, and inspires hope in humanity's ability to solve our climate and economic problems. For July, we'll read Prayer for the Crown Shy by Becky Chambers. Contact valarietbryant@gmail.com for more information.
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The Men's Book Group of UUCA
Bastille Day, Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 7:30 P.M. Zoom
Meet to discuss our fiction selections, two, maybe three, selections from the collection of Leo Tolstoy's later short works, The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories, translated from the Russian by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, a wife and husband team. They have translated many of the works of Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Chekhov, as well as some of Pasternak, Gogol, Pushkin and others. The book is available in new and used paperback and on Kindle. The stories I suggest we all read are these: The Death of Ivan Ilyich (53 pages), Master and Man (46 pg.), and as a bonus, Hadji Murat (really a short novella, (113 pages.) This last selection involves tribalism, colonialism and the conflict between European/Christian and Traditional/Islamic cultures in Central Asia, a clash which continues today.
We are still looking for a fiction title for the August 11, 2024 meeting.
Please let me/us know if you have any comments or additional suggestions for August--or later.
As always, please bring any titles you have read and would like the group to read and discuss in future months. The rules are that the person suggesting a book must have read the entire book (not just the opening chapter or an enticing review!), and that it must be available in libraries, or available in paperback or used, or in digital versions. We traditionally alternate fiction and non-fiction books, but if a majority wants to change that format, we could alter that 1:1 ratio.
Unlike the "Fight Club,'' the first rule of our Book Group is: Tell any reader who you think might be interested about attending our meetings about the Book Group.
If there are any questions about the group and its meetings, or if you want to be on our monthly email list, please email Ken Marshall at kenmar42@gmail.com or call him at (703) 533-8004.
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Monday: Meditation and Dharma Talk
7:30 pm-8:45 pm, UUCA Activity Room and simultaneously on Zoom
A meditation and dharma talk with an opportunity for sharing afterward is offered in partnership with the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW). Held in the Activity Room on the lower level and simultaneously on Zoom. Subscribe to the email list on the IMCW page for the event to receive the Zoom link, topics, class cancellation alerts, and private access to the recorded talks.
Contact: Stig Regli.
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Wednesday: Hour of Silence
7:30 pm-8:45 pm, UUCA Room 20 (Youth Room)
Join us in Room 20 on Wednesday evenings for an hour of in-person silent sitting and/or walking meditation or contemplation, followed by mindful discussion. We enjoy this opportunity to ground ourselves in the middle of our busy week. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can begin at 7:30, and bring what you need to be comfortable.
Contact: Suzan Chastain.
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Friday: First Light Meditation
7:00 am-7:45 am, on Zoom LINK HERE
A half-hour silent meditation with an opportunity for sharing afterward, on Zoom. Contact: David McTaggart at dmctagg@gmail.com or Gregg Forte at gforte@mac.com.
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Newsletter deadline: Connections deadline for submissions is EACH Tuesday at 10 a.m. with publication on Thursday. See below on how to submit an announcement.
How to submit an announcement to UUCA's Connections newsletter:
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