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Board Bulletin -- March
The Board held its regular monthly meeting for March on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, and I wanted to briefly share a few highlights from the meeting. It was a busy meeting for the Board, which did the following:
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Held a public comment period to receive comments on the recent letter regarding the current lease for Arlington Unitarian Cooperative Preschool (AUCP).
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Received a second biannual progress report from the Racial Justice Task Force.
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Discussed the progress of several tasks toward its 2023-2024 goals, including
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The Board discussed the initial results of the Congregational survey.
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The Board discussed its ongoing work to develop a document management system to capture and make publicly-available important policy and governance documents.
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Approved the Annual Vision of Ministry statement developed by UUCA leaders at the Annual Vision of Ministry conference on January 27, 2024. That vision states that in 2024-2025, UUCA will
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Build on current anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multicultural (AR/AO/MC) work through trainings and other activities in order to link our spiritual growth to actions that build the Beloved Community.
- Develop a messaging strategy, materials, and training that articulate our values to reach the “nones,” young adults, and families, all of diverse backgrounds.
- Increase financial security, including diversifying income sources.
- Strengthen our membership support to be a church that cares and rests in personal relationships and differentiated support.
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Began talking about its own goals for 2024-2025.
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Approved the date of the 2023-2024 Annual Meeting: June 9, 2024.
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Received an update from Rev. Amanda Poppei.
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Received reports from the Treasurer and the Board Finance and Audit Committee. The Treasurer’s report is linked HERE.
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Held an executive session to discuss rental income.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I can be reached by email at burke.kappler@gmail.com. If you would like to email the entire board, you can do so at this email: mailto:uuca-board-attendees-2023-2024@googlegroups.com.
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UUCA Board Informational and Listening Session
This Sunday, Apr. 14, 1-3pm, Reeb Center
UUCA’s Board of Trustees is hosting an informational and listening session about financial sustainability, rental income, and its recent letter regarding Arlington Unitarian Cooperative Preschool (AUCP) this Sunday, April 14, from 1-3pm in the Rev. James J. Reeb Center (Gallery).
This session will include a presentation by Board members discussing the current climate and income trends the Board is tracking and will offer opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback to the Board on potential options and decisions.
Please plan to attend this session to learn more, have a chance to ask questions, and share your thoughts.
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RE Info for this week:
Religious Education Classes This Week
- Childcare is provided for children 3 years and younger in Room 5
- Religious Education Classes Will Meet This Sunday.
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1st, 5th, and 8th Grade OWL Classes will Meet at the Usual Time.
- Teen Group will meet.
Here at UUCA we offer several ways kids can enjoy worship:
- Spirit Space: For kids 4 years and younger at the front of the Sanctuary. Please continue to supervise your children.
- Fellowship Hall: Play space for toddlers and kids of all ages. Puzzles and coloring sheets for anyone!
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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 below 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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UU the Vote
This Sunday, Fellowship Hall
Join UU the Vote to send postcards to BIPOC voters alerting them to vote in hotly contested Virginia Congressional primaries starting May 3. Research shows that primary voting greatly increases the likelihood that voters will vote in the fall general election. The voters we contact tend to be low income voters who do not make large campaign contributions and are often overlooked by other voter outreach efforts. Help ensure their voices are raised in Virginia elections. Pick up a set of 20 postcards containing everything you need (e.g., postcards, postage) in the Fellowship Hall this Sunday or make arrangements to pick up a set at other times by contacting Ellen at elltaylor41@aol.com. A donation of $14 to cover the cost of materials is suggested, but not required. Can’t postcard? Make a donation so others can write. For further info contact suzanc825@gmail.com.
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Upcoming LEAD Workshop—Open to All
LEAD Family Systems Workshop
Saturday, April 13, 9 AM to Noon
Ever noticed that patterns repeat themselves in your family—whether it's a cut-off, or a meddling parent, or a regularly terrible Thanksgiving dinner? Ever noticed that patterns also repeat themselves in institutions, like your workplace...or the church? Join Rev. Amanda to learn more about how family systems can help us recognize patterns and manage our own anxiety as we navigate those patterns.
RSVP Here: https://uucava.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/bca37d3b-d04a-4db6-9b44-cc6a7cd00c26
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New Date and Format: Zoom Only Starting April 14
Article II: All About Love
A Learning Workshop Opportunity
When: Sundays April 14, 21, 28 and May 5 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm
Where: Zoom, link to be emailed
Register Here: Faith 360 Registration Form
This four-session workshop co-presented by members of the UUCA Board and Adult RE Committee, provides an opportunity to take a deeper dive into the proposed Article II language beyond a simple read. Come and explore how this new language speaks to you.
To learn more about this foundational change, you are invited to participate in a four-session informational Zoom workshop beginning on April 14. This workshop is particularly encouraged for folks considering serving as a GA delegate.
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UUJME Conversation on Palestine & Israel (online)
Mon., Apr.15th at 7:00 p.m., Zoom
The War in Gaza has entered its sixth month. How are you being impacted? What can you do? Join UUs for Justice in the Middle East for an ongoing conversation to listen and learn. There will be space to share "where you are" and time to ask questions about actions that are being taken by other UUs and faith communities. Find a list of resources: here.
Please register to receive the Zoom link: email
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Dear UUCA friends and family,
I cannot thank you enough for the love and care you have shown to me and my family in these days and weeks since John passed away. We have been nourished and sustained by the meals, cards, kind words and wonderful shared memories.
Chris Sutton
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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 announcments.
Are You In Need of Support?
Pastoral Care 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 Pastoral 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.
Please note some email providers will truncate this message.
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Earth Day Service by the Climate Action Team
Sun. Apr. 21
UUCA's Climate Action Team (CAT) is leading our Earth Day Service and we would love to see you there!
Because climate and justice and our UU values are so interrelated, the church has decided to pursue Green Sanctuary 2030 Certification from the UUA. This kickoff event will inform the congregation about the activities we will be involved in to make that a reality - climate actions to promote Justice, Community Resilience, Mitigation, and Congregational Transformation.
After the Service we will have family-friendly activities and food - including a scavenger hunt and muffins! - along with information tables in Fellowship Hall. This is a "can't miss" opportunity to hear inspiring speakers, listen to beautiful music, and enjoy good fellowship.
See you there!
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New UU Classes, April 2024
Considering joining UUCA? Seize the opportunity to learn more about our church by signing up for this informative mini three-part series.
This series is led by Membership Engagement Manager Nicole Haley and Rev. Amanda Poppei. This is a three-part series, and you should plan to attend all three.
Class 1: Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 7- 8:30 PM on Zoom
Class 2: Sunday, April 21,2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:10 AM Board Room
Class 3: Sunday, April 28, 2024, from 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM Board Room
Click here to register.
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MoonFire Chocolate Ritual
Sun., April 21, 1:00 p.m.
Do you have any leftover chocolate Easter candy? Perhaps from Valentine’s Day? Maybe even from Halloween? Even if you don’t, but still love chocolate, please join MoonFire on Sunday, April 21 at 1:00 PM as we concoct a fun, chocolate-filled ritual to the Gods and Goddesses of love, happiness, and laughter. We’ll celebrate with treats, and seek in ritual the joy that comes from the divine. For this ritual everyone must bring joy in their hearts, and irreverence in their words!
A potluck and time for fellowship will follow the ritual, so bring a dish (chocolate or otherwise!) 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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Voter Mobilization Organizing School
Sat., Apr. 27, 2024, 10:30 to 3:00pm, All Souls Church Unitarian, Washington, DC
Join UUs from the DMV region at our first ever voter mobilization school! We are more effective when we gather together. Come for spiritual grounding, relationship building, and concrete skills training to engage as many people as possible in the 2024 election. Also, we welcome youth and offer programming for several other age groups in addition to the organizing school. This event is co-sponsored by UU for Social Justice, UU the Vote, and the Reeb Voting Rights Project at All Souls. To coordinate transportation contact Suzan at suzanc825@gmail.com.
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Our Stories, Our Lives
Apr. 23, 11:00-12:30. Zoom Link Click Here
Please drop in for UUCA's informal conversation-and-storytelling group, "Our Stories, Our Lives." You'll share your response to this prompt: "Have you ever found out something you wished you had never known?"
We'll react to each other's stories and, probably, find ourselves surprised by what-all comes up. Open to all.
Facilitators: Jacomina de Regt and Diane Ullius.
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Religious Education Volunteer Recruitment
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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Calling UUCA Teachers and Facilitators
Have an idea, program, workshop, or class you would like to share with our community through the Faith 360 program? Submit a proposal here.
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BOTH/AND: bēheld Concert and Happy Hour! Tickets on Sale Now!
Fri., May 10, 7:00pm, UUCA, CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Joni Mitchell's iconic song, "Both Sides Now," was written when the singer was just 21. However, her recent performance at age 80 on the Grammy stage gripped the world in a new way: it exemplified living and aging with grace and remaining open to possibility. What have we both lost and gained in living every day? Join women’s vocal group, bēheld (led by UUCA’s interim music director, Jen Hayman) for an evening of storytelling and song inspired by Joni and with instrumentalists Janelle Gill (piano), Topher Dunne (bass) and Keith Butler Jr (percussion).
bēheld is composed of some professional musicians, and all professional badasses. Born out of a pandemic need to maintain music, community relationship, and sisterhood, the group has blossomed over the past four years, performing for worship services, events, conferences, public demonstrations, and even at the vigil honoring the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Our repertoire spans social justice songs of the past 75 years, combined with pop and soul songs of today that honor the work of women, the challenges we face in an increasingly demanding and cruel world, and the joy we experience when we find a community that recognizes and celebrates all that we are, all that we hold, and all that we bring. Click here to watch bēheld preforming at UUCA!
Do you have a both/and story you'd be willing to share? If yes, please send to beheldmusic@gmail.com.
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Child Dedication
Sun., May 12 -- Contact LeeAnn to participate
Child Dedication is a very special ritual where we as a community pledge our support and care to our families as they raise their children in our Unitarian Universalist faith. This Dedication Ceremony is for children and youth of all ages—not just babies. If you have not had an opportunity to participate in a Dedication, our next Dedication will take place on Sunday, Mary 12th—Mother's Day. For more information or to sign up to participate, contact LeeAnn at Lwilliams@uucava.org.
For more information about the Unitarian ritual of Child Dedication, visit here--Baptism / Child Dedication in Unitarian Universalism | UUA.org.
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Faith 360 Classes: Register Now!
These programs all start the beginning of March. See which one suits YOU!
Click here for full catalog and registration.
| Check Out These Faith 360 Classes Starting Soon | |
The (Boundaried, Hopeful, Systems-Oriented) Wisdom of Ted Lasso
Join Rev. Amanda for this three-part class, in which you'll explore the lessons we can learn from the hit Apple TV show Ted Lasso...from a family systems perspective. We'll watch an episode during each class. No prior knowledge of the show is required!
Led By: Rev. Amanda, Meets: April 9, 16, 30, Time: 7—8:30 pm, In person, Reeb Center
Article II Workshop (In Person)
A Deep dive into the values embodies in the UUA's work around this effort.
Led By UUCA Board
April 7, 14, 21, 28
My Muslim American Life
Join Hurunnessa Fariad as she talks about immigrating to the U.S. as a small child and growing up with both Muslim and American identities in Queens, NYC. She will also go into how her faith has shaped her view about herself and the work she does as a woman in multifaith peace building.
Led By: Hurnunnessa Fariad, Meets: Sunday, April 28, Time: 12:45 to 1:30, In Person
The “I Believe” Book Club
This is a three-session program by Zoom, to be led by Bill Fogarty, for those who want to read but don't have much time! This will be a "quick read" book club, reading six or seven "I Believe" statements (2 to 3 pages each) of various people who contributed to the 1950's series, and the NPR series of the early 2000's. The first session will include the musings of Helen Hayes, Eleanor Roosevelt and Wallace Stegner, among others. It is anticipated that each session will be about one hour in length.
Led By: Bill Fogarty, Meets: Tues in April (4/2, 4/9, 4/16),Time: 7:30 to 9 pm, On Zoom
Want to learn more about volunteering in our RE program or have questions? Contact LeeAnn at Lwilliams@uucava.org. Ready for volunteer, click here.
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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
Registration rates increase March 15. 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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Peace Camp Now filling staff positions. You can help Peace Camp Sail!
Recruiting staff and volunteers. We need plenty of staff of all ages to make sure camp runs smoothly. Adults and responsible high school volunteers are very WELCOME. For job descriptions or information, see the links below and contact Erin Frances Reinhart at e.reinhart@lffp.org or Mollie Jewell at MollieJewell2@gmail.com.
New job-Peacekeeper. This year we have a new position of Peacekeeper. Peacekeepers can serve as Front Desk Attendant, Hall Monitor, Peace Museum Guide, Parking lot monitors, and other jobs. Hours are flexible. See PeaceKeeper Flyer.
Adult positions at camp include Team Counselor, Activity Specialist, Peace Museum Guide, and Generalists (Peace Camp Adult Staff Flyer). Responsible high school students are assistants in most of those areas (High School Volunteer Flyer). Volunteers will work as a team and receive training in social emotional wellness. Community service hours available. Fill out the application and schedule your interview. Once accepted, training is required. We also need kitchen staff during camp and people to cut pictures (at home) from magazines for crafts
For more details, see our flyers: Adult Peace Camp Staff , PeaceKeeper Volunteer, and High School Volunteer. For more information, contact Erin Frances Reinhart at e.reinhart@lffp.org or Mollie Jewell at MollieJewell2@gmail.com.
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LFFP Peace Circles continue via Zoom
If you enjoyed LFFP’s Peace Circle during in the February “Wanderings” service, consider joining our Wednesday Night Peace Circles at 7:30. Our Zoom link is HERE, ID: 863 717 5637, passcode: peace.
This series continues on Apr 3rd, Apr 17th, May 1st, and May 15th.
For more information, come visit our table in Fellowship Hall after the service or see Peace Circles Flyer.
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The Men's Book Group of UUCA
Sun., Apr. 14, 2024, at 7:30 P.M., Zoom
It is available in new and used hardback, and it is available in Arlington and Fairfax libraries, in print, ebook, eaudiobook, and Kindle versions.
I will send the Zoom link to the mailing list a few days before the meeting. As of now the Zoom address is the same as it was in previous months.
As of now, we are considering The Club Dumas, a novel by Arturo Perez-Reverte, suggested by Dean Kauffman, as our selection for the May 12, meeting.
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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Early American to 21st Century Black Women Writers
Wed., April 17, 7-9pm
Cornelia Walker Bailey (1945–2017)
So, is it “Geechee” or “Gullah”? Our April meeting will offer an answer to this puzzlement and an introduction to the centuries-old Sea Islands culture, as seen through the lens of the folklorist and storyteller Cornelia Walker Bailey (1945–2017) of Sapelo Island, Georgia. Roxanne Rhodes will facilitate. No advance reading is required. This is a casual group, and all are warmly welcomed! Questions? Contact Gay Gibson Cima cimag@georgetown.edu. Zoom link: https://uucava-org.zoom.us/j/89402287368?pwd=M2Fub1YwS2JCcURLUEoxZHh2TWZHZz09
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Cozy Reads Book Club
Next Meeting: April 18, 7:00 p.m., Zoom.
Meets the 3rd Thursday of the month
Did you happen to make a New Year's Resolution to read more 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!
April 18, 2024: The Cloisters by Katy Hays
May 16, 2024: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Click here for a list of upcoming books and descriptions. Questions: lwilliams@uucava.org
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African American Book Sharing Circle
Fri., April 19, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
Author Visit
Jeffrey Blount will join our meeting to discuss his new book Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way.
Blount tells the story of James Henry Ferguson. After a highly publicized fall from grace, Ferguson attempts to flee from the chaos in his life. He ends up in a community he had never heard of before, one that has been neglected and ignored by everyone in rural Ham, Mississippi. A place of abject poverty, the neighborhood is commonly referred to as "Around the Way."
Zoom link: https://uucava-org.zoom.us/j/86431166987?pwd=Q2VWazBQcnRVTzgvOEFibERHYXQ2dz09
For additional information, contact Pat Findikoglu (pfindikoglu@gmail.com) or Ann Ulmschneider (aulmsch@msn.com.)
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Hopepunk Book Club
Next Meeting: May 2 7:00 p.m, In Person at UUCA
Meets the 1st Thursday of the month
UUCA's new Hopepunk Book Club will be reading speculative fiction that imagines positive futures, embraces kindness, and inspires hope in humanity's ability to solve our problems. For May, we'll read Psalm of the Wild Built by Becky Chambers. Contact valarietbryant@gmail.com for more information.
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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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