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Black History Month is almost here! This year's theme is “Celebrating the Mosaic: Black is Limitless”. In February and throughout the year, we encourage you to engage with and explore the richness of Black culture and make space to examine your relationship and connection to Black History. Why is BHM important? It shines a light on the many ways Black people are uncredited in our history books and undervalued in the Arts, Business, Science, and Academia. BHM is one way to create brave spaces where the Black creators of tomorrow can grow and flourish. Stay tuned for more information and specific ways to participate 😊
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Seminary for a Day: February 1, 2025
Experience a day of inspiration, learning, and connection on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. Gather with UU faith leaders from across the country, including Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, as they lead workshops, worship, and fellowship focused on issues that matter most to our faith today. Our diverse and powerful tradition will guide us as we explore how Unitarian Universalism can meet the challenges of our time. Join us!
Seminary for a Day, UUCA 2/1/2025:
Because Your GPS Can’t Navigate THIS Journey
Click here for more information, the list of workshops and to register.
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Affinity Groups:
Looking for ways to engage and find support? We have added 2 brand-new Affinity Groups!
Federal Workers Support Group: Are you a federal employee navigating new changes? Join a group of peers who understand your journey and are here to support each other through the challenges of federal employment. Click this link to sign up.
Parent-to-Parent Connection: Does your teen attend UUCA? Help create a strong network of parents to stay connected and informed about everything happening in the teen program. Click this link to sign up.
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Single services continue until further notice!
Based on feedback from members and friends, along with conversations held among staff and board members, we will continue holding worship at 10:15am on Sunday mornings. We are excited to continue to gather as one community. Stay tuned for more updates.
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If you are able-bodied and not traveling with children, please consider parking at one of our external lot options. These include:
a) Park across George Mason Dr in the Masonic Lodge parking lot (use this address in your GPS: 1 S. George Mason Dr, Arlington, VA 22204),
b) Park on the street in the neighborhood or along George Mason Dr,
c) Park at Arlington Hall West Park and follow the trail to 1st Pl S and UUCA.
Or, find a friend (or two) who lives nearby and arrange to carpool to church together. This not only will free up space in the parking lot, but also supports climate activism!
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First Fridays
An opportunity for everyone to gather in community, join in conversation, and just have fun with a different theme each month. We will be here every First Friday from 6:30-9:00pm in the Activity room downstairs with food ready to welcome everyone of all ages - family friendly and encouraged. Events are free but donations are welcome to cover costs.
Friday, February 7 from 6:30-9pm: Soup, Stew, Chili Potluck & Valentine's
Join us in the middle of winter for some warm comfort food. Please bring your favorite soup, stew, and chili to share. Families welcome.
Friday, March 7 from 6:30-9pm: Family Board Games Night for All Ages
Join us for a family friendly board games night, we will have plenty of games for all ages or bring your favorite to play with others. Pizza and light refreshments will be provided.
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Little Friends for Peace and UUCA are Calling Peace Astronauts and Mission Imagination Support Crew!
Registration for 2025 Peace Camp is now open, and spaces are going fast! Sign your camper up to explore the Peace Galaxy: Mission Imagination. June 30-July 11 at UUCA. Peace Astronauts ages 5-14 will experience cooperative games, team-building, storytelling, discussions and projects on conflict resolution, self-expression, and exploration of positive change.
Week 1: June 30 - July 3 (No Peace Camp on July 4!)
Week 2: July 7 - July 11
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (after care available until 6:00 PM)
Support Crew: Ages 14 - Adult
Cost: $340 per week (after-care available for $125 per week, includes snack and Lunch)
Need-based scholarships available. Email MJ Park at peacecamp@LFFP.org.
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Beginning on Sunday, and throughout the month of February, UUCA's Nominating Committee (NomCom) will be interacting with the congregation in order to identify candidates for several leadership roles: Approximately 14 Delegates to the 2025 General Assembly, 1 member of the 2025-26 Board of Directors, and 3-4 members of the 2025-26 Nominating Committee. The members of the Committee are Nancy Hyde, Ron Teeter, Barbara Locklin, and Diane Williams. The Committee will be hosting a table in Fellowship Hall after this Sunday's service and February 23, so please stop by to find out much more about these leadership opportunities. If you won't be at UUCA but would like to connect with the Committee, please reach out to Diane Williams (cell: 703-508-6961). The NomCom will be more than happy to talk with you and share the additional information that will be available at our information table. | |
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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 communications@uucava.org with announcements.
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Can WE Help YOU?
Care Team Hotline: 703-892-2565, extension 1210 | careteam@ucava.org
One of the questions you might ask is, “How do the people at UUCA 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, and is there to help you through life’s transitions. They can also provide food and other support services when you need an extra helping hand.
Our UUCA Ministers offer that unique spiritual guidance you might be looking for. Both are here with one-2-one support when you need it. You can reach them directly: Rev. Amanda (apoppei@uucava.org) or Rev. CTC (revctc@uucava.org) or by calling the church office at 703-892-2565
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More events listed below.
Please note some email providers will truncate this message.
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Lifespan Faith Development- Find Inspiration | |
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Religious Education
This Week in Religious Education
All RE classes meet at the 10:15am service.
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All lower RE Classes (8th grade and younger) WILL meet.
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Teen Group WILL meet.
Teen Service Trip Opportunity
Do you have a teen interested in participating in an overnight service trip this spring? We are working to send a group to the Appalachian South Folklife Center in Pipestem, WV, from Saturday, April 12, to Wednesday, April 16. If you would like more details about the trip, please contact Youth Coordinator, Ashley Johnson (ajohnson@uucava.org). If you are ready to commit, please complete the registration form and submit a $100 deposit to reserve your spot. In order for the trip to move forward, we need confirmation from 6 teens as well as 4 parent chaperones.
Registration: https://uucava.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/9e45630f-24eb-404e-8537-80e69aae4600
Here at UUCA we offer several ways kids can enjoy their time at UUCA:
- Spirit Space: For kids 4 years and younger at the front of the Sanctuary.
- Fellowship Hall: Play space for toddlers and kids of all ages. Puzzles and coloring sheets for anyone!
If you are new to our community, please register your children and teens here. This will add you to our mailing list.
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Beginning Connections Covenant Group
Beginning Connections groups offer people a chance to connect with others, experience the gift of listening and being listened to, and have a chance to explore values in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. These groups are especially designed for people who are relatively new to the church. Each week the facilitators will invite established members of the UUCA community so participants can make connections and meet new friends.
Use this link to register and learn more: https://uucava.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/5e82e689-df6c-490c-8378-2e1420d5d1bf
There will be two sections of Beginning Connections. Both groups will start in February and meet at UUCA in person at 7 PM. Please select only one group.
Please read the details below carefully and note dates.
Group A will meet on Wednesdays 2/26, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26
Group B will meet on Tuesdays 2/25, 3/4, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1 (note skips 3/11)
Both groups meet at UUCA in person @7pm
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Events- Come for Community | |
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Join Us for an Exciting New Chapter at UUCA!
We’re beyond excited to welcome all our new members on February 9th during service, let’s celebrate together! Stick around afterward for cake in the Fellowship Hall!
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“Saving the Earth: Bite-by-Bite" Plant Based Cooking Class: Sponsored by the UUCA Climate Action Team
Sunday, Feb. 16th after service
Got Bacon?
Join us with your coffee after the 10:15 am service on February 16th to make some delicious plant based bacon. BLT’s! Yum!
Please reply to sarahebates@icloud.com to RSVP.
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Arlington Unitarian Cooperative Preschool (AUCP) Open House and 2025-26 Enrollment
AUCP (in UUCA’s downstairs RE rooms) is accepting applications for the upcoming school year and UUCA members receive preferential admission status. The application deadline is Friday, February 7.
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Volunteer- Live With Purpose | |
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Entering the Mosaic.
As we move forward into the 2024-2025 church year, UUCA is also moving forward into the MOSIAC. What does that mean? Here at church, you will see a few changes: more art in our public spaces, “Mosaic Sunday” once a month, film showings and congregational-wide book reads, and time for compassionate conversations (on several topics) to encourage open dialogue and understanding. Why? We are working collectively to foster belonging and liberation in our congregations. UUCA is also leaning into one of our Board’s goals: Build on current anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multicultural (AR/AO/MC) work through training and other activities in order to link our spiritual growth to actions that build the Beloved Community.
Simply put, UUCA is intentionally deepening its role, and you, our congregation, are at the heart of this. We are focusing on dismantling racism and oppression within our community and in the world while creating spaces and opportunities for learning, gathering, and transformation. Your active participation and support are crucial in this journey.
Ready to get started? Click here to access the Mosaic Facilitation Training. Remember, enter the code "mosaic" to access the curriculum for free when registering. We want to ensure that this valuable resource is accessible to all. This online, easily accessible training is FOR ALL OF US.
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Help Those Experiencing Homelessness -- New Opportunities!
In response to an outpouring of volunteer interest in the Bagged Meals program, UUCA is opening up two new opportunities for congregants of all ages to help people experiencing homelessness in our community:
1) Starting October, 4 volunteer slots will be available on the second Sunday of each month to serve hot meals to clients at the PathForward Homeless Services Center. You can sign up via the same SignUpGenius page as the Bagged Meals program (linked below).
2) In January, PathForward is once again opening their doors to UUCA volunteers of all ages to assemble bagged meals on site and tour the Homeless Services Center. Those of us who participated last year had a wonderful experience; if you haven't yet had a chance to visit PathForward and get to know their programs, please consider signing up!
You can sign up for these and other opportunities here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094BA8AA22A1F4CF8-uuca
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Can you help keep the Little Pantry stocked? If you're interested in volunteering, please click this link to sign up.
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You’re invited to Wednesday Night Peace Circles
7:30 - 8:30 PM via Zoom.
Join our circle every other Wednesday at 7:30pm. Starting Jan 15 and extending through March 19. Root. Connect. Share. Grow. Change. Zoom meeting ID: 863 717 5637 / passcode: PEACE.
Upcoming Dates and Topics are:
January 15th - Living in the Present
February 5th - Art of Loving
February 19th- How Not to Bite the Hook
March 5th - Keeping a Healthy Balance
March 19th - Making Good Choices
Sign up for reminders and join our circle.
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Security System Update
As many of you already know we are in the process of replacing the existing security system. This includes a new door entry system. For those people who currently enter the church after hours using their phone, access card, or fob they will no longer work. To continue to access the church after hours please contact the facilities manager, Matt Connors, and he will re-establish your credentials. Matt’s email is mconnors@uucava.org.
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Need Help Accessing the Membership Directory?
If you're a member trying to access the directory, it's easy! Just click the Shelby link and enter your email address and password.
Forgot your password? No worries! Simply click "Forgot Password," and you'll receive a prompt to reset it.
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Hey! Are You Part of the Facebook Group?
You might have already joined UUCA's Facebook page, but did you know there is a GROUP, just for UUCA members and friends? Check it out HERE.
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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 nhaley@uucava.org and communications@uucava.org.
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African American Book Sharing Circle
On February 21, we will discuss The survivors of the Clotilda: the lost stories of the last captives of the American slave trade, by Hannah Durkin (2024) An immersive and revelatory history of the Clotilda, the last slave ship to land on US soil, told through the stories of its survivors-the last documented survivors of any slave ship-whose lives diverged and intersected in profound ways.
On March 21, we will discuss Colored Television by Danzy Senna (2024). After failing to sell her novel, main characterJane turns her desperate gaze to Hollywood. When she finagles a meeting with a hot young producer with a seven-figure deal to create "diverse content" for a streaming network, he seems excited to work with a "real writer" to create what he envisions as the greatest biracial comedy ever to hit the small screen. Things finally seem to be going right for Jane--until they go terribly wrong.
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Early American to 21st Century Black Women Writers
Wed., Jan. 15, 2025, 7-9pm, Zoom
Los Angeles-based Wanda Coleman, poet, essayist, storyteller, and screenwriter, was often called the city's unofficial poet laureate. A single mother who fitted ill-paid writing gigs around a series of pink-collar jobs, Coleman wed inventive, Beat-inspired forms to a fierce vision of the city's constantly broken promises, especially to people of color. No advance reading. This is a casual group dedicated to researching the lives and work of black women writers, and all are warmly welcomed! Roxanne Rhodes facilitates. Questions? Contact Gay: cimag@georgetown.edu. Zoom link: https://uucava-org.zoom.us/j/86431166987?pwd=Q2VWazBQcnRVTzgvOEFibERHYXQ2dz09
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"Our Stories, Our Lives"
Meets January 28, 11:00am-12:30pm, Zoom Link Two
UUCA's informal storytelling-and-conversation group holds its first session of 2025 on Tuesday,
January 28. Every month we start with a prompt or question, and each participant has a few minutes to respond. Often, other participants have follow-up questions or recollections. There's usually laughter, sometimes moments of insight, and often an abrupt turn in a surprising direction. You never know! This month's question is "Thinking of the jobs you've held, is there one that stands out as your favorite?" Everyone welcome. Jacomina de Regt and Diane Ullius facilitate.
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Hope Punk Book Club
Next Meeting: Thursday February 13, 7pm, Boardroom
UUCA's Hopepunk Book Club reads speculative fiction that imagines positive futures and inspires hope in humanity's ability to solve our climate and justice problems. In February we'll discuss the short story A Year Without Sunshine by Naomi Kritzer. It imagines how a Minneapolis neighborhood takes care of one another after a natural disaster causes economic and power grid collapse. 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:
- Deadline is 10 a.m. each Tuesday.
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Submit article requests to communications@uucava.org, subject line: Connections
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Questions about Connections? Contact communications@uucava.org.
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