All Are Welcome at the Halloween Block Party! | |
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Listening Sessions Open to Everyone
UUCA is holding listening sessions open to all, and we hope to have your voice represented. Sessions will be held as follows.
- Monday 10/28, 7pm, zoom
- Tuesday 10/29, 7pm, zoom
Please plan to attend at least one! RSVP here for a session and/or childcare.
Thank you for helping us to envision UUCA's future with all the voices at the table!
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Let’s Stock the Pantry and Share Some Warmth!
Oct. 29 - Nov. 3, bins located in church lobby
UUCA is collecting non-perishable food and warm winter coats. Please donate whatever you can.
We Have Two Goals:
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FILL The Little Free Pantry Storage Closet
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COLLECT 150 coats for Men, Women & Children
Please do not donate expired or rusty cans. We cannot accept any glass containers.
Please donate new or clean, gently used coats. Hats, scarves, and gloves are needed, too. We especially want Men’s and Women’s L, XL and XXL.
Please leave your gift of warmth and/or non-perishable food in the bins in the church lobby.
Contact Rev. CTC with questions.
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Boo at UU! It's starting SOON!
Online Auction Starts Friday, Oct. 25, Live Event on Sat., Nov. 2, 7pm, UUCA
Remember, there are TWO Auctions: Online starting FRIDAY, and LIVE, the evening of Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7pm.
Bidding on the Online Auction starts on Friday, October 25! The auction catalog is live at our website Boo at UU
Learn how to register and bid HERE.
Online items close in groups on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of next week.
The Live Auction is on Saturday night, Nov 2. There is a listing of items by date here: LIST.
The auction website Boo at UU has buttons for Live Auction, Online Catalog, and Register. You can register at the auction webpage – you will need to be registered in order to bid online or in person, as well as to purchase drinks.
This Sunday is the last day for donating jewelry for the Tiny Jewel Box – see us after services!!
We are still seeking volunteers for the night of the live auction – which includes, food, drink, photo booth, dancing, and costumes! You can sign up on the auction webpage or Volunteer Here We are also seeking sweets for the dessert table – let us know at the email below.
Find the auction team after services to find out more! Again, online bidding will start October 25. Then, plan to attend the Boo @ UU Celebration and Live Auction on November 2! Costumes encouraged!
Any questions, contact AmyEStock@gmail.com.
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UU the Vote:
Down to the Wire
Polls are excruciatingly close. Taking concrete action makes a difference and reduces election anxiety.
Here are a variety of actions you can take through Nov 5:
- join us in person for a guided phone bank at UUCA next Tuesday (Oct 29) in the library (room 13/15) from 5:45-8pm to call Black voters in North Carolina
- join VOICE to do in person canvassing in a close Virginia Congressional race that is key to control of the House
- do phone or text banking virtually at other times to voters of color in battleground states
- do phone banking or canvassing of infrequent environmental voters with the Environmental Voters Project
- Vote and encourage your family and friends to vote early
To learn more about these actions click HERE.
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UUCA Climate Action Team invites you to "Adopt-a-Street"
Sat. Nov. 2nd - 10 am - 12 pm, meet at the church parking lot
UUCA Climate Action Team invites all generation to join our "Adopt-a-Street" trash pickup!
The UUCA Climate Action Team (CAT) has partnered with Arlington County's "Adopt-A-Street" trash pickup program to earn a Stormwater fee credit for the church.
This is a great event for families, youth, seniors and young adults! And feel free to invite your friends! It takes small steps to make big changes so we hope you will be a part of our effort to improve our environment! To meet the stormwater credit requirements we will need a minimum of 15 volunteers. If you have any questions you can contact Frank Brown at frankb915@gmail.com.
RSVP here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4CA4A62DAB9-52488631-uuca
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Join UUCA volunteers at Arlington Food Assistance Center-- New Opportunities!
Did you know that UUCA has a long connection to the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC)? We have provided bimonthly volunteers for distribution for more than 20 years, made walls of cereal boxes, and even bagged fruit in fellowship hall. Our volunteer program has evolved as AFAC’s needs have evolved. Many years ago we regularly bagged groceries on Friday nights at the food bank – and that is coming back. Beginning in November, UUCA will again provide a group of 10-20 volunteers for about an hour to help prepare food for distribution to AFAC clients, on site at the main AFAC facility in Shirlington.
The need has never been greater – AFAC is now providing supplemental groceries to (on average) 3,464 families per week.
We are looking for new volunteers to join us for Friday evening food bagging or Saturday morning distribution. More information and the ability to signup is at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B45ABAF2EA75-52027325-uuca
If you would like more information about how UUCA supports AFAC, please contact Denise or Burke Kappler (denise_kappler@yahoo.com, burke.kappler@gmail.com).
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Kristen Patterson's beloved grandmother, Jeannette Drake, passed away in Granville, Ohio on October 13. Janie was a true force for good in the world and served her church and community in myriad ways over her 106 years. She will be deeply missed by Kristen, Dan, Owen, and Ezra.
Our Director of Handbells, Ken Bissell, has been out sick for a few weeks. He is getting better, but could use some good cheer and encouraging words for healing. If you would like to send him a card, please email Tommy Lo at tommyslo@gmail.com for the address.
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.
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Can WE help YOU?
Care Team Hotline: 571-277-4428 | careteam@uucava.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.
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Religious Education
This week in Religious Education Classes
All Religious Education classes meet as scheduled.
Class Offerings
1st Service: Childcare, Classes for Preschool -- 4th Grade
2nd Service: Childcare, Classes for Preschool --12th Grade
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.
- 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.
LEAD 2024-2025 Cohort and Sharing Group Registration Now Open
LEAD (Leadership Exploration and Development) is UUCA's very own spiritually grounded leadership development program. This year-long program meets monthly to explore, share, and build community. If you would like to be part of this year's LEAD cohort, register here. Or reach out to LeeAnn with any questions.
Faith 360 Registration Open
Registration for Faith 360—UUCA's adult faith development program is now open. We have a great lineup of workshops in store.
Click here for more information, the list of classes and to register.
Here are two of the classes:
What's Going on with Artificial Intelligence (AI) Right Now?
We'll talk about what the current state of AI means for humanity and in particular look at AI with a UU lense.
Led By: Steve Trickey
Meets: Sunday, Oct. 27th
Time: 1-2:30 PM
In person
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Aachen Cathedral Choir Concert Highlights
David Mann, our Director of Music, reports the evening was a wonderful event -- UUCA is so fortunate that we could host such a wonderful and historical choir!
Aachen Cathedral Choir, was established in the year 782 during the reign of Charlemagne and is one of the oldest choirs in the world.
The concert consisted of approximately 60 singers performing over an hour of very technically challenging music, complete with an encore of Handel's "Hallelujah" Chorus in German. Donations from the concert were split between UUCA and the Arlington Sister Cities Association.
A big thank you to all involved in helping host this wonderful choir!
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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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Ouch! I’m Sorry ☹
Sat, Nov. 2, 2024, 9am-12pm at UUCA
Facilitated By:
Rev. CTC, MDIV, MS, Minister of Social Justice and Community Development,
and Kyla Dixon, MSW, Coach & Facilitator, Toward Justice (https://www.kyladixon.com/)
Let’s come together for an “Awareness-Raising” morning.
We all have a bit of Bias, and it often appears unannounced in our language and behaviors.
Some of those behaviors can interfere with our decisions and actions.
Our bias can intentionally and unintentionally do others serious harm.
Let’s try to change that. On 11/2/2024, together we will:
- Identify the concept of unconscious bias
- Role-Play: Learn how biases influence our decisions and interactions
- Discuss personal biases and learn to make more informed decisions
- Explore the relationship between unconscious bias and lack-of-inclusion
You’ll leave with specific tools to use when Bias pops up in your life.
Registration link: REGISTER HERE
Kyla Dixon
Kyla Dixon is a collaborative, justice-seeking innovator who coaches leaders, organizations, and faith communities. With over 15 years of experience organizing and developing programs to dismantle oppression, she focuses on creating cultures of radical welcome while addressing the root causes of harm. Kyla’s expertise is in facilitating organizational change and creating new programs and initiatives that institutionalize change.
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Covenant Groups Registration is Open!
Covenant Groups for 2024-25 registration is open! Online registration is here, and there will be a registration table at the upcoming Faith Fair.
Covenant Groups allow us to share what touches our hearts and souls with others in a safe setting. In our groups, we explore our spirituality, build relationships, and provide service to UUCA and the wider community. Groups of 8 to 12 people meet monthly from October to June. A trained facilitator leads each group using written and online materials as resources.
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Crescendo Ringers Meets Next in November
Crescendo, our ensemble for beginning and intermediate ringers, has been meeting between services over the past two Sundays and we are excited to have new ringers involved. This group is running independent sessions for anyone with or without handbell/music experience. Our next session will be in November so keep checking Connections for additional information.
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BIPOC Brunch Meet Up
Sun, Nov 3, 2024, 1-2:30 pm, Ruthie's All Day
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Brunch meet taking place at Ruthie's All Day. Come join in! Nicole Haley at nhaley@uucava.org if you would like more information.
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Save the Date! Tibetan Prayer Weekend
Sat & Sun, Nov. 9 & 10, 10am - 5pm, UUCA Reeb Center
UUCA has again partnered with the Capital Area Tibetan Association, this time to host a weekend of post-election prayers for peace with nuns from the Jangchub Choeling Nunnery, a community of Tibetan Nuns living in exile in India. Join us for chanting prayers on Saturday, November 9 and/or Sunday, November 10th, each day from 10 AM to 5PM, in the Rev. James J. Reeb Center! Those coming for the prayer session on Sunday should park in the Masonic Lodge parking lot across George Mason Drive from the Church and cross carefully at the traffic light. A vegetarian lunch will be offered each day. Donations will be gratefully accepted to support the visiting nuns with a suggested donation of $35. All are welcome; no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
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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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Chalice Theatre: Once Upon a Mattress! Chalice Theatre is excited to announce its winter multigenerational show – Once Upon a Mattress! This song-filled comedic retelling of the Princess and the Pea story will be presented in the Reeb Center opening February 28, 2025! Auditions will be held November 16 and 18.
We are looking for a few people to help fill the production side of the show. In particular, an assistant stage manager, a props chief, a production assistant, and a lead painter. If you would like to help us put on a show, let us know at chalicetheatre25@gmail.com. Experience not necessary, but helpful.
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The Doors Are Under Repair!
The two center doors in the main entrance are unable to be unlocked. We are preparing to integrate these doors with an electronic lock, which eventually will allow us to see who is at the door and unlock it from the office! While we are making significant progress, we are not ready to switch over to the new system and anticipate a few weeks before we will have everything in place.
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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.
UUCA Scavenger Hunt
Can you locate the Fibonacci sequence located at UUCA? It's a mystery and only a few have discovered it. Let us know if you find 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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BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) Affinity Group
Are you interested in being part of the UUCA BIPOC Affinity Group? This group is for our BIPOC members and friends. It is a BIPOC Sacred Space – created by and for BIPOC people.
Please complete this 1-minute survey to respond or reach out to Nicole Haley at nhaley@uucava.org.
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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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African American Book Sharing Circle
Friday, October 18, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
We will discuss All American Boys, a book for young readers, by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely (2015). When sixteen-year-old Rashad is mistakenly accused of stealing, classmate Quinn witnesses his brutal beating at the hands of a police officer who happens to be the older brother of his best friend. The story unfolds through Rashad and Quinn's alternating viewpoints. The book gives voice to the thoughts and feelings of teenagers as they confront the experience of police brutality. This book was recently banned by a Virginia school district.
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: November 7, 7:00 p.m in person
UUCA's Hopepunk Book Club reads speculative fiction that helps us to imagine futures in which humanity solves our climate and justice problems.
In November we'll discuss the short story The Scent of the Freetails by Deji Bryce Olukotun, about a near-future San Antonio, dark skies, and car-free living. Contact valarietbryant@gmail.com for more information
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Men's Book Group of UUCA
Sun, Nov 10, 7:30pm, Zoom
The Group will meet to discuss our fiction selection, Erasure: A Novel, by Percival Everett. He is the author of the recent best seller, James. Erasure was adapted for the 2023 movie, American Fiction, which won the Oscar for the best adapted screenplay. It was nominated for best movie and best actor, for Jeffrey Wright's performance as the protagonist, a novelist.
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. "Joining" is simply getting your address on the email list.
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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