February is Black History Month | |
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“You can’t lead the people if you don’t love the people. You can’t save the people if you don’t serve the people.”
– Cornel West, philosopher, political activist and social critic
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"I Really Wish Church Would Offer..."
If you've ever thought that, this survey is for YOU! Or maybe you're delighted to see some part working so well for you -- and would hate to lose that. If you share your thoughts, UUCA can be what you need.
We have received over 200 responses (thank you to those who have participated!), and THOSE voice will be the ones providing data. If you want YOUR opinion in the mix, respond now! Having trouble with the survey, or need a human helper? Visit Fellowship Hall this Sunday and someone will assist.
Do your bit, give the survey a click!
CLICK HERE FOR SURVEY
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All Ages Invited to Help LFFP fill the Bucket of Peace
Join us in Fellowship Hall after services
In addition to peace camp. Little Friends for Peace conducts peace-building programs throughout the metro area. One of our favorite expressions is “be a Bucket Filler”, who recognizes the good in others. On Sunday we’ll be in the Fellowship Hall where people of all ages can help us fill our bucket with positive expressions. Just write a phrase that gives you peace by making you or others happy and put it in our bucket of peacemakers. Or get rid of some peace-breaking put-downs, by tossing them in our bucket-tipper bucket and we will shred them after the services.
Registration for UUCA Peace Camp has been phenomenal this year. Both weeks are full and we aren’t accepting new registrations; but we are recruiting volunteers. For more information, email [email protected], or [email protected] or call MJ Park at 240-838-4549.
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UUCA is Hiring!
UUCA is seeking a permanent Director of Music! Follow the link to learn more: Director of Music position description
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Upcoming Service: March 3, 2024
"We Come to Church to Cry"
Have you ever noticed someone crying in church? Have you been that person? Rev. Amanda explores what it means to be a place where we can bring our fullest, truest selves--including the messy parts--and why this just might be the most important way that church transforms the world.
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If you have personal news to share, such as births, graduations, special moments, or challenges, email [email protected].
Are You In Need of Support?
Pastoral Care Hotline: 571-277-4428 | [email protected]
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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"Our Stories, Our Lives" Feb. 27
Spend some time in lively story-telling and conversation as "Our Stories, Our Lives" continues on Tuesday, February 27 from 11:00 to 12:30. Our prompt is this: "Tell us about a song that brings back an interesting memory from your youth. (Define "youth" broadly!)" We had such a great time with this topic in January, there wasn't quite time for everyone to share--so we're repeating it this month. Expect exclamations, sweetness, and a few laughs. To join, use this Zoom link: https://uucava-org.zoom.us/j/86431166987?pwd=Q2VWazBQcnRVTzgvOEFibERHYXQ2dz09 . All are welcome. Jacomina de Regt and Diane Ullius facilitate.
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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.
The UUCA Nominating Committee will have a representative available between services through March 10. Let us know if you plan to attend, and if you are interested in being a delegate. Register Online at: https://www.uua.org/ga
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Looking for Handbell Ringers
Starting Sun., Mar. 10, 10:30-11:10, Music Room
We are re-launching our beginning/intermediate handbell ensemble, Crescendo, and are looking for new ringers! If you are interested in ringing, whether or not you have any music or handbell experience, you are welcome to join us. We will teach you all you need to know to get started. This group is open to anyone from Grade 4 through adult and our first session will be on Sunday, March 10th from 10:30 to 11:10 am in the Music Room which is directly across from the Youth Room on the lower level. If you are age 17 or younger please bring your parent/guardian with you. This is also an opportunity for a parent/guardian to ring with their young person. Future sessions will be scheduled on Sundays when the Junior Choir is not rehearsing.If you have any questions or want further information please contact Ken Bissell, director of Handbells, [email protected]; Cell: 703-622-2849.
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The Chalice Theatre Production of Seussical the Musical Opens March 1!
Beloved Dr. Seuss stories are brought to life in this high energy musical, including Horton the Elephant, the Circus McGurkus, McElligot's Pool, and of course, the Cat in the Hat!! Follow along as the Cat's mischief drives JoJo's imagination into improbable places with a dust-sized world, butter battles, and all the thinks you can think!! Tickets are at www.uucava.org/chalice-theatre
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Volunteer to Help Run Seussical!
We are looking for folks to serve as ushers, box office, manage concessions, and tend the wine bar (on select evenings) . Sign up soon, as slots will fill quickly! Sign up at: Seussical Front of House
Note: volunteering does not give admission to the show; if there is space, we try to fit you in, but your best bet is to buy a ticket!
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Kid Worship Spaces at UUCA
Sunday Services, Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall
Have you and your family had a chance to check out the Spirit Space found at the front of the Sanctuary? Come on over to find a calm spot with quiet activities for kids aged 5 and under.
We welcome littles and their families to use this quiet space during worship, and ask that you encourage your children to maintain a respectful volume level. We want the service to feel enjoyable and welcoming to all! In Fellowship Hall, there will be a corner set up with toys for kids and parents who need more movement space away from the service.
We invite you to participate in worship in whatever way serves you and your family!
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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Three Great Faith 360 Classes Starting Soon: Register Now!
These programs all start the beginning of March. See which one suits YOU!
Click here for full catalog and registration.
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Using the Enneagram for Personal Development
Finding out your enneagram type is just the beginning. This framework is a wonderful tool to guide personal development work. It unlocks hidden motivations and drivers of thoughts, feelings, and actions. Once these elements become more conscious, it is possible to break out of frustrating patterns. If you want a community to dig deeper into this work with the support of a trained facilitator, this small group is for you! This workshop is not designed for beginners. Participants need to have completed an Enneagram assessment and/or completed an introductory course as well as additional reading and self-guided study.
Led By: Emily Gilkinson
Meets: First and third Sundays: 3/3, 3/17, 4/7, 4/21, 5/5, 5/19
Time: 2-4 pm
In person
Chalice Theater Ministry: Panel Discussion / Show Enrichment
Join the director, D. Ohlandt, for one or two special panel discussions to explore some of the questions and issues the show raises.
Show Panel #1: Blended Families
In the show, a bird discovers she doesn't want to be a mother, and the baby ends up being adopted by an elephant. What are some of the joys and challenges of living in a family blended by race or genetics?
Sunday March 3, 12:45pm - 1:30pm (before the Sunday 2pm show)
Companioning Circle
In a small group, we are invited to share our rising responses to presented poetry, music, art, and stories. With permission, we ask contemplative questions of each other to help us to explore deeper, to discern our hidden truths. Advice is not sought nor given.
Led By: David McTaggart (Questions: [email protected])
Meets: 1st Wednesdays of the month starting March
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 pm
On Zoom
| Save the Date for the Spring Fling Dance! | |
Fri., Mar. 22, Evening at UUCA
Spark Connections! Boogie down to UUCA for a fun evening of dance and music on March 22! Slide into spring with friends and make some new ones too. An added twist will be activities to foster new friendships! All abilities welcome. More information to come.
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Report from Webinar Regarding Future of Democracy in Guatemala
Judge Miguel Gálvez, a high court judge, spoke to 145 attendees on the future of democracy in Guatemala at a webinar sponsored by Alianzas and the Guatemala Human Rights Commission on Feb. 13th. He addressed the hopes for the future of recently elected Pres. Arévalo as well as the power of corrupt elements in the government that have undermined democracy in the past. Partners of Alianzas, Juan de Dios from ADIVIMA and Michelle Liang from NISGUA, also spoke. To view a recording of the event, click HERE.
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More events listed below.
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Peace Camp Registration is Full
Volunteer and staff openings still available.
Registration for UUCA Peace Camp has been phenomenal this year. Both weeks are full.
We are currently recruiting staff and volunteers and we have plenty of options. You can teach peace to children by volunteering in the classroom. If you have a special peace-oriented skill, come for a day as a special guest. Or maybe you are hospitality oriented, come cook or just serve lunch. If you speak Spanish, come mornings/evenings to help with check-in/check-out. To learn more, talk to us at our table in Fellowship Hall after services.
Peace Camp offers a social emotional learning program for children ages 5-14 who come from UUCA and Community Partners. The camp runs from 9-3 daily and lunch is provided. Although we hate to turn away campers, we have to limit our numbers to maintain an effective program.
Peace Camp is a partnership between UUCA and LFFP (Little Friends for Peace). For more information, see https://www.lffp.org/peacecamp.html or Peace Camp Flyer Or email [email protected] or call MJ Park at 240-838-4549.
LFFP Peace Circles continue via Zoom
If you enjoyed LFFP’s Peace Circle during in the recent “Wanderings” service, consider joining our Wednesday Night Peace Circles at 7:30. Our Zoom link is Wed. Peace Circle at 7:30, ID: 863 717 5637, passcode: peace. Upcoming themes are:
Feb 21st - Art of Loving
Mar 6th - Art of Seeing others Deeply
Mar 20th - Art of Being Deeply Seen
And the 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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Cozy Reads Book Club
Next Meeting: Mar. 21, 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!
List of books for Sept. 2023-March, 2024 with book covers. Questions: [email protected]
African American Book Sharing Circle
Sat., March 15, 7:00 p.m., Zoom link: CLICK HERE
Information about March read coming soon!
For additional information, contact Pat Findikoglu (pfindikoglu@gmail. com) or Ann Ulmschneider ([email protected])
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American To 21st Century Black Women Writers
Wed., Feb. 21, 7-9pm on Zoom
Let’s focus on Anna Deavere Smith, a playwright, actress, and professor who has received twenty-five honorary degrees and a MacArthur Genius Grant. Widely recognized for work in live theatre as well as her television roles in The West Wing and Nurse Jackie, Smith creates theatre out of the headlines. No advance reading; Gay Gibson Cima is facilitating and will provide brief biographies and texts. All are welcome! Contact: [email protected].
Zoom link: https://uucava-org.zoom.us/j/86431166987?pwd=Q2VWazBQcnRVTzgvOEFibERHYXQ2dz09
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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 [email protected] or Gregg Forte at [email protected].
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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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