What’s happening at UUCF

Here are the events happening at UUCF in the coming week and beyond. Click on the event titles for more information. Click the links below to find other announcements on specific topics. Submit announcements to Communications Specialist Sarah Creel by Tuesday to be featured below, and in that week’s Thursday email and Sunday bulletin. Announcements are edited for brevity, clarity and style. To receive our Thursday email announcements, click here.

This week
Save the date/signups
Heads up
Children
Youth
Young adults
Volunteers needed

Social actions
Adult classes
Ongoing groups/meetings
Caring news
Kudos
From our friends

This week

Check out this week’s events on the scrolling calendar or get details in the list of this week’s events. To view the full calendar click here.

Click on each heading to see the full description and links.

UUCF Community Chorale

Rehearses most Thursdays, 7 p.m., Sanctuary. Check the calendar. Questions? Contact Laura Weiss. Open to high schoolers and adults. Drop-ins welcome. Performs two Sundays a month. This ensemble represents the deep spirit of community building at UUCF; no experience needed. Practice music and recordings are provided when possible.

Men's Fellowship Group

Thu., Apr. 18, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Meets the first and third Thursdays of the month. Accepting new members. Contact David Heagy. We offer a safe space for group members to be themselves and to discuss, in confidence, issues we face as men. Each member may determine the issues he wishes to discuss and whether he wants feedback from the group. We also discuss other topics of interest. Members are expected to attend regularly.

Full Growing Moon Circle

Thu., Apr. 18, 7:30 p.m., Memorial Grove. We gather under the April full moon to increase our awareness of ourselves as co-creators of our world. All women, cis, trans, gender non-binary, gender fluid folks who wish to honor the Divine Feminine within and beyond themselves are welcome! No need to bring anything but be prepared to be outdoors. Bring a portable chair if you need one; there are a few benches for seating.

Help tend UUCF campus grounds

Fri., Apr. 19, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Mon., Apr. 22, 1-3 p.m. Come either or both days. Meet at the Hunter Mill end of the parking lot. Bring water and work gloves. UUCF has tools. Questions? Contact Karen Grycewicz. The UUCF grounds are in bloom with redbud, Virginia bluebells, phlox, golden groundsel and more. Come help Karen Grycewicz and other volunteers plant more flowers to beautify our grounds. Canceled if heavy rain or thunderstorms.

Memoirs Writing Group

Fri., Apr. 19, 1:30-3 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Meets the first and third Fridays, unless otherwise noted. Questions? Contact Kristin Moyer. This group meets to encourage one another while sharing writing tips and the stories of their lives.

Racial Justice Steering Committee

Sat., Apr. 20, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Library. Meets the third Saturday of the month, unless otherwise noted. Contact RJSC co-chairs Kaye Cook or Sharon Johnson. Through education, service, advocacy and witness, the Racial Justice Steering Committee (RJSC) - a subgroup of the UUCF Social Justice Council - is dedicated to identifying and alleviating the root causes and effects of racial injustice and racial discrimination. Find out about the group's Second Principle Project and other ways the RJSC is working toward these goals at uucf.org/racial-justice.

Easter requests

On Apr. 21, Easter Sunday, we'll celebrate with a Flower Communion and Easter activities for young people. Everyone is invited to bring flowers for the flower communion and a dozen hard-boiled eggs, colored or plain, to be used to make the traditional egg salad sandwiches. (No plastic eggs, please.)

"Voices" concert for racial justice

Sat., Apr. 27, 7 p.m., Sanctuary. Advance tickets will be available for sale in the Commons after Sunday services on Apr. 21. Tickets: $10/person, $25/families of three or more. Buy tickets here. Reception follows the concert. Sponsored by UUCF’s Racial Justice Steering Committee and UUCF Music & Arts. This collaborative concert features: UUCF Community Chorale, Mosaic Harmony, Temple Rodef Shalom choir and Congregation Olam Tikvah choir. Join us for a reception after the concert. Proceeds benefit The Promise and the Practice Campaign for Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU). More information on BLUU here. Can't attend? Please make a donation here.

Reduce your carbon footprint

Sun., Apr. 21, 10:15 a.m. & 12:15 p.m., Commons. Play the Carbon Footprint Game! We're focusing on home energy use, which equals 16 tons of carbon emissions per person each year! We will suggest specific ways to cut your carbon footprint - some save money, some cost money - but they all cut carbon. Join UUCF's Climate Action Group in covering the large black Carbon Footprint with stickers showing our commitment to carbon-saving activities. Televisions, radios, computers, clocks, computers and game consoles consume power even when they're turned off! Stop by the Commons table after services for the list of carbon-saving activities and the stickers.

No SR&R Apr. 21

Science, Reason & Religion will not meet Sun., Apr. 21. The next session will be Sun., Apr. 28.

Gentle Yoga

Tue., Apr. 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28, 6:30-7:30 a.m., Chapel. Led by Ravi Kaur (Christine Mason), cmason@edimprovement.org. Drop-ins welcome. This course is designed for UUCF and includes stretching, Kundalini yoga sets, relaxation and meditation. Ravi has taught yoga at UUCF since 2001. Dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat and water bottle.

UUCF Revolution Ringers handbells

Grade 7-adult. Meets most Tuesdays, 7-8 p.m., Music & Arts Room. Check the calendar. Questions? Contact Assistant Director Gina King. Drop-ins welcome. No musical experience needed. This handbell ensemble performs in worship throughout the year and attends area-wide performances. Perfect for families to do together!

Blessed Beltane: A Ritual of Balance

Sat., Apr. 27, 4:30 p.m., Memorial Grove (Social Hall in bad weather). All genders welcome, ages 16 and up. We will honor and celebrate the divine balance of both the sacred feminine and the sacred masculine within us all. Bring your own sacred chalice for drinking (it will be blessed on the altar). This can be as simple as your favorite coffee mug or as elaborate as you wish. Please bring fresh flowers for the altar (these will be gifted to Mother Goddess and Father God after the ritual). Questions? Contact Misti McCloud or Janet Cushing.

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Save the date/sign-ups

Click on each heading to see the full description and links.

Membership sign-up

Sun., Apr. 28, 10:15 a.m. & 12:15 p.m., Sanctuary Commons. No RSVP necessary. Questions? Contact Mary Foster. UUCF will offer an informal membership sign-up intended for folks who have already attended a Newcomers Orientation or for longtime UUs who understand the workings of the congregation.

Food, beverage, logistics volunteers needed for Pippin Whitaker’s ordination

Sun., Apr. 28, 5 p.m., Sanctuary. Reception to follow in the Chapel. Apr. 20 is the deadline for all the sign-ups. Sign up here to bring food or here to volunteer at the event. All are invited to attend Pippin Whitaker's ordination. Pippin is honored to be ordained at UUCF and excited to celebrate this momentous occasion with you! Would you like to help make this ordination possible? Contribute to the GoFundMe (or write a check to UUCF with "Ordination" in the memo line). Be sure to RSVP for child care (especially) and to attend.

Save gently used items for the UUCF Social Justice Yard Sale

Sat., May 4, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., various campus locations. Find information about acceptable donations in the Commons after services and online. Please note: In the furniture category, we are only accepting small pieces. Drop-off days are Wed.-Thu., May 1-2, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Fri., May 3, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Sign up to volunteer May 1-4. Questions? Email uucfyardsale@gmail.com.

Concert benefiting victims of gun violence

Sat., May 4, 7-8:30 p.m., UU Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington. Tickets: $10/person. Buy tickets here. Proceeds benefit victims of gun violence. The UUCF Community Chorale will perform Gabriel Fauré's "Requiem" with the All Souls UU and Arlington UU choirs. Temple Rodef Shalom’s children’s choir will open the concert. The event, with full orchestra, welcomes soloists Jim Shaffran and Sara Woodward.

Spring blood drive

Sun., May 5, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Bloodmobile. Registration will be held in the Music & Arts Room. Did you know that each donation can help save up to three lives and that donating is easy and safe? Did you know that our area has a chronic shortage of blood and that most healthy people are eligible to donate? Did you know that donating can actually be fun in a loving a caring community setting such as UUCF? Thank you in advance for helping us to save lives! Three ways to sign up: Go to the INOVA website where you can lock in your favorite time slot. You can see open slots and schedule your appointment. If the page asks for a “Sponsor code,” use 0686 (the leading zero is important). Note: You will have to “sign-in” – in many cases you already have a donor ID (and your password will be your birth date if you’ve never set it before). There are links on the sign-in page that will allow you to discover if you already exist in the INOVA web database (see “I forgot my Donor ID”). Email Ken Foley at BloodDriveUUCF@gmail.com or call him at 703-242-0258, and give three possible time slots, indicating your first, second and third choices. Ken will register you and send you an email confirmation. Sign up at the table in the Commons after services.

Child dedications

Sun., May 5, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m. (during worship services), Sanctuary. Questions? Contact Diana Tycer. To have your child or children dedicated by the congregation, please complete the online form by 12 p.m., Wed., May 1.

Newcomers/visitors reception

Sun., May 5, 10:15 a.m. & 12:15 p.m., far end of the Sanctuary Commons. If you're new to UUCF, join us for coffee and conversation.

UU Common Read discussion

Sat., May 11, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Join us to discuss the 2018-19 UU Common Read, "Justice on Earth: People of Faith Working at the Intersections of Race, Class and Environment," edited by Manish Mishra-Marzetti and Jennifer Nordstrom (Skinner House Books, 2018). Facilitated by Jean Wright and Susan Bennett. Book is available to order from the UUA Bookstore, InSpirit. Feel free to join us even if you haven’t read the book! No pre-registration required.

"Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch" documentary

Final segment in a three-part series of film screenings that elaborate on some of the solutions presented in the Drawdown workshop. Fri., May 31, snacks at 6:30 p.m., followed by film screening and discussion beginning at 7 p.m., Chapel. Email Loretta Rowe to RSVP. The UUCF Climate Action Group will screen “Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch," an independent documentary that chronicles Angela Sun's personal journey of discovery to one of the most remote places on Earth, Midway Atoll, to uncover the truth behind the mystery of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Along the way she encounters scientists, celebrities, legislators and activists who shed light on what our society's vast consumption of disposable plastic is doing to our oceans - and what it may be doing to our health. All are invited. Watch the trailer here.

Central East Region Summer Institute

Sun, Jul. 7-Sat., Jul. 13, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH. Learn more and register now at cersiuu.org. Initial 50% deposit is due by May 15 (scholarship applicants don't pay a deposit). Remaining fee is due when you arrive in July. Join us for this week of intergenerational and intentional spiritual community! Don't miss Dr. Ysaye M. Barnwell and all the fabulous Summer Institute workshops.

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Heads up

Click on each heading to see the full description and links.

Share the Plate

The April Share the Plate recipient is Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions, which unites people of faith to develop local solutions to the climate crisis.

CAG plastic bag-recycling campaign

Apr. 16: Bags from mulch, potting soil, etc., are accepted but only if they have been turned inside out, washed and dried, and are clean inside and out. In general, frozen food bags are accepted but not the steamable kind. If the bag is acceptable, when stretched, you should see a thumbprint remaining if you press on it. Apr. 9 update: We're over 500 pounds! The UUCF Climate Action Group's plastic bag recycling program reached its 500 pound goal on Sunday. The program will end on May 31 with the showing of the documentary "Plastic Paradise" at UUCF. Mar. 26 update: The UUCF Climate Action Group has collected 407.89 pounds of plastic bags and other materials, almost 82% of its goal. Mar. 12 update: The UUCF Climate Action Group has collected 323.66 pounds of plastic bags and other materials, about 64.7% of its goal. Feb. 24 update: The UUCF Climate Action Group has collected 243.45 pounds of plastic bags and other materials, about 48.7% of its goal. Jan. 29 update: So far the UUCF Climate Action Group has collected 108.79 pounds or 21.8% of its goal. The campaign will continue for several months. Congregants are asked to check the website announcement or fliers around campus for help in determining which items are being accepted. Want to help prevent plastic bags and other plastic materials from ending up in our oceans, landfills and in the stomachs of our wildlife? The UUCF Climate Action Group (CAG) has launched a campaign to send these items to Trex, a composite decking company. Please start saving the following items and bring them to UUCF to deposit into the marked receptacle in the Commons. Visit the Commons table after services to learn more about this campaign. Questions? Contact Loretta Rowe. Trex accepts the following high-density and low-density polyethylene (HDPE and LDPE) plastics that are clean, dry and free of any food residue: Pallet wrap and stretch film Bread bags Dry cleaning bags Wood pellet bags Bubble wrap and air pillows used in packaging Dry cereal bags Re-closable food storage bags Plastic grocery bags Case overwrap Newspaper sleeves Ice bags Produce bags Salt bags Please do not include any materials that are collected by regular residential recycling programs. To tell if a plastic is HDPE or LDPE: Check to see if the packaging is labeled with a 2 or a 4. If so, it can be collected at UUCF unless it is rigid plastic. See if the packaging will stretch when you pull it. If you can, it is accepted at UUCF collection points. If the packaging is shiny or makes crinkling or crunching sound when you squeeze it, it cannot be collected at UUCF.

General Assembly 2019

The Unitarian Universalist Association's annual General Assembly will be held Jun. 19-23 in Spokane, WA. UUCF still has slots available for both on-site and off-site (stay at home!) delegates. If interested, complete an application. Questions? Contact Mark Magee or Mary Butler.

Help maintain the safety and energy efficiency of the UUCF campus

Please remember to turn off the lights and lock the doors upon exiting UUCF buildings after late afternoon or evening meetings. Thank you for your cooperation.

Composting survey

UUCF’s Climate Action Group is conducting a six-question survey about setting up a Congregational Compost Collective. We have had good success at UUCF promoting recycling and reduced use of single-use plastics. Please complete the survey to help the group assess interest in setting up a collection point at UUCF for food and other organic waste from home that is not otherwise recyclable. A commercial outfit would collect the waste once a week to compost it for use in gardens and on lawns.

Rev. Lara Fuchs named new assistant minister

Apr. 17, 2019. The UUCF Assistant Minister Search Team and Board of Directors are thrilled to announce the selection of our new Assistant Minister for Congregational Life Rev. Lara Fuchs. Rev. Lara lives in Switzerland and is a European consulting minister serving numerous UU congregations throughout Europe. She completed her intern ministry at the Unitarian Church in Westport, CT. Rev. Lara is an ordained minister in preliminary fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), and has a masters of divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School. Before becoming a UU minister, she had a career in nursing. Rev. Lara grew up in Canada and her mother was also a UU minister. The timing of Rev. Sarah Caine's departure and Rev. Lara's arrival is still being determined. The search team will now complete the process of securing Rev. Lara a visa to work as a minister in the U.S. The process is expected to take anywhere from 3 to 6 months. We will keep the congregation informed as the process progresses.

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Children

Click on each heading to see the full description and links.

Singing children needed for Merry Makers

Most Sundays, 10:30-11 a.m., Chapel. Register here. Contact Mary Gaskins for more information. Merry Makers, UUCF's children's choir, Kindergarten-Grade 4, is back in session. New members are always welcome.

Young Arts & Spiritual Development

Most Sundays, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Chapel. Registration required. Contact Mary Gaskins for more information. Young Arts & Spiritual Development (YASD) is an arts ensemble for children in Grades 4-8 that explores music, theater and visual arts as part of our spiritual lives. YASD may serve as a substitute for traditional Religious Exploration classes.

PlaygroUUp

For all families with an infant or child to age 5 and their siblings, PlaygroUUp is on hiatus this month. Looking for new families to join for fun and fellowship. Contact Leah Ruffner.

Child dedications

Be Someone's Star!

Do you remember who guided you on your life's journey? Which adults lit your path, radiated love, acceptance and encouraged you to become your best? We never forget those special people because they made a difference for us. Is it time for you to be that star for someone else? UUCF has roughly 300 children and youth in our Religious Exploration program - can you be a star for one of them? We are looking for caring, fun-loving and kind adults (age 21 and over) to join an RE teaching team and share their interests, gifts and love with a group of RE children or youth. We have teaching slots available at all grade levels. Stop by the Commons after Sunday services to learn more or go to the 2019-2020 RE Teacher Sign-up to join a team for next year.

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Youth

Click on each heading to see the full description and links.

High School teens needed to help with child care

We need a new cohort of teens to assist with child care during worship services and special events. We offer child care up to age 3 in our Sanctuary Nursery. High School teens may work for wages or volunteer for service hours. We also need teens to help with child care for various UUCF events and meetings. Training is provided. Adults are always present to supervise. Interested? Contact Tasha Jackson.

Young Arts & Spiritual Development

Youth-Adult Committee meeting

Tue., Apr. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg. (Note: Date change due to FCPS spring break.) Questions? Contact Courtney Firth. Open to all youth and youth advisors.

Be Someone's Star!

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Young adults

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Young Adult brunch

Sun., May 5, 12:30-2 p.m., gather in the Sanctuary Building lobby. Open to all young adults (ages 18-35) from inside and outside UUCF and their children. Brunches held the first Sunday, unless otherwise noted. Questions? Contact Pippin Whitaker. Join the YAF Facebook page for more updates and connection. Join the Young Adult Fellowship group for brunch and conversation.

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Volunteers needed

Click on each heading to see the full description and links.

High School teens needed to help with child care

FACETS Hot Meals food donations, preparation and delivery

Sat., Apr. 27, 9-11 a.m., Sanctuary Kitchen & Commons. Sun., Apr. 28, 6:30-8:30 a.m., Sanctuary Kitchen and deliveries in the community. Sign up to help. Questions or to be added to the UUCF Hot Meals volunteer list, contact co-chair Scott Lundgren, 703-789-2412. UUCF youth and adult volunteers donate and prepare (Saturday) and reheat and deliver (Sunday) 60-80 hot breakfasts to homeless clients on a bimonthly basis.

UUCFers needed to support Cedar Lane UU's Sanctuary resident

Sat., Apr. 27, 9-11 a.m. (sign-in and refreshments begin at 8:30), and Tue., Apr. 30, 7-9 p.m. (sign-in and refreshments begin at 6:30), Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church (training in the Chalice House), 9601 Cedar Ln., Bethesda, MD. Register here for one training session or the other. Training sponsored by the DMV Sanctuary Congregation Network. Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church has provided physical Sanctuary for Rosa Gutierrez Lopez since Dec. 10, 2018. We're confident in the protocols we have put in place and are ready to accept all your offers to provide volunteer support to Rosa in Sanctuary for as long as she needs it. To this end, Cedar Lane is offering training for those wanting to be part of the community supporting Rosa. It will take about 275 volunteers monthly working in shifts to sustain this effort. Opportunities for many different types of participation. Spanish speakers are encouraged to participate. Cedar Lane will conduct background checks for each volunteer before they can serve.

Volunteers needed to support "Voices" concert

UUCF Music & Arts needs volunteers to support the Apr. 27 "Voices" concert benefitting Black Lives UU. We need ushers, ticket sellers, reception volunteers and food and drink donations. Sign up to volunteer. Sign up to donate food and drink. Questions? Contact Susan Bennett.

Food, beverage, logistics volunteers needed for Pippin Whitaker’s ordination

Yard Sale has urgent need for volunteers

The UUCF Social Justice Yard Sale has an urgent need for volunteers, especially Fri., May 3, 4-8 p.m., and Sat., May 4, in the morning. Please sign up in the Commons after services or online here. Questions? Contact Joanna Walker. Information about accepted donations is here.

Spring blood drive

Holocaust memorial-themed May Vespers needs planners

A Holocaust memorial-themed Vespers will be held Fri., May 10. Anyone interested in helping to plan this event, please contact Albert Nekimken, 703-587-0751.

Be Someone's Star!

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Social actions

Click on each heading to see the full description and links.

UUCFers needed to support Cedar Lane UU's Sanctuary resident

Ending gun violence vigil

Tue., May 14, 10-11 a.m., National Rifle Association headquarters, 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax. Contact Bob Hatfield. Signs provided. Park on Fairfax Ridge Road. Vigils are held at the NRA the 14th of each month in memory of the victims of Sandy Hook, Dec. 14, 2012, as a public reminder that the American people want safe and sane gun laws.

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Adult classes

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Overcoming Polarization With Controversy Modeling

Mon., Apr. 22, 7-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. (Class started Mar. 11.) Led by Terry Steichen. Register online, email ap@uucf.org or stop by the Adult Programs table in the Commons after services. Controversy modeling (CM) is a technique to address "wicked problems" (meaning resistant to resolution rather than evil). These are special problems for which it's hard to define what a solution might be. Wicked problems usually involve multiple dimensions and multiple, competing stakeholders. CM helps users better understand complicated issues that swirl around us - abortion, climate change, gun violence, globalization, LGBTQ rights, health care, etc. The CM process eliminates any built-in bias and helps people develop their own informed views. The class will focus on reducing polarization and explore the conceptual basis and applications of CM, as well as demonstrating a free online tool that can assist in personal exploration and in conducting structured group discussions.

Whiteness in America: A Discussion

Mon., Apr. 22, 7-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. (Class started Mar. 18.) Led by Mary Butler. Register online, email ap@uucf.org or stop by the Adult Programs table in the Commons after services. It is difficult to take apart structures of racial oppression without considering the nature of “whiteness.” We seldom think of “white” as a racial category, even when we check the box on census forms. Yet until people of all races can understand the meaning of “whiteness,” white people are limited in the role they can take in resisting racial injustice. Whiteness is painful to contemplate, especially for white “liberals.” We have been part of the fight for civil rights for African Americans. We have hired Asians and lobbied for immigration reform. We have married Latinos. We have worked for social justice in many ways. What do you mean, we’re racist?! This three-session encounter will delve into the experience of being white and the blindness that comes from never experiencing “race” from the inside. What is our experience with being white and how does it create a barrier to understanding the lives of people of color?

Next Chapter: How to Retire Wild, Happy and Free the UUCF Way

Tue., Apr. 23, 30, May 14, 28, Jun. 11 & 25, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg. (Note: Class is starting one week later than originally advertised.) Led by Craig Clark. Register online, email ap@uucf.org or stop by the Adult Programs table in the Commons after services. Retirement is a familiar term, but perhaps the “next chapter” of your successful, gratifying and meaningful life is a better way to describe retirement. The class will focus on how we can make our next chapter the one we want it to be. In addition to learning from each other, we will learn from people who have written on this topic. Regardless of your age, the next chapter is here, or it’s coming, so why not plan for it and make it the chapter you and your loved ones want.

Righteous Minds Trying to Understand Other Political Tribes

Wed., Apr. 24, 7-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. (Class started Mar. 20.) Led by Bill Roos. Learn more about this class. Register online, email ap@uucf.org or stop by the Adult Programs table in the Commons after services. Inspired by Jonathan Haidt's book "The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion" and other authors, this class will look at people from diverse political and cultural backgrounds and try to better understand one another’s values and beliefs – and possibly even find areas of agreement across the usual political and cultural boundaries.

UU 101: History and Theology

Wed., Apr. 24, 7-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Led by Rev. David A. Miller. Register online, email ap@uucf.org or stop by the Adult Programs table in the Commons after services. 2000 years of UU history in 2 hours.

Card Making, Scrapbooking and Paper Arts

Sun., Apr. 28, 1-2:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Led by Kim Condas. Register online, email ap@uucf.org or stop by the Adult Programs table in the Commons after services. Join Kim to indulge your love of paper arts. Kim will have a card project or bring your own card or scrapbook project and craft in community with others.

UUA online leadership classes

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) has put together four UUA-staff-led, online, on-demand courses for congregational leaders to explore. These courses provide an accessible, interesting foundation to UU leadership by teaching about some of the whys and hows of our faith. Registration is open for spring classes, which begin Jan. 25. Deeper than a single webinar or workshop, the UU Leadership Institute offers core leadership courses online with on-demand materials. They are perfect for the congregation who wants to learn together at an affordable cost - only $30 per course per semester. For more information contact info@uuinstitute.org.

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Ongoing groups/meetings

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Climate Action Group

Wed., May 1, 7:30-9 p.m., via Zoom only. Contact Eric Goplerud. Everyone welcome.

NAMI family support meeting

Thu., May 2, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Meets each first Thursday, unless otherwise noted. Contact Joanna Walker. Support meeting for families with a loved one suffering from mental illness.

Young Adult brunch

Partner Church Circle

Sun., May 5, 12:30-2 p.m., Library. Contact Dick Van Duizend.

Small Things in Life Group

Tue., May 7, 1-3 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Meets the first Tuesday through June. Questions? Contact Ann King. Back by popular demand! Small Things in Life is a group that shares interest in health, food, gardening, downsizing (practical and emotional aspects), natural cleaning supplies, environmental friendliness, living simply - to name a few! Come once, twice or to all our meetings. We exchange information and experience, investigate questions and have lots of fun!

Needlework Group

Tue., May 7, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Meets the first Tuesday from 7:30-9 p.m. and the third Thursday from 2:30-4 p.m. Contact Mary Paxton. No registration required; just show up. This group welcomes all parties interested in schmoozing over needlework or other portable projects. There is no formal instructor, but participants assist each other (including beginners) in mastering new techniques and planning future projects, while they get to know each other better. To accommodate all who may be interested, those available meet twice a month, once during the day and once in the evening.

Poetry Club

Sun., May 12, 4-6 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Meets the second Sunday of the month, unless otherwise noted. Contact Barb Dutchak. This open, drop-in group meets monthly for fellowship and conversation as we explore the meaning and artistry of poetry we share from our personal, wide-ranging reading. We value the depth and dimension that fine poetry brings to our lives. Though participants may occasionally share a personal work, this is not a writing workshop.

Monday Night Book Club

May 13, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Meets the second Monday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Contact Don Andress. Group will discuss "The Line Becomes a River: Dispatches From the Border" by Francisco Cantú.

Living Consciously

Mon., May 27 and Jun. 10, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. No registration required; just show up. Led by Zim Putney. Eckhart Tolle says we are only truly alive in this moment. In this class we strive to be more present and self-aware now, following the voice of our deepest inner resources: our intelligence, emotions, feelings and values. We apply the wisdom of Jack Kornfield's book “The Wise Heart,” as well as teachings of Tara Brach and others. We practice mindfulness in each meeting through reading (mind), movement (body) and meditation (spirit) and the shared wisdom of others in the class.

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Caring news

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Condolences

Condolences to Jean Wright on the recent death of her mother, Donna Mae Pettry-Kyle.

Condolences

Condolences to Arlene Wilder and her husband Rick on the recent death of Arlene's brother, Burt Sachs.

Congregational death

UUCF member Katherine H. (Kat) Tynberg has died at age 70. She worked in public relations and communications, and was an avid swing dancer. Friends are planning an informal gathering tentatively scheduled for Sat., Apr. 27, at 12 p.m. To be kept in the loop about the gathering details, please email missingkat@runbox.com.

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Kudos

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Partner Church awards

Congratulations to Betsy Bicknell, Dick Van Duizend and Sharon Van Duizend who have been selected to receive the Steward of Partnership awards from the UU Partner Church Council at the Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly in June. The three were recognized for their many years of leadership in the UU Partner Church program, for championing international UU church partnerships and developing and maintaining partnerships in Transylvania and India.

From our friends

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UUCA seeks music director

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (UUCA) seeks a director of music ministries. If interested, please submit a letter of interest and resume to Rev. Terasa Cooley, interim senior minister. More information can be found here.

Gay Men's Chorus of Washington Rock Creek Singers

Sat., Apr. 27, 7 p.m. (reception with drinks and hors'doeuvres at 6), UU Congregation of Sterling, 22135 Davis Dr., Suite 104, Sterling, VA. Join the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Sterling and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC’s Rock Creek Singers for an evening of music and fun to benefit Equality Virginia. You’ll be treated to the sounds of a world-renowned chorus, providing a diversity of music styles. Equality Virginian believes in a truly inclusive Commonwealth where all are equally valued, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and a Virginia that is a safe, welcoming and equal place for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and their families to live, work and play. Tickets are $15 and will be sold at the door just before the event.

Fairfax Interfaith Friendship Walk

Sun., Apr. 28, 2-5 p.m., starts at Fairfax United Methodist Church, 10300 Stratford Ave., Fairfax. Register here to ensure you receive any updates regarding the route. More information here. Questions? Email info@rumiforum.org or call 202-429-1690. Join the Rumi Forum and others for the Fairfax Interfaith Friendship Walk, which aims to bring faith communities together to appreciate each other and feel part of the same whole despite our differences. The walk will start at Fairfax United Methodist Church and visit the Christian Science Church, Daniels Run Peace Church, Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia, Truro Anglican Church, Fairfax Presbyterian Church, Fairfax Baptist Church and end at Christ Lutheran Church. At each stop, the group will spend 5 minutes learning about that faith tradition.

WES seeks membership coordinator

The Washington Ethical Society (WES) is seeking a half-time membership coordinator. Job description and link to application here. Deadline: Apr. 30.

UU Reston hosts energy efficiency workshop

Sun., May 5, 11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston (UUCR), 1625 Wiehle Ave., Reston, VA. Learn more and RSVP by Mon., Apr. 29. The workshop, led by Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions (FACS), will focus on how to make our homes more comfortable while reducing climate pollution and saving money on energy bills. Open to age 13 and up, this free workshop will review where our energy comes from and why it matters. Participants of all skill levels will be taught how to perform simple upgrades to conserve energy and water. Hosted by UUCR's Social Action & Justice Committee. Questions? Contact Jackie Grogan. FACS is a faith-based, interdenominational, non-partisan organization engaged in advocacy and education in Fairfax County. FACS helps people of faith develop local solutions to the climate crisis. They empower and unite neighbors of all faiths to achieve real climate solutions right now.

Western Fairfax PFLAG and FLY

Tue., May 7, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. PFLAG is a support group for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and FLY is a support/social group for LGBTQ youth and allies ages 12 (with parental permission) to 19. FLY also holds teen lounges on the third Friday of each month. Email PFLAG or visit FLY's Facebook page for time and place.

SCOV Caregivers Support Group

Thu., May 9, 10-11:30 a.m., Prog. Bldg. For caregivers to adult family members with dementia. Meets the first and third Thursdays of the month. Free. Hosted by Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna. Click here for flier. Contact facilitator Jack Tarr, 703-821-6838.

Bobby Jo Valentine concert

Sat., May 11, 8 p.m., Christ Congregational Church of Silver Spring, 9525 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, MD. Bobby Jo Valentine is a multi-faceted songwriter and storyteller who grew up on the seaside of Northern California. His songs are both earthbound and mystical, and speak of the gentle, everyday spiritual awakenings of an openhearted life. He’s given a Ted Talk, been awarded the West Coast Songwriter's Association Song of the Year three times, is an out gay advocate for equal rights for all, and has performed thousands of times around the globe. His compelling, poetic storytelling and songs have built a growing following of listeners and supporters. Recently, Bobby Jo performed with the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus to benefit victims of California's recent wildfires (which also impacted him personally). Buy tickets before they sell out! Listen to a couple of Bobby Jo's songs here: “Wild Heart” “Fly” Learn more about him here.

Saturday morning yoga

Sat., Apr. 13, 20, 27, May 11, 18, 25, Jun. 1, 8, 9:30-11 a.m., Prog. Bldg. Contact Ravi Kaur (Chris Mason), 571-213-3192, to register or for more information. Ten sessions: $110. Sign up for four or more classes at $11/session. Drop-in rate: $15/session. Senior discounts available. Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan. Sessions include yoga sets, breathing, stretching and meditation. Increase your flexibility, relax and be energized.

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