What’s happening at UUCF

Here’s what’s going on at UUCF in the coming week and beyond. Click on the event titles for more information. Click any of these tabs to find other announcements or activities. To receive our Thursday email announcements, click here.

This week
Heads up
Children
Youth
Volunteers needed
Social actions

Save the date/signups
Adult classes
Ongoing meetings
Caring news
Kudos
From our friends

This week

Fall equinox gathering

Seeing in the Dark, Finding Your Own Vision. Fri., Sep. 22, 7:30 p.m., UUCF Memorial Grove (Chapel if inclement weather). All humans welcome, middle school and up. Bring your friends. Hosted by UUCF Women's Ritual Council.

Newcomers orientation

Sat., Sep. 23, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Library. If you're able to stay, we'll have lunch from 12-1 p.m. Register with Mary Foster. To register for child care, email childcare@uucf.org by Sep. 20. Orientation for those interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism and UUCF. Session intended for people who are new to our community and wish to explore whether this is the right place for them and for those interested in learning more about the work of our congregation and how to get involved.

Wellspring retreat

Sat., Sep. 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Prog. Bldg. RSVP to Linnea Nelson to reserve one of the last slots in this year's Wellspring session. Retreat for participants in the Wellspring class meeting the first and third Fridays of the month from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Oct. 6, 2017, through Jun. 1, 2018.

Adult Programs fall session

The UUCF Adult Programs fall session has started. The online catalog is available here or pick up a printed copy at the table in the Commons after the service. Classes are also posted here; click individual class name to find link to register for that class. Or email ap@uucf.org or sign up at the table in the Commons. Be sure to check out our exciting and informative fall session.

Equality UUCF

Mon., Sep. 25, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Meets the fourth Monday of the month, unless otherwise noted. All are welcome. Questions? Email equality@uucf.org. We welcome newcomers to join us in our work of promoting a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ people at UUCF and beyond. Through advocacy, promoting education and awareness working with partners in the community, we seek to ensure equality for all!

Federal employees meeting

Mon., Sep. 25, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Contact Rama Kotra. All federal employees are welcome.

Women's Personal Growth Group

Tue., Sep. 26, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Contact Connie Drapeau. Meets monthly to share issues of personal concern. All are welcome.

Service of remembrance for victims of suicide

First Annual Northern Virginia Interfaith Service of Remembrance for Victims of Suicide. Wed., Sep. 27, 7 p.m., Chapel. For more information, email info@mccnova.com. A time to gather as a community to remember, grieve and raise awareness about suicide prevention. Sponsored by UUCF, Unity of Fairfax, Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia, People of Faith for Equality - Northern Virginia Network, Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia and the Transgender Education Association of Greater Washington.

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Heads up

Share the Plate

The September Share the Plate recipient is the Northern Virginia Mental Health Foundation, which provides grants for holistic mental health treatments to NOVA residents and works to raise public awareness and acceptance of mental health issues.

Volunteering in Houston and other hurricane-ravaged areas

Many people have asked UUCF staff about forming a group of rebuilding volunteers. The Unitarian Universalist Association and the UU Service Committee (UUSC) are forming partnerships with local charities and assessing ways to help poor and marginalized populations traditionally most vulnerable in these tragedies. Once they form those partnerships and a volunteer infrastructure, UUCF will communicate about how to get involved. In the meantime, here are ways to help now. You can also state your intention to help by filling out this UUSC volunteer form.

Endowment Fund Committee accepting grants

The Endowment Fund Committee is accepting applications for grants to fund projects that support UUCF or the broader community. Priority is given to requests that best reflect UUCF's strategic goals and strategies. For example, in recent years, grants have been made to purchase new pulpit furniture, refurbish the room formerly known as the Bride's Room to showcase artifacts from our partner churches, support Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions community outreach and support youth attendance at General Assembly. For more information about the grant request process, click here or contact Steve Gold. For a grant request form, click here. Deadline for submitting applications is Oct. 17.

Ongoing support for hurricane victims

Over the next several weeks, we'll have a special collection basket in the Commons on Sunday mornings for donations to benefit victims of the recent hurricanes. These collections will be administered by the Unitarian Universalist Association and UU Service Committee (UUA/UUSC) and will benefit either local non-profits serving marginalized groups or UU congregations and their members hit hard by the storms. For more information on the Harvey fund, click here. Information on the Irma fund is here.

Share the Plate nominations

Contact Wini Atlas. The Social Justice Council invites any UUCF member to nominate an organization to become a Share the Plate recipient for one month in 2018. Organizations must be not-for-profit and working to dismantle systemic oppression. Full details and links to the process and application can be found here. Application deadline is Oct. 6. Follow-up interviews for those organizations selected for consideration will be scheduled in late October or early November.

Artemis - Women's Spirit Circle seeks new members

To learn more and possibly join, contact Lisa Carroll. The Artemis Circle meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. The spirit circle is not a support group but a meeting of women who are supportive and respectful of each other, through structured sharing. Next meeting is Oct. 12 in the Program Building.

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Children

Diana Tycer to serve as Interim DRE

On Sep. 20, UUCF will welcome Diana Tycer as the new Interim Director of Religious Exploration (DRE). Diana has graciously agreed to serve in this position until Jun. 30, 2018. The congregation will conduct a formal DRE search next spring. Diana will spend about a week working with outgoing DRE Linnea Nelson before she leaves on Oct. 1. Diana has been a UUCF member since 2009. She currently serves on the Religious Exploration (RE) Committee and has volunteered as an RE teacher for many different grade levels. She is a trained OWL (Our Whole Lives sexuality education) facilitator and has taught 8th grade OWL at UUCF for 3 years. Diana has more than 15 years experience administering programs in non-profit organizations, including Big Brother Big Sisters, Head Start and the National Senior Citizens Education and Research Center. She has a strong background in volunteer recruitment, program management and partnership development. Her volunteer activities outside of UUCF include leadership roles in PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Oakton High School Band Boosters. She lives in Herndon with her family and pets.

Merry Makers rehearsal

Sun., Sep. 24, 10:30-11:15 a.m., Chapel. Contact Children's Music Director Mary Gaskins. Sign up here or on Sunday mornings. Merry Makers, UUCF's Kindergarten-Grade 5 singers, will sing during services about five times a year. All are welcome; no experience necessary.

RE family potluck

Sun., Sep. 24, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Meets the fourth Sunday of each month, unless otherwise noted. All UUCF RE families welcome. Contact Laura Higgins or Matt Higgins at higfamily7@gmail.com, 571-314-0851.

PlaygroUUp

Tue., Oct. 3, 10-11:30 a.m., Prog. Bldg. Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise noted. For all families with an infant or child to age 5 and their siblings. Contact Erin Gross.

Gleaning (aka picking produce)

Sat., Oct. 21, 9 a.m., at a farm in Winchester, VA. Sign up here. Contact Blake Simpkins, 202-374-1303. Bring the family out to glean and work on a farm, support locals in need and teach kids about the origin of their food to benefit the Arlington Food Assistance Center. Note: If you carpool, complete the UUCF driver/chaperone form a week in advance (unless we already have it on file) and the UUCF permission form for children traveling in the car.

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Youth

Diana Tycer to serve as Interim DRE

Grade 8 OWL parent orientation

Sun., Sep. 24, 3-5 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Questions? Contact Linnea Nelson. Please RSVP to Melissa Campos-Poehnert. Our Whole Lives (OWL) is the Grade 8 curriculum. If you missed the Aug. 23 orientation, please plan to attend this session. Parents and guardians only; youth do not attend.

RE family potluck

Massadoah House camping

Sat., Sep. 30, meet at UUCF at 10 a.m., group will return Sun., Oct. 1, in time to attend Linnea Nelson's last service at 11:15 a.m. Fill out the permission form and hand it in by Sun., Sep. 24. Sign up here to bring dinner and breakfast items. High School youth are invited to Massadoah House for an overnight luxury camping.

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Volunteers needed

Hymn leaders needed

Contact Laura Weiss. UUCF's music program needs people to lead hymns as a vocalist at the 9:15 a.m. service. If a busy schedule has prevented you from joining a music ensemble, this is a great way to participate musically in worship. A brief rehearsal will take place before the service and you will get the music in advance.

Social Justice Council seeks new members

Contact Wini Atlas. The Social Justice Council (SJC) is seeking two people interested in more actively pursuing social justice at UUCF. The SJC oversees and supports all social justice activities at the congregation and needs to replace members whose terms have expired. More information can be found here.

Weekend of Service planners needed

Contact Wini Atlas. Learn more about the 2017 Weekend of Service here. The 2018 Weekend of Service will be held Jan. 13-15 and the Social Justice Council is looking for people to help with overall planning before the event and to coordinate and oversee specific activities that weekend.

Fall worship volunteers needed

Contact Mary Foster. Now that UUCF is back on the two-service schedule, it takes 13 volunteers each Sunday to welcome visitors, manage coffee, usher, etc. More volunteers are desperately needed to ensure services run smoothly on Sunday mornings. Sign up here for the 9:15 a.m. service or here for 11:15. Training is provided.

RE needs you

Contact Linnea Nelson, Courtney Firth (youth), Melissa Campos-Poehnert or an RE Committee member to teach at 11:15. Preschool and Grades 2, 3 and 4 need teachers. Sign up here to see who else is teaching or to join a team. We provide training and support. Or click here to be a greeter.

UUCF handbells need two more ringers

UUCF's handbell group, Revolution Ringers, is open to all; no experience needed. Practice are held Sundays from 2-3 p.m. in the Music & Arts Room.

U.S. Citizenship class starts Oct. 18

Contact Stacy Casey. UUCF's English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program will offer a class for immigrants seeking to prepare for the U.S. citizenship test beginning Oct. 18. Classes will be held Wednesday evenings 7:15-8:45 p.m. at the Southgate Community Center in Reston. The program has openings for substitute teachers to assist at any time during the school year. The Wednesday evening ESOL class needs two more volunteers to teach English to small classes of adult students. These classes are held at Stonegate Village Apartments in Reston.

Holiday Bazaar has openings for artists

Contact Mary Ellen Larkins. Artists need to submit photos of their work before being accepted for the event. UUCF's annual Holiday Bazaar, to be held Nov. 18-19, seeks a potter, photographer, leather craftsperson and other artists. We have enough jewelry makers.

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Social actions

March for Racial Justice

Sat., Sep. 30, 2017, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Line up at Lincoln Park on Capitol Hill. Sign up at www.m4rj.com. More about the march organizers here. The march will go from Lincoln Park on Capitol Hill to the Capitol and past the Department of Justice at 12:30, before culminating at the National Mall between 4th and 7th Streets. A vigil at the MLK Memorial will happen at sundown. More information about entry points and the line-up will be posted closer to the date. The march's mission is to harness the national unrest and dissatisfaction with racial injustice into a national mobilization that strengthens local and nationwide efforts for racial equity and justice.

Ending gun violence vigil

Sat., Oct. 14, 10-11 a.m., NRA headquarters, 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax. Contact Bob Hatfield. Signs provided. Park on Fairfax Ridge Road.

Voter registration event for safe and sane gun laws

Sat., Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., across from the National Rifle Association headquarters, 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax, VA. Register to vote your values in time for the Virginia General Election on Nov. 7, 2017. Deadline for voter registration is Oct. 16. Join this family-friendly vigil and bring someone who needs to register or update their voter registration. 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. Together we will prove that votes are more powerful than guns.

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Save the date/sign-ups

Planting the infiltration trench

Sat., Sep. 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (We'll break for lunch about 11:30 a.m.). Contact Lay Minister for Property Stewardship Suzy Foster, 703-201-7635. UUCF will provide tools, beverages and a light lunch. Please dress for the outdoors. Bring gloves, a hat and water. Contact Suzy if you can help with lunch.

Get Connected Fair

Sun., Oct. 1, 10:15 a.m.-2 p.m., Sanctuary and grounds. To reserve a table for your group, email Mary Foster. Fair will feature booths from all kinds of UUCF groups, from committees and volunteer groups to fellowship, discussion and spiritual groups.

SR&R coming soon

A new season of Science, Reason & Religion Sunday forums will begin Oct. 1. Stay tuned for details.

October Vespers

Labyrinth: Walking Toward Insights. Fri., Oct. 6, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Sanctuary. (Service, walking the labyrinth and sharing insights). Sat., Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Sanctuary. (An additional opportunity to walk the labyrinth. Someone will be present to offer guidance.) By what paths have I discovered my life? Where will I journey next? All are welcome to explore the spiritual practice of walking the labyrinth. Guidance provided. Wear soft socks for shoeless walking. Share new insights informally over light refreshments.

Fall Concert: Rock Creek Singers and the UUCF Chorale

Sat., Oct. 7, 7-8:30 p.m., in the UUCF Sanctuary. Suggested donation: $10/person; $25/family. Click the PayPal button below to register and make a ticket donation. The Rock Creek Singers, a select chamber ensemble of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, joins the UUCF Chorale for a concert of classical, Broadway, pop and everything in between. Benefits the Transgender Education Association of Greater Washington. Ticket donation levels One ticket $10.00 USD Two tickets $20.00 USD Family rate $25.00 USD

Newcomers/visitors reception

Sun., Oct. 8, 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., in the far corner of the Sanctuary Commons. If you're new to UUCF, please stop by for coffee and conversation.

Fall Adult Retreat

Fri., Oct. 13-Sun., Oct. 15, Claggett Center in Adamstown, MD. All adults are welcome. All rooms at the Christiane Inn have been filled, and a waiting list has been started. There may be a few spaces available at the Farmhouse and there are plenty of openings to come just for the day. For details, download this fillable PDF to your desktop. Open the file, fill it out, save and email to Jennifer Yi. (NOTE: PDFs are not fillable via web browsers.) She will add you to the waiting list and/or confirm availability and provide payment information. You can also sign up in the Commons after services.

Voter registration event for safe and sane gun laws

U.S. Citizenship class starts Oct. 18

Female Re-enactors of Distinction

Sat., Oct. 21, 4 p.m., Sanctuary. For ages 13-adult, with limited space available for ages 6-12. No admission fee, but small donations to cover the re-enactors' expenses are encouraged. Open to the public. Sign up here to attend. Performance followed by a potluck dinner and small-group discussion. UUCF will host a performance of the Female Re-enactors of Distinction (FREED), a group of African-American re-enactors who bring forgotten black women of the Civil War era back to life. They are an auxiliary organization of the African-American Civil War Museum. Click here to view a Washington Post article about the group.

Complete the Circle foodraiser

Sun., Oct. 29, 1-2:30 p.m., Fairfax High School. Questions? Contact Barb Brehm. Fun, family-friendly event. UUCF will join an interfaith effort supporting Britepaths' annual Complete the Circle foodraiser. Participants pay $10 at registration to cover the cost of the T-shirt. Bring one non-perishable food item to the event. Register at the table in the Commons after services on Sep. 17 and 24.

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Adult classes

History of Religion in America

Starts Sep. 10. 2nd Sun., Sep.-Jun., 6:30-8 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Led by Jim & Kaye Cook. Register here. This course explores the diversity, history and impact of religion in the U.S., focusing on the evolution and inter-religious conflict and what isn't commonly known or taught within those religious traditions. The course also highlights the impact of religion on social justice issues. Primary readings are "The Religious History of America" by Edwin Gaustad and Leigh Schmidt, and "The Faiths of Our Founding Fathers" by David Holmes. Readings will be supplemented by short articles and excerpts from the PBS series "God In America" (available online).

Religion in American Politics: We've Never Seen Times Like These, or Have We?

**This class is now full.** 3rd Wed., Sep. 20, 2017-Jun. 20, 2018, 7-8:30 p.m., Pauline & Bob McCarthy’s home. Led by Jim & Kaye Cook. Participant must obtain books used in the course (see below). Register here. This course focuses on how fear and hope are animating our faith and politics. TED Talks, articles and videos will supplement course books. Course books: “Why Liberals Win the Cultural Wars (Even When They Lose Elections)” by Stephen Prothero. “The End of White Christian America” by Robert Jones. “The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Separated by Politics and Religion” by Jonathan Haidt.

World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing

**This class has been canceled.**1st & 3rd Wednesdays, Sep. 20-May 9; 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Facilitated by Mike and Renée Goff, Mary Paxton and George Strawn. Register here. This 16-session course provides an introduction to various world religions. Students read holy texts, engage in discussions with guest speakers and visit places of worship. The class studies Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Atheism, Humanism and UUism. Students are encouraged throughout the course to identify where they are on the spectrum of interaction with the various belief systems and are given the tools to move from discomfort, neutrality and tolerance toward acceptance, respect and celebration of other faiths and beliefs.

The Tradition of Labyrinths

Wed., Sep. 20 & Oct. 4, 7:30-8:45 p.m.; 3rd class field trip date to be determined. Facilitated by Cheryl Sadowski & Jerry Poje. Register here. Labyrinths appear in many faith traditions and cultures. They can be made of different materials and found in different sizes, but all labyrinths have a path that winds toward the center. "Walking the labyrinth" means following this path, slowly, toward the center and sometimes back out again. People walk the labyrinth to meditate, gain insight or answers, assuage grief, still their minds or just to slow down. Each individual journey is different.

What Medicare Doesn't Cover

Fri., Sep. 22, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Led by Kristian Sheils & Michelle Washington. Register here. Even when Medicare covers your health care costs, you generally still have to pay a share of the medical expenses. Deductibles, co-insurance, co-payments, outpatient services and more can leave you exposed to significant out-of-pocket costs related to your health care needs. Medicare Supplement insurance can help you pay for the health care costs that Medicare doesn't cover. We'll discuss the pros and cons of various options available today.

Wellspring - Sources

Opening retreat: Sat., Sep. 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Prog. Bldg. **These sessions have been canceled.** Wed., Oct. 4, 18; Nov. 1, 15, 29; Dec. 13; Jan. 3, 17, 31; Feb. 7, 21; Mar. 7, 21; Apr. 4, 18; May 2, 16, 30; 7:15-9:15 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Facilitated by Barbara Dutchak. Register here. or Fri., Oct. 6, 20; Nov. 3, 17; Dec. 1, 15; Jan. 5, 19; Feb. 2, 16; Mar. 2, 16; Apr. 6, 20; May 18; Jun. 1; 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Facilitated by Emily Kohler. Register here. UU Wellspring – Sources, a prerequisite for all other Wellspring courses, grounds participants in UUism as they commit to spiritual deepening in covenant with a small group. Guided by readings (books, online articles) and videos, group members practice deep listening as they reflect on UU history, theology and some of the big questions central to our UU faith and how we live it - human nature, death, joy and forgiveness. Participants also choose and commit to personal spiritual practices and to monthly sessions with a spiritual director. Please see UUCF's Wellspring information page for more details: uucf.org/uu-wellspring.

Alternative Medical Treatments

Tue., Sep. 26, 10-11:50 a.m., Prog. Bldg. Led by Raoul Drapeau. Register here. Have you ever wondered whether alternative medical treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy or Chinese medicine were beneficial or a waste of money? If you tried one, were you pleased with the results? Come learn what science tells us about these practices.

Dream Work: A Short Workshop

Tue., Sep. 26, 7-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Led by Cathy Kopac, Ph.D. Register here. "Working with dreams means remembering and exploring the dreams from sleep with an eye to their deeper meanings. Each one of us is uniquely blind to the deeper meanings of our own dreams, and dream work helps us see what amazing gifts are there, just below the surface of 'manifest content' and obvious appearance." This quote from Jeremy Taylor provides definition and enhances the intrigue of what dream work might be all about. Join me for a 2-hour workshop where an elementary introduction to Dream Work will be given. Attendees will be introduced to a dream work “toolkit” and a methodology for reviewing a dream. At least one attendee will have the opportunity to tell a dream that will be “worked” by the group. This workshop is an introduction for those looking to join Dr. Kopac’s ongoing dream group.

Caregiving Wisdom From an Ancient Sage

Thu., Sep. 28, 2-3:15 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Led by Veronica Li. Register here. Confucius’ teachings on filial piety - the foundation of Chinese culture - contain nuggets of universal wisdom. Veronica Li will talk about her experience caring for her aging parents. As a Chinese daughter, she had been raised believing she had to love and care for her parents above all else. After they passed away, she was haunted by questions: Had she done enough for them? What was enough? Li wrote about her experience in a novel called “Confucius Says.” She had read Confucius’ ideas of filial piety. To her surprise, Confucius says the first rule of filial piety is to take care of oneself. She also lays out the basic principles of caregiving. The ultimate goal of filial piety, she says, is to bring out the goodness in us.

Cakes for the Queen of Heaven: In Ancient Times

Sun., Oct. 1, 8 & 29; Nov. 5 & 12, 4-6 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Led by Susan Bennett & Cami St. Germain. Register here. “Cakes for the Queen of Heaven” is a woman-honoring adult religious exploration curriculum by UU minister Rev. Shirley Ranck. It examines how our culture has been influenced by Judeo Christian values and looks at pre-Judeo Christian cultures that may have worshiped the female as divine. More than Goddess 101, this workshop series examines important elements of today’s women’s lives - personal, interpersonal and societal. The primary question raised is: How would your life have been different if, when growing up, the divine had been imaged as female? The concepts of equality and reverence for the female in a religious setting are eye-opening to many participants. Participants are encouraged to share their own experiences and beliefs, creating trust and strong bonds of friendship.

Who Am I and Who Are You? Probing Personal Identity

Mon., Oct. 2 & 16, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Led by Daniel Rothbart. Register here. We all have a sense of personal identity - a seemingly fixed image of who we are as distinct and valued beings. Yet, sometimes our self-image is altered by life events - maybe something wonderful like a marriage or tragic like a death - that reveal how our self-image depends on relations with others. In the first session, we reflect on our personal identity - who we are, and are not, and how we are affected to the core by others. The second session focuses on a clash of personal identities of two people, as we address the following question: Have you ever witnessed or engaged in a controversy where the self-image of one person conflicts with that of another?

Living Consciously

Mon., Oct. 2, Nov. 13, Dec. 11, Jan. 8, Feb. 5, Mar. 5, Apr. 16, May 14, Jun. 11; 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Led by Zimri Putney. Register here. Our intention is to learn to be fully alive each moment, and to practice this in each class through movement (body), teaching (mind) and meditation (spirit). We are using as a guide “The Wise Heart,” written by Jack Kornfield, a profound teacher of Buddhist psychology. All interested in pursuing this inner journey are invited to any one or all of our classes.

Gentle Yoga

Tue., Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31; 6:30-7:30 a.m., Prog. Bldg. Led by Ravi Kaur (Christine Mason), cmason@ edimprovement.org. Register here. 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.

Human and Divine Justice and Forgiveness

Tue., Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 7:15-8:45 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Led by Steven Goldman. Register here. This seminar explores the scope, meaning and possible limits of forgiveness. Our principal text will be Simon Wiesenthal’s classic book “The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness.” Each session will begin with a 20-minute introduction by the instructor, followed by a discussion involving all of the participants. Some of the issues for discussion include: How do we understand the relationship between justice and forgiveness? Do we have the moral authority to forgive or ask forgiveness for offenses? Are some offenses so egregious that they should not be forgiven under any conditions? If so, what are these offenses and how do they differ from those which can be forgiven? Does forgiveness include absolution from payment for offenses committed? What do the sacred texts of different religious traditions teach about God’s willingness to forgive, and what do they say about the obligations of humans to forgive or withhold forgiveness? Steven C. Goldman serves as chair of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s Religious Studies Program Planning Group. He has taught numerous courses on alternative understandings of Biblical doctrine.

Using the Enneagram as Spiritual Practice

Sat., Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Led by Sarah Keely. Register here. The Enneagram is a powerful personality typing system that identifies nine distinct types, each with strengths and challenges. Understanding the system allows us to use it as a map guiding us in our spiritual journeys.

Overview of Jewish History From a UU Viewpoint

Wed.-Fri., Oct. 25-27, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Led by Albert Nekimken. Register here. While most UUs know that our movement evolved from Christian roots, few appreciate the extent of the Jewish roots that preceded and that continue to influence us. This three-part introduction to Jewish history will highlight the myriad ways Jewish thought and experience from antiquity to the present have enriched our shared tradition. This course will be an introduction to the new UUs for Jewish Awareness group at UUCF.

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Ongoing meetings

Partner Church Circle

Sun., Oct. 1, 12:30-2 p.m., Library. Contact Dick Van Duizend. Help us plan for a visit from our Transylvanian partners in 2018.

Let's Talk About Race book discussion

(Formerly called the Racial Justice Book Group.) First Sunday of each month, September through May, unless otherwise noted. Sun., Oct. 1, 4-6 p.m., Prog. Bldg. All are invited. If you haven't read the book, you are welcome to listen to the discussion. Let’s Talk About Race is a monthly discussion led by members of the Racial Justice Steering Committee. Discussing “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis” by J.D. Vance.

Meditation Practice Group

Tue., Oct. 3, 7-8:30 p.m., Chapel. Meets first and third Tuesdays of the month. Contact Karen Monroe. Join us in supporting each other in our meditation practice. No expectation to attend every meeting.

Climate Action Group

Wed., Oct. 4, 7:30-9 p.m., via conference call to 712-432-0360, passcode 426443. Meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month, unless otherwise noted. May 2, 2018, meeting will be held via conference call to 712-432-0360, passcode 426443. Contact Eric Goplerud. Everyone welcome.

NAMI family support meeting

Thu., Oct. 5, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Meets the first Thursday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Contact Joanna Walker. Support meeting for families with a loved one suffering from mental illness.

Memoirs Writing Group

Fri., Oct. 6, 1:30-3 p.m., Prog. Bldg. First and third Fridays of each month, unless otherwise noted. Contact Kristin Moyer.

Poetry Club

Sun., Oct. 8, 4-6 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Meets the second Sunday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Contact Barb Dutchak.

Monday Night Book Club

Oct. 9, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Contact Don Andress. We'll discuss "The Gene: An Intimate History" by Siddhartha Mukherjee.

Muslim Liaison Group

Tue., Oct. 10, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Contact Rod Paolini. Group works to establish ties with Muslim communities in the area.

UUCF Sanctuary Committee

Wed., Oct. 11, 7-8:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Contact Dan Rothbart or Dee Idnani. For anyone interested in work relating to UUCF's role in supporting our immigrant neighbors in danger of deportation or detention through the Sanctuary DMV network of congregations.

Refugee Resettlement Committee meeting

Thu., Oct. 12, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Contact chair Rod Paolini. Help support the family from Afghanistan that UUCF and the UU Congregation of Sterling are co-sponsoring.

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Caring news

'Combination of sadness and joy'

Stu Davis and Deb Boehm-Davis will leave UUCF next month to move to the Pacific Northwest. Debbie will assume the position of research manager at Oculus Research, which does research on augmented and virtual reality. The move will take them to just outside of Seattle, close to Deb's three daughters and their families. Deb and Stu are grateful for the tremendous support from the congregation that they have received over the years.

Condolences

Condolences to longtime member Betty Maddox and her son, Michael Maddox, on the recent death of spouse and father, Ronald Maddox. A memorial service is planned for later in the year; details will be communicated when they are available.

90th birthday

Former UUCF member Marion Bogen is celebrating her 90th birthday. Cards may be sent to her at 6755 Pennywell Dr., Nashville, TN 37205.

Condolences

Condolences to Tony Foxen, his wife, Erika, and daughter, Willa, on the recent death of Tony's father in Michigan.

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Kudos

Thank you Dennis and Bill!

Dennis Zimmerman refinished the gateposts on the bridge leading to the Administration Building, and he and Bill Braband reinstalled them. The gateposts were carved by Rev. Sandor Balazs when he was the minister of the Szentgerice Unitarian Church in Transylvania and presented to UUCF as a symbol of our partnership. They feature the traditional designs that include a tulip – a Transylvanian symbol of freedom. On behalf of the Partner Church Circle and all others who have admired the gateposts, thank you Dennis and Bill!!!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Michael and Loretta Rowe who have been accepted into Al Gore’s Climate Reality Leadership Corps training in Pittsburgh in October.

Beacon House thanks UUCF

Beacon House CEO/Executive Director Kevin Hinton sent the following remarks about UUCF’s recent donation of backpacks and school supplies: “Thank you for the 25 backpacks and other school supplies that UUCF’s congregants donated to Beacon House students this year. For some of our families, the cost of backpacks and other supplies strains their budgets, and our students are grateful to receive nice, sturdy backpacks like the ones you selected. I appreciate all the wonderful things that UUCF does for our students and families greatly.”

From our friends

Cedar Lane job opening

More information here. Cedar Lane UU Church in Bethesda, MD, seeks a youth coordinator. The ideal candidate loves and understands youth and has significant organizational and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with youth, advisers, parents, lay leaders, ministry teams and staff. Currently, about 65 middle school and 50 high school youth are enrolled in the religious education (RE) program with average participation at youth group activities ranging from 10-20 youth. This 20-hour-a-week position requires regular availability on Sunday mornings September-May, limited office hours, regular weekly meetings with RE staff, and participation in youth events that can occur in the evenings or on weekends and range from a couple of hours to overnights at the church or trips.

UU Reston job openings

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Reston is looking to hire a Sunday School Coordinator and a Nursery Assistant. To apply, please send resume and cover letter to Nichole Hodges-Abbasi. Sunday School Coordinator This position will begin on or after Sun., Sep. 10, provided background checks are complete. The Sunday School Coordinator will provide administrative support and have program responsibilities. Administrative responsibilities include ensuring that each child is registered in compliance with all religious education policies. Program responsibilities include supporting volunteers, serving as a teacher when needed, assuring safety policies are followed and overseeing children's activities. Pay range is $20-$30/hour. Detailed job description here. Nursery Assistant This position will begin on or after Sun., Sep. 10, provided background checks are complete. Pay range is $12-$15/hour. Detailed job description here.

Cedar Lane seeks accounting and office manager

Cedar Lane UU Church in Bethesda, MD, seeks an accounting and office manager. More information here.

Lay pastoral care training

Sat., Sep. 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Washington Ethical Society, 7750 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20012. Sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Central East Region and the Washington Ethical Society. Cost: optional $10 fee for lunch, there is no cost for the training. Register here by Sep. 19. Providing pastoral care is a skill that takes time and intention to develop. This workshop for lay pastoral care providers and teams is designed to develop skills in focused listening, pastoral presence and communication, and emotional intelligence. It also explores the nature of both lay and professional pastoral care, and the roles and boundaries of each. Rev. David Pyle, the Central East Region's Arts of Ministry program manager, has 10 years of experience as a U.S. Army Reserve chaplain and has served as a hospital and hospice chaplain in Chicago.

Same Family, Different Colors

Sun., Sep. 24, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Cedar Lane UU Church, Chalice House, 9601 Cedar Ln., Bethesda, MD. All are welcome. A light lunch will be served (suggested donation: $7). Cedar Lane UU Church's “Together Sunday” presents Same Family, Different Colors. Author Lori Tharps speaks on how skin color politics affects family dynamics. Colorism, the preference for or presumed superiority of people based on the color of their skin, is a pervasive and damaging but rarely openly discussed phenomenon. Ms. Tharps explores the issue by weaving together personal stories, history and analysis. A mother of three mixed-race children with three distinct skin colors, she uses her family as a starting point to illuminate the complex and multifaceted ways that colorism affects self-esteem and shapes our lives.

Blues lecture and performance

Blues: The Foundation of American Music. Lecture and performance by Daryl Davis and Seth Kibel. Sat., Sep. 30, River Road UU Congregation, 6301 River Rd., Bethesda, MD. Adults: $30, Families (1-2 adults and children): $60, Youth: $10. Buy tickets here. Contact Rita Parks. 6-7 p.m. - Wine, beer, soft drinks and light snacks 7-8:30 p.m. - Performance 8:30-9 p.m. - Coffee, tea, desserts and meet the artists This program benefits River Road UU's Racial Justice Task Force's College Access Fund. One hundred percent of proceeds from this program are used for scholarships. Scholarships are awarded to students from financially disadvantaged families who are graduates of publicly funded DC schools and are actively involved with either College Bound or Mentors Inc. The fund currently supports 13 college students.

Creation Care Showcase event

Sun., Oct. 1, 2-4 p.m., Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Rd., Oakton, VA 22124. Click here to register for details. Contact Meg Mall by Sep. 25 to request a table. RSVP now! Join Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions and Interfaith Power & Light (DC.MD.NoVA) for their Creation Care Showcase event. All Northern Virginia congregations are invited to come learn, share and be inspired by the work of green teams, earth ministries and creation care committees in the area. The event will be similar to an expo, with an opportunity for faith organizations to create a table display showcasing their work. We will also tour and learn from our host, Unity of Fairfax, one of five Unity congregations internationally to receive the Green Star Award for Congregational Environmental Excellence from Unity Worldwide Ministries.

Western Fairfax PFLAG and FLY

Tue., Oct. 3, 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.

Leadership skills workshop

Sat., Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., River Road UU Congregation, 6301 River Rd., Bethesda, MD 20817. Cost: $40/person, includes refreshments and lunch. Financial aid available. Child care is available if requested by Sep. 22. Limited enrollment. Email susanbb24@yahoo.com to register. River Road UU Congregation (RRUUC) in Bethesda, MD, will hold a Leadership Skills Workshop entitled Going Viral: The Craft of Spiritual Storytelling. More than ever, UUs feel compelled to engage in the local, regional and national dialogue in a constructive and spiritual manner. Tools to get our messages out to like-minded and diverse audiences are ubiquitous but sometimes overwhelming. RRUUC, just having launched an expanded social media presence, seeks additional voices. Hosted by the congregation's Leadership & Nominations Committee, professionals will coach participants on writing, recording and editing their personal stories in the morning. In the afternoon, technical experts will guide participants in enhancing their stories with images, audio and video.

UUWomenspirit Fall Retreat

Wed., Oct. 11-Sun., Oct. 15, The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center in Highlands, NC. Event details here. Registration opens Aug. 16. Early bird registration ends Sep. 13. Last day to register is Oct. 4. UUWomenspirit is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that has hosted all-women retreats since 1987. Our retreats emphasize and celebrate the Divine Feminine in her many forms. The theme for our fall event is Rise Up Sisters: Embody Her Power! During this event, we will explore our power as women through the stories and metaphors of the Divine Feminine from many cultures. Daily worship services will be held and different workshops that explore themes of feminine power will be offered. Additional opportunities for self-exploration will include time in nature in the beauty of the fall colors of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the chance to walk an outdoor labyrinth.

DRUUMM gathering

Sat., Oct. 21-Sun., Oct. 22, Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center, Lanoka Harbor, NJ. Questions? Contact Ronnie Boyd. Calling all people of color! Diverse Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM) is hosting its annual gathering. Join people of color across the country for worship, fellowship, conversation and community. Programming and scholarship details to come in June.

Swimming in the Water

Addressing Unconscious Bias in the Unitarian Universalist Church. Sun., Oct. 29, 2-5 p.m., UU Church of Annapolis, 333 Dubois Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 Tickets: $15/presale and $20/at door. Includes light refreshments. Click here for tickets. Join renowned race expert Dr. Robin DiAngelo as she explores: White culture. Institutionalized racism. The struggle for diversity in 21st Century U.S. All are welcome! Childcare will be available.

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