What’s happening at UUCF
UUCF closed Jul. 16-23
As part of the budget reductions needed to match expenses to income for the congregational year that began Jul. 1, UUCF will be closed Sun., Jul. 16-Sun., Jul. 23. Worship services are canceled for those two Sundays and the staff will be on unpaid furlough that week. Pastoral care will be handled by volunteers who can be reached at caring@uucf.org and by Rev. Julie Price, who will be covering pastoral care emergencies Jul. 1-23. All other services will be unavailable during that week. For more information on the 2017-18 UUCF budget, click here. For non-pastoral care emergencies during the furlough week, contact Rich Sider at 540-560-8845.
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Sewer connection project update
As many congregants may recall, one of the major projects of the Reach Campaign was to abandon our 50-year-old septic system and connect to the public sewer. We have always planned on completing this project over the summer so that it would interrupt our daily operations and those of our renters as minimally as possible. In the summer of 2015, delays in the permitting process with Fairfax County did not allow us to complete the project as planned. Last summer, the project was put on hold to allow as much cash on hand as possible to be put toward mortgage reduction during our December 2016 refinancing. This summer, due to dramatically increased costs, the project must be put on hold again. The estimates we had used to create the Reach Campaign sewer project budget were provided by two engineering firms 4 years ago when the campaign was developed. However, when the updated engineering plan was created this spring and when new requirements from Fairfax County were factored in, the project became much more complicated and expensive. Changes to the plan include much more extensive excavation, pipe rerouting and then repaving in the cul-de-sac where the connection will be made and the installation of a relay pump to avoid disturbing the floor of the Program Building. These requirements had not been included in either of the two estimates from engineering firms 4 years ago. Another unanticipated complication has been the challenge of obtaining multiple bids. Though we sought bids from five general contractors, we only received a bid from one, who indicated that they themselves had difficulty securing subcontracting bids on some aspects of the project. As any of you who have worked with contractors knows, if you have a job that no one really wants to do, the cost goes up. As a result, the Coordinating Team has decided to put the project on hold to consider alternative designs to reduce the cost, to figure out a financing plan and to assess the condition of our current septic system as well as explore ways to extend its life. Until a new plan is developed, the portion of the Reach Campaign money designated for the sewer project will remain in the bank accruing interest. This is a big disappointment because it further postpones resolving a longstanding issue. However, we are fortunate that our current septic system continues to function, and we already have contacted a company to help us assess its condition and lifespan. We will update you as we get more information but, for now, the public sewer construction project has been put on hold. If you have questions, contact Rich Sider.
Farewell to Candice Johnson
We have been so pleased to have Candice Johnson as our child care coordinator for the past 2 years. Due to increased job responsibilities at the preschool where she works during the week, she is stepping down as UUCF's child care coordinator. For anyone who has had a child in the nursery or in child care with Candice, you know your child has had tender loving care. We wish Candice all the best and look forward to seeing her and her family in other roles in our UUCF community.
New UUCF Child Care Coordinator needed
This position directly provides care and age-appropriate activities for children from birth to age 12 for worship services and other events and programs, including coordinating nursery and child care staff and volunteers. Full position description at uucf.org/jobs. Please share the job description with caretakers you know and trust. Send resumes and letters to Linnea Nelson by Aug. 8.
Introducing our next intern minister
Pippin Whitaker will join UUCF as intern minister in September 2017. A candidate for UU ministry and divinity candidate at Meadville Lombard Theological School, Pippin will serve half-time through May 2019 (except the summer months). Read more about Pippin here.
Share the Plate
The July-August Share the Plate recipient is Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, whose mission is to mobilize and amplify the voice of UUs in the National Capital Region as they seek to change the world through acts of love and justice.
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PlaygroUUp on summer hiatus
The PlaygroUUp that normally meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month is on hiatus during July and August.
Winchester gleaning (aka picking produce)
Third Saturday of the month Jul.-Oct. (Jul. 15, Aug. 19, Sep. 16 and Oct. 21), 9 a.m., at a farm in Winchester, VA. 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.
Youth-Adult Committee meeting
Tue., Aug. 8, 4:30-8:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Open to all youth and youth advisors.
High School youth beach trip
Fri., Aug. 11-Mon., Aug. 14, Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, DE. Questions? Contact Courtney Firth. Sign-ups coming soon. For rising Grades 9-12.
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Seeking facilitator for 2017-18 World Religions class
Contact Mike and Renée Goff or Linda Rothbart. Have you participated in UUCF's World Religions class or have similar experience/background? Would you like to give back by helping your neighbor explore various world religions while developing a greater appreciation, respect and understanding for the impact of world religions on our lives? This is a 9-month commitment (Sep. 2017-May 2018).
Explore UU Wellspring - Faithful Actions
Contact Mary Frances Kordick. Have you completed the first year of UU Wellspring and want to go deeper? UU Wellspring - Faithful Actions explores the call to put our faith into action. Participant facilitators must have completed the first year of UU Wellspring - Sources and may also have finished another year of the Wellspring curriculum - Deep Questions, Spiritual Practices or both.
Summer worship volunteers
We need volunteers to welcome visitors and usher during our summer worship services (beginning May 28) and to help with coffee and sell fair-trade items after the services. Even if you can only help once or twice, sign up here or contact Mary Foster. It's fun and easy, and if you're trying it for the first time, Mary is happy to help you get started. Thanks for helping make summer worship run smoothly.
Arts and crafts, nature walks, game time
Questions? Contact Summer RE Coordinator Lisa Riddle. Summer RE is casual and loads of fun for elementary and Middle School youth this summer. You have the opportunity to spend an hour with them by signing up here. Preschool is doing the fabulous water curriculum and many hands are needed to help out.
RE has a great volunteer opportunity for you
Contact Linnea Nelson, Courtney Firth (youth) or an RE Committee member. Teams will meet over the summer to review the curriculum, learn about our program and meet the other team members. Sign up here to take on a role in RE or here to be a greeter. Important: Our program is a cooperative program and each parent or caregiver teaches or greets at least once every 3 years. You will be on a team and you will be in the classroom only 2-3 times a month! This year our most critical needs are in the 11:15 a.m. classes. We need adults who do not have children in the program to join us as volunteers. Let’s support our children as a congregation. You will be rewarded with purpose, fun and love!
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Ending gun violence vigil
Fri., Jul. 14, 9 a.m., NRA headquarters, 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax. Contact Bob Hatfield. Signs provided. Park on Fairfax Ridge Road. This month's vigil is part of a larger event. On Jul. 14 and 15, Women’s March and partners will mobilize a mass demonstration, again grounded in the principles of Kingian nonviolence, to denounce the false and intimidating rhetoric of hatred and send a clear message that our movement will proudly and bravely continue to strive for the respect of the civil and human rights of all people. RSVP here. Important details about the Women's March from #NRA2DOJ: Fri., Jul. 14 9 a.m. - Gather at NRA headquarters in Fairfax 10 a.m. - Rally 12 p.m. - Begin 17-mile march to the Department of Justice in Washington, DC Sat., Jul. 15 10 a.m. - Gather at the Department of Justice
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Refugee Resettlement Project meeting
Thu., Jul. 27, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Contact project chair Rod Paolini. Join the project shared by UUCF and the UU Congregation of Sterling in supporting the family from Afghanistan that we are sponsoring.
Newcomers/visitors reception
Sun., Aug. 6, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., in the far corner of the Sanctuary Commons. If you're new to UUCF, please join us for coffee and conversation.
Membership class
Sat., Aug. 12, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Register in advance with Mary Foster, including for child care. Please complete a New Member Information form and the volunteer survey before the class. If you feel the time has come to make the commitment of membership to UUCF, please plan to attend this minister-led session. You will learn how to make your membership meaningful and be able to sign the membership book at the end of the session.
Wellspring information session
Sun., Aug. 27, 9 a.m., Music & Arts Room. RSVP to attend an information session or to enroll in the program by emailing ap@uucf.org. Rich opportunity to learn about Wellspring, a yearlong spiritual growth program. Join Wellspring leaders to learn more about the Wednesday evening and Friday morning sessions that will meet twice a month during the 2017-18 congregational year. Retreat will be on Sat., Sep. 23, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Program Building.
All-Congregation Retreat
Fri., Sep. 1-Mon., Sep. 4, Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park. Contact Meredith Carr or Linnea Nelson. Campground reservations open Mar. 1. Lodge reservations here. Choose sites near group site D163. Worship service in the woods on Sun., Sep. 3, at 10 a.m.
Learn, Enjoy, Engage, Relax at the Fall Adult Retreat
Fri., Oct. 13-Sun., Oct. 15, Claggett Center in Adamstown, MD. All adults are welcome. To register, download this fillable PDF, fill it out and email it to Kathy Birnbaum or Mary Butler. After you’ve registered, please note the cost of your registration, enter that amount here and click the PayPal Pay Now link to pay your fee. You can also sign up in the Commons after services. Registration will continue while rooms are available.
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UU Leadership Classes online
Variety of times and leaders. Go to uuinstitute.org to learn more and register. Contact Susan Bennett to find out what classes other UUCFers are taking. Transform yourself and your congregation to ensure that liberal religious values will have more impact in the world. Deepen your faith, connect with other UU leaders and grow your congregation. Online seminars, on-demand resources, peer learning groups and local in-person communities of practice will help you lead more effectively while building relationships and partnerships with other UUs – locally and nationally. Join other UUCF members and friends in these online learning opportunities led by Unitarian Universalist Association regional staff and other experts. Most classes cost $20. While many classes are available, two to consider are Healthy Leadership 101 and Leading Adaptively 401.
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Equality UUCF
Mon., Jul. 24, 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!
Meditation Practice Group on summer hiatus
The Meditation Practice Group that normally meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month is on hiatus for July and August.
Women's Personal Growth Group
Tue., Jul. 25, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Contact Connie Drapeau. Meets monthly to share issues of personal concern. All are welcome.
UUCF People of Color Caucus potluck and meeting
Sun., Jul. 30, 12-2 p.m., Social Hall. Contact Kristin Keen. For congregants who identify as people of color and their families. Bring a dish to share. If the weather is good, the group will have outdoor play time with the children after the meal.
SURJ-NOVA meeting
Sun., Jul. 30, 7-9 p.m., Chapel. Questions? Contact Karen Wolf. Facebook event page here. Please join us for our monthly Showing Up for Racial Justice - Northern Virginia (SURJ-NOVA) meeting and learn how you can be in solidarity with trans people of color. Trans people of color are disproportionately discriminated against, incarcerated and murdered. They are also leaders within social justice movements (especially the Stonewall uprising that kickstarted the LGBTQ movement in 1969). The meeting will include trans 101 information (terminology and definitions), as well as information on criminalization, institutional inclusion and what we can do as a SURJ chapter.
Climate Action Group
Wed., Aug. 2, 7:30-9 p.m. Meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month, unless otherwise noted. First Wednesday, meeting is held via conference call to 712-432-0360, passcode 426443. Third Wednesday, in-person meeting held in the Social Hall. Contact Eric Goplerud. Everyone welcome.
NAMI family support meeting
Thu., Aug. 3, 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., Aug. 4, 1:30-3 p.m., Prog. Bldg. (Note: No meeting on the third Friday of July because of the campus-wide furlough.) First and third Fridays of each month, unless otherwise noted. Contact Kristin Moyer.
Muslim Liaison Group
Tue., Aug. 8, 7:30-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Contact Rod Paolini. Group works to establish ties with Muslim communities in the area.
Racial Justice Steering Committee meeting
Sat., Aug. 12, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Social Hall. Meets the second Saturday of the month, unless otherwise noted. Contact RJSC chair Kaye Cook. 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.
Poetry Club
Sun., Aug. 13, 4-6 p.m., Prog. Bldg. Meets the second Sunday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Contact Barb Dutchak.
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Jerry Poje named Lord Fairfax
Congratulations to UUCF’s Jerry Poje on being named Lord Fairfax from Fairfax County’s Hunter Mill District. The honor is given each year to county residents for long-term and heroic service to the community, and is given to two individuals from each of the county’s nine magisterial districts. Read more here about Jerry’s service to the community.
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AUUC seeks RE coordinator
To apply, email resume, letter of interest, relevant writing sample(s) and references to the RE Coordinator Search Team. Applications are due by Fri., Jul. 15. For more information about Accotink UU Church, visit the website or call 703-503-4579. The Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church (AUUC) in Burke, VA, is looking to hire a part-time Religious Education (RE) coordinator to perform a variety of duties including planning, communications, coordination and other administrative tasks (15 hours per week). Scope of Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the director of spiritual development (DSD), the RE coordinator will provide coordination and support for the Adult Spiritual Development program; however, primarily, the RE coordinator will perform the following actions for the Children’s Spiritual Development program: Maintain registration and attendance records for all RE activities Develop, maintain and communicate schedule of teachers and assistants for all classes Participate in teacher recruitment and training, under the direction of the DSD Schedule caregivers for the nursery Communicate with teachers, parents and congregants via email, announcements and social media, including sending a weekly email to teachers and a semi-monthly communication to parents Attend monthly Children's Spiritual Development Committee (CSDC) meetings and weekly staff meetings while maintaining regular email and phone communication with the DSD Perform other minor administrative tasks Purchase materials and perform necessary prep work for RE classes and Adult RE classes. Support the RE program in person on Sundays (9 a.m.-12 p.m.). Qualifications: An ideal candidate will: Be detail-oriented, work independently and be highly reliable. Have strong organizational skills, including maintaining electronic calendars, developing short-term and long-term work plans, maintaining and communicating teaching schedules, etc. Have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to communicate with adults and children, including dealing with sensitive issues. Have solid writing and editing skills, including developing printed materials and brochures with minimal supervision; and the ability to communicate clearly and briefly via email with parents, teachers, church members and other church staff. It would be particularly advantageous for an applicant to have experience writing and/or developing curricula for children and/or teens in either a secular or spiritual setting. Have experience with children in an educational setting and understand the different learning styles and behaviors of children. Be proficient with basic computer skills such as Word, Google Docs and spreadsheets, and communicate with technologies, including listservs and social media platforms. Be open to increasing responsibilities as time and familiarity with duties develop. Typical work week (15 hours per week): Be present during RE program on Sunday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Attend various RE meetings 2-4 hours per week Complete nominally 6-10 hours of administrative tasks per week Our Congregation: AUUC is a healthy church located in south-central Fairfax County: a vibrant, multicultural suburb of Washington, DC, with excellent schools, public transportation and cultural opportunities. Metro DC also has the highest concentration of UUs in the world, with lots of professional colleagues. This is a great place to serve. Located in the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Central East Region, Northern VA Cluster (former Joseph Priestley District), AUUC currently has approximately 190 members and 40 friends. We are a Welcoming Congregation and are working toward becoming a Green Sanctuary. We boast a strong music program, award-winning social justice programs and an internationally known Pastoral Care Team. AUUC offers Sunday morning RE for youth of all ages (nursery-12th grade) with average weekly attendance of 40-50 students (about 80 enrolled participants) and Spiritual Development classes for Adults. The RE coordinator would be supported by a CSDC with goals that include helping the congregation embrace lifelong learning, developing a strong UU identity, and deepening enthusiasm for shared ministry to children, youth and adults. The RE coordinator will be supervised by the DSD, who will primarily be working off-site. Conditions of Employment: We hope to have our new, settled RE coordinator join our community of faith on Aug. 1, 2017. AUUC is a fair compensation congregation dedicated to paying its staff in accordance with the Unitarian Universalist Association's fair compensation guidelines. The right candidate is eligible for a total compensation package in line with UUA fair compensation guidelines for our region ($15-$18/hour plus benefits). Exact breakout amounts for RE coordinator pay will be clarified by our human resources representative during negotiations. For further details, please see the packet.
WES hiring for two positions
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to WES Director of Lifelong Learning Melissa Sinclair. Washington Ethical Society (WES), a humanist congregation in Washington, DC, with affiliations with the American Ethical Union and the Unitarian Universalist Association, is hiring for two positions - a Sunday School Assistant (14 hours/week) and a Coming of Age and Teen Coordinator (13 hours/week). Click titles to learn more.
Cedar Lane job opening
Full position description here. Open until filled. Email resumes to cymsearch@cedarlane.org. Cedar Lane UU Church in Bethesda, MD, is recruiting for a part-time coordinator of youth ministry (20 hours/week). General description: In our large congregation of about 735 members, the coordinator of youth ministry implements youth ministry and extracurricular programs for youth in Grades 6-12 with the assistance of their advisers, teachers and families. The coordinator works to develop a program that includes the six pillars of youth ministry: Building Community, Social Action, Worship, Learning, Leadership and Congregational Involvement.
Jubilee Anti-Racism Training
Fri., Jul. 14, 6-10 p.m.; Sat., Jul. 15, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. at Paint Branch UU Church, 3215 Powder Mill Rd., Adelphi, MD 20783 and Sun., Jul. 16, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., at All Souls Church, 1500 Harvard St., NW, Washington, DC 20009. Register here. Enrollment is limited to 40 participants, so sign up today! Cost: $160/participant (includes cost for trainers, meals and materials). Contributions in support of this work are welcome. Do you wish to nurture your congregation’s multicultural future in the face of opposing cultural currents? Do you wish to deepen your understanding of how race and ethnicity play out in our institutions and our daily lives? Jubilee Anti-Racism Training helps participants understand what is involved in nurturing a multicultural community and working against racism in all of its forms. The workshop requires a weekend commitment; and it is worth every minute of that commitment.
Shepherd's Center Caregivers Support Group
Thu., Jul. 20, 10-11:30 a.m., Prog. Bldg. First and third Thursdays of each month, unless otherwise noted. For more information, contact facilitator Jack Tarr, 703-821-6838. Designed for caregivers of adult family members. Some are cared for at home, some in local assisted living facilities and some are out of state.
Rockville UU seeks part-time minister
Contact Rev. Lynn Strauss, 301-762-7666, ext. 1 by Aug. 1, 2017. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville, MD seeks a second minister to serve our vibrant, growing congregation. The position includes monthly preaching and an emphasis on adult faith formation, leadership training and pastoral support. We are a diverse staff team with strong interfaith outreach and social justice programming.
Western Fairfax PFLAG and FLY
Tue., Aug. 1, 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.
FLY pizza and movie night
Fri., Aug. 18, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg. FLY is a support/social group for LGBTQ youth and allies ages 12 (with parental permission) to 19.
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.
Yoga
Saturdays through December 16, 9:30-11 a.m., Prog. Bldg. Contact Ravi Kaur (Chris Mason), 571-213-3192, to register or for more information. Senior discounts, drop-in rates or packages available. Increase your flexibility, reduce your stress and improve your breathing and health.
Meet UUs from around the world ...
... and visit our Puriang partners. Questions or to talk about the trip, contact Dick Van Duizend, 703-850-6149. The International Council of Unitarians and Universalists will hold its bi-annual meeting in Shillong, India, on Feb. 11-15, 2018. Representatives from at least 24 countries and six continents are expected. There will be some financial assistance to enable young adults to participate. Shillong is the largest city in the Khasi Hills, and there will be opportunities following the conference to visit UUCF’s partner congregation in Puriang, about an hour away. In addition, the UU Partner Church Council (UUPCC) will coordinate a trip that will include visits to several Khasi Unitarian churches as well as tours of Delhi and Agra including the Taj Mahal. Registration for the conference begins on May 15 here. Information regarding the UUPCC trip will be posted here in June. If you have ever dreamed of seeing India, this will be an easy, safe and fun way to do so.
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