| Name | Description |
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| "UU BASICS" | These classes, presented three times a year, are designed specifically for newcomers to the church, although they are suitable for any others who may want a refresher course! Material covered includes Unitarian Universalist history and philosophy, and information. |
| Adult Education | is designed to enhance our sense of community and to foster the enrichment of our spiritual and intellectual lives. Participation is open to our members and friends and to the public. An adult education catalog is mailed in spring & fall. Volunteers are needed for the Adult Ed committee and to prepare & mail the catalog. |
| Affordable Housing Working Group | Affordable Housing Working Group is dedicated to understanding and acting on what we as a church might do to work for the preservation and expansion of affordable housing. In 2007 through Sullivan House’s Adopt-a-Family program, the group started supporting an Arlington low-income resident family that is struggling to get a foothold in Arlington. The group continues to monitor efforts by Arlington County to change laws relating to affordable housing, and provides educational opportunities to UUCA members. Contact: Gretchen Menn at gmenn@mindspring.com or Louise Van Horne at (703) 532-3175 or lvanhorne@comcast.net. |
| ALIVE! (Alexandrians Involved Ecumenically) | ALIVE! (Alexandrians Involved Ecumenically) is an Interfaith organization of approximately 40 area congregations that together provide social services including: an accredited child development center, a shelter house, a furniture warehouse, medical equipment and house wares. Emergency food delivery and financial assistance also are offered. Contact: Ann Marie Hay at (703) 548-8412 or hay@patriot.net. |
| Arlingtarian Volunteers | help on alternate Tuesday afternoons preparing our newsletter for mailing: folding, labeling & delivery to post office. A fun, social time! |
| Arlington Emergency Weather Shelter | Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (ASPAN) Arlington Emergency Winter Shelter operates with an all-volunteer staff. UUCA volunteers staff the shelter the second Saturday monthly November through April. Contact: Ken Perkins-Gough at (703) 534-3801 or KenPG13@aol.com. |
| Arlington Food Assistance Center | Arlington Food Assistance Center provides supplemental food for Arlingtonians in need. UUCA members work monthly – a Friday evening or Saturday morning to sort and distribute food. Contact: Elizabeth Fogarty at (703) 807-2443 or Eafogarty@aol.com. |
| Arlington Interfaith Council | UUCA is a member of 49 Arlington churches that support local social service groups. |
| ASPAN (Arlington Street Peoples Assistance Network) | ASPAN (Arlington Street Peoples Assistance Network) Street Food Delivery provides bagged meals to homeless people in Arlington. UUCA volunteers make bag lunches, deliver and serve them on the last Sunday of each month between 5:30 and 7 p.m. For more information, go to http://www.a-span.org/baggedmeal.html. Contact: Bonnie O'Day at (703) 845-3436 or boday@mathematica-mpr.com. |
| Beacon House | Beacon House is a UU urban ministry for inner city youth. UUCA provides financial contributions, field trips, Mistletoe Mall for Kids, Christmas gifts, a monthly Saturday morning program and after-school tutoring to Beacon House youth. Contact: Gerry Stevens-Kittner, church liaison and development director at Beacon House, at gskittner@aol.com. |
| Book Sales | Volunteer to sort & box books for our annual sales to be held in fall & spring. Help with mailings. Cashiers, stockers, set-up & clean-up. |
| Buddhist Fellowship | We are UUCA members and friends who have joined togehter in a Buddhist group within the UUCA community. Our mission is to nurture and support individuals who are exploring the Buddhist path.
We have sitting and walking meditation on Wednedsay evenings (except Federal Holidays) at 7:30 pm. Newcomers please arrive at 7:10 for orientiation.
We also have half-day retreats about every three months, occasional dharma discussions and classes, and participate in social service and community activities. You are welcome to join us. |
| Canvass | is our annual opportunity to put our financial commitment behind our beliefs. On the basis of pledges received in February & March, we budget our programming and worship for the April-March fiscal year. You may help us plan special events, design publici |
| Chalice Lighters | Provides financial assistance to small congregations in our Joseph Priestley District. You may pledge to contribute $30 yearly in response to three appeals ($10 each). |
| Child Dedication Ceremony | The parents or guardians name the child and acknowledge their responsibility to raise & instruct their children in the ways of right living, both for themselves & for humankind. |
| Children's Religious Education | See Sunday volunteer opportunities & the R.E. brochures. |
| Children's Worship Committee | Is seeking persons who might have a story or idea that they'd like to present at a children's service. Need people/ideas for the younger group (K-3), but are interested in anyone who feels they have something to offer. |
| Choir | The choir rehearses each Thursday from 8:00-10:00PM from September through June. New singers are welcome. There are no auditions, but please meet at 7:00 PM any Thursday for an orientation. Sing at either Sunday service, Christmas Eve & 2 concerts yearl |
| Christmas in April | This project is now called "Rebuilding Together." Seeks volunteer carpenters, drywall installers, painters, roofers, electricians, plumbers, cleaners & yard workers of any skill level to make repairs for low-income, elderly, or disabled homeowners who cannot afford to make their own repairs. For more information on Rebuilding Together, please see the web site of the sponsor, RPJ Housing Development Corp. at http://www.rpjhousing.org/rt.xhtml |
| Clerestory Press | CPQ, Clerestory Press Quarterly, UUCA's journal of literature and the arts, provides a community for creative souls to express their love of writing, poetry, music, essays, and art. Contributors and volunteers encouraged. |
| Compassion For Creatures | This special interest group of Eco-Action
seeks to educate the congregation, and others, about
animal rights issues of all sorts. |
| Culpepper Garden | Culpepper Garden People of vision from this church community started Culpepper Garden more than three decades ago. Today, Culpepper Garden continues to provide rental apartments to 270 elders with low to moderate incomes. An award winning assisted living wing features apartments and support services for 70 frail seniors of modest means. A variety of volunteer opportunities include important committee work to assist with resident activities. |
| Dance Program | UUCA has a partnership with Sandra Kammann to include dance at the church. Working with church participants, team members teach technique class, create choreography, use movement as a tool to teach Religious Education curriculum, and facilate monthly All-come movement workshops. In addition, team members facilitate congregational movement during certain services and collaborate on special events and with social action groups. If you'd like to find out more about participating in existing (or creating new!) opportunities, please contact Sandra Kammann. |
| Day Alliance | Day Alliance. Both men and women are invited to attend Day Alliance meetings in the Fellowship Hall on the first Tuesday of every month (except July and August). There is a business meeting at 10:00 am, social coffee at 10:30 am, a speaker/program at 11:00, and a catered lunch at noon. Contact: Jim Altman at 703-250-5690 |
| Decorations Committee | Decorations Committee. Arrange flowers for Sunday services in the Sanctuary, special decorations for holidays and special events, arrange for or attend flower arranging workshops. |
| Dream Group | The Dream Group meets twice a month (2nd & 4th Tuesdays) to share dreams, explore dream images, and investigate a variety of approaches to dream interpretation. Because of the intimate nature of the work, this is not a "drop-in" group, but welcomes newcomers following a brief individual orientation. If you are interested in learning more about joining this stimulating exploration, contact Sharon Sundial. |
| English for Speakers of Other Languages | English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is a free practice and improvement program for intermediate level adult English-language students, led by UUCA volunteers. Drop-in classes are Monday through Thursday evenings, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. June through August, classes are held only two days per week. Contact: Ann Kurzius at (703) 241-1685 or akurzius@yahoo.com and Derek Singer at (703) 528-6891 or dandrsinger@yahoo.com. |
| Fall Retreat | for adults is held each September at Capon Springs, WV. Workshops & discussion groups relate to a theme chosen for the weekend. |
| Family Circles | Groups of families with children the same age are formed, and choose monthly activities to share together, to build a sense of friendship and community within our larger church community.
To find out how to join a Family Circle. Contacts: Rebecca Simpson or Sherrie Burson |
| Fellowship Dinner Evening | Fellowship Dinner evening is held annually as an opportunity to expand connections between members. Members sign up to host or attend a dinner and are assigned by a committee to homes. |
| Fellowship X | We are a social and spiritual fellowship within UUCA, open to all who wish to attend. Most of our members are UU's in the Generation X age range (born in the 1960's and 1970's), and many of us are former members of the Young Adult Group.
We offer spiritual activities such as our Friday night
service and annual retreat, and social activities such as our monthly
potluck and weekly games night.
We maintain ongoing connection through Web forums and our weekly email events list. For more information, please see
our website at www.FellowshipX.org or contact us by email at
LeadershipTeam@FellowshipX.org |
| Globalization Watch | Globalization Watch meets monthly on a Sunday evenving to examine the many aspects of economic globalization from an ethical perspective. We try to make sense of a very complicated scene and to understand how to support sustainability. Each year our group, often in tandem with Eco?Action, presents a church?wide forum with guest speaker. |
| Green Action | Green Action works to make UUCA an official Green Sanctuary. The Unitarian Universalist Association Ministry for Earth awards Green Sanctuary status to congregations that develop and implement an extensive "green" action plan for "greening" all aspects of church life and then carry out that plan. |
| Greeters | Greeters make all feel welcome! Devote 1 hour before and after one service each month greeting all...visitors, newcomers, friends and members. Help with questions. Introduce newcomers to members and members to one another. A key Hospitality Ministry function! |
| Holdeen India Program | The Holdeen India Program works with India's most excluded and oppressed peoples. The program supports their efforts to participate fully in the social, economic and political life of India. |
| Housing Task Force | Housing Task Force organizes volunteers of all skill levels to fix up homes for people who are limited financially. Tasks include painting, drywall, plumbing, demolition and yard work for projects such as "Rebuilding Together", a nationwide program sponsored by the Robert Pierre Johnson Housing Foundation, or helping out volunteer teams from other churches or non-profit groups |
| hUUmanists | We're an informal group of members and friends of the UUCA who meet regularly for discussion sessions, talks, videos and what-have-you centered around our common interests in humanism. Many of us - though not all - would describe ourselves as secular humanists.
We meet every other Monday from 7:30pm until about 9:15 or 9:30 at the church.
Humanism has a long and proud history and a beckoning future. Humanists seek to nurture its traditions, to foster connections with other groups, and to contribute significantly to the spiritual life of Unitarian Universalism.
Find
out More... |
| Information Desk | Support our Hospitality Ministry by answering questions and providing information 1 hour before and after each service, generally at one service each month. |
| International Study & Discussion Group | The International Study and Discussion Group (ISDG) has completed its second year. The group meets monthly. Meetings are open to all church members and friends interested in international affairs. Some who attend are now working in the international field, and some have retired from foreign affairs careers. Others just enjoy traveling abroad, have international connections, or are simply interested in learning about different countries and world problems.
ISDG meetings do not work from a text. As a group, they develop, support, or propose positions on subjects they cover. The evening’s topic is determined by the volunteer presenter for each session, a member of the group who researches and obtains background materials for the evening’s program. Subjects have included internal education, Brazil, Africa, Cambodia, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Colombia, the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, and international criminal courts, Germany, Iran, and others. |
| Journey Toward Wholeness Transformation Team | The Journey Toward Wholeness (JTW) Transformation Team is charged with aiding UUCA to become a more inclusive, anti-racist institution. We believe our church can transform itself into a major force in the elimination of oppression, building alliances to work for justice in our community and world. |
| Labyrinth Project | Walking the labyrinth while silently meditating is a way of briefly entering a different time zone, "dreamtime" rather than clock time, enabling walkers to more easily connect with their creative center. It is a centering activity that brings healing & wholeness.
Find out more at the website - www.uucava.org/Labyrinth/ |
| Library | Checkout and re-shelve books & sermon tapes for ? hour after each service. |
| Meals on Wheels | Meals On Wheels volunteers bring hot meals to shut-ins. It’s a two-hour commitment from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., on the fourth Thursday or Friday of each month - you choose which day. Working in teams of two, one person drives and the other delivers. Volunteers agree it’s a gratifying experience. Contact: Judy King at (703) 979-7299 or judyhk@webtv.net. |
| Memorial Garden | Is located across the main driveway from the Sanctuary and provides for ash interment & stelae for the inscription of names of members & friends. |
| Memorial Society | Assists members in planning for death with dignity in order to contribute to their own peace of mind and as a thoughtful service to survivors who must make immediate decisions at a time of trauma. Provides initial forms and documents, biennial newsletters. Help with office work, mailings, legal advice; computer knowledge is especially useful. Work at home or church. |
| Men's Book Group | Meets monthly to discuss a previously assigned book or movie. |
| Mistletoe Mall | Mistletoe Mall, an annual December fund raiser, includes community building in its Saturday program for children of our church and visiting children from Arlington Housing Corporation supported communities, Beacon House in D.C., and Sullivan House in Arlington. Included are gift making and shopping, a visit with Santa, seasonal music and a pizza lunch. The event also offers adults the opportunity to purchase gift certificates benefiting UUCA Social Action Council affiliated groups. |
| Mitten Tree Service | Mitten Tree Service is sponsored by the Religious Education Council. Bring new mittens, hats, scarves and socks to the two Christmas Eve services. They will be distributed to needy families. |
| MoonFire | MoonFire is a community of people believing that the sacred
lies in all earth elements and in each other. We are a chapter of the
Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPs), following and exploring earth-centered spiritual paths as an inclusive UU fellowship. Our mission is to explore, learn, and teach traditions of earth-based religions in a sacred and safe community, and to celebrate holidays marked by the solstices and the four seasons.
Rituals are held on the third Sunday of every month
at 1:00 PM, and are followed by potluck and fellowship.
Website - http://www.uucava.org/Moonfire/ |
| Morris Dance | The Arlington Northwest Morris Women meet Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Inspired by the UUCA Winter Solstice celebrations, they dance for fun and exercise and occasional performances. They are actively seeking new members try it out! Also watch for sign-ups for the 2003 Solstice. |
| New Members Reception | by invitation only following New Members Recognition Sunday service. |
| New UU Orientation | For newcomers, new members, or new friends. Learn about the activities and operation of this church. Luncheon served and babysitting is available if notified a week in advance. |
| Nursery | for under 2-yr-olds; run by RE office for both Sunday services. To register or volunteer call Linda Switzer. |
| Office Volunteers | assist church staff answering phones or doing computer entry work. Commitment can be weekly or monthly; Hours Mon-Fri. 9AM-1:00PM or 1:00-5:00PM. |
| Parish Nurse | The Parish Nurse Program is a volunteer health ministry centering on wellness of body, mind, and spirit. Its goal is to help promote a "caring" community at UUCA in conjunction with the Pastoral Visitors and the Caring Connection.
Having the support of a Health Advisory Committee and the Congregational Health Partnership of Inova Health Systems, the Parish Nurse offers blood pressure clinics, flu clinics, consultation and referral on health related issues, home, nursing home, and hospital visits. Wellness related programs including classes, seminars, and support groups are being offered through the Program Guide. The Parish Nurse also acts as a resource for various programs being offered in the local community that are pertinent to members of the congregation. Contact for information or to volunteer Carolyn Menk, RN (Parish Nurse) |
| Partner Church Program | This committee is part of a national UU program linking U.S. churches with Unitarian partner churches in the Transylvania section of Romania. Cultural & educational exchange, plus material assistance to these historic congregations are important elements. Many volunteer opportunities in connection with the periodic fundraisers. Brochure available. |
| Partners for Accompainers in Guatemala (PAG) | UUCA is a Sponsoring Community for a human rights Accompanier in Guatemala. As a Sponsoring Community, we will:
* Educate ourselves and others about Guatemala
* Support an accompanier there for one year
* Respond to human rights abuses in Guatemalan communities
* Reach out to Central American immigrants in our area
* Connect with other interested churches and organizations.
* Collaborate with NISGUA - Network In Solidarity with the people of Guatemala |
| Pastoral Care Guild | Members of the Pastoral Guild are trained to assist the minister with pastoral care, such as visits and telephoning to keep in contact with members in the hospital, elder residences, and the homebound. |
| Peace Camp | Peace Camp offers children ages 5-12 an opportunity to explore the issues and feelings associated with peace and conflict. Campers and staff represent a diversity of religious faith, ethnicity and culture. Camp is held each year the last week of June, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., with before and after-camp care. |
| Peace Initiatives Network | Peace Initiatives Network, launched in 2003, seeks to broaden the peace making mission of UUCA's Peace Camp. The church's own Peace Room welcomes activities for children, youth, and adults. Peace related events are also coordinated, including networking meetings, intergenerational workshops and peace demonstrations in coalition with area groups. |
| Poker Group | This is an informal group of people who like to play low-stakes poker. Games are scheduled once a month. |
| Quuest Art Gallery | This committee arranges small art exhibits the display the works or UUCA members and friends right in our own buildings. Artists in the larger community often participate as well. |
| Rebuilding Together | Seeks volunteer carpenters, drywall installers, painters, roofers, electricians, plumbers, cleaners & yard workers of any skill level to make repairs for low-income, elderly, or disabled homeowners who cannot afford to make their own repairs. For more information on Rebuilding Together, please see the web site of the sponsor, RPJ Housing Development Corp. at http://www.rpjhousing.org/rt.xhtml |
| Religious Education Classes | for children are held in the lower level during both services. Children attend their own worship service in the Children's Chapel except for monthly All-Church Sunday when they come to the Sanctuary for the first 20 minutes. Volunteers needed |
| Round Robin Bridge | Once each month from October to April, each member couple plays 16 hands of bridge at another member couple’s home, for which scores are kept and honored at a post-season tournament party in May. Many people get to know others in this way; a social thing more than competitive. Last year 22 couples (44 players) participated. $5 is collected from each couple each session; net proceeds buy some needed item for the Church. |
| Scrip Sales | Scrip Sales. UUCA buys grocery "scrip" (in paper or gift card format) at a discount and sells it at face value--a painless fundraiser that nets thousands of dollars each year for the church. Four local chains participate: Giant, Shoppers Food Warehouse, Magruder's, and Safeway. Volunteers sell the scrip in Fellowship Hall after every Sunday service. |
| Secret Santa | Provide Christmas to needy families by donating new clothes & household items during this annual drive sponsored by the Religious Education division. |
| Seder | Annual Inter-generational Passover ceremony celebrating freedom from oppression. Potluck dinner with Passover recipes provided. Volunteers needed for set-up, decorations, music & dance, kitchen crew, clean-up. |
| Services Auction | is our biggest fund raiser and the most fun, too! Volunteer to solicit commercial donations, phone church friends, do computer work, publicity, decorations, prepare food the day of the auction, or help that night. |
| Singletarians | A group of single people of any age who gather for fun and serious discussion. |
| Social Action Council | The mission of SAC is to support social action within and outside our church community and to facilitate participation in social action programs by any member or friend who seeks an opportunity to be involved in social issues through our church.
The Social Action Council meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Meetings are open. Those who plan to attend should check with the church office to confirm the date and time for the meeting. |
| Sound Committee | This Sound Committee activates the sound system and regulates the volume for services and other events. It's simpler than it sounds and training is provided. Commit to one service per month or as a backup. |
| Spring Retreat, | usually held the weekend school lets out in June, includes children & adults. The program provides for both fellowship & individual pursuits. Big Meadows on Skyline Drive. |
| Sullivan House | Sullivan House shelter for homeless families in Arlington accepts donations of nonperishable food (canned and packaged). Contact Mark Fields, 703 525-4510. The Young Adult Group looks after the children at Sullivan house while their parents attend classes one Wednesday evening each month. |
| Sunday Refreshments (Coffee +) | Serve on a team of two or three volunteers at one service, one Sunday a month preparing beverages and arranging set-up. 1st Service team arrives at 8:45, 2nd Service team remains until 1:15. Your smiles & welcome greeting are important to our food and hospitality ministry. |
| Task Force to Abolish the Death Penalty | The ultimate goal of the UUCA Task Force to Abolish the Death Penalty (TFADP) is to help bring about the end of capital punishment worldwide - in law. In the near term TFADP also works to reduce its imposition -- in practice. TFADP organizes educational events, execution vigils, and petition and letter writing campaigns. TFADP is a chapter of the national Unitarian Universalists for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (UUADP). ).
Website - www.uucava.org/TFADP |
| Thanksgiving Food Drive | Held in conjunction with All Souls Church, Washington, DC. Food collected the prior Sunday. Drivers needed to transport to DC. |
| The Breakfast Club | is still eating out. They meet 8:30 AM Fridays at La Madeleine French Bakery & Café, 5861 Crossroads
Center Way, Falls Church. |
| Theatre 2006-07/Chalice Theatre, | UUCA's drama club, produces 1-3 productions annually and other theater-related programs. |
| Unitarian Universalist Service Committee | Unitarian Universalist Service Committee advocates for social justice causes worldwide. Sponsor of annual Guest at Your Table Program. Gifts and cards benefitting UUSC are sold at UUCA’s Mistletoe Mall. |
| Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice | Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice in the Baltimore-Washington Area (UUSJ). A regional partnership for furthering UU principles on human dignity, justice and compassion through service, community development, advocacy, education and interfaith cooperation on urban concerns. Working toward the goals of sustainable community change and spiritual growth in our congregations, the primary focus of UUSJ is on supporting and advocating for public schools, especially those facing economic inequality, violence, drugs and other challenges.
Liaisons: Francesca Grisar, Marc Defrancis (m_defrancis@yahoo.com), and Bob Denniston (justdoitbob@hotmail.com)
Website - www.uusj.org |
| Ushers | Ushers devote 1 hour before and after one service monthly, greeting, passing out programs, passing collection plates and other duties as needed. Easy job for new people and a key part of our hospitality ministry. |
| UUCA Book Group | This group meets monthly on Thursday afternoons from September through June. Informal discussion is based on a current or classic book chosen by member preference. |
| VARUUM | VARUUM is a group that provides a safe gathering for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders, their families and friends. UUCA is a Welcoming Congregation: we welcome and celebrate the presence and participation of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transexual persons. |
| Video Committee | The Video Committee has opportunities for novices, amateurs, and semi-professionals to help on a regular or occasional basis to tape sermons and special events, or to provide programming about UUCA & Unitarian-Universalism for community television. |
| Winter Solstice | is a cooperative celebration, audience participation, entertainment & a light, festive meal. There are Morris dancers, mummers, and singers of all ages. An intergenerational event for people over 5 years of age. |
| Women Writers' Group | This is an ongoing group that meets on the second Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Members suggest topics for short writing assignments, which range from childhood memories to current events. New members are welcome. |
| Women's Book Group | meets monthly for dinner & discussion of women authors at host's homes . |
| Yard Sale | held spring & fall. Can use clean, useful donations; help setup, sort, price, sales staff, clean-up crew. Need lots of help including Spanish speakers |
| Young Adults | We are UUCA members and friends aged 18-35 committed to socializing, spirituality, and social justice. We meet for 4 monthly events: Circle Worship, Sunday Brunch, Social night, and Hike with other member-suggested events. We maintain ongoing communication through our Google Group and weekly email events list: http://groups.google.com/group/UUCA_YA. |
| Youth Choir | This program develops musical skills that will enrich young lives & the life of the church. |
| Youth Group | The Youth Group offers activities for high school students. They meet on Sunday mornings during second service, and have weekend retreats, social outings, picnics, hikes, movies, sports, and fundraisers. Youth Group plans and presents the annual Youth Sunday Service with a theme of significance to the young people themselves. See also 'UU Tweens' for middle schoolers. |
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UUCA
Organizations