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Schedule
Thur, 11/13 - Caring Circle Meeting - 6:30pm
Thur, 11/13 - Music Committee Meeting - 7:00pm
Thur, 11/13 - Choir Rehearsal - 7:30pm
Thur, 11/13 - UUCR Band Rehearsal - 8:30pm
Sat, 11/15 - Circle of Light - 12:30pm
Sat, 11/15 – YRUU Helping Hungry Kids – 3:00pm
Sat, 11/15 - YRUU LockIn - 7:00pm
Sun, 11/16 - Mindfulness Meditation - 9:15am
Sun, 11/16 - Worship Service - 10:00am
Sun, 11/16 - Congregational Forum - 11:30am
Sun, 11/16 – Parker Palmer DVD viewing with Rev. Barbara – 12:15pm
Sun, 11/16 - UUCR Yoga - 4:30pm
Mon, 11/17 - Worship Committee Meeting - 7:00pm
Tues, 11/18 - Knitters - 10:00am
Tues, 11/18 - AGM Meeting - 7:15pm
Wed, 11/19 - Child and Youth Faith Development Committee Meeting - 7:00pm
Thur, 11/20 - Choir Rehearsal - 7:30pm
Sat, 11/22 - Healing Circle - 4:00pm
Sun, 11/23 - All Souls Field Trip - Offsite
Sun, 11/23 - Mindfulness Meditation - 9:15am
Sun, 11/23 - Multigenerational Worship Service - 10:00am
Sun, 11/23 - Social Action Meeting- 11:30am
Sun, 11/23 - Membership Committee Meeting- 11:30am
Sun, 11/23 - UUCR Yoga - 4:30pm
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This Sunday
Worship
November 16- "Gratitude in Deeply Listening," Rev. Dr. Barbara Coeyman
- One service at 10am
I love the poem that begins, “When someone deeply listens to you, it is like holding out a dented cup you have had since childhood and watching it fill up with cold fresh water.” Deep listening is rewarding not only for the speaker but also for the listener. Let’s consider how deep, active listening creates gratitude in a community. When someone deeply listens, we know that someone cares.
For descriptions of upcoming worship services, click here. For more information, please visit our website at www.uureston.org.
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A Note from Rev. Barbara
Changes for November 16
Members and Friends of UUCR: We will be postponing the date for a fire drill at UUCR, from this Sunday November 16 to Sunday November 30. There are several reasons for this shift, including the important all-congregation conversation during Second Hour at 11:30, which I encourage everyone to attend (see the President’s column in this E-Blast) and the weather forecast for this weekend. Stay tuned for more details about the fire drill, coming next week.
Also, to accommodate the all-congregation conversation, a reading group to discuss Parker Palmer’s book A Hidden Wholeness scheduled for this Sunday, November 16, is also postponed until Sunday December 14. However, after the all-congregation conversation this Sunday, I will offer a viewing of a video by Parker Palmer which describes the “Circles of Trust” program which we will begin here at UUCR in January. I will re-run parts of this video on December 14 as we discuss A Hidden Wholeness.
Any questions about either event, don’t hesitate to contact me at minister@uureston.org.
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President's Corner, November 2014
What's going on?
I am hoping that many of you have noticed new energy in our congregational life. I am hearing remarks from many that the “place feels different”—and you are meaning this in a good way. Yes, there is a lot going on, so I thought I would take some time in this month’s column to highlight just a few activities.
Second Sunday Forums
We are developing a practice to set aside the second Sunday of every month—Community Sunday—as a time for community conversation. All members, newcomers, and guests are welcome to these conversations. Your Board seeks to keep you informed about important issues in the life of the community. Sunday, November 16, from 11:30 – 12:15 we will have a conversation about the future of ministry here at UUCR.
Your leaders have learned quite a few things about the processes available to us for calling or hiring our next minister. There will be a special handout for everyone to take some time to read, and then we will have questions and answers. If you missed the conversation we had with Rev. Keith Kron of the UUA on October 5, concerning developmental ministry and the nature of ministry in general, you can read the minutes that are available here: http://www.uureston.org/all-uucr-folder/member-folder/. To gain access, use the member access information available in this issue of the UU Reston News (it appears below under Information.)
Leadership Development
It is a UUA best practice that many congregations are undertaking—evolving their Nominating Committee into a Leadership Development Committee. We are looking at growing our own leaders from within so that they feel confident to take the reins of leadership at many levels and build this skill within themselves. Through the JPD NOVA Cluster, UUCR along with the churches in Fairfax and Sterling will attend Healthy Leadership 101 sponsored through The Hybrid / Online Unitarian Universalist Leadership Team Institute (H-UULTI). Please be on the lookout for additional information posted on the bulletin board in the west foyer. If you want more information, or are interested in taking part, please speak with Keturah Collins, Chair, Leadership Development Committee at henryandketurah@yahoo.com or (703) 860-1263. Classes will begin in January, 2015. This is a great way practice what you learn here at church and in your career!
Office and Sanctuary REDO
Mid-December through mid-January, there will be lots going on here at UUCR because we will be modernizing the older portion of our building. We want any future minister to walk into new space that matches the quality of our addition. We will be moving our office staff to the Board Room during the renovation. Rev. Barbara will occupy some space in the library, but will work primarily from home. She will be available to meet with you, but it’s a good idea to call at least a day ahead.
You may see building materials and equipment—to include additional dust—please be patient with us! It won’t last a long. During this time, entry into and exit from the building will be through the east foyer doors (closest to the Board Room). Since this entrance does not have a key pad, the doors will remain unlocked during office hours while staff is present. A reminder: we keep our building secure to protect the children who attend Children’s House Montessori School.
I hope this season of gratitude warms your heart.
In faith,
Cecile
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Congregational Forum
- Sunday, November 16, 11:30am
At this Congregational Forum, we will be discussing the future of Ministry at UUCR.
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Lifespan Faith Development
Please click here to read about CYFD activities in November or see bulletin board in west foyer.
Adult Faith Development
The UU History class with Rev. Barbara is now closed to new arrivals but class continues for another session. Ask your friends about our religion’s storied heritage!
Rev. Barbara will continue to lead discussion groups to prepare for “A Geography of Grace: Circles of Trust,” a new small group ministry program coming in early 2015. The first group covered “Let Your Life Speak” by Parker Palmer. Future discussion group dates are as follows:
- Sunday, November 16, 12:15pm: DVD viewing of Parker Palmer’s work.
- Sunday, December 14, 11:30-12:30: A Hidden Wholeness by Parker Palmer, 2004
Don’t forget to take a “chalkboard” and chalk home with you. They are in the west foyer and are available for your use as a home kindnesses board. What’s that? It’s a place for you to intentionally note the kind acts you witness in the world. Ask our 1st-3rd class about their kindness project or see accompanying description in the west foyer..
Volunteer Opportunities
If you would like to volunteer for any of the activities below, please contact Courtney Wilson at DLFD@uureston.org.
- Adult Faith Development occasionally needs help with room set-up, photocopying, or other tasks. No long-term commitment necessary.
- CYFD is seeking 1-2 adults or teens to help Anjum (our nursery provider) supervise elementary-school-aged children for 30-60 minutes after service in December for a teacher meeting.
- Love interior decoration or organizing? CYFD needs a strong organizational hand to re-work the supply closet; and the Youth Room is in need of a little design TLC.
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Caring at UUCR
Healing Circle
- Saturday November 22, 2014, 4:00-5:00pm, UUCR Library
For Members and Friends of UUCR who have recently experienced grief and loss, or are currently dealing with illness, recovery, and re-framing of life goals, and …
For Any and All Member and Friends of UUCR who wish to offer support:
Let us come together again for another Healing Circle: a time of affirming community; sharing readings, prayers, and meditations; telling stories.
A bit of ritual, a bit of worship, a lot of listening to and supporting one another...
The Circle will be led by Rev. Barbara in the UUCR Library. A covenant of confidentiality will be set at the beginning of our time together.
Light refreshments will be served after the Circle.
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Social Action
All Souls Food Drive
It is time again for UUCR’s annual food drive to benefit the All Souls UU food pantry in Washington, D.C. Please remember to bring in your food donations by November 23. The donation basket is by the door in the west lobby, and while we are happy to accept any category of food, All Souls has put together this guiding list of suggested items.
November is Oatmeal Month!
Helping Hungry Kids is providing over 350 children every week with food for weekends when schools are not in session. Each month HHK highlights one specific food item that concerned individuals may donate. Please leave your contributions of oatmeal in the box in the entrance foyer. HHK uses approximately 1,600 packets of oatmeal each month.
Thanksgiving Food Drive - Drop off Items November 1-24
Reston Community Center once again joins the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Cornerstones to help families in need. Drop off non-perishable food and other items from November 1 - 24 at Reston Community Center's Hunters Woods and Lake Anne facilities, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, and a variety of other drop-off points throughout the community.
Urgently Needed Items and Community Drop-off Locations
Want to Volunteer?
Register Now
New or Gently used Coats needed!
The need is especially great for men's jackets and larger sizes. See Connie Laurent-Roy for details.
Cornerstones Gifts for Kids
In November, UUCR’s Social Action Committee looks ahead to Christmas, in partnership with Cornerstones, to collect gifts for our neighbors in need. The list of participating recipients is posted in the west foyer, where you may choose from wish list items worth approximately $60-$75. Unwrapped donations, clearly designated, are to be brought to the church by November 30. We have pledged to provide gifts for 52 children, and we still need people to sign up!!
No time (or stamina!)to shop? Pick a child, give Caroline the funds, she will arrange for purchase and delivery. If $60.00 - $75.00 is not in your budget, pair up with a partner!
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Thank you!
From the UUCR Auction Team
A big thank you to everyone who participated in last Saturday's "Falling for UUCR" auction. We had 122 items donated and raised over $14,000. Thank you for helping us achieve this amazing result.
Emails have been sent out to everyone directing them to their statements and letting them know about items that need to be picked up.
Here is a link to your online statement where you'll find your purchases and guest lists:
http://togetherauction.com/uureston/statement/auctionId/1/id/42/
If you have any questions please contact Kathy Deligianis at auction@uureston.org.
What did you think of this year's auction? We welcome your comments and suggestions. Want to join us in planning next year's event? We already have a date picked - Saturday Nov 7, 2015.
Sincerely,
Your Auction Team
auction@uureston.org
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Alternative Gift Market/Craft Fair (AGM/CF) News...
Our 14th Annual Alternative Gift Market and Craft Fair will be held at UUCR between 10am and 2pm on Saturday December 6th.
An “alternative gift” enables us to give to others in a different and more meaningful way. A gift can be donated on behalf of a friend, loved one, your child’s teacher, or the person on your list who has everything. The recipients are people in need in our neighborhood or around the world, who are not on anyone’s gift list. A gift card and an explanation of how the donation will be used to help a child, a family or a community comes with each contribution you make. There will be many options from which to choose in a wide range of donation amounts.
This is not a fundraiser for UUCR. Every penny donated goes to the gift selected. Each “vendor” on our Shopping List (e.g., Cornerstones, Heifer International, Adopt-A-School, Global Camps Africa, etc.) as well as projects from Alternative Gifts International is vetted and qualifies as a charitable organization, so AGM gifts are tax deductible.
Items offered at our Craft Fair come from Ten Thousand Villages, an international organization that ensures foreign artisans receive fair market wages for their efforts instead of slave labor rates. The items range from pottery and jewelry to woodcarvings, baskets and soap.
There will also be crafts from many of our global vendors (Amani Africa, BEADS, Sub-Saharan Education Project, Global Camps Africa, and Children of Mtaya). There’s something for everyone.
In order to be successful, the AGM/CF needs your support. Last year over 55 members and friends helped with the many tasks it takes to present the market.
There are a multitude of opportunities – table setup (on Thursday evening 12/4), and on Market day (12/6), greeters, promoting AGI projects, assisting with the Craft sales, ringing up sales, and cleaning up on Saturday afternoon after closing.
We also will need help putting out median signs before December 6th.
Sign-up sheets will be posted on-line and on the Bulletin Board soon. Here is a link to the volunteer sign-up.
Flyers and the Shopping List will be available for distribution on Sunday.
Please contact Maggie Mack, magmack@gmail.com, with any questions.
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Social Justice
Common Read
In the spirit of our UUA Social Justice issue adopted at this year’s General Assembly, we are adopting a Common Read titled Behind the Kitchen Door by Saru Jayaraman. This book is an expose of the poor working conditions and inhumane labor practices in much of the restaurant industry. Personal stories of individual workers illustrate this timely subject and should engage us in conversation and perhaps some actions.
Our UUCR Library will have a number of these books for check-out as well as a few for purchase through our bookstore. We will be scheduling a number of discussion sessions throughout the year for those who have had a chance to read this selection. Our Women’s Book Group is taking the lead with their November discussion.
We hope everyone will have an interest in taking part in this year-long Social Justice activity.
Stand up for a living wage for Walmart workers on Black Friday
A number of UUCR members and friends will be standing up for a living wage and fair working conditions for Walmart retail workers on Black Friday. We'll be participating in a protest outside the Walmart store in Sterling, VA, starting at noon on Friday, November 28. The Walmart is located off Sully Road (Rt. 28) and Nokes Boulevard in Sterling, at 45415 Dulles Crossing Plaza. Help call attention to the appalling work conditions, poverty wages and unfair scheduling practices at Walmart. The event is scheduled to last approximately two hours.
To learn more about this fight for fairness, please check out the "Making Change at Walmart" web site at http://makingchangeatwalmart.org/. Signing up for this event is easy. Simply fill out the form at https://actionnetwork.org/events/sterling-va-stands-with-walmart-workers/ and mark the time in your calendar. It is important to sign up on this web site so they know how many are coming. Make a sign if you want to bring one. Please let Mark Hamill (markdhamill@gmail.com) and Paul Cohen (coyote9620@aol.com) know if you will attend. We'll try to march together.
In 2008, a Walmart employee was killed on Black Friday by crazed shoppers trying to get into a Walmart store on Long Island. See: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/29/business/29walmart.html. In 2014, let's fight for a living wage for Walmart employees.
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Save the Date!
The Closet's 'Everything Christmas' Sale
Get a head start on decorating and choosing unique gifts and help your community!
You’ll find everything from artificial trees to cookie cutters and food tins (and Hanukkah items).
Preview Sale: Friday, Nov. 14 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Main Sale: Saturday, Nov. 15, 9:00am - 12:30pm
Santa plans to come on Saturday – bring your cameras!
Where: First Baptist Church of Herndon, 681 Elden St., Herndon, VA
(Across from The Pines Shopping Center, near Anita’s)
Circle of Light: An Exploration in Spiritual Growth and Healing; Expressing Gratitude with Crystals
Saturday, Nov 15, from 12:30-3:30
Held in the Sanctuary with Diane Black, Crystal Reiki Therapist
Through meditation, creating a crystal grid, music and drumming, we will express our gratitude and love!
12:30 Meditation, "Perspectives on Gratitude"
1:15 Drum Circle with Crystal Grid (Drum song Grateful)
2:00 Energy Healing Exchange *
* Open to anyone who would like an energy healing session and to certified energy practitioners only.
RSVP to DBlack@Crystal-Therapist.com
$10 Suggested Donation. Part of the proceeds will go to Unitarian Universal Church in Reston
UUCR Potluck Thanksgiving Dinner - Thursday, November 27
A potluck Thanksgiving Dinner will be held at the church on Thanksgiving Day afternoon. This is a wonderful alternative for those who do not have family nearby, or other arrangements, or just would like to share their Thanksgiving with a congenial group! Plan on arriving around 3:00 pm. Dinner will begin around 4:00 pm. Organizers: Mary Ellen Mogee and Peter Lubitz (703-759-5104 or mogeelubitz@gmail.com)
Stone Soup for the Soul Sunday- Sunday, November 30
The Sunday following Thanksgiving, November 30, during Second Hour, we will be preparing, savoring, and sharing Turkey Vegetable Soup and bread made by congregants and UUCR children.
If you have access to a turkey carcass post holiday, please make a broth and bring to church on Sunday, Nov. 30, preferably in a crockpot or other container. That will be the base for our “Stone Soup” . We also ask all congregants to offer some of the “magic” ingredients such as onion, carrots, celery, potatoes or rice etc. which will be added and simmering during our service. It should provide us with a light and healthy lunch to share. Leftover pies and breads will also be welcome! Plan to share in this communal gathering.
Scandinavian Dinner- December 13th!
Scandinavian Dinner : December 13, 2014. Save the Date! No need to "Be" a Scandinavian, just bring a food item to share and be ready to enjoy an evening of friendship and fun! More info to come.
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Social Events
ROMEOs
What is a ROMEO? It stands for Retired Older Men Eating Out. You don't actually have to be retired to join us, but you do have to be available for breakfast and fellowship. The UUCR ROMEOs meet Tuesday mornings at 8 AM at the Virginia Kitchen, 450 Elden Street in Herndon, in the KMart plaza shopping center. Join us!
UUCR Women's Book Group
The UUCR Women’s Book Group will be reading Behind the Kitchen Door by Saru Jayaraman for discussion Friday, November 21 at 7:00pm in the Library. Since the bookis not readily available except through the UUA Bookstore, we have provided copies for loan through UUCR. Please see Caroline Ewart or sign one out in the UUCR Library.
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Weekly Spiritual Practice
Yoga with Eileen Roehr (MSN, RNCS, RYT)
Sundays 4:30pm to 5:30pm
*** THERE IS NO YOGA ON NOVEMBER 30TH! ***
Join fellow UUs and bring your friends! The class is in the Anasara Style; designed to increase joint flexibility, muscle tone, and most important relaxation. I enjoying adapting for individual needs and experience levels; including using chairs vs the floor. The alphabet soup after my name indicates that I am a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist and registered yoga teacher. $10 per class.
Mindfulness Meditation: Sundays, 9:15am
Please join Steve Zappalla and Martha Patterson for a mindfulness meditation session. The group meets in the Library downstairs at 9:15am. The session lasts about 30 minutes and includes a 15 minute guided meditation.
Knitters - Tuesdays, 10:00am
The UUCR Knitting Circle meets every Tuesday morning from 10 am to noon in the UUCR Library. Although we call ourselves Knitters, all forms of needlecraft are welcome. Bring your own project or use our yarn to make a blanket square. No previous experience required - we can teach you! Come enjoy conversation and experience the soothing powers of knitting. For those who can't come during the day we are trying to form a monthly evening or weekend group. If you are interested please contact Kathy Deligianis - kathyd@tuxers.net.
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Information
Samantha Jones on Medical Leave
Our office manager, Samantha Jones, will be on medical leave for elective surgery from November 17 through December 1; we hold her in the light for her health journey. During her absence, Jessica Peristere will serve as office manager. Please make Jessica feel welcome. Jessica will work on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday except for Thanksgiving Day. The office will be closed at other times.
Member Folder Access
All members have access to the Member Folder, located behind the firewall on our website: http://www.uureston.org/all-uucr-folder/ . The username for this secure area is uucrmember and the password is UUCR2014.
Are you a woman who works in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics?
Would you like to share information about your career and the path you took to get there with young girls?
Herndon Elementary’s Girls Excelling in Math & Science (GEMS) Club (4th-6th graders) needs you! We need guest speakers who would be willing to share about their career and path that got them there. We will follow up with a related activity which the speaker may stay for if she would like. GEMS ends at 10:30am.
We are looking for speakers on these Saturday dates from 9:00am to 9:30am at Herndon Elementary: December 6, 2014, December 13, 2014, January 10, 2015, January 24, 2015, February 7, 2015, February 21, 2015, February 28, 2015, March 7, 2015, and March 14, 2015.
Please contact Maggie Mack at magmack@gmail.com, with further questions.
Affordable Care Act Enrollment
Affordable Care Act (ACA or, as it's often known, Obamacare) Enrollment: November 15 is the beginning of the open enrollment period for health insurance for calendar year 2015. If you do not have health insurance or just have questions about enrollment (or re-enrollment), UUCR member Terry Mitchell is a Certified Application Counselor for the ACA (for Northern Virginia Family Service) and would be glad to help. There are no fees for this assistance.
Also, NVFS needs additional counselors, especially those with language skills. Being a CAC involves serving low/moderate-income clients for one or more 3 to 4-hour sessions per week from November 15 to February 15. You would train for the position on-line, and the training takes 10 to 15 hours. CAC's are critical assisters in getting people enrolled.
If you have questions about enrollment or about being a CAC, call or email Terry Mitchell (703-437-0520 or tmmitch1@verizon.net).
Second Hour Schedule
For a trial period during the 2014-2015 church year, the general plan for the 11:30-12:30 hour on Sundays will be to schedule events according a rotating schedule:
- 1st and 3rd Sundays -- Adult Faith Development activities;
- 2nd Sundays -- Congregational Meetings;
- 4th Sundays -- open for social events, committee meetings, etc.
Reminder!
When scheduling church events and meetings, even off-campus, please contact the office administrator (admin@uureston.org) to have your event put on the church calendar! Please note that this includes covenant groups!
Also, if you would like to have the door(s) unlocked for your event or meeting, you need to ask, as this does not happen automatically!
Caring Circle
The Caring Circle of this Congregation provides support at times of need, such as arranging for food and rides, organizing receptions after a memorial service, and keeping in contact with members and friends of this congregation who are ill or shut in. If you would like the support of the Caring Circle, please feel free to contact our Minister or our Caring Circle co-chairs, Dora Anderson (dorama33@gmail.com) and Linda Johnson (johngartner4@verizon.net). If you have a care or concern that you would like to have included in the pastoral prayer, please contact Rev. Barbara by phone (703-956-9155) or email (minister@uureston.org).
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