**Please note: one service this Sunday, November 25, 10:00 am**
Sunday Services: 9:15 and 11:15 am
This Sunday's Services:
“Under the Sea”
Crystal Mann
In a world obsessed with keeping up appearances, how do we dig deep to get in touch with our true essence and lead lives of authenticity? Please note: one service this Sunday, November 25, 10:00 am
The Church office will be closed Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23 for Thanksgiving.
Share the Plate for November
Together We Bake
Together We Bake is an empowerment-based workforce training program for women in need of a second chance. The program is centered on a small baking business where women actively learn and participate in food production, food safety education, and business administration. They also teach empowerment and life skills classes to help women develop self-confidence, healthy coping strategies, and a strong support network as they move toward self-sufficiency. Each woman graduates job-ready, empowered, and with a nationally-recognized ServSafe certificate, resulting in preferential hiring and higher wages.
For all our young adults! A fabulous new program designed by UU's and open to
all progressive young adults starting on
Tuesday, November 27. If you can go, GO!! Let's make this successful!!
Solstice Volunteer Needed
MVUC has a tradition of celebrating Solstice on December 21 in an event coordinated by volunteers. We are currently looking for someone to plan activities and help recruit activity leaders. Assistance with supplies and PR provided. If you are available or to ask questions contact Ann Richards.
Book Sale
Books in the Fireplace Room of Hollin Hall will be for the spring book sale. You may purchase them now- $1.00 each. Additional books will be added each week, so shop often. Money goes to the operating budget.
Winter Clothing Drive
December 1-31
MVUC's annual Winter Clothing Drive will run through the month of December. Please bring your gently used winter clothing to the Commons Coat Closet. There will be a box there for your donations, which will be passed onto UCM Thrift Shop. Clean out those closets and let somebody else get some use out of your unused coats, boots, scarves, gloves, and winter clothing.
AmazonSmile: Support MVUC while you Shop at Amazon.
By taking a few simple steps prior to your next Amazon purchase, you can arrange for 0.5% of your purchase to be remitted from Amazon to MVUC. Log on to smile.amazon.com, or click on the logo above, and follow the instructions on how to designate your charity. In the blank provided for that purpose, enter “Mount Vernon Unitarian Church” (exactly as shown here, so that your designation matches our registered name in Amazon’s system). Thereafter, always log into smile.amazon.com rather than amazon.com when making your purchases.
Religious Education This Sunday
For a full list of Lifespan Spiritual Growth Programs including Religious Education for Children, Adult Religious Education, Multigenerational Events, and the LSG calendar, click here.
Religious Education
Religious Education First Service RE for 4-11 years; Second Service Full RE
When the entire congregation is not meeting in the chapel, the Nursery is open, and Religious Education is offered at 9:15 a.m. for 4-11-year-old children. At 11:15 a.m. Nursery, PreK-K, 1-3, 4-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade classes are offered. For more information, consult https://mvuc.org/learning/ or contact Ann Richards.
Nov 25
One service, 10 am Nursery and Childcare for ages 4-11 available No RE
Nov 25
Children’s Choir 9:00-10:00 am
Dec 1
MVUC Advent Calendar published online
Dec 1
Holiday Craft Workshop 2:30-5:45
Dec 1
Pizza Party, Sing-Along and Piñata 6-7:30
Dec 2
Dr. Seuss RE ages 4-11 at 9:15, RE for all ages at 11:15
Dec 5
Children’s Choir Rehearsal 10:15-11:15
Dec 6
Lifespan Spiritual Growth Council Meeting 7:30
Dec 9
Dr. Seuss RE ages 4-11 at 9:15, RE for all ages at 11:15
Dec 12
Children’s Choir Rehearsal 10:15-11:15
Dec 16
9:15 and 11:15 Multigen Pageant Service: Nursery but no RE at either service
Dec 19
Children’s Choir Rehearsal 10:15-11:15
Dec. 23
9:15 Childcare available, 11:15 Multigen Service, Nursery at both services
Dec. 24
4:30 pm Family Christmas Eve Service, 7 pm Christmas Eve Service
Dec. 30
One service, 10 am
RE Classrooms
First Service:
Infants and Toddlers Nursery Office side of Meeting House
Ages 4-11Green Room Second Floor, Hollin Hall
Second Service
Infants and Toddlers Nursery Office side of Meeting House
PreK-Kindergarten Green Room Second Floor, Hollin Hall
4th- 5th Grades Morning Room Second Floor, Hollin Hall
6th- 8th Grades Dining Room First Floor, Hollin Hall
9th- 12th Grades YRUU Room Second Floor, Carriage House
MVUC Advent Calendar Returns December 1
Ready for more games, stories, reminders, videos and MVUC holiday fun? Click here on MVUC Advent Calendar between December 1 and 23, and you’ll get a little surprise perfect for children, adults, and families to enjoy together every day.
Flowers
Sandy Peterson willdonate flowers for this Sunday’s service. Thank you!
The 2018-19 Sunday Flowers Sign-Up Genius is live! Select your Sunday and commemorate an occasion, or memorialize or honor a friend or family member by providing flowers for our altar. Visit the Sign-Up Genius now to sign up!
IT'S ** VIC HOP ** SEASON!
Once again, MVUC is taking part in New Hope Housing's Ventures in Community Hypothermia Program (VIC HOP) at Rising Hope shelter opposite Aldi on Russell Rd off Route 1.
We serve our neighbors every Thursday evening in December, January, and March by providing a hot meal for 24, 3 chaperones who monitor the shelter overnight, and a nutritious breakfast bag guests take with them at 7 am.
This excellent program and is much appreciated. Find information and clipboard to sign up in the Commons. Many thanks for your continued support. Please contact Helen Lounsbury with any questions or to sign-up at703-346-4401.
What's Happening at MVUC
Sunday Services: Sunday, November 25, 10:00 am only “Under the Sea” Crystal Mann
In a world obsessed with keeping up appearances, how do we dig deep to get in touch with our true essence and lead lives of authenticity?
Generation X Social Group Saturday, November 24 7:00 pm, 6015 Woodlake Lane
Lost At the X-Roads Social Group - A meet-up for Generation X-ers at MVUC
Are you between the ages of approximately 35 and 60? Join us for a new generation X social group! Come As You Are Cocktails for music, games, and pontification as the mood strikes. The next meeting will be Saturday, November 24th at 7 pm at 6015 Woodlake Lane. Bring some Thanksgiving leftovers for snacks! Contact Generation X to sign up and RSVP!
Outdoor Fellowship Saturday, November 25, Harper’s Ferry
Join the Outdoor Fellowship for our annual post-Thanksgiving hike Saturday, November 25. This year we return to Harper's Ferry for an approximately 6-mile hike with moderate elevation gain on the Appalachian and Loudoun Heights Trails to a beautiful overlook of Harper's Ferry and the convergence of the two rivers. Optional post-hike lunch at Beans in the Belfry in nearby Brunswick, MD. Meet at MVUC at 8:30 am or at the trailhead at 10:00 am (parking area immediately to right after crossing Shenandoah River Bridge on Rt. 340 from VA to WVA). For more info, including on possible self-led alternatives in and near Harper's Ferry, contact Carl Lohmann.
Greening of the Church Thursday, November 29, 11 am - 2 pm
All are welcome (kids too) to help assemble the MVUC Christmas Tree and decorate the Chapel. No special skills needed. You don't have to stay the whole time. Questions? Ask Carolyn White.
Holiday Craft Workshop Saturday, December 1, 2:30 pm - 5:45 pm, Hollin Hall
Construct then decorate Graham Cracker houses; assemble wreathes with MVUC boxwood; and, enjoy crafts. Fun for all ages! It’s a one-day event this year. Come early to construct your house, enjoy crafts while it dries, then decorate it before the Sing-along and Pinata! Graham Cracker houses — $9; wreath forms — $12; crafts and fun — Free! Volunteer to help click here. Reserve your houses and wreath forms here.
Holiday Pizza Party, Sing-along & Piñata Saturday, December 1, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, The Commons
Community sing-along for all ages followed by a piñata for the kids. All your favorite carols and an MVUC favorite The Twelve Days of Christmas! No singing skills required! Be there for the unveiling of the piñata theme this year! Pizza available: free but donation appreciated. Please let us know that you’re coming by clicking here.
Faithful Practices Book Group Sundays December 2, 9, 16, January 13, 20, 27, 1 - 2 pm Tuesdays December 4, 11, 18, January 15, 22, 29, 7:30 - 8:30 pm
Explore innovative and personal forms of spiritual practice in a book group reading Faithful Practices: Everyday ways to feed your spirit, a collection of short essays written by Unitarian Universalist authors. Participants read two essays in advance, then a facilitator (Rev. Kate Walker, Kris Rosenthal, Ann Richards or Pete Bloom) leads a one-hour discussion about them. Sessions are drop-in, but those interested are encouraged to register in order to receive reminders. Please bring a bag lunch. Books are available through the MVUC Book Nook in the Commons on Sunday mornings. Register here. Childcare is available if requested at least one week in advance by sending an email to Ann Richards.
Call for “Arms”– Annual Holiday Blood Drive Saturday, December 8, The Commons
The Social Justice Council will host the annual MVUC (and more) Holiday Blood Drive on Saturday, December 8. Not everyone can give blood but everyone is potentially in need of this life-saving material. With shopping and winter colds, December is often a tough time for INOVA to keep the blood bank fully stocked. Won’t you mark your calendar today and send an email to Mike Walker at mikewalkerjd@gmail.com to save your time slot? All “types” are welcome!
Wim Hof Method Workshop Saturdays, Dec 8, Jan 12, Feb 9, or March 9 (This is not a series: you do not need to attend all)
12:00 - 4:00 pm, Hollin Hall, $10 supply fee
In this Wim Hof Method workshop, you will learn and EXPERIENCE the fundamentals of the Wim Hof Method (WHM) from Bob Soulliere, one of the few WHM Certified Instructors here in the USA. These are the fundamental techniques the "The Iceman" Wim Hof developed over the course of 40 years. Your workshop experience will include both light lecture and hands-on training. We will explore the 3 pillars of the method: breathwork, cold exposure (ice bath), and mindset/focus. Throughout the workshop, you will be learning, moving, breathing, ice bathing, and expanding your comfort boundaries. Become Happier, Healthier, & Stronger with these scientifically-proven benefits of the WHM:
Talk on Wildfire Issue Sunday, December 9, 12:30, Fireplace Room
What’s the real story behind this year’s horrific wildfires in the West? The last few years have witnessed an increase in destructive and deadly wildfires in the Western U.S. that have decimated communities, killed firefighters and community residents, damaged critical watersheds and wildlife habitat, and cost billions of dollars in property damage and suppression efforts.
Doug MacCleery, retired U.S. Forest Service policy analyst, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, and former wildland firefighter, will discuss the real backstory and history behind this situation which is seldom properly covered in the press. What’s really driving these fires –forest fuels build-ups, climate change, or something else? What can we do to deal with the crisis?
Movement Meditation December 10 (Second Mondays of the Month), 7:30-8:45
Explore MVUC’s October theme of history and heritage through moving meditation, community dance, and discussion. Monday, October 8 from 7:30-8:45 in the chapel - come check out the new format for 2018-19. Please rsvp to Cheryl Sabo, 703-244-3096. Free, donations for UCM pantry basket appreciated.
Informational Meeting About Multigen Trip to Boston Sunday, January 20, 12:30-1 pm
Come learn about our trip to Boston for all ages scheduled for May 16-19 and led by Rev. Dr. Walker. All are welcome! For more information, contact Ann Richards.
MVUC Caring Associates The heart of our caring community
The MVUC Caring Associates is a group of twelve community members who volunteer to provide support to fellow MVUC members who are ill, in crisis or experiencing life transitions.
The support offered goes well beyond casseroles and cards. Over the years, MVUC Caring Associates have provided support in these areas:
* Home and hospital visits
* Telephone chats
* Rides to appointments, grocery shopping
* Orthopedic equipment (as available)
* And, of course…warm meals
If you know of a community member in need or if you need help yourself, please contact MVUC Caring Associates Coordinator, Pam Unger at 703-965-5111.
For orthopedic equipment needs, contact MVUC Caring Associate volunteer Sandy Peterson at 703-768-2565.
Recurring Activities / Events / Committees
We want to be sure your RECURRING activity continues to be posted on the online calendar at www.mvuc.org. Chairs and coordinators please (1) resubmit a meeting request form for your recurring activity at the start of each fiscal year, and(2) continue to check the calendar every few months to be sure the activity is still posted. The system does not permit us to enter activities indefinitely and the activity will eventually “drop off” the calendar. If you have any questions, please contact Susan Samuels.
Announcements
Thanks to our Volunteers
Our gracious thanks to all those who prepare coffee, tea and delicious and healthy foods for us each week after our Sunday services. All members of the congregation volunteer to serve during (and before and after) the coffee hour following each service on a rotating basis.
New Coffee Hour Rotation Began June 3
Thank you to everyone who has climbed on the bandwagon and helped out this year in the 2nd year of the new coffee hour volunteer system. We know there have been a few kinks to work out but feel that they have been pretty well smoothed over with the help of feedback from everyone. We are continuing this system and want to let you know that the new rotation for the year started on June 4. Groups have been set up, leaders assigned and you will get a call or email at the beginning of the month as a reminder. The list will be available in the Commons if you would like to get a head start. Please remember that if you can't work your scheduled Sunday we would appreciate it if you found someone to switch with. Thank you for your continued support of the Coffee Hour. Questions? Contact Bonnie Iredell.
Flower Donations
Want to donate flowers? Please, contact Angel Collins.
Meeting Room Requests
As our community grows, along with increased renters, it is especially helpful to submit your meetings/events room requests two weeks in advance to compete to secure your space. In addition, the advance requests using the form helps office staff to “dot all the I’s and cross all the T’s” and serve this wonderful community even better. Need a form? Email Susan Samuels or pick up a form in the box above the staff mailboxes.
Keep In Touch ...
Changes are a part of life, and we’d like to know how to reach you. If you have a new email, phone number, or address, please let us know. Send updates to Susan Samuels.
Ongoing Adult Religious Education
Contemplative Group Sundays, 10:15 am, Hollin Hall, Sun Porch *9:00 am when there is only one service
Deepen your spiritual life through contemplative practice. A typical session includes selected readings from different traditions, a period of silent meditation, and brief discussions. Contact: Jim Kerr
Laughter Yoga Sunday, December 9, 10:30-11 am, Second Sundays of each month
Hasya Yoga (Laughter Yoga) combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing (Pranayama). Anyone can laugh for no reason, without relying on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group but with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon may turn into real and contagious laughter. The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter... one gets the same physiological and psychological benefits! Led by certified instructor Claire Brolin. For more information contact Jim Kerr.
Sitting Meditation Sundays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Carriage House
We practice sitting meditation and study readings from Jack Kornfeld, Thich Nhat Hanh, Sharon Salzberg, and others. The readings provide encouragement, instruction, and support for those with no previous experience in Buddhist meditation. We practice for our own benefit and the benefit of others. Introductory instruction is available for newcomers. Led by Dale Peebles. You do not need to register in advance. For more information contact Jim Kerr.
Knitting in the Spirit First and Third Tuesdays monthly, 7 pm, Meeting House or Offsite
Knitters from beginners to experienced are invited to meet for knitting, discussion, knitting assistance, and comradery. Absolute beginners, spinners, crocheters, and other handicrafters welcome. Sign up in the Commons, or contact Ann Richards for more information and to confirm location.
TED Talks Monday, December 3, 7:30 pm, Nursery (offered first Monday of each month)
Reality isn't something you perceive; it's something you create in your mind. IsaacLidsky learned this profound lesson firsthand when unexpected life circumstances yielded valuable insights. In this introspective, personal talk, he challenges us to let go of excuses, assumptions, and fears, and accept the awesome responsibility of being the creators of our own reality. Also: Cross-country skier Janine Shepherd hoped for an Olympic medal - until she was hit by a truck during a training bike ride. She shares a powerful story about the human potential for recovery. Her message: you are not your body, and giving up old dreams can allow new ones to soar. This Ted presentation will be followed by a discussion facilitated by Rev. Dr. Kate Walker. Register in the Commons or online. Contact Jim Kerr for more information.
UUs & Elsewhere
Building the Beloved Community (BBC): The 8th Principle Film Series Friday, December 7, 2018, 7:00 pm, Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis
Join co-director, Eduardo López for this special screening and talk after the movie of the untold story of Latinos in America.
$5 suggested donation.
Families welcome & babysitting provided - reserve a spot by November 30.
Based on the groundbreaking book by Juan González, Harvest of Empire takes an unflinching look at the role that U.S. economic and military interests played in triggering an unprecedented wave of migration that is transforming our nation’s cultural and economic landscape.
From the wars for territorial expansion that gave the U.S. control of Puerto Rico, Cuba and more than half of Mexico, to the covert operations that imposed oppressive military regimes in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador, Harvest of Empire unveils a moving human story that is largely unknown to the great majority of citizens in the U.S.
As Juan González says at the beginning of the film, “They never teach us in school that the huge Latino presence here is a direct result of our own government’s actions in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America over many decades — actions that forced millions from that region to leave their homeland and journey north.”
Harvest of Empire provides a rare and powerful glimpse into the enormous sacrifices and rarely-noted triumphs of our nation’s growing Latino community. The film features present-day immigrant stories, rarely seen archival material, as well as interviews with such respected figures as Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Rigoberta Menchú, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Junot Díaz, Mexican historian Dr. Lorenzo Meyer, journalists María Hinojosa and Geraldo Rivera, Grammy award-winning singer Luis Enrique, and poet Martín Espada.
The 8th Principle Film Series is presented by UUCA's Building the Beloved Community (BBC). Our congregation voted for a resolution to add the 8th Principle to our religion's principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. It is: “We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
Nothin’ Fancy Bluegrass at BRUU Friday, December 14, 7:30 pm, Bull Run Unitarian Universalists,
9350 Main Street, Manassas VA 20110
Six-time award winner – Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music Association (SPGBMA) – Entertaining Group of the Year. ONE NIGHT ONLY! 6: 00 pm doors open, 7:30 pm showtime.
Nothin’ Fancy was formed in 1994 to compete in a bluegrass competition. After discovering the undeniable camaraderie between its members, it has continued working together and gained a large fan base of loyal followers. The band has released 11 full-length albums, and continues to perform at festivals all across the United States and Canada, and even in Norway.
Tickets are $20, general admission, all ages. You can reserve your tickets here! You can also visit the Facebook event page here and invite your friends and family. For more information and questions, please email bluegrass@bruu.org or call 703-732-1000.
Deadlines
This Week at MVUC e-mail newsletter and Sunday's MVUC Weekly Bulletin submission deadline is Monday evenings. Later submissions may or may not be included in the weekly MVUC publications. Please send your announcements to announcements@mvuc.org.
When sending your announcements for the weekly MVUC publications please include:
Name or Title of Event Day, Date, Time, Location
Description (please be concise). Contact information (phone, e-mail or website).
Windmill submission deadline is the 15th of the month. Please e-mail articles (titled "Windmill") to newsletters@mvuc.org. Items will be edited to fit available space.
This Week at MVUC
This Week at MVUC is edited by the Church Administrator, Carolyn White. As of April 2017, we now reach more than 500 subscribers with news of our congregation and community. Let's keep growing! Send any information to be published for announcements by Monday of every week. Send e-mail address changes to Susan Samuels.