Ann Richards, and LSG
MVUC shares stories and songs from around the world to celebrate this, the season of love and light.
Pies for Sale
Check one thing off your to-do list - buy a homemade pie for the Holiday made by our Middle Schoolers! Pies will be available during coffee hour on Sunday, December 23. The money will go towards Social Justice Activities. More information to come.
Share the Plate for December
United Community Ministries (UCM)
December’s collection will be shared with United Community Ministries (UCM), a comprehensive social service agency serving the Mount Vernon community. UCM provides necessities such as food and rental assistance to families in need, helps adults find meaningful, sustainable work, and offers numerous educational and enrichment programs for children, who comprise 40% of its clientele.
MVUC Advent Calendar Returns December 1
Ready for more games, stories, reminders, videos and MVUC holiday fun? Click 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.
Photo Directory Update
Great News! Our wonderful new photo directory has arrived. Anyone who had their picture taken is entitled to a new directory. We will start passing out the new directories on Sunday, December 16 in the Commons. You may also pick up your copy of the directory from the Church Administrator’s office during the work week. If you did not get your photo taken, in the next few weeks you will have access to the photos using the church website/ACS. If you have not yet signed up for ACS it is very easy. Please just go to the MVUC website and click on the upper right corner “member login.” If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Joan Darrah at 703-768-5751.Thank you.
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.
Come January.......
You will have the opportunity to be heard! The Committee on Ministry will be initiating a confidential survey to MVUC members & friends of the church.
Is there something you would like us to know?
Is MVUC meeting your spiritual needs? Your social needs?
Do you have any concerns?
Is there something else you would like to see us do?
This is your chance! Let us know where we can strengthen as a Spiritual Community. We want to know.
Please be on the outlook for announcements come January. The survey link will be available on our website, but you will also get an email, plus a postcard in the mail as a prompt as well. So be thinking about the things you would like us to know.
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 Sunday Mornings 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.
Dec 12
Children’s Choir Rehearsal 10:15-11:15 am
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 a.m.
Dec. 23
9:15 Childcare available, 11:15 Multigen Service, Nursery at both services
Dec. 24
4:30 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service, 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Service
Dec. 30
One Multigen service, 10 am
Jan. 6
Dr. Seuss RE ages 4-11 at both 9:15, and 11:15 a.m.
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
It’s That Time of Year
The Religious Education schedule for children has lots of special changes during the holiday season. Please mark your calendar:
Dec 16 Pageant: everyone together in the Chapel at both services 9:15 and 11:15, no RE
Dec 23 Childcare at 9:15, 11:15 Multigen service for all ages in the Chapel
Dec 24 4:30 Multigen Christmas Eve service, 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Service
Dec 30 10 a.m., one service, Dr. Seuss RE for ages 4-11 together
Jan 6 9:15 and 11:15, Dr. Seuss RE for ages 4-11 together
Jan 13 Regular RE 9:15 and 11:15 (for details, check announcement above)
Be in the 2018 No-Rehearsal Pageant!
This year’s pageant will be held on December 16 at both services. The theme is “The Season of Love and Light” and we will be enjoying stories about light from four different cultures. If children would like to participate in our Nativity scene, please come dressed as a shepherd, angel, animal, or king. Children who would like to participate in the Santa Lucia Processional should wear white with a red belt.
Post Pageant Piñata Picture Party!
Our special MVUC Piñata is back. Every year the children of this community break open a Piñata that symbolizes something we’d like to get rid of. Past examples include a wall and a gun. What will it be this year? We must wait until after the second Pageant service on December 16 to find out! We’ll be decorating our Christmas tree with pictures of MVUC children, and enjoying Santa Lucia treats. We hope to see you there!
Flowers
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!
Many thanks to the members and friends who donated blood this weekend in the Commons. Although "all types" are always welcome, particular thanks go to our "B Positive" donors who added 10 critically needed units to the INOVA Blood Bank. The Bank likes to have a certain quantity of blood types on hand at all time and the "balance" of B+ had dropped to 15 from a desired "balance" of 90. INOVA estimates that about 38% of the population can actually donate blood but 100% of the population may need blood products at some time. If you missed the blood drive, contact Mike Walker for information about how you can be part of this effort. AND THANKS!
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, December 16
“The Season of Love and Light ”
Ann Richards, and LSG
MVUC shares stories and songs from around the world to celebrate this, the season of love and light.
MVUC Advent Calendar Returns December 1
Ready for more games, stories, reminders, videos and MVUC holiday fun? Click 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.
Hum and Strum Friday, December 14, 7:30 pm, Hollin Hall Fireplace Room
Did you miss the singalong last Saturday, or just want more Yuletide cheer? You are in luck: come to the Hum & Strum Holiday Edition on Friday, December 14, and we will enjoy some favorites, old and new--you don't even have to go door to door! Bring your guitar or other instruments, or just your singing voice and a jolly disposition. Lyrics (and even some chords) will be provided.
Faithful Practices Book Group Sundays December 16, January 13, 20, 27, 1 - 2 pm Tuesdays December 18, January 15, 22, 29, 7:30 - 8:30 pm
Meeting House Nursery
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.
Outdoor Fellowship Saturday, December 29
A walk for everyone for the Holiday Season in historic Old Town Alexandria with our own volunteer guide. We will carpool from the Church at 9:30 am or meet at Liz Campbell's (429 S. Fairfax St.) at 10:00 am. Our walk of about 2 miles (1 1/2 - 2 hrs) will include stops at significant landmarks. Lunch is optional at Chadwick's at 12:00 noon. Please contact Judy Lohmann 703-799-7996 with your reply and for further information.
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! The next meet-up will be in January or February. Contact Generation X to sign up for the mailing list.
500 Nations, Then and Now Sundays, December 16, January 13, 20, 27, 1 - 2 pm Tuesdays, December 18, January 15, 22, 29, 7:30 - 8:30 pm Meeting House Nursery
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, and each session covers a different set of essays (you may want to attend both Tuesdays and Sundays.) Those interested are encouraged to register in order to receive reminders. Please bring a bag lunch to Sunday sessions. 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.
Games Night January 12, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Hollin Hall
Join fellow MVUCers for a fun - and sometimes competitive - night playing board games. Families, singles and friends of all ages are welcome. Bring games to play and also a dish for the potluck based on the first letter of your last name: A-L (main dish); M-S (bread, fruit or veggie); T-Z (dessert or drink). POC: Alex or Kenny Johnson at 703-501-4345/9919.
Wim Hof Method Workshop Saturdays, January 12, February 9, or March 9 (This is not a series: you do not need to attend all)
1:30 - 5:30 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:
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
Our rehab loan closet is in need of wheelchairs to lend. If you have one that is collecting dust, recycle it here at MVUC. You can leave in the Hollin Hall kitchen. Please address any questions to Sandy Peterson.
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.
Holocaust Museum Tours Saturday, January 12 and Saturday, February 2, 9:45 am
Dr. Dan Cohen will host 2 1/2 hour tours of the Holocaust Museum on Saturday, January 12 and Saturday, February 2, starting at 9:45 am. The tours will focus on the underpinnings of the Holocaust and poignantly discuss the evolution of German society toward a fascist dictatorship that perpetrated one of the greatest crimes against humanity in recorded history. Lessons for understanding the climate of intolerance now permeating American society will be highlighted. The tours are open to members and guests but are not suitable for children under age 11 or so. Please contact Dan Cohen if you wish to attend as space will be limited.
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 Special rescheduled session Sunday, December 16 at 10:30 a.m.
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, online or contact Ann Richards for more information and to confirm location.
TED Talks Monday, January 7, 7:30 p.m., Nursery (offered first Mondays of each month)
What if we took out more greenhouse gases than we put into the atmosphere? This hypothetical scenario, known as "drawdown," is our only hope of averting climate disaster, says strategist Chad Frischmann. In a forward-thinking talk, he shares solutions to climate change that exist today -- conventional tactics like the use of renewable energy and better land management as well as some lesser-known approaches, like changes to food production, better family planning and the education of girls. Learn more about how we can reverse global warming and create a world where regeneration, not destruction, is the rule.
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
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.
New Day Rising Conference Saturday, January 26, 2019, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
UU Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124 Sponsor: Central East Region of the UUA, UU Congregation of Fairfax, Oakton, VA
Identifying Your Congregation’s Next Steps in the Struggle with White Supremacy Culture
Slightly overwhelmed by all the options in tackling white supremacy culture in your congregation? Feeling stuck, or coming up against resistance? How do you know where to start? Or what comes next?
Join with Central East Region staff and UU congregational leaders for this day of learning, growing and rising. Hear from each other about what has worked and why, assess your congregation’s next fruitful and faithful step, and see some of the great resource options available. Send your congregational team! There is something for everyone when a New Day Rises!
Costs: Sliding Scale fee of $20-$30-$40. You may request a waiver for a $10 fee as needed on the registration form. Lunch is included. Childcare is available at $5 per child but must be requested in advance.
The program includes:
Worship from The Sanctuaries DC - an intentionally multicultural artistic community using art to create social change!
Morning Workshops run by UUA staff!
Why Do We Use the Words White Supremacy Anyway? With Regional Leads Revs. Megan Foley from CER and Ian Evison from the Mid America Region
There’s an Elephant in the Room: How to Have Difficult Conversations at Church with Rev. Dr. Hope Johnson
Leading Racial Justice Work as UU People of Color with Rev. Sunshine Wolfe
Identity Development with Children and Youth with Shannon Harper
Why Is It So Hard to Get Others in My Community Interested in Racial Justice Work? A Look at the Intercultural Development Inventory with Rev. Renee Ruchotzke
Experienced UU Antiracist Get-Together with Paula Cole Jones
Dedicated Time for Identity-Based Caucusing - A chance to gather in identity-based groups for conversation, reflection and relationship building!
Stories of Struggle and Success - Hear from 15 other congregations in a series of 7-minute TED-style type talks about what worked for them and their people (and what didn’t!), with opportunities to connect and ask questions!
Resource Fair and Bookstore - a room full of resources and materials to browse, and the opportunity to order helpful books right from the Conference!
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.
Faithful Practices Book Group 
