There comes a time in everyone's life when something has to change. Who we are; what we think we are all about; and what we think we are doing comes under examination. Lee Anne will explore the telltale signs that you are growing spiritually, and might need to rethink your identity, try something different, live into a changing reality, or just get a bigger shell!
Additional parking is available on Mason Hill Drive. You can walk up the mulched Church Path, in front of Hollin Hall, and to the Meeting House. It's easier than walking up the driveway from Windmill Lane.
Volunteer Help is Needed!
The Front Desk Volunteer Receptionist position has an opening for Thursdays 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
The tasks are: answering the telephone/taking messages (during MVUC staff meetings), copying, greeting folks who stop in, and small projects to help out the staff. Please contact Laurie Hayden to be a part of a wonderful group of folks, 703-921-0363.
Share the Plate for February
Frog Pond Early Learning Center
Frog Pond Early Learning Center is a year-round, full-day nature-based pre-school program serving children 18 months - 5 years old. On two acres of land, Frog Pond children help to care for a mini-farm that is home to goats, chickens, and other native creatures. The kids are immersed in natural settings and make up a diverse School Family committed to nurturing our natural world, social and emotional awareness, and inclusion for varied needs among children. Frog Pond is "The Natural Choice for Early Childhood Education." www.frogpondkids.org
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 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.
Feb. 13
Children’s Choir Rehearsal 4:15-5:15 pm Hollin Hall Fireplace Room
Feb. 17
9:15 am Dr. Seuss RE ages 4-11, 11:15 RE classes for all ages following Story for All Ages in Chapel
Feb. 17
Children’s Choir Rehearsal, 10:15-11:15, Hollin Hall Morning Room
Feb. 20
Children’s Choir Rehearsal 4:15-5:15 pm Hollin Hall Fireplace Room
Feb. 24
9:15 am Dr. Seuss RE ages 4-11, 11:15 RE classes for all ages following Story for All Ages in Chapel
Feb. 24
Children’s Choir Rehearsal, 10:15-11:15, Hollin Hall Morning Room
Feb. 27
Children’s Choir Rehearsal 4:15-5:15 pm Hollin Hall Fireplace Room
March 7
Lifespan Spiritual Growth Council Meeting 7:30 Hollin Hall Morning Room
March 3
9:15 a.m. Dr. Seuss RE ages 4-11, 11:15 RE classes for all ages following Story for All Ages in Chapel
March 3
Children’s Choir Rehearsal, 10:15-11:15, Hollin Hall Morning Room
March. 10
9:15 a.m. Dr. Seuss RE ages 4-11, 11:15 RE classes for all ages following Story for All Ages in Chapel
March. 10
Children’s Choir Rehearsal, 10:15-11:15, Hollin Hall Morning Room
March. 13
Children’s Choir Rehearsal 4:15-5:15 p.m. Hollin Hall Fireplace Room
March 17
9:15 a.m. Dr. Seuss RE ages 4-11, 11:15 RE classes for all ages following Story for All Ages in Chapel
March 17
Children’s Choir Rehearsal, 10:15-11:15, Hollin Hall Morning Room
March 20
Children’s Choir Rehearsal 4:15-5:15 p.m. Hollin Hall Fireplace Room
March 23-24
YRUU Lock-In and Game Night
March 24
9:15 a.m. Dr. Seuss RE ages 4-11, 11:15 RE classes for all ages following Story for All Ages in Chapel
March 24
Children’s Choir Rehearsal, 10:15-11:15, Hollin Hall Morning Room
March 27
Children’s Choir Rehearsal 4:15-5:15 p.m. Hollin Hall Fireplace Room
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
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!
What's Happening at MVUC
Sunday Service: Sunday, February 17
"How Well Fits Your Shell?"
Rev. Lee Anne Washington
There comes a time in everyone's life when something has to change. Who we are; what we think we are all about; and what we think we are doing comes under examination. Lee Anne will explore the telltale signs that you are growing spiritually, and might need to rethink your identity, try something different, live into a changing reality, or just get a bigger shell!
MVUC Encourages Everyone to Write a Statement of Faith
As part of MVUC’s What Makes UU program, we’re encouraging everyone ages 6 and up to write (or dictate or draw) a statement of faith. To find out more, stop by the WMUU table in the Commons Sundays after the second service and before selected first services January - May. There you can speak to someone who has written a credo or statement of faith, pick up information and resources to assist in your own faith statement creation or revision and check out our success as we strive toward our goal of 100% of MVUC members having a personal faith statement. To find out more, check out the minister’s and Lifespan Spiritual Growth articles here. If you have questions or suggestions, contact. Rev. Dr. Kate Walker, or Ann Richards.
Understanding Hinduism (World Religion Series) Wednesdays, February 13, 20, 27, March 6, 7:30-9 pm, Hollin Hall Fireplace Room
This course, offered in cooperation with the Hindu American Alliance, answers such questions as What is Hinduism? Who are Hindus? Where does Hinduism live? How is Hinduism practiced? When do Hindus celebrate? This course features a panel of experts from local Universities, and participants will tour a Hindu temple. A fee of $10 for MVUC members and $20 for non-members will be charged to cover costs. Register in the Commons or here.
Hum & Strum Friday, February 15, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm, Commons Fireplace Nook
Join us for our regular casual singalong Friday, February 15: bring your guitar, ukulele, rhythm instruments, or just your singing voice. Songs are chosen from "Rise Up Singing" or "Rise Up Again" mostly, with requests welcome, but featuring simple chords suitable to beginners.
Want To Use Our Online Member Services? Sunday, February 17 and 24, During Coffee Hour
MVUC uses two programs: ACCESS (for computers) and ChurchLife (for smartphones) that give our members and friends a gateway to directory information, calendar, and financial information. If you would like to have an account, or had one and forgot how to use it, we have help available! On Sunday, February 17 and 24, during social hours, Linda Burke and Al Robbert (2 of our database administrators) will be on hand to get you started or address any problems you may have with the programs.
Barbershop Chorus Concert Sunday, February 17, 3:00 pm, Chapel
Don’t miss the annual concert of patriotic and popular music by the Harmony Heritage Singers. With songs like Beer Barrel Polka,Hymns of the Armed Forces, and You’ll Never Walk Alone, the chorus preserves the "barbershop" tradition: four-part harmony: sung from memory without accompaniment.No tickets necessary; offering to be split between MVUC and Alice’s Kids, a local non-profit organization that pays for things children need but can’t afford. For information contact Ron Brandt, 703-765-4779.
Great Decisions: “The Rise of Populism in Europe" Sunday, February 17, 12:45 pm, Hollin Hall, Fireplace Room
Lead by Brian McDonald. Mass migration and the problems associated with it have directly abetted the rise of populist parties in Europe. Opposition to immigration was the prime driver of support for Brexit, it brought a far-right party to the German Bundestag for the first time since the 1950s, and propelled Marine Le Pen to win a third of the vote in the French presidential election. In addition to calling for stronger borders, however, these parties are invariably illiberal, anti-American, anti-NATO and pro-Kremlin, making their rise a matter of serious concern for the national security interests of the United States.
500 Nations, Then and Now Thursday evenings February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21 (Snow makeup day) 7:30-9:00 pm Hollin Hall Fireplace Room.
This series of weekly gatherings will revive the course originally taught by founding member Alan Searle assisted by Pam Tinker. Each class will view one of the eight-part series titled 500 Nations followed by a final wrap up session with a Tribal Law expert guest speaker. A short reading assignment will precede each class. Following the video viewing, there will be a discussion of the topics as we relate to the connection between the historical knowledge that we learn from the video and the current topic from reading the assignment. The course will be led by Pam Tinker, and guest facilitators from various tribes will be present at some of the classes. Each class is a stand-alone segment regarding an Indigenous Nation or region so attend as many or as few as your schedule allows. Register in the Commons or online.
Outdoor Fellowship Saturday, February 23
To celebrate "presidents' week" let's return to history (and pavement) for a walk around the Tidal Basin and the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. Our approximately 4-mile loop will take us to eight major monuments and memorials, including the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Meet at MVUC at 8:30 am to carpool to the Huntington Metro Station or meet at 8:45 am at the station's Huntington Ave. street entrance (the "lower" level). Optional post-hike lunch TBD. Contact Carl Lohmann if you have questions.
Building Your Own Theology Thursdays, February 28, March 14, 21, 28, April 11, 18, 25, May 2 (No March 7 or April 4)
7:30 om - 9 pm, Hollin Hall Morning Room
Based on the assumption that everyone is their own theologian, this classic UU adult education program invites participants to develop their own personal credos, the fundamental religious beliefs, values, and convictions that inform and direct of their lives. Gilbert Poses five developmental tasks in which participants come to terms with human nature, ultimate reality, history, ethics, and religious meaning. Begins with an introduction to our seven UU principles. Led by Ann Richards. Register in the Commons or here.
Wim Hof Method Workshop Saturdays,March 2, 16, 23, April 27 (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:
Join Us for Newcomer’s Meet & Greet Sunday, March 3, 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm
The Meet and Greet lunch is a great way to chat with a few longer tenured MVUC folks. If you are a new visitor or someone who would like to learn more about MVUC, join us for a light lunch in the Hollin Hall Dining Room after the second service. Look for signup on the welcome table for our next Meet and Greet. For questions or registration, please contact Laurie Hayden 703-921-0363. Childcare is available if you let us know one week in advance.
Leadership Seminar Saturday, March 16, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, Hollin Hall
Once each year, we offer a one-day workshop for those who want to “lead the way" at MVUC through their active and engaged participation. The Seminar provides lots of useful information about how we’re organized and how things get done here, as well as some helpful hints on how to hold effective meetings and take action on things that matter to you. If you would like to be invited to this year’s Seminar on March 16, see any member of the Leadership Development team: Joan Darrah, Tamara de la Camp, Pam Koger-Jessup, Tony Barkume, Sue Ries Lamb, or Ron Brandt, 703-765-4779.
Affinity Group: Single Parents NOTE CHANGE IN DATE March 17, 5:00 pm -7:00 pm, Commons
The Membership Committee and Lifespans Spiritual Growth Council are joining together to host a potluck for single parents. A main dish will be provided: bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share. The meal will be together, then parents and children will gather separately to explore mutual interests, support needs, and social time. For more information or to register please contact Jim Kerr.
Partner Church News Sunday, March 31
Save the date for the annual Partner Church service, which will be held on Sunday, March 31. Last year’s trip participants will share reflections on their visit to Transylvania and their time in Szentharomsag, our partner church village. The month of March’s Share the Plate will benefit MVUC’s Partner Church program in Romania and India.
We are looking for sponsors for our scholarship program, which helps trade, high school and university
students in Szentharomsag. The village school only goes until the eighth grade, so young people who want to continue their education have travel, tuition, and living expenses. Contact Lisa Gillispie,
if you are interested in sponsoring or sharing the expenses for one of our students.
MVUC Caring Associates The heart of our caring community
Our rehab loan closet is in need of travel lightweight 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.
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 Kerrfor more information, sign up in the Commons or online.
Laughter Yoga Sunday, March 10, 10:30 am - 11:00 am
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 pm - 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, 7:00 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, March 4, 7:30 pm, Nursery (offered first Mondays of each month)
Nick Hanauer is a rich guy, an unrepentant capitalist — and he has something to say to his fellow plutocrats: Wake up! Growing inequality is about to push our societies into conditions resembling pre-revolutionary France. Hear his argument about why a dramatic increase in minimum wage could grow the middle class, deliver economic prosperity ... and prevent a revolution. Also: A visual history of inequality of industrial America.
For the last 12 years, LaToya Ruby Frazier has photographed friends, neighbors, and family in Braddock, Pennsylvania. But though the steel town has lately 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.
Movement Meditation March 11 (Second Mondays of the Month), 7:30 pm -8:45 pm, Chapel
Explore MVUC’s October theme of history and heritage through moving meditation, community dance, and discussion. 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.
UUs and Elsewhere
"Music at Paint Branch" presents Pianist Jim Olson and the PG Creative Music Ensemble on Saturday, February 23 at 7:30 pm. This performance will feature a tribute to the late and great Cecil Taylor; a genius at creating pianistic soundscapes. This will be another opportunity to hear something new and different at Paint Branch. The program is free but donations are always happily accepted. Paint Branch UU Church is located at 3215 Powder Mill Rd, Adelphi MD 20783. For more information, please email ArtsCouncil@pbuuc.org
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.
MVUC Encourages Everyone to Write a Statement of Faith
