This Sunday's Service 10:00 am In-Person and on YouTube
This Sunday's Service: 10:00 am
"We're All Transitional Ministers"
Rev. Christian Schmidt
Rev. Christian is our interim minister, doing what is often called "transitional" ministry. The truth, though, is that all of us are transitional ministers, tending to change and what is coming next in our lives and in the world.
Save the Date
2022 MVUC Ingathering
A Celebration of Community
Sunday, September 11, 2022
5pm - 8pm; Outdoor Patio and Walled Garden
Update on Church Administrator Position
Carolyn White, our Church Administrator, will be retiring on August 12th. She has done a fabulous job during her 5 years here at MVUC and she will be sincerely missed. We are planning a goodbye celebration for Carolyn so everyone will have a chance to express their appreciation and to wish her well – details coming soon.
The Personnel Committee, made up of Julie Dressing, David Breen and Linda Bohannon has begun work on a job description, qualifications and skill sets needed to fill the position, and salary range (using UUA Fair Compensation guidelines). We have selected a team of church members (Lisa Blair, Linda Burke, and Carolyn Slenska) to interview the applicants and make a recommendation to the Board.
It may be a few months before we can hire a permanent administrator. In the interim, Joan Darrah and Lyn Millett have offered to help ensure that all of the tasks normally performed by the Church administrator are distributed to a group of church volunteers with expertise in numerous areas who have offered to help during this time of transition.
We ask for everyone’s understanding and patience during this transition.
Witnessing Worship: A Photographic Study of Faith in Alexandria at Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
In 1985, MVUC member Nina Tisara documented fifty worship groups throughout the City of Alexandria. The 106 images, now in the Alexandria History Museum collection, provide a portrait of Alexandria’s worship community at that time. The exhibit is on view through September 5, 2022.
Nina photographed worship in many different churches, as well as synagogues and a home where Buddhist monks lived and worshiped. There were no mosques within the city, so none were included. She sought to document “the breadth, variety, and vitality of worship in the city.” The experience led her to believe that despite the many different paths worship takes, we are all kin.
The museum is open Thursday - Friday, 11 a.m –4 p.m., Saturday – 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
The public is invited to a closing reception at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street, August 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The reception is free, but please RSVP by August 23 at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop.
MVUC Memorial Walks Expansion – Update
If you have been up to Church lately, you have almost certainly seen that the installation of our new 60-niche Columbarium is well underway. The contractor advised that if they were to drive their heavy equipment down our brick walkway, many bricks would have been damaged. Therefore, they opted to keep the equipment primarily on the grass. When the project is finished, the contractor will repair and reseed the area that has been disturbed.
To learn more about the Memorial Walks or if you are interested in being interred in the Memorial Walks, please talk to any member of our committee or send an e-mail to Memorial Walks. Thank you for your support.
Memorial Walks Committee - Joan Darrah (Chair), Becky Brandt, Lynne Kennedy, Tony Morris, and David Napier
Message from COVID Task Force
Dear Friends,
The COVID pandemic, now 2½ years and counting, has been exhausting, frustrating and depressing for everyone. Though things are much better now, as a result of aggressive vaccination programs and an increased emphasis on mask wearing and hand hygiene, the fact is that the pandemic is not over. The COVID virus continues to develop variants that are highly contagious. Though current vaccines have been highly effective in preventing serious illness, they have not been as effective in preventing less severe infections and reinfections. Sadly, the latest Omicron B5 variant now spreading nationwide may be highly resistant to current vaccines. All of us, in concert with others worldwide, will continue to face challenges and uncertainty for some time to come. Nobody likes this, but this is where we are!
The COVID Task Force has worked diligently to advise the Board of Trustees regarding what we feel are prudent measures designed to protect our community, thus acknowledging and sustaining our covenantal commitment to each other. We all want to “open up” and get back to normal, but the fact is that we are adapting to a new “normal,” as dictated by the evolving pandemic, and changes that occur naturally in the virus. Despite everyone’s frustration with this, we should not lose sight of the fact that we must continue to put in place measures to protect ourselves and others. We must continue to adapt, and we must all stick together.
In this regard, the Task Force has developedPersonal Care Guidelinesthat we ask all to utilize when making decisions regarding attending services or other activities at MVUC and in the broader communities in which we live.
Summer of Action Boot Camp with Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions
Summer of Action Bootcamp: Build your power!
Session 2 - Power Communicating Monday, August 15, 4-6 pm
We'll do a deeper dive on writing opinion pieces and building access with decision makers and influencers through social media. Register here.
Session 3 - En-ROADS Climate Solutions Simulator September 12, 4 - 6 pm
Learn to use MIT and Climate Interactive's Climate Solutions Simulator. We'll also cover the current status of federal climate policies. Register here.
Senior Moments: Poems by Betty Jo Middleton is now available from amazon.com as a paperback or eBook. The Reverend Betty Jo Middleton is minister emerita at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church. She was Minister of Religious Education from 1984 until 1990. This is one of eight congregations in the Washington, DC, area she served. She also was on the field staff of the Unitarian Universalist Association. She created religious education materials for all ages. After her retirement in 2004, she taught courses at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, and Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago wrote To Touch Inward Springs, Teaching and Learning for Faith Development, and preached at congregations throughout the Joseph Priestley District. She and her husband Howard are long-time members of MVUC.
Summer Music Note: Come Join Us!
Do you enjoy singing, but can’t make a year-long commitment to sing in the MVUC Choir? Come join us in the Summer Pop-up Choir! We’ll be singing on two Sundays - August 14 and August 21. On both Sundays, we'll sing easy music that can be learned quickly - nothing challenging by any means. We do plan to rehearse the Wednesday evenings prior (Wednesday, 8/10 for the 8/14 service and Wednesday, 8/17 for the 8/21 service). Think you might be able to join us for either or both Sundays? Not sure yet, but would like to know more? Contact Linda Davidson.
MVUC Search Committee News
The MVUC Ministerial Search Committee is at work. Members attended a UUA Transitions Office zoom workshop on June 18, 2022, for North American congregations conducting ministerial searches.
The committee met via zoom on June 28, 2022 (despite summer scheduling challenges) and began assigning areas of responsibility ahead of consulting the congregation regarding attributes the congregation will seek in its next minister.
The committee selected Donna Gold to serve as chair and Tony Barkume, vice-chair, two of who had already begun coordinating committee work and drawing on UUA Transitions Program resources.
MVUC Ministerial Search Committee
Barbershop is Back! Concert by Men's Chorus NEW DATE: Sunday, October 9, 3:00 pm, Terrace
The Harmony Heritage Singers return to MVUC with their annual Sunday afternoon concert. This year, because of Covid, it’s outside on the fully shaded patio on October 9. No tickets; offering taken for Alice’s Kids. Ron Brandt 703-765-4779
News from the Zero Waste Group
Vegetable Scraps Stock
Consider making vegetable stock from your vegetable scraps. (Vegetable scraps can be kept in your freezer until you want to use them.) To make a gallon of vegetable stock, soften 5 lbs of vegetable scraps with 2 T. vegetable oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add one bay leaf, 12 whole peppercorns, 2 tsp. dried thyme, 1 T. sea salt, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 2 cloves, and parsley to taste. Cover with water and simmer for 2 hours. Strain and cool. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
From "Cooking Scrappy - 100 Recipes To Help You Stop Wasting Food, Save Money and Love What You Eat" by Joel Gamoran
Introducing the New Refugee Response Committee!
We are pleased to announce the creation of a new standing committee: the Refugee Response Committee. Members of the Afghan Allies task force realized that even as our work with our Afghan family winds down, other circumstances around the world continue to create refugee crisis situations. Climate change, war, political or economic instability. The Refugee Response Committee will now be a permanent member of the Social Justice Council. The new leadership team (Roberta Finkelstein, Laura Greer, Sara Call, Georgia Pourchot, and Barry Finkelstein) have decided that our first action will be to partner with HIAS (Hebrew Immigration Aid Society) to support a family fleeing the war in Ukraine. We are in the early stages of applying to become an official Welcome Circle and sponsor of a family. We will soon begin raising funds; we need to show proof that we can support a family for at least 6 months. If you are interested in being an early donor contactBarry Finkelstein. Once approved, we will be coming back to the congregation for help setting up a place to live and getting the family acclimated to their new home. Stay tuned for ways you can help once we get going.
Looking for Restaurants with Plant Forward Options?
Summertime is great for enjoying eating outdoors, whether it’s on a restaurant patio or takeout on your own outdoor space. If you need options, the Plant Rich Diet Team has put together a list of restaurants with vegetarian choices. And we would love to add to our list your favorite places. Go to ourPlant Rich Diet Hubfor reviews, and send your reviews toMarc Tkach. Bon appetit!
Flower Signup Genius
With the start of in-person Sunday services, comes the opportunity to provide flowers to decorate the Chapel! Check out the Flower Signup Genius to pick a Sunday you'd like to bring your choice of a bouquet, a potted plant, or silk flowers; vases are available in the cabinet above the fridge in the kitchen off the Commons. Any questions, help to get it there, contact Annie Montanari at 703-402-3297.
Care Team's REhab Equipment Loan Closet
Care Team Equipment Loan Program The REhab Equipment Loan program, which is part of the Care Team, receives donated used rehab equipment which is stored in the Hollin Hall basement and is checked out to friends and members of MVUC that may need it. We have wheelchairs, commodes, shower chairs, and many kinds of walkers including rollators and knee walkers, crutches, canes, reachers, etc. After you are done using a piece of equipment, you can return it so others can borrow it. There is no limit to how long you can borrow the piece or pieces of equipment. Recycling equipment is part of our climate action initiative and service to our congregation. Presently all our travel wheelchairs are out being used so if you have one you no longer need and would like to donate, please give Sandy Petersonan email or a call at 703-768-2565.
July Share the Plate
July 24 and 31 Frog Pond
Frog Pond Early Learning Center is a year-round, full-nature-based preschool serving children 18 months to 5 years old. Located on 2 acres of land adjacent to Huntley Meadows Park, Frog Pond children help to care for a mini-farm that is home to goats, chickens, and other 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 of children with varied needs. Frog Pond is “The Natural Choice for Early Childhood Education”.
Religious Education Lifespan Spiritual Growth continues to make adjustments to our programming in order to serve our whole community in the best way possible under the circumstances.
You Are Welcome Here!
All Adult Religious Education classes are open to anyone aged 16 and up unless otherwise designated.
Lifespan Spiritual Growth programs are committed to using inclusive language. To find out more about this, or if you have a suggestion, contact the Director of Lifespan Spiritual GrowthAnn Richards.
If you need help with either Realm or Zoomthe two electronic services we use most frequently, please contact Jim Kerr
To discuss any of our welcoming policies, please contact the Director of Lifespan Spiritual Growth,Ann Richards. We look forward to seeing you on the hill!
For a full list of Lifespan Spiritual Growth Programs, including Religious Education for Children, Adult Religious Education, Multigenerational Events, and the LSG Family Calendar, please visit our website.
Register Your Children for Summer and Fall RE Will your children be in summer or fall RE? Do you think they might drop into either? Do you just want to know about activities and events that are appropriate for your child? Register for RE! To learn more about the programs we’ll be offering this summer, you can checkhere.Registration does not mean a commitment to attend but does give you information about what’s going on. You can registerhere.
Religious Education - This Sunday For details on summer RE, you can refer to the chart found here
Musical Theater Summer Camp 10:00 until 12:00 Noon (begins following For All Ages in the service) Ages 4 – 11 will participate in a Musical Theater Summer Camp during the RE class time slot. Camp runs five Sundays through August 14 with a special performance on the 14th. Our music art professional, Avé Clyburn, will share her love of theater and provide instruction in music, theatre, and choreography. The show? - The Bear Went Over the Mountain, is a story that helps teach the importance of the journey and self-reflection.
The Nursery is Open! Nursery care is once again available on Sundays during the Worship Service. Nursery care isavailable for children aged six months through three years. Attendees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have had a negative COVID-19 antigen test result within 72 hours of attending the nursery. Care will be provided by our professional caregiver, Farhi Choudhury, and an assistant. Children under six months of age may attend the service or remain in the Commons with a parent.
Religious Education Calendar
Date
Time
Event
Sun. July 3
10 a.m.
Off-Site Worship
Sun. July 3
10 a.m.
Nursery care for ages 6 - 47 months. No RE
Sun. July 10
10 a.m.
Religious Education ages 4 - 11, Nursery care for ages 6 - 47 months
Sun. July 17
10 a.m.
RE class for ages 4 - 11, Nursery care for ages 6 - 47 months
Sun. July 24
10 a.m.
RE class for ages 4 - 11, Nursery care for ages 6 - 47 months
Sun. July 31
10 a.m.
RE class for ages 4 - 11, Nursery care for ages 6 - 47 months
Sun. Aug. 7
10 a.m.
RE class for ages 4 - 11, Nursery care for ages 6 - 47 months
Sun. Aug. 14
10 a.m.
RE class for ages 4 - 11, Nursery care for ages 6 - 47 months
Sun. Aug. 14
5 p.m.
Musical Theater Camp Performance
Sun. Aug. 21
10 a.m.
RE class for ages 4 - 11, Nursery care for ages 6 - 47 months
Sun. Aug. 28
10 a.m.
RE class for ages 4 - 11, Nursery care for ages 6 - 47 months
Sun. Sept. 4
10 a.m.
Nursery care for ages 6 - 47 months
Sun. Sept. 11
10 a.m.
Ages 4-11 attend Multigenerational Service. Nursery care for ages 6 - 47 months. No RE.
Sun. Sept. 11
11:30 a.m.
RE Open House for all children and families
MVUC Care Team
The MVUC CareTeam is a group of community members who volunteer to support MVUC members who are ill, in crisis, or experiencing life transitions.
The support offered goes well beyond casseroles and cards. Over the years, the MVUC Care Team has provided support to meet these important needs:
If you know of a community member who needs support or a helping hand yourself, please get in touch with the MVUC Care Team coordinatorPam Ungerat 703-965-5111.
Care Team Members: Mary Barnett, Linda Gentile, Helen Haltzel, Barb Jacobs, Sam Longstreet, Jan Macpherson, Susan Mader, Annie Montanari, Sandy Peterson, Brendan Powers,
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 tosmile.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 login to smile.amazon.com rather than amazon.com when making your purchases.
Keep In Touch
Moving? Have a new mailing address? New Email? New Phone? Please let us know. Send updates toCarolyn White.
This Week at MVUC
This Week at MVUC is edited by the Church Administrator, Carolyn White. As of July 2022, we now reach more than 799 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 Carolyn White.
