Vol. 30, No. 3
March 2010
March 2010
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CONTENTS:
SUNDAY SERVICES
Rev. Scott's "THE LISTENING BOOTH"
THEME OF THE MONTH
Grain of the Board
I LOVE MY CHURCH!
Leadership Developments
Friday Night Film Series
Pastoral Care is Available
Mark Your Calendar
Bea Green
LIFE SPAN EDUCATION
YOUTH PAGE
OUR CONGREGATION
Outreach Sunday Collection – SPARC
Souper Bowl Soup Drive Delivers!
Accotink's Generous Support of Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts
Friendly Duplicate Bridge
Public Forum: "Listening and Speaking to Create Peace"
nUUners Meetings in March
The Accotink Memorials News
Book Group Schedule Changes
Fair Trade Products = Go Green for St Patrickxs Day!
Needlework Circle
Worship Committee Changes
Outreach Sunday Collections: Past, Present, and Future
AUUC Chalice Arts Fundraiser!
OUR GREATER COMMUNITY
Effects of Climate Change Affect Schedule for Adopt-A-Highway
Saplings — Order by April 12!
UUSJ / Ministry for Earth Program
An Easy Way to Connect to Green Issues
Looking for Volunteer Opportunities?
Northern Virginia Student Peace Award 2009-2010
News from Denominational Affairs!
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION INFORMATION
NUTS &BOLTS
2009-2010 Board of Trustees
We welcome all members, friends and visitors to our Sunday services. Religious education programming is available for toddlers through 8th graders after our services. Nursery space is provided for infants. Please join us for conversation and coffee after the service.
March 7
The Shape of a Pocket: The Spirit and the Artist’s Muse
Join Rev. Scott for a fascinating look at the lives of artists including Degas and Brancusi, who sacrificed all for their art. The service uses John Berger’s book “The Shape of a Pocket” as a guide. Berger writes about his book: “The pocket in question is a small pocket of resistance. A pocket is formed when two or more people come together in agreement. … The people coming together are the reader, me and those the essays are about — Rembrandt, Paleolithic cave painters, a Romanian peasant, ancient Egyptians, an expert in the loneliness of certain hotel bedrooms, dogs at dusk, a man in a radio station.”
Don’t miss this exploration of the creative spirit.
Special Information: Inquirer’s Class - CHOIR
March 14
The Civil Rights Issue of our Time – Same-Gender Marriage
This is Daylight Savings Sunday, where we LOSE an hour, so set those clocks one hour ahead and get thee to the church on time!
On December 19, 2009, in a ceremony at All Souls UU Church, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty signed into law a bill making same-gender marriage legal. Come explore how we can move the commonwealth of Virginia towards marriage equality. This service will be followed by a discussion forum featuring guests from Equality Virginia, the group working for same-gender couples’ rights in Virginia.
Special information: Outreach Sunday for SPARC – Hymn Sing – Wunjo Onion will provide the music!
March 21
The Radical Agenda of Jesus
Rev. Don Prange, minister of Lovettsville United Church of Christ, will explain that Jesus was a radical social justice warrior. Join Rev. Prange for this compelling portrait of Jesus of Nazareth.
Special information: CHOIR
March 28
"Mystery Abounds"
Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael
At first glance so much of our lives seems obvious, present, clear. But upon reflection, much of life is bound in mystery, resisting explanation, defying prediction. Join Reverend Scott as we explore how to honor the mystery, how to penetrate some of it, and how to live with the unknowables.
A forum on Spiritual Practice will follow the service.
What a long, strange month it has been. Like many of you, the blizzard of 2010 has totally changed my work habits. My wife and I have been completely knocked out of our “regular rhythm” by losing our land-line phone (and internet service) at home. Our little farmhouse, pretty as it is, has proved to be a very difficult place to live and work.
Out of this has come some soul-searching, and learning to see the silver lining. While I was snowed in up in Sterling, I used the time to learn the ins and out of my digital recorder (a Fostex V160ex for you gearheads), and I was able to produce a message for you, as well as to begin mixing down the Rave Tesar concert. (And stay tuned for the first segment of “The Preacher’s Almanac” coming soon.)
March proves to be a busy and rich time at Accotink. As we begin to welcome Spring with a wide embrace, we will have many opportunities to deepen ourselves spiritually and socially. Friday, March 12, at 7 p.m., we host a showing of “Baraka”, a stirring cinematic portrayal of how people worship around the world. This beautiful film, shot in 70mm, features only music and images – no text. Bring the whole family as we gather for a potluck meal and a showing on the big screen.
On March 14 at 2 p.m., we will host a community forum on non-violent communication. Co-hosted with the Herndon Friends, this is a public service our Social Justice Council is providing to teach us how to live non-violence in the most basic way – in how we communicate with one another. On March 20, we will host a concert by Celtic Rock band Mythica, with a benefit in our sanctuary for VOICE. The concert will be preceded by an earth based ceremony honoring the Spring Equinox.
We need you to help make all these events successful, so come and bring your friends. And one more important announcement – I am offering an exciting class called “Separation of Church and State.” This class begins by reading “So Help Me God,” by Forrest Church, before our first session on March 31, and digs into the history of church/state relationships throughout our nation’s history. Sign up today – spaces are limited.
Thanks so much for making this church all it is and helping it become all it can be.
In Faith and Freedom,
Rev. Scott
“Sacrifice” – the very word can instill fear. “Sacrifice what ~ or whom?”
The history of sacrifice can cause alarm. Many suggest details for sacrificing animals, grains and money in the Hebrew scriptures were put there to prevent human sacrifice. This anthropological view of the religion of ancient Judea is interesting, but doesn’t have a whole lot of evidence. The latest evidence suggests there were very few cultures who engaged in human sacrifice – virtually none for religious reasons. Some cite as evidence the story of Abraham and Isaac, found in Genesis 22.
The story of Isaac nearly being sacrificed by his father is a troubling tale. “What sane father would offer to do such a thing?” we ask. Many theologians say the message of the story is obedience, that Abraham was displaying the unquestioning allegiance Yahweh expected of his people. But many others read this text as being a call to something different – even suggesting that the text showed the folly of blind obedience! That Yahweh had to stop Abraham’s hand at the last moment could be seen to annoy Yahweh, and to have reminded Him of the limitations of human nature.
Whatever we make of this story, the history of sacrifice has evolved over centuries. Many see the crucifixion of Jesus as a sacrifice by God of his only incarnate son, though for me that requires a lot of theological assumptions I reject. For most of us today, when we think of sacrifice, we think of the things and behaviors we sacrifice — what we give up for the benefit of something higher.
Many might point to someone who leaves a high-paying job to have more time with one’s family as having made a sacrifice. Others might see their surrender of control in a relationship, or willingly giving up a position of authority to follow a dream, as making a sacrifice. The etymology of “sacrifice” probably says it best. The word comes from Old French, and means “to do something sacred.” There’s no bloodshed implied there. Since doing something sacred usually means going against the desires of the world, we can see how it evolved into its current meaning.
So I charge you, find some way to do something sacred – something holy – no matter how much our culture tells you to do something else. It could be as simple as saving money for a child’s education instead of buying that new car, or giving up a day of overtime pay to spend time with your family. The one thing about sacrifice – it is counter-cultural. So what will you sacrifice? What sacred thing will you do? How will it change you?
So may it be
Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael
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The AUUC Pastoral Care Team is available for support and care of all members and friends of the AUUC community. If you wish to contact a member of the team, call the church office (703‑503-4579) and get connected to the Pastoral Care confidential voice mailbox or send an e-mail to our confidential e-mail address at pastoralcare@accotinkuuc.org. Voice mail and e-mail are checked daily. |
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Todd Akers
Greetings! I hope that you and your family made it through the Snow-pocalypse of 2010 safe and sound. It was a strange month, indeed, as I found myself having to cancel or postpone AUUC activities on a regular basis for almost three weeks! I was happy to see that our official communication channels seem to be working very well. Accotink now has five main avenues to keep our members and friends informed of activities, closures, and other newsworthy items. In addition to the monthly newsletter and the weekly email, the “AUUC-communications” email list can be used on a daily basis for up-to-the minute information. AUUC also has a Facebook page and a Twitter account which you can join. Thank you to the many people who have volunteered to establish these lines of communication and keep them open.
As winter turns to spring – and not a moment too soon – we begin to look forward to our largest annual fundraiser, the Spring Services Auction. Please keep an eye out for opportunities to volunteer your time to assist or to offer a party, outing, dinner, card-game, or other get-together to support AUUC.
Speaking of fundraising, as mentioned at length at the January congregational meeting on the 2010 budget, I have made creating and empowering a fully-functioning Fundraising Committee a top priority for 2010. The Board of Trustees created and the congregation approved a 2010 budget that fell short of meeting all of the original goals we wanted to fully fund this year. In order to make up the gap, everyone is going to have to play a part in raising additional funds this year. I foresee a dynamic Fundraising Committee in place that will coordinate with the committees to provide year-round opportunities to bring money into the church. We have a solid foundation already in place – monthly Movie nights promoted by the Social Justice Committee for example. The AUUC Youth Group is planning on selling AUUC logo wear. A Volksmarch is scheduled for this September. There are so many opportunities for AUUC to stage events that bring us together, invite members of the community into our building, and at the same time provide some of that badly needed financial help.
In order for this to work, we are going to need volunteers to help organize an event, sell scrip, register participants, help with a spaghetti dinner or bingo night, post flyers, or simply pass on a good idea.
Many hands make light work.
February was the month for Valentines, and the Endowment and Bequest Committee wants to send a Valentine of thanks to everyone who has generously stepped forward to invest in our church by contributing to our 30/30 Endowment Challenge. Just as a reminder, we are inviting members and friends to make additional contributions of at least $30,000 to the Endowment Fund in honor of AUUC’s 30th Anniversary as a congregation in 2010. All Endowment contributions are considered cumulative. We are thrilled to inform you that our Pledge total has already climbed to $8000!
Giving Circles, named for significant male and female UU's, note contributions that meet specific minimum donation tiers. The J. Knox Singleton Circle, at $10,000, is named in memory of our initial contributor and AUUC member, who donated $10,000 to create the AUUC Endowment Fund. The remaining donation tiers will be The Susan B. Anthony Circle, $5000; The Ralph Waldo Emerson Circle, $2500; The Clara Barton Circle, $1000; and The John Adams Circle, $500. Contributions to the Endowment Fund can be made to honor individuals, an event, or even anonymously. Please let us know how you would like your contribution to be recognized. A public display of past, present, and future contributions to the various Giving Circles will be installed on the main floor of our building, but outside the sanctuary.
If we work together to recognize this significant milestone, we can reach our goal by December 2010, if not before! Please remember that a gift to the Endowment Fund truly keeps on giving! For more information, contact any member of the Endowment and Bequest Committee: Ann Smith, Chair; Ed Jaffee, Doug Ryan and Pam Cox; or Dean Wanderer, Board Liaison.
By Doug McCusker
Quote of the Month: “Leaders create a congregation in their own image, for better of worse. A strong Board will challenge and empower a congregation to consider new ways to expand its ministry. A hesitant, cautious Board will create a congregation that has little courage or fervor to chart a new course” – Michael Durall from “The Almost Church Revitalized”
Topic of the Month: Without exaggerating, I would say that the most important quality of a leader is vision — and by vision I mean the ability to imagine and see that which may come to be. A church is a dynamic system of people and relationships. Like any other system, it will follow the path of least resistance unless there is a compelling force that challenges its members to be conscious about where it is going. Churches need leaders that can set a course and inspire its people to figure out how to get there. For a church to grow and thrive, it needs a Board of Visionaries. The job of a Board of Visionaries is to develop a structure that allows creativity. This is done by establishing thoughtful policies that guide without restricting. A Board of Visionaries creates an entrepreneurial culture that encourages risk taking. They find ways to make ideas successful. The ideas come from the congregation while the Board clears away obstacles. In turn, new ideas beget more new ideas and enthusiasm begets even greater enthusiasm. Strong leaders influence the behavior of the congregation through their belief that something important is at stake. Rev. Anthony Robinson writes, “...never to challenge, question, disorient, or lead people onto risky terrain can hardly be called leadership. It may be a fine institutional chaplaincy, but it is not pastoral leadership. When things are too placid, leaders should stir things up, start some trouble.”
Leadership Training: At the January meeting, the Council approved funding to send a team of 3 leaders from the congregation to the UU Leadership Training Institute (UULTI) this summer. The dates and location of UULTI have not been set, but we’re not letting that slow us down. This unique training program satisfies one of the church’s main goals in the Five Year Plan, which is to increase opportunities for lay leadership growth. The Council demonstrated vision by seeing this as a priority investment. Accotink will pay half of the expenses to send the team and the JPD will pay the other half through a leadership development grant. Be on the lookout in the next few months for more details about the program, including how to apply.
Friday Night Film Series
Films on Big Screen with Surround Sound!
Friday, March 12
“BARAKA”
FREE admission!
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The word Baraka means "blessing" in several languages; watching this film, the viewer is blessed with a dazzling barrage of images that transcend language. Filmed in 24 countries and set to an ever-changing global soundtrack, the movie draws some surprising connections between various peoples and the spaces they inhabit, whether that space is a lonely mountaintop or a crowded cigarette factory, the daily devotions of Tibetan monks, Orthodox Jews, and whirling dervishes. - Larisa Lomacky Moore.
Films on Big Screen with Surround Sound |
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Doors open at 7 p.m. The film begins at 7:30 p.m.
A discussion follows the film.
Bring your dinner if you like;
bring your whole family!
Future Screenings:
April 9 – “RENEWAL”
May 14 – “TROUBLE THE WATER”
June 11 – “THE ONE PERCENT”
ACCOTINK UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
10215 Lakehaven Court
Burke, Virginia 22015
703-503-4579
www.accotinkuuc.org
administrator@accotinkuuc.org
This is a non-religious event open to the public
Accotink Church – A Spiritual Home Beyond Belief
Newsletter deadlines are on the 20th of the month.
The publishing date for mailing is before the first day of the next month
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Newsletter Deadline Dates
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March 20th
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| Next Council meeting: Monday March 22, 7:30 p.m. |
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| Next Board meeting: Monday March 8, 7:00 p.m. |
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(all meetings are held in the gallery
and are open to the congregation.) |
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Dear Bea Green,
Sometimes I just want to scream when I hear people ask: “Isn’t this snow beautiful?” Not that it isn’t, but shoveling nearly killed me — especially with the amount that we have had this year. Enough already! Some of our neighbors used snow blowers and a few even tried their leaf blowers; the air and noise pollution was beyond obnoxious. However, I just can’t shovel like I used to. Do you have any suggestions for getting my sidewalk and driveway cleared the next time this happens? (I know---bite my tongue.)
Barack Breaking
Dear Barack,
I think that everyone can empathize with you --- not many people like having to shovel the same areas over and over again as we had to do this year. One idea would be to try Time magazine’s 2006 “invention of the year.” According to the manufacturer, it clears away snow as well as a snow blower and leaves a zero carbon footprint. This “Sno Wovel” folds up for easy storage, and although it costs more than a shovel, it is less expensive than a snow blower. You can get more info at www.wovel.com. Perhaps if you use this, your neighbors will think you are a hoot — but then perhaps you will have the last laugh!
— Bea
Sunday, March 14
The Outreach Sunday Collection in March will go to Specially Adapted Resource Clubs (SPARC). This dynamic organization provides a place where young adults with life-long physical disAbilities are connected to each other and to their community. Now in its fourth year of operation at the Southgate Community Center in Reston, SPARC members have the opportunity to choose and direct daily activities filled with their personal interests. SPARC is uniquely designed to address and support the accessibility challenges that face these young adults who have few options for employment or recreation after graduation from high school. One participant who sat at home for 13 years with nothing meaningful to do during the day now has a sense of belonging and something to look forward to each week. SPARC currently has a waiting list and hopes to open a new clubhouse during 2010.
SPARC relies on volunteers, partnerships with local government and faith-based organizations, public contributions, foundation grants, and fundraising for financial sustainability. Learn more about SPARC at www.sparcontheweb.org.
Please support SPARC in its mission to help young adults with disAbilities build skills and have a connection to their community by making a donation on March 14. When the Outreach Sunday collection basket makes the rounds, please contribute generously (write your tax-deductible check to either SPARC or to AUUC with “Outreach Sunday - SPARC” on the memo line.) Checks may also be mailed to the church office.
As a result of AUUC’s generosity, each of the two Fairview families we support received five large bags of soup. This food will help sustain the families when the children are out of school. In addition, the Saints not only won the game, they won our soup voting - we know how to pick 'em! Thanks to all of you for being willing to help others.
Once again our congregation demonstrated their caring hearts and financial generosity through the January 17 special collection for the UUSC-UUA Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. Our total contribution as a congregation was $1,930.81, which does not include individual contributions that many of our members and friends sent to UUSC-UUA on their own. The children had their own collection, and their funds were put into the basket along with those collected upstairs.
As of February 15, the UUSC had processed donations of $988,369.00, and our generous congregational and individual contributions will surely help them reach the $1 million mark.
The UUSC continues to work with ActionAid USA to coordinate distribution of food and supplies for two grassroots groups, Platform of Community Organizations of the Port-au-Prince Metropolitan Zone (COZPAM), and Regional Coordination of Southeast Organizations.
UUSC is also leading an effort to rally support for bill H.R. 4573, the Debt Relief for Earthquake Recovery in Haiti Act of 2010. This bipartisan bill was introduced in the House February 2 by Representative Maxine Waters. On their website, UUSC provides a template that supporters can fill in, press “submit”, and automatically send an email to their representative.
For more information on how to contribute to UUSC-UUA Haiti Earthquake Relief and UUSC efforts in other areas of the world, visit http://www.uusc.org/.
Thanks to all members and friends for your generosity and support.
Friday, March 12
Please note that our monthly bridge game will take place one week later this month — on Friday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mosers’. The first seven pairs who call Ginny and Moe will be scheduled for play.
Sunday, March 14
We all long for harmony with those we know and care about and all who share our world. Yet, often conflict arises and we respond in habitual ways that lead to fighting or avoidance, animosity, frustration, demands, and resentment -- the opposite of what we want. Instead of this, what would it be like if we started experiencing conflict as a chance to become closer and connect to our dreams? A chance to know ourselves and each other better, care for each other more deeply? What would you give to be able to model this for our children? This life-affirming way of being in the world is both possible and teachable. Join us for this free two-hour experiential event and learn key steps towards a way of communicating that creates a better world. (Presented by Robert Wentworth, Certified Facilitator, NVC.)
The event will be held on Sunday, March 14, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church. See www.accotinkuuc.org for directions. RSVP appreciated: 703-440-6709.
This popular AUUC informal discussion group meets in the church gallery on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 11:15 a.m. We bring bag lunches and enjoy yummy desserts provided by members of the group on a rotating basis. Coffee and tea are available. Informal discussion and camaraderie take place until noon, and a formal discussion on the topic of the day follows. Come for the whole session or just for the discussion. This is a great way meet other UU members and friends and share ideas. The schedule for March is as follows:
By Don Eckerman
Work continues on “The Accotink Memorials” with the indoor memorial tree to arrive any day now. Preparations for the installation of the tree in the memory stair have begun. The tree will be installed in a corner, near the windows on the landing.
There are two ways to support to the Memorial Fund. One is through direct donation, with all donations of $500 or more publically recognized by name placement on a plaque in the church building. Second, donations to purchase engraved leaves ($500 minimum) for placement on the indoor Memorial Tree will be deposited in the Memorial Fund. A brochure with all of the details is available.
Anyone who wishes to purchase a leaf to memorialize deceased AUUC members, friends or family members may do so. There is still time to purchase a leaf and have it included in the initial unveiling. Please contact me, Kitty Riordan, or Pam Cox and we can give you all the details.
Monday, March 15
Accotink's Book Discussion Group will meet on Monday, March 15, at 1 p.m. to discuss "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Junot Diaz. Jessica Burmester will host. The next month, on Monday, April 19, we will discuss "The Scalpel and the Soul: Encounters with Surgery, the Supernatural, and the Healing Power of Hope" by Allan J. Hamilton. The host for April will be Judy Robison.
The group is taking suggestions for readings in May and June and for next year. Next year's list will include the selection chosen for Fairfax County Public Library’s “All Fairfax Reads,” which is announced around July 1. Other favorites may come from Pulitzer Prize winners, National Book Awards, the Booker Award or other notable works from recent years. Please send further suggestions to Judy and she'll send this list out in March.
Everyone is invited to join this group, which is now meeting in the daytime, generally the third Monday of the month. Would you like to attend these discussions but the day and time is just wrong for you? Do you know someone who would like to come who works during the day, or can't drive at night? When would be the best time for YOU? We want to know! Please send your e-mail suggestions to Judy Robison, and in the meantime, keep reading!
Everyone’s a little Irish on March 17. Celebrate by enjoying a “green” gift of Fair Trade coffee (regular, decaf, drip grind and whole bean), or one of the several varieties of tea and chocolate bars for sale after most Sunday services. These are consumable gifts without extra packaging.
All adults and teens are welcome to participate in the Needlework Circle. Please contact Marsha White to receive e-mails of meeting dates and notification of needlework events in this area.
The Worship Committee has reconvened under new leadership. After many years of excellent and dedicated service, Warren McLaine has stepped down as chair of this committee. Connie Diamant has taken over as chair with Peggy Eckerman joining the committee, too. Warren has very graciously volunteered to assist with the transition and help acclimate Connie to the new duties as chair. We are all very grateful, appreciative and thankful for Warren’s years of service as this committee’s leader.
The Worship Committee is diligently working on guest speakers and programs for those weeks when Rev. Scott will not be with us. We have several open dates over the summer. Anyone with an idea for a program (an outside speaker, a special interest, etc), please contact Connie Diamant with your suggestion.
Thank you to all of our members and friends for your generous support of the Outreach Collections to which
you have contributed this church year. Thanks to the sponsors who have done and continue to do the publicity, Order of Service inserts, newsletter articles, speaker arrangements, and all of the behind-the-scenes work that goes on to make these collections so successful.
Please start thinking about an organization, program or activity that you'd like to recommend that our Social Justice Committee consider as a recipient for next year. In April, selection guidelines and nomination forms will become available to give all the members of our congregation an opportunity for input in this successful program where we put our faith into action.
Here is a recap of what we’ve done together, and where we’re headed in the months ahead:
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Month
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Outreach Organization
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Sponsor
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Amount
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| July | Books behind Bars | Marsha White |
$ 971.16
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| August | VA Assn Biological Farmers | Doug McCusker |
$ 853.00
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| September | ECHO | Janice Hallmark |
$ 984.00
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| October | Uniforms | Judy Robison |
$ 1,092.00
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| November | UUSC | Claire Brown |
$ 581.00
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| December | Beacon House | Nancy Davis |
$ 3,112.00
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| January | Food for Others | Shelley Brosnan |
$ 1,223.25
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| February | NoVa Therapeutic Riding Program | Jeff Wilklow |
$ 800.00+
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| March | SPARC | Jessica Burmester | - |
| April | Naomi Project | Kathy Shinal | - |
| May | Literacy Council of No VA | Paulette Lichtman-Panzer | - |
| June | UUSJ | Mike McCord | - |
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Total to date:
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$ 9,616.41+
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From Sunday, Feb 21st, until Sunday, March 21st, we will be selling Chalice Arts jewelry as a fundraiser for AUUC. We will have some samples for sale at the church but take a look at www.chaliceart.com/catalog . Do not order on their sit
e - sales must go through AUUC for us to receive 25% on all sales! Please select what you would like to buy and bring your list to church on Sunday (or email Daria Akers). We need the money before we put in the order. Items should be available before Easter.
As I look out the window this week after the largest snowfall in Northern Virginia in years, an effect of climate change, I am moved to adjust Accotink's Adopt-A-Highway schedule. We'll wait for the snow to melt another week and do our spring pick up on March 13 at 8 a.m! Pete Fontneau and Ed Jaffee will make their normal calls to remind everyone, but one week later.
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District is holding its annual seedling sale for 2010. All seedlings in the package are native to Northern Virginia and are sure to bring color to your yard! This year's sale features 2 packages, a shrub package and a tree package. The shrub package is $15.95 and includes two of each of the following; Arrowwood viburnum, Gray dogwood, Red chokeberry, Eastern redbud, and Smooth sumac. The tree package is $10.95 and includes two of each of the following; Northern red oak, Black gum, and Yellow poplar. For photos of the items and an order form, go to: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/seedlingsale.htm. The deadline for 2010 orders is April 12 or while supplies last.
March 6
And, you ask, what will I do with the morning of March 6 when I had planned to Adopt-A-Highway?
Attend the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice/Ministry for Earth program, rescheduled from February 6 and enhanced, "After Copenhagen: How Should Our Chesapeake Region UU Community Take Action?" That's what you should do. Doug McCusker is a presenter. Social Justice Committee members are organizing car pools. The plenary speaker is Mike Tidwell, founder and director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. Tidwell’s most recent documentary film – “We Are All Smith Islanders” – vividly depicts the dangers of global warming in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. The program will be held on Saturday, March 6, at the River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Road, Bethesda, MD
http://www.rruuc.org/Directions.html
The agenda is as follows:
8:20 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. Gathering and Coffee
8:50 a.m. to 9 a.m. Welcome and Opening Worship9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Plenary with Mike Tidwell
10:10 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. Workshops:
- Addressing Climate Change in the Chesapeake: Mike Tidwell (CCAN),Graham Smith (Fairfax), Rowan Van Ness (Wash. Office), Pam Sparr (All Souls)
- How to Further Ethical Eating: Susan Blasko (Fairfax), Donna Runyan(Cedar Lane), Babette Lamarre (Reston), Doug McCusker (Accotink)
11:20 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Workshops:
- Preparing for Life After Peak Oil Jackson Harper of UU
- Ministry for Earth: How can you and your community get ready for peak oil? What arethe opportunities to build better lives in a post carbon world?
- Earth Day and Beyond: Resources for Environment and Justice: RowanVan Ness (UUA Advocacy/UU Ministry for Earth), Jack Heritage (Fairfax) and members of the UU Ministry for Earth Board.
12:25 p.m. to 12:35 p.m. Closing
A free will offering for Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice will be taken. Please register to attend at info@uusj.org or 301-588-1951 or at www.uusj.org or at Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, 8605 Cameron St. Suite 200, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Please give your name, congregation, email and phone number.
Laird Towle from the Goodloe UU Congregation in Maryland makes staying informed and taking action on green issues a snap! His news and action bulletin brings you important news on green topics like climate change, resource depletion, and sustainable living, and provides you with opportunities to make your opinions known to policy makers quickly and easily with a few clicks of your mouse. To subscribe, please contact Laird at lairdtowle@aol.com.
Volunteer opportunities at ECHO include the need for an adult interested in supervising a small group of teen volunteers on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. All work is done at the ECHO building and information on specific tasks for the teens is provided to the adult supervisor. If you enjoy working with this age group and would be able to commit every Wednesday evening (or every other Wednesday, in case we have more than one volunteer) during the school year, please e-mail us at the address shown below.
Another opportunity is for a job ECHO calls “Office Angels” because ECHO’s family counselors feel blessed to have their help. The duties include answering phones, packing food bags, making client appointments, and assorted clerical tasks. A weekly commitment is desirable, but not required. Dates and times of particular need are: Wednesday or Friday mornings (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) or Thursday evenings (7 to 9 p.m.). If you want to explore this opportunity further, send an e-mail to echoadmin@verizon.net.
Consider bringing your children with you as you donate food items to ECHO so that they can understand how people in need get food to eat. Items that ECHO is low on this month include: jelly, pancake mix, pancake syrup, canned pasta,
Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church joined with ten area faith communities in awarding the Northern Virginia Student Peace Award to students from eleven high schools. This award recognizes students who have made a substantial contribution to peacemaking or conflict resolution. Many of the recipients are outstanding members of high school student mediation programs.
Winners will be honored and awarded a certificate and a $100 prize at a reception on March 7 at the Pennino Building in the Fairfax Government Center. The students and their families will be hosted by sponsors from the participating faith groups. Colman McCarthy, former correspondent for The Washington Post, founder and director of the Center for Teaching Peace in Washington, DC, and author of several books, including I’d Rather Teach Peace is the guest speaker at the reception.
Accotink has participated in this interfaith scholarship program since its inception four years ago, and is sponsored by our AUUC Social Justice Committee. Our church contributed $150 toward the awards along with $125 additional funding provided by two of our members. This year four members of the Social Justice Committee sponsored students from three high schools: Kathy Shinal – Lee High School, Kitty Riordan – Mountain View Alternative High School, Nancy Davis and Claire Brown – West Springfield High School. We at Accotink are proud to recognize the following students:
2010 NoVA Student Peace Award Recipients:
Centreville HS – Samannta Aquilar Siguenze
Fairfax HS – Kristina Hurd
Herndon HS – Ashley Yu
Lake Braddock SS – Jennifer Elaine Linett
Langley HS – Danielle Lee
Lee HS – Karissa Ruano
Mountain View – Elizabeth Borden
South Lakes HS – Rocio Safe
Thomas Jefferson HS – Kristina Paige Brant
West Springfield HS – Caroline Foster
Just thought I would use this time and space to announce a Proposed By-Law change that was suggested at Salt Lake City to reflect the thoughts of the 2009 Commission on Appraisal’s review of Article 2 of UUA Bylaws with respect to the Non-Discrimination Clause and responsive resolutions at 2009 General Assembly.
First, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to Pete Fontneau who dedicated a massive amount of time, travel and multitudinous meetings in his 2 year stint on the Commission on Appraisal (COA). You efforts on behalf of UUA, JPD and Accotink are deeply appreciated.
The following change of wording of the Bylaws of Accotink is a direct response to the will of the General Assembly in its discussion on the work of the COA and what actions could/should be immediately taken after proposed changes (as a whole) in Article 2 of the UUA Bylaws were rejected.
Responsive Resolutions on Article 2 adopted by the UUA General Assembly during the final plenary session 28 June 2009:
“Responsive Resolutions on Inclusion: Two resolutions introduced by members of Allies for Racial Equity endorsed the ‘Inclusion’ section of the Commission on Appraisal’s proposed revision of Article 2 (the “Principles and Purposes”), after delegates had earlier rejected the revision as a whole. The first resolution, jointly introduced by the Youth Caucus, urged the Board of Trustees to reintroduce the ‘Inclusion” section as an amendment to Article 2 as soon as feasible. The ‘Inclusion’ section would replace the current “Non-Discrimination” section. The second resolution called on delegates to embrace the covenant in the proposed ‘Inclusion’ section individually and in their congregations.”
Here’s the text of the Bylaws of AUUC as they stand now:
ARTICLE IV -- MEMBERSHIP
*The Congregation affirms and promotes the full participation of persons in all its activities without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, age, language, citizenship status, economic status, or national origin and without requiring adherence to any particular interpretation of religion or to any particular religious belief or creed.*
Members of the Congregation enter into a covenantal relationship. To become or remain an active member, a person must be fifteen years of age or older, subscribe to and be willing to support the purposes and mission of the Congregation, sign the membership book, and support the work of the church through contributions of time, talent, and funds, as able. Voting privileges for members shall begin, or be reinstated; 30 days after all conditions of membership are met.
This is the proposed Inclusion section as it would fit into Accotink’s existing Bylaws:
ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP
*Systems of power, privilege, and oppression have traditionally created barriers for persons and groups with particular identities, ages, abilities and histories. We pledge to do all we can to replace such barriers with ever-widening circles of solidarity and mutual respect. We strive to be a congregation that truly welcomes all persons and commits to structuring congregational life in ways that empower and enhance everyone’s participation.*
Members of the Congregation enter into a covenantal relationship. To become or remain an active member, a person must be fifteen years of age or older, subscribe to and be willing to support the purposes and mission of the Congregation, sign the membership book, and support the work of the church through contributions of time, talent, and funds, as able. Voting privileges for members shall begin, or be reinstated, 30 days after all conditions of membership are met.
When AUUC’s Bylaws were last revised (2006/approved Feb 2007), the gist of the Non-Discrimination clause was incorporated to reflect the latest thinking on the subject by the UUA (the issue was discussed and a minor change to the bylaws made in 2003-2004 for details, contact Pete Fontneau), the fact that Accotink was a Welcoming congregation and the fact that the issue of non-discrimination/inclusion was a “hot topic” based on on-going discussions at successive General Assemblies, especially by youth and young adults. One significant issue was the ‘list’ character of the clause and the risk of becoming ‘non-inclusive’. Inputs to the COA Study, COA internal discussions and discussion at GA 2009 reinforced these issues. Since the AUUC bylaws have incorporated the non-discrimination clause as a preamble to the membership article, the proposed change is simply to remove “Laundry List” language and insert a modification (for a local congregation verses a denomination) of the inclusive language.
— Juliejohn Knott
February Newsletter submissions are due by March 20th.
Please submit "Our Congregation" and
"Our Greater Community" items to
Toni Acton, jacton1@cox.net.
Everything else goes to:
AccotinkNewsletter@gmail.com. Thanks!
| Name/Position | Term |
| President Todd Akers | 2011 |
| Vice President: Mary Kringer | 2010 |
| Secretary: Siobhan Green | - |
| Tessa Wilklow and Wren Brown Youth Representatives |
2010 |
| Amy Pfaltzgraf | 2010 |
| Juliejohn Knott | 2011 |
| Jeff Wilklow | 2011 |
| Dean Wanderer | 2010 |
