Accotink Church: Celebrating 30 Years of Service Together

October 17 Service – Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael

Trauma and the Undoing of Character

“Remembering When” – Jeff Wilklow

Friday Night Film on October 15

Honor Our Minister at UUSJ annual Awards Banquet on October 17

Fall SoupRE, TRUU Colors Workshop, Drumming Circle, Women’s Book Discussion, Needlework Circle

Volunteer as a Memorial Tribute on Saturday October 23

Green Sanctuary Helps Our Environment, Beacon House Seniors and our Fairview Families

Reserve your date to bring flowers….checkout the flower chart in the gallery

 

We have Sunday service at 10:00 a.m. We welcome all members, friends and visitors to our Sunday services.  Our Chalice Children (Toddlers and Preschoolers) and Faith Activities (Kindergarteners through 5th Graders) meet on Sunday mornings during the worship service. A nursery is provided for infants.  Check the AUUC Web site, www.accotinkuuc.org or newsletter for more information.

 

Upcoming services:

October 17

Trauma and the Undoing of Character

Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael

Part 1 of the sermon series on Character

How does trauma alter our ability to be in relationship? How do those who have suffered trauma and betrayal maintain their dignity? Join Rev. Scott as he examines Veteran’s Administration Psychiatrist Jonathan Shay’s work on the effects of trauma on human behavior and the very fabric of our souls.

“Remember When” speaker: Jeff Wilklow

 

October 24

Religious Conflict: Causes and Cures

Dr. Richard Rubenstein

Dr. Rubenstein is a professor of Ethics at George Mason University, and will speak to us about the history of religious conflict as well as some possible approaches to resolving it in the future.

“Remember When” speaker: Dean Wanderer

 

October 31

Character and Memory

Part 2 of the sermon series on Character

What do we remember and why? One can tell much about a culture by what it chooses to memorialize. What does the USA choose to remember? How does it affect our character? Join us as we explore the intersection of memory and character.

“Remember When” speaker: Jo Ann Flanagan

This Week’s Calendar

Friday, October 15

7:30 p.m. Friday Night Film Series

Sunday, October 17

10:00 a.m. Worship Service

10:15 a.m. Faith Activities, Chalice Children and RE classes

11:30 a.m. Committee on Our Ministry Workshop: TRUU Colors Workshop

noon Fall SoupRE (lunch followed by class)

4:00 p.m. Drumming Circle

Monday, October 18

1:00 p.m. Women’s Book Discussion

Tuesday, October 19

9:15 a.m. Needlework Circle

Wednesday, October 20

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7:30 p.m. Membership Committee

7:30 p.m. The Great Books Series; The Iliad

Thursday, October 21

7:30 p.m. Social Justice Committee

7:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

 

 

 

Announcements for the Upcoming Weeks

 

Honor Our Minister

Rev. Scott has won the Minister’s Award from the UUs for Social Justice. He will receive the award at their annual Awards Banquet on October 17 at 6:00 pm at La Panetteria (4911 Cordell Ave, Bethesda MD). Please show your support for our minister by attending this event. The cost is $75 per person, with $48.60 being a tax deductible contribution to the UUSJ Collaborative Fund to promote churches working together for social justice causes.  Flyers with more information are available in the church gallery. Contact Cynthia Snavely at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to reserve your tickets.  If you need transportation or can carpool, contact Claire Brown at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


Friday Night Film Series: October 15:  Pray the Devil Back to Hell

Shortly after Charles Taylor became president of Liberia in 1997, the country erupted into its second Civil War. After more than 250,000 people were killed and a million more displaced, thousands of women came together to combat the violence with a vow of peace. Men started the war, but women would end it.

Leymah Gbowee, an ordinary Liberian woman who, like Martin Luther King, “had a dream” and she gathered the women of her church together to pray - the first step in their journey.

The will and determination of these brave women, is shown throughout this movie.

Their tireless work led to a peace agreement, the arrest of Taylor and culminated in the election of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female head of state.  And it all began with a dream.

 

Help! AUUC Environmental Justice Projects is to fill 50 bags with green products for Beacon House seniors and our two Fairview families.  We need the following donations by the end of October:

Vinegar in plastic 1 qt. bottles: 47

CLF/LED Light Bulbs 1-4/package): 44

Spray bottles: 45

Green paper products (TP, tissues, paper towels, napkins): 38

Microfiber cleaning cloths: 18

Green cleaning products: 47

 

Accotink TRUU Colors Workshop October 17

With information we gathered from last year’s strategic planning process, the Commission on our Ministries (COOM) seeks to promote action regarding key challenges facing our congregation that have an impact on our long-term viability and health as a faith community.

 Please join us on October 17th from 11:30am-12:30pm for a workshop to gather your ideas for moving us forward in each of our four goals.  We will break the attendees into groups according to individual preference and then come together for each group to report on their ideas.  The key challenges we will address are:

  • How can we better match the supply of teachers with the demand for Sunday RE programming for Children/Youth?
  • How can we expand AUUC contact with other faith groups and local community?
  • In what ways can we foster stronger connections among church members and friends and broaden involvement in church activities?
  • How can we create and sustain a leadership pipeline?

At the end of this workshop, we’d like to discuss how we could effectively lead the execution of our plans.  Please join us!

 

Drumming Circle Open to All
How can we use sound energy from the drum to create rhythms that restore and realign the mind, body, and spirit?  Grab your djembe, dumbek, frame drum, rattles -- or even a kitchen spoon and bundt pan! -- and find the beat at Accotink's Drumming Circle.  The group will meet on the third Sunday of the month (or the second Sunday in December) in the sanctuary.  The next gathering will be Sunday, October 17, at 4 p.m.; and mark your calendars now for Nov. 21, and Dec. 12. The facilitator is Brian Lewis, an experienced drummer, who welcomes all beginners.  It's free and open to everyone, so bring your friends and neighbors.

 

Book Discussion Group Makes Selections for Next Year
If you like to read a wide range of books, join this group for some lively conversation and fellowship.  The September selection is The Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Janie Ford.  The discussion will be Monday, October 18, at 1 p.m. with Shirley Lotz as hostess.

This is the suggested book list for 2010-2011. Everyone is invited to join this book discussion which is now meeting in the daytime, generally the third Monday of the month at 1 p.m. For more information contact Judy Robison.

2010:
*Oct.18:  The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America by Timothy Egan
*Nov.15:  Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
*Dec. 6 (shift to the first Monday, this month only):  The Art of Racing Through the Rain by Garth Stein

2011:
*Jan. 17:  The House at Sugar Beach: In Search of an African Childhood by Helene Cooper          
*Feb. 21:  Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel by Jeannette Walls
*March 21:  Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
*April 18:  The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
*May 16:  A Strange Eventful History: The Dramatic Lives of Ellen Terry, Henry Irving and their Remarkable Families by Michael Holdroyd
*June 20:  The Help by Kathryn Stockett

 

Come help the Needle Circle on October 19 and October 26 at 9:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. with our current project (a table runner for the church auction), or bring your own. This is a great opportunity to begin work on December holiday gifts.  We meet most Tuesday mornings in the AUUC gallery. Contact Marsha White.

 

Volunteer as a Memorial Tribute - Saturday October 23rd is the Annual Fairfax VolunteerFest to support National Make-a-Difference Day where volunteers take on projects for non-profit organizations.  AUUC has selected 2 projects to work on, as a memorial to two members/friends of the Church who have passed away during the past year – Chuck Jones and Mary Surls. The projects chosen are suitable for families or individuals.  They include environmental restoration at Daniel’s Run Elementary School’s “living classroom” and America’s Adopt a Soldier program, assembling ‘care packages” for troops overseas and wounded troops at Walter Reed Medical Center and their children.  Activities are scheduled for 3 hours (at Daniel’s Run) and two-and-a-half hours (Adopt a Soldier) on the morning of October 23.  Signup sheets are available in the church gallery or contact Ed Jaffee (703-644-0889) or Fred Surls (571-278-9072).  Further details will be provided as the date approaches.

 

 

Make a Difference in the Local Community--Thanksgiving Food Drive

AUUC supports two local low income families each headed by a single mother.  Through November 21 we will collect food and kitchen cleaning and paper supplies. The four children in the two families range from fifth grade to high school.  Please place your donation in the collection box in the gallery.  Thank you – the mothers need and appreciate the help.

 

ART FOR SALE

There are 4 oil paintings hanging in the church which John Simmons has agreed to provide to AUUC with 100% of the sale funds going to AUUC.

 

They are:

1. THE GRAND TETONS          $150

2. YOSEMITE - HALF DOME     $150

3. MOUNTAIN BLUE BIRDS     $100

4. AMERICAN BALD EAGLE     $100

 

The money could be allocated to whatever the buyer wishes:  the Endowment Fund, the Memorial Fund, general operations, etc.  You may offer more than the stipulated price.

 

Future Announcements and Other Information

 

Next Circle Dance Night
Features Greek Dances
As in ancient times, we join hands and dance to celebrate our connection the world and our own spirit.  At Accotink's next Sacred Circle Dance on October 23, Judy Robison and Barbara Stiffler will share the traditional music and dances of Greece, Macedonia and Eastern Europe, following a dance workshop they enjoyed on the isle of Lesvos, Greece, with their teacher Laura Shannon. All steps are low-impact and easy to learn, so beginners are always welcome. There's no charge, but feel free to bring something for the centerpiece or munchies to share if you like. (Keep in mind that Accotink is a nut-free zone and, for those with chemical sensitivities and allergies, please remember not to use perfumes or scented items.) 
Please note the change in date to October 23, the fourth Saturday. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Future dance dates are November 13 and December 11.

 

nUUners Meetings in October in the church gallery at 11:15 a.m. We bring bag lunches and enjoy yummy desserts provided by members of the group and are led in a topic of interest by a program leader. The programs for October are as follows:

October 25: Physics of History Phil Runge will share his thoughts on this topic from his background as a scientist. Marge and Phil will also bring the sweets for the day.

 

What's New At Accotink?... The Brunch Buddies

In August we launched our first meeting of Brunch Buddies.  Please join as we meet monthly after church (around noonish) for brunch and conversation. This is a great way to connect with each other on an informal basis.  We meet the 2nd Sunday of each month at a different venue.  For more information contact: Dotty Smith or Shelley Brosnan.

  • November 14 at Villa Bella, Burke Centre Pky  (by Walmart)
  • December 12 at Aladdin’s Eatery, Burke (across from Burke PO & Fire Station

 

REMINDER that AUUC is a “peanut free” building. If people want to bring nut breads, chocolates, or other food with peanuts to the auction winners at AUUC they must be exchanged and stored outside of the building.  We have posted and announced that we are a “peanut free” building and we can’t be ignoring that and bringing peanuts and products with peanuts inside AUUC.  This raises not only health issues, but liability issues.  Your assistance will be deeply appreciated.

 

Honoring our 30th Anniversary

As we reach our 30th Anniversary in 2010, the Endowment and Bequest Committee wants to remind everyone of our “30/30 Challenge”!   This initiative was launched to inspire members and friends to make additional contributions to the AUUC Endowment Fund, to total at least $30,000, as a unique way to honor of AUUC’s founding as a congregation 30 years ago.  The Endowment and Bequest Committee wants to thank everyone who has generously invested in the future of our church. We are getting closer to our December 2010 goal!

A public display of all past and present contributions to the AUUC Endowment Fund Giving Circles has been installed in the foyer entrance, to coincide with AUUC's August 2010 anniversary.  Giving Circles, named for significant male and female UU's, note contributions that meet specific minimum donation tiers.  Contributions to the Endowment Fund can be made to honor individuals, an event, or even anonymously.  The Endowment display reflects contributions received to date, but will be revised to reflect additional contributions in the future as well.

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, Sally Wilklow, Ray Burmester and Pam Cox.

 

Please consider designating Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice as you give through the Combined Federal Campaign.  UUSJ’s CFC number is 17271.  Please let Ed Kringer ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) know if you do this so AUUC receives congregational credit for your contribution.

Fairfax County’s Volunteer Solutions program needs volunteers to help older adults with transportation to medical appointments. Contact 703-324-5406, TTY 703-449-1186 or www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices and link to Volunteers.  Volunteer Solutions is part of the Department of Family Services’ Division of Adult and Aging Services.

One of the several efforts supported by the Social Justice Committee to increase affordable housing in Northern Virginia is Habitat for Humanity (HfH). As part of their program, HfH operates several ReStores in the Northern Virginia area.   ReStores sell new and used building materials to the public which have been donated by local builders, retail businesses, & suppliers.  These are sold at 50-90% below retail prices and the profits help support the HfH construction projects.

 One of the ReStores is on 7770-G Richmond Highway in Alexandria VA; if you are interested in volunteering, please call 703.360.6700.  A new ReStore has recently opened at 4262G Entre Ct in Chantilly, VA; if you are interested in volunteering please visit the ReStore website for more information:  www.restorenova.org or contact Virginia Patton, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 Local farmers food now delivered at our church! How can you easily find nutrient-dense food, support your local economy, have delicious food choices, help control global warming, promote food-safety, spend less time on grocery shopping, protect small farming, and build community?  Farmer Girls, LLC has made it simple to be this good by creating an online farmers’ market which delivers fresh local food to savvy local people.  At www.FarmersOnlineMarket.net you can read about the farmers you are purchasing from and learn about their healthy methods of raising food and animals. Registration is now open for delivery to our Church! Customers can order from Sunday afternoons (1 pm) till Wednesday mornings 8 am and the products will be delivered on Thursday afternoons from 4 till 5/6 pm. When you order select Burke for drop of point.

 The Burke/Springfield Senior Center Without Walls (B/SSCWoW) has scheduled Senior Line Dancing and Tai Chi classes in the Burke Area.  If you are interested, check the bulletin board for information.

Please check the 2010 Flower Chart is posted in the gallery.  Pick a date when you would like to bring flowers for Sunday service to honor, remember or celebrate a person, a date or a special event.