WHAT HAPPENS AT CHURCH WHEN THERE IS INCLEMENT WEATHER? . . . 
Here's how to find out if services have been cancelled due to inclement weather:
- An email will be sent to the UUCL email list
- An announcement will be recorded on the church voice mail (703-737-7644)
For cancellations due to inclement weather during the week, we will generally follow Loudoun County school decisions to cancel church events and close the building. |
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Sunday Worship Services - 10:30am
January Worship Services:
Feb 7 - "What if . . .," Denise Kirwan
Feb 14 - "Standing on the Side of Love," Rev. Lisa Kemper
Feb 21 - "Fasting for a Free Faith?," Rev. Lisa Kemper
Feb 28 - Canvass Kickoff Sermon, Ricky Keech
Mar 7 - "What Does RE Mean to UU's?," Rev. Lisa Kemper
Worship News: February 2010
Adopt-a-Hymnal: It's not too late to help replenish our hymnal supply and honor a loved one. For a tax-deductible donation of $29 ($28 for the hymnal and $1 for shipping), we will purchase a hymnal ("Singing the Living Tradition") and inscribe the inside cover with the dedication of your choice. You choose the words, we'll inscribe the hymnal, and future members and visitors who pick up that hymnal will see your inscription.
To participate, all you need to do is put two things in an envelope and drop it in the collection basket at church:
1) A check for $29 payable to UUCL and marked as "Hymnal donation" in the memo section
2) A piece of paper describing how you want the book inscribed, in 24 words or less, with your name and phone number in case we have questions. For example, I might want the hymnal I'm donating to say something like, "In loving memory of Alex Fallon, who sings on in our hearts."
Hymnal Month is sponsored by the Worship Committee, and we're happy to answer any questions you might have.
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MAKING MUSIC AT UUCL
Would you like to make music? Do you have a song or piece that might enhance our worship experience? Please see Carol Harkrader Pine (or email her at charkpine@aol.com) about how you can can contribute. Volunteer music makers are always welcome. |
 A MESSAGE FROM REVEREND LISA
Some years ago, there was an incident of vandalism (a Hummer was the victim) in an "eco-concious neighborhood" in DC. If I'm honest, I'd have to admit that it is hard not to smile when I think of a big 'ole
gas-guzzling monster like that being taken off the road. That's the part of me that I would prefer not to admit is there... the kind of smug and holier-than-thou bits of me that wants to have a monopoly on
the high road (pun intended).
I'm not sure why I thought of this incident recently, but I did, and I'm sharing it with you now. I think that it is natural to think that we're better than the folks who would own a Hummer. But then are we siding with the "masked men" who bashed all the windows, slashed the tires and carved "FOR THE ENVIRON" on the side of the vehicle with some sort of machete?
I originally heard about this from a friend who presented it as a joke. I felt uncomfortable thinking of this as funny. And I really wasn't sure how to respond to my friend. The thing is, this particular friend is a lovely and compassionate person who was probably responding to an experience of a moment in time... a quick
skim of a news article...
If I say, "you know, that's really not funny." Then I'm making my friend feel bad, I'm making a mountain out of a molehill, and I'm being the worst kind of person, a literal-minded cranky person who can't take a joke.
But what if we looked at it from the perspective of how much violence there is in the world? What if we look at all sides through the lens of compassion? What if my friend presented it as a joke because she, like the rest of us, is so inured to the constant violence we experience? What if we have to make jokes out of these serious things because it hurts too much to think that we're all killing each other
and destroying each other's things (and the earth, not incidentally) because we don't know how to stop?
May we all speak with compassion and intention
May we give each other the benefit of the doubt
May we each do whatever we can to take small steps toward one another
May we have the courage to send our righteous anger where it belongs--
speaking truth to power and not flinging hate at one another
See you in church!
Lisa
Rev. Elizabeth (Lisa) M. Kemper
Consulting Minister
Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun
home office: (703) 241-7056 |
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Religious Education News
Upcoming RE Family Events:
Family Lunch and Ice Skating
Saturday Feb 20, 11am-2pm Join other UUCL families for an afternoon of family fun at Ashburn Ice House ( www.ashburnice.com). All are welcome to meet at 11:00am at Five Guys Restaurant (44650 Waxpool Road) for lunch prior to open skate hours at the Ice House which are from 12-2. Please visit the Ashburn Ice House website for information on skate rental and fees. Hen Party - Friday Feb, 27, 7pm What is a Hen Party? Our last Hen Party featured a bunch of women swooning over Pierce Brosnan in the movie "Mama Mia". This time we will continue the swoon and enjoy the movie "The Thomas Crown Affair". Bring beverages of choice and finger foods to share. Of course you do not need to be a "Hen" to enjoy the party, all are welcome! Meet at the home of Karen Ward. For directions e-mail dre@uuloudoun.org. Community Lunch - Sunday Feb 28 - stay after the servicePlease stay for the Community Lunch after the service and visit our Religious Education Fair! Learn about what classes are being offered in RE and how you can help.
Book Club - Friday March 12, 7pm
Our next book discussion will actually be a movie viewing! Join other UUCL-ers at the home of Karen Ward (directions: dre@uuloudoun.org) to watch a provocative movie. This month we would like to screen the movie "Precious--Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" but the studio has not yet announced a specific release date. If this movie is not available to view we are definitely open to suggestions--and will view another great film. Bring beverages of choice and finger foods to share. NOTE FROM THE DRE:The Children's Religious Education program at UUCL really needs your help. Are you interested in teaching a class? We need help in the Preschool through First Grade class, as well as the Grade School class. The lesson plans for these classes are very easy to use, and I am always happy to help if you need me. Are you not quite ready to teach? We really need your help assisting with these classes--no planning involved, just an extra pair of hands to help the children. The Religious Education Committee is responsible for planning these Sunday classes. From recruiting and staffing to choosing curriculum there is a lot of work to do. Please join us for our regular RE Committee meetings the third Sunday of each month at 7:30pm at the church. Lots of hands make less work for everyone. No experience necessary. Please let me know how you can help.
Grace of the Month:
By wishes alone you cannot a livelihood make.
Roll up your sleeves, send your bucket down
with those that others send.
Then behold!
At times, it will come up full,
Full to the brim;
At times, full with mud,
and perhaps a little water.
--Abd al-aswad al-Duwali
February Meditation
(from Earth Bound, by Brian Nelson)
"The newest part of the Imbolc tradition is Groundhog Day. German folklore held that a modest creature of the earth, emerging from its winter burrow, might be frightened off by the sight of his shadow amid the half-light. The critter's reaction was a bellweather: If it ran, there would be six more weeks of winter. If it stayed, an early spring was imminent. The six-week figure was not accidental, since Imbolc is balanced roughly six weeks between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. But for most of us it doesn't matter whether there will be six more weeks of winter or not. We can put on another sweater or throw some more logs on the fire if need be. The true wisdom of Groundhog Day is in its exhortation to study the small things--the comings and goings of nature's humblest creatures. What we learn from them may tell us what's in store for us all."
Karen Ward, Director of R.E. |
ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION - JOURNAL TO THE SELF
Journal to the Self teaches participants ways to use the journal for personal growth, creative expression, and stress management. During the fun, informal sessions, participants can practice different ways of writing and share what they have written. The workshop includes techniques that help people work on relationships, write creatively about special moments, organize their time, and brainstorm solutions. The class consists of six 2-hour sessions.
Sherri Philpott, a former UUCL member, will lead the class. If there is enough interest, the class would be held in the spring (probably starting in March or April) on Saturday afternoons at the church. The class will be scheduled if there is enough interest. Please contact Karen Ward to let her know you are interested: DRE@uuloudoun.org.
The class fee would be $70, which includes a workbook. If you think you might be interested, please e-mail Karen Ward at DRE@uuloudoun.org. We are not asking for a firm commitment at this time, but we do need to see if there is enough interest to move forward.
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PRESIDENT'S CORNER
I was very moved recently by a sermon given by Membership Chair and former Board Member Sheldon Pratt. His sermon was on 'our covenant' and what it means to him. I always love hearing people's stories of how they found UUism, our church in particular, what their beliefs are, or any other deeply personal sermons. But for some reason, Sheldon's sermon today struck a chord and made me think about exactly what it is that makes me love this community. I find it interesting that his story should strike me in particular, because you most likely didn't know that Sheldon's first day attending our church was the same as Marco and I - something that we didn't even discover until we'd all been attending a few years. Maybe our paths were destined to meet up at some point so we could walk together, at least for a while, hopefully for a long while. Maybe everyone who enters the door of our church is destined to walk with one or all of us. In his sermon, Sheldon talked about our covenant as a 'spell' that has been cast upon each of us, bringing us together as a community of common goals and interests. What if every person who enters our sanctuary for a service, class or even a Coffeehouse Concert, has been pulled there by some larger force, the spell working its magic in the larger community perhaps? Our job is to be prepared to welcome them and invite them to join us. Is our spell that powerful? I think it is, how about you?
I think this particular sermon moved me too because that lately I've been thinking about our community and our future and Sheldon hit the nail right on the head for me. We are entering canvass/pledge drive season toward the end of this month and I am always filled with hope for our future as we go through this time. I hope that our strength and commitment - not only our community, but to one another - will be evident in the honesty and constructive nature of our feedback and the generous donation of our time, treasure and talents. But at the same time I always worry about whether we'll really be able to reach our dreams and make our vision come true. Today, for me, hope trumped worry hands down, not only did I hear a wonderful sermon from my good friend Sheldon, I spoke to new families interested in attending and joining, I spoke to a gifted violinist from our community about his desire to organize a concert to benefit those affected by the earthquake in Haiti and I worked with our Building & Grounds Chair on a way to get a new floor and painted walls for the downstairs RE space without breaking our budget. Sheldon's sermon made me think about why I love this community and afterward my interaction with members, friends and visitors answered the question. I love this community because you are in it.
As I said, the end of February starts canvass/pledge drive season. On February 28th we will have our canvass kick-off to begin with our annual stewardship sermon followed by a fellowship lunch. It will be my honor as your President to deliver this sermon this year. I'm excited to share a little of my story and my hopes and dreams for our community. I hope you'll all attend, if not for my sermon, at least for the wonderful food I'm promised we'll be having afterward. You'll hear more about this soon, and I don't want to get in trouble by stealing the Canvass Chairs thunder, but trust me, a good time will be had by all.
See you in church!
In faith,
Ricky |
Step Up to the Plate on Feb 28
We're calling on all UUCL members and friends to step up to the plate (in almost  every meaning of the word) on Feb 28. You'll be stepping up to the delicious and free lunch plate in the first ever UUCL Canvass Kickoff Lunch. That'll come after UUCL President Ricky Keech invites you to step up to the plate for UUCL's future in his canvass kickoff sermon. You'll hear some inspiring talks and music and, if you are moved to do so, you can step up to the plate by filling out your annual pledge form before you head home. (You may even win a prize for doing so - details to come.)
We're hoping we can have our annual canvass mostly completed on the day we kick it off. This is, for those of you who don't know, the time when we ask for pledges for the church fiscal year beginning July 1 - a necessary part of preparing our church budget. We'll have many more details to come, but for now please plan to be with us for our Sunday service, followed by a lunch, on February 28.
Questions? Contact Carol Harkrader Pine, UUCL Canvass Chair. |
CALLING ALL ITALIAN COOKS!
 Do you like to cook? Do you secretly want to be Mario Batali? Here is your chance to help the church for one day and everyone will love you for it!
The Canvass committee is organizing an Italian-themed luncheon for all UUCL members/friends on Sunday, February 28th after the service.
We are looking for volunteers to cook Italian dishes for this luncheon. Interested? Contact Bernadette Wladyka for more information ( bernwladyka@ yahoo.com) ( 571.435.7043) |
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UUCL MARCHES IN MLK PARADE
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2010 WINE TOUR PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETS FEBRUARY 14, 2pm, Sunset Hills Vineyard, Purcellville (RSVP Required)
Join UUCL members to help coordinate this fun activity planned for October 2010. We will host up to 40 fellow UU's from around the country as they visit the beautiful Virginia countryside and sample award winning Loudoun wines.
We'll also share information about our historical church and offer optional activities like an afternoon trip to Harper's Ferry, WV to learn about how UU's were involved in the historic John Brown raid (said to have been a spark which helped to ignite the Civil War); or a hike at Balls Bluff National Park or Banshee Reeks.
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SOCIAL ACTION NEWS
Film: A Sea Change - Sat Feb 6, 7:30 pm - UUCL
 Imagine a world without fish. It's a frightening premise, and it's happening right now. A Sea Change follows the journey of retired history teacher Sven Huseby and his 7 year old grandchild Elias on his quest to discover what is happening to the world's oceans. The award-winning film ( www.aseachange.net), which has captivated audiences around the world since its debut in September 2009, will be shown in our chapel on Saturday Feb 6th.
Sponsored by the Social Action Committee, this 90 minute film screening at our church will be accompanied by soft drinks and popcorn for sale. The film is appropriate for middle school on up as well as ecology-minded school age children. In case of inclement weather, the alternate date is Sat, Feb 27, 7:30pm. For more information on the social action committee, contact Mary Lazar, Tony DeCamp or Carol Moses. Or send your email to SAC@uuloudoun.org. |
LETTERS TO A UU IN PRISON
There is a very valuable way in which you can easily contribute to a fellow UU, who happens to find himself, or herself, in prison. Through the medium of the UU Church of the Larger Fellowship you can write to a selected prisoner every couple of months or so. Letters to prisoners are greatly cherished as they are often their only window on the outside world. Graham Copp has been writing for three years and has found it a very rewarding experience. The only commitment involved is agreeing to write about 6 or 7 times a year. For more information please contact Graham ( geecee903@verizon.net), or if you prefer, check out the following website: www.clfuu.org/prisonministry |
HELP WELCOME VISITORS TO OUR CHURCH
 Have you ever noticed the volunteer greeting new and occasional visitors to our church? These important volunteers provide a vital first impression of UUCL to newcomers when they visit our church.
The duties are very simple and require only that you show up at church 15 minutes early, once every 10 weeks. It is a great way to contribute to the church (without attending committee meetings!).
If you are interested, please contact Graham Copp at geecee903@coppweb.net. |
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SHENANDOAH COFFEEHOUSE CONCERT SERIES
Dana & Susan Robinson in concert at UUCL Sat, Feb 13
Come enjoy the wonderful rustic poetry and traditional sounds and influences of  these CFHS favorites from the western Carolina mountains.
Tickets are $12 and are available at the door on a first come, first served basis when the doors open at 7:30pm. All concerts are smoke and alcohol free.
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JOIN UU JAMMERS FOR MUSIC, FRIENDSHIP AND FUN!
Join us for the next gathering of UU Jammers on Friday, February 5th at 7pm at the home of Bern Wladyka and Skip Freidhof in Leesburg.
What to bring: Instruments, drums, voices, songbooks (especially Rise Up Singing in large print if you have it); multiple copies of your favorite songs - with notes if possible; snacks & beverages if desired; and a craving to laugh and make music together. Singing and laughing is a great way to de-stress!
For directions, or to be added to the email list, contact Peggy Fallon at mlfallon@aol.com. |
| Book Club - Friday March 12, 7pm
Our next book discussion will actually be a movie viewing! Join other UUCL-ers at the home of Karen Ward (directions: dre@uuloudoun.org) to watch a provocative movie. This month we would like to screen the movie "Precious--Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" but the studio has not yet announced a specific release date. If this movie is not available to view we are definitely open to suggestions--and will view another great film. Bring beverages of choice and finger foods to share. |
| Buy Fair Trade Coffee And Support Our Church
Our church is offering fair trade organic coffee for sale through the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Coffee Project. Proceeds from the sale of the coffee support UUCL and the UUSC.
 The Coffee Project is a partnership between UUSC and Equal Exchange. Equal Exchange is a worker-owned fair trade organization offering coffee farmers a guaranteed minimum price, affordable credit and support for sustainable farming.
In addition to the support provided to UUCL by purchasing this coffee, Equal Exchange makes a contribution from every sale to UUSC programs which support community-based human rights initiatives in farming regions.
A variety of blends are available in whole bean or drip grind. The selection varies depending on what's in stock:
- Love Buzz - a mix of roasts in a combination of Latin American beans
- Colombian Full City Roast - balanced taste with a creamy body
- Decaf Colombian - a light citrus aroma with a touch of hazelnut
- Mind, Body, Soul with a hint of chocolate and spice from Mexico
- French Vanilla
Each 12 oz bag of coffee (drip grind or bean) can be purchased for $10. See Joan or Jeff Erikson at church to purchase your coffee, or for more information, email Joan at JoanErikson@aol.com.
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Caring Committee Gives TLC
Did you know that UUCL has a Caring Committee that will spring into action and provde a little TLC or lend a helping hand when one of our members is ill or in need?
The Caring Committee needs eyes and ears to help identify people in the church who may be in need of a little help. If you know of someone in the church who is dealing with an illness please email Carol Moses, caring@uuloudoun.org. |
Caregiver Support Group Meets Monthly
 The caregiver support group provides an opportunity for people who are acting as caregvers of a loved one to share resources or information and find comfort in a safe and supportive environment.
For more information on the caregiver support group, contact Bernadette Wladyka at bernwladyka@yahoo.com or call at 571-435-7043. |
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WOMENSPIRIT
 WomenSpirit is UUCL's women's earth-centered spirituality group. All adult women are invited to attend.
The next meeting will be held at the church at 7pm on Friday, February 19th. Bring a rock to cast a circle, & snacks or beverages to share.
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Newly-retired person available for small jobs (windows and attic/storeroom cleaning, hauling of recyclables, etc.) Email address for jobs only --> babs.elvin@hotmail.com
Got a service to offer? Barter? Trade? List it here in the new "UU YELLOW PAGES" section of our newsletter! Send your listing to newsletter@uuloudoun.org.
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Food Donations Needed for Loudoun Interfaith Relief
The tough economic times are creating an increased need for food at Loudoun Interfaith Relief (LIR) food pantry. 
UUCL members volunteer at LIR on the fourth Saturday of each month, and we also bring food donations from our church. If you would like to support this important service to our community, please bring non-perishable food items to church and place them in the bin in the entry foyer, especially canned fruit and family sized 100% juice.
For more information on Loudoun Interfaith Relief, visit their web site, www.interfaithrelief.org. Thank you for your support! |
Wanna help out, but don't want to make a long-term commitment???? 
Arrive early every now and then to open up the church and make sure the coffee is ready in time for members of the church coming for services on Sunday - or stay a little late and help clean up. Be one of those special people who gets the coffee started before services . . . and everyone will love you for it!
If you can help open or close the church every now and then, please sign up at the back of the church, or email to hospitality@uuloudoun.org.
Thank you!!
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Committee/Group Meetings
Membership Committee Meeting - regular meetings will be announced in fall Sheldon Pratt leads the membership committee and is looking for new members to be a part of this important committee. Come join us to develop creative ways to reach people. All are welcome!
Worship Committee
Peggy Fallon and Glenda Parsons are co-chairs ofthe worship committee. The worship committee is open to suggestions and input, so please feel free to share your thoughts or become involved in this committee. Contact the worship chairs for more information, worship@uuloudoun.org.
Caregiver Support Group - The caregiver support group provides an opportunity for people who are acting as caregvers of a loved one (parent, sibling, child, friend) to share resources or information and find comfort in a safe and supportive environment. For more information on the caregiver support group, contact Bernadette Wladyka at bernwladyka@yahoo.com.
Religious Education Committee Meetings - meets from 7:30-8:30pm on the third Wednesday of each month at church. Meetings generally last about an hour (children welcome to play quietly while we meet). If you cannot make the meetings but would still like to be part of our discussions, join our Yahoo group: UUCL-RE@yahoogroups.com.
Board Meetings - First Monday of the month at the church, 7:30PM. All are welcome.
Looking for a list of events? Check out the UUCL Calendar at www.uuloudoun.org. |
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THE WIDER COMMUNITY
- After Copenhagen: How Should Our Chesapeake Region UU Community Take Action? Saturday, February 6, 2010, 8"20am - 12:35pm, UU Congregation of Fairfax, Oakton, Virginia.
- 2010 JPD Worship Arts Festival: Lighting the Fire of Faith. February 27, 8am-4:30pm, Bull Run UU Church in Manassas, Virginia - learn how to incorporate movement and dance, imagination in theater arts and stories, and the emotions in music into services. The registration fee is $45. Registration closes on February 15, 2010. Registration includes lunch and your choice of resource materials. For a printable registration form to send to the JPD office with your registration fee in the form of a check or money order click here. For an electronic version of the registration form to send via email along with registration fee payment through paypal click here. For additional information on the 2010 JPD Worship Arts Festival including the schedule and local area housing accommodations click here.
Annual UUA General Assembly Meets in Minneapolis This Summer
Start making plans to attend General Assembly, June 23-27, 2010 in Minneapolis. Although registration for GA will not open until March 1st, this is an ideal time to look at air fares and to budget for your expenses for this not-to-be-missed 5 day meeting. This is the largest assemblage of Unitarian Universalists (thousands of them) from congregations large and small all over the country. You'll experience wonderful and uplifting worship services -morning and night-with glorious music and inspiring messages. Networking with UUs from other congregations, attending panel discussions, workshops, lectures and, of course, shopping in the amazing Exhibit Hall all make GA each year an experience UUs treasure. Read all about GA 2010 at < http://www.uua.org/ga> www.uua.org/ga
WhaleCoast Alaska 2010: Five Alaskan UU fellowships invite you to experience our eco-cultural and spiritual program this summer in our 14 th year! See REAL Alaska, with UU homestays in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. UU's host events and lead tours. Experience Native Alaskan culture. Observe wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, whales, sea otters and bald eagles. Visit Denali National Park. Dave Frey, a 29-year Alaska resident, leads the programs. Visit www.whalecoastak.org. Don't delay, reservation deadline is March 10. Email dfrey@whalecoastak.org for information, or call 907-322-4966. The tours usually fill quickly. We would love to share our Alaska with you!
Murray Grove Programs for 2009
For more information on Murray Grove Programs, or to register, go to www.murraygrove.org, email at murraygrove@murraygrove.org or give them a call at 609-693-5558.
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The Rainbow Circle at Murray Grove: Gatherings, Celebrations, Workshops/Trainings and Support for the GLBT Community happen monthly! All Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning and Intersex folks and their allies and supporters are encouraged to come! The February Circle will be on Valentine's Day - February 14, 2010. And the next after that is March 28. Future dates will vary, but it's on a Sunday once each month, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm (free will donation), followed by dinner ($5 per person suggested minimum donation). RSVP at 609-693-5558 or murraygrove@murraygrove.org
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Save the Dates: Drum and Dance Retreat August 13-15, 2010; Homecoming 2010 September 24-26, 2010 |
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UUCL BOARD MEMBERS/CONTACTS
President: Ricky Keech, rkeech@uuloudoun.org
Vice President: Mel Harkrader Pine, mpine@uuloudoun.org
Secretary: Gina Faber, gfaber@uuloudoun.org
Treasurer: Joan Erikson, jerikson@uuloudoun.org
At Large:
Minister: Rev. Lisa Kemper, minister@uuloudoun.org
Director of Religious Education: Karen Ward, DRE@uuloudoun.org
Hospitality: hospitality@uuloudoun.org
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