What’s UUp 3/22/26?

•

2026 Stewardship Pledge Drive March 1-31

Hello from the Stewardship Committee!
We are just past the mid-point in our campaign that lasts only through the end of March. The congregation has indeed been “Growing the Light” with both seasoned and new families and individuals pledging. Here is our new graphic showing we have also just crossed the mid-point in our financial goal!
Here is our new graphic showing we have also just crossed the mid-point in our financial goal! This is a time of giving and connecting.

Our goal is 100% participation in pledging from Members and Friends, with a total of $250,000 raised for next year’s budget.
Please consider pledging as an additional way to connect with First U. When we go over the budget portion of the annual meeting, you’ll be able to put your finger on something meaningful to you and think, “I’m in there!” Thank you!

Stop by the Seventh Principle Team table this Sunday

to sign the petition for HB 593 that calls for DC billionaires to build and supply their own DC energy use. There is information in the Sunday bulletin.

UU the Vote: Write Postcards

We will be in the Social Hall after the service to write postcards to get out the vote for the Virginia constitutional amendment to adopt a fair congressional district map — a vote that as of this writing is still blocked by yet another court challenge, but should be cleared soon! You can also take cards home to write. Last week we gave out over 100 cards! Come check us out! Questions? Send us an email..

March 22: Celebration of Life – 11:00am 
Ostara: Spring Equinox

Speakers:
Lady Vanessa and Ron Zorn
 

The celebration of the Spring Equinox is one of joy as the Earth begins to visibly renew herself in bringing forth an abundance of beauty and nourishment for all creatures. Join us for the celebration of sowing the first seeds of the season to feed both the body and soul.
For the zoom link, Click here. The Meeting ID is 4508929882 if you can’t attend in person.  You will not need a password. Contact the volunteer desk if you have trouble getting online.

The Order of Service (Bulletin)
Gathering Music               Ethan McCollum

Welcome                 Valerie Schwartz

Chalice & Black Lives Matter Candles    Jill Sherman, Lady Vanessa

Prelude                Ethan

Intro to Ostara           Ron Zorn

Calling the Quarters          Lady Vanessa and Ron
          The East, the East, the East, the Air, the Air, the Air (repeat 3x)
          The South, the South, the South, the Fire, the Fire, the Fire (repeat 3x)
          The West, the West, the West, the Water, the Water, the Water (repeat 3x)
          The North, the North, the North, the Earth, the Earth, the Earth (repeat 3x)

Chant #387 and Ostara Dance   The Earth, Air, Fire, Water        Ethan
Music and Words: Anonymous
           (words to chant) The Earth, The Air, The Fire, The Water
Return, return, return, return

Blessing the Elements             Lady Vanessa and Ron

Drawing the Circle           Marka Storm, Ron, Lady Vanessa

Cleansing the People       Lady Vanessa, Ron,  Marka

Chant #73         Chant for the Season           Ethan
Words: Mark L. Belletini; Music: Czech Folk Song
Winter rains have turned the star-wheel, Spring time is upon us.
Sharp the smell of loam, bursting in our eyes the turrets of the tulip.
Winter rains have turned the star-wheel, Spring time is upon us.
Greening is the grass, soft upon our brows, the sunlight warm caresses.
Winter rains have turned the starwheel; Spring time is upon us.

Group Response        Lady Vanessa
          From The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus

Ostara Celebration        Lady Vanessa, Ron, Marka
Chant:
We are a circle, within a circle, with no beginning, and never ending

Cakes and Wine         Lady Vanessa, Ron, Marka
Chant: Earth my body, Water my blood, Air my breath, and Fire my spirit

Dismissing the Quarters    Lady Vanessa and Ron
Hail and Farewell!

Our Mission and Covenant (unison)          Valerie
We are a church of reason and spirit
that witnesses for progressive faith,
nurtures our community, and transforms our world.

Love is the spirit of this church and service is its law.
This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace,
to seek the truth in love, and to help one another.

Invitation to Generosity         Valerie

Offertory            Ethan

Extinguishing the Chalice (unison)          Jill
We extinguish these flames, but not the light of truth,
the warmth of community, or the fire of commitment.
These we carry in our hearts until we are together again.

Postlude           Ethan

Closing Words       Merry Meet        Ron
Old English Traditional Farewell