Celebration of our Ministry

THE COVERAGE OF OUR MINISTRY IN THE PRESS

JUNE, 13, 2016

VIGIL CO-SPONSORED WITH ALL DULLES AREA MUSLIM SOCIETY, RESPONSE TO ORLANDO SHOOTING AT PULSE, GLTBQ NIGHT CLUB

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NOVEMBER, 2015

CROP WALK, A RELIEF PROGRAM FOR THE HUNGRY, ESPECIALLY REFUGEES

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OCTOBER, 2012

INVOCATION FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA RALLY

Rev. Anya was invited first by First Lady, Michelle Obama, and then by President, Barack Obama to deliver the invocation at separate campaign events. The invocation is a non-partisan welcome and assertion of the faithful purpose of electoral engagement.

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NOVEMBER, 9, 2016

POST ELECTION CALL TO HEALING

Interfaith Leaders gathered in the wake of the contentious November 2016 election for a Call-to-Healing. The event on the Fairfax City Courthouse steps reached out to a crowd, split in their experience of the election results - some were happy, and many were in pain. We were instrumental in the development and orchestration of the event - led by our college at the UU congregation of Fairfax, VA.

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Praise and Gratitude

THANKS FOR A POWERFUL COMMUNITY

REV. ANYA SAMMLER-MICHAEL

"I wasn't able to join the observance last night, but Liz tells me that it was a powerful affair that made an important statement. In looking over the press coverage, it stands out that you have made UUCS more and more the center of this kind of socially aware, interfaith gathering. I remember from 2009, when you told me that you were committed to taking a leadership role in matters of social justice, and, clearly, you are succeeding in that goal.

Being affiliated with UUCS and its community is pretty much its own reward. The fellowship and support we all try to give each other is invaluable. But not every congregation has a leader who delivers on the noble goals a lot of them claim they have. This one does have that leader, and I wanted to tell you how grateful I am for that fact. Your work is a remarkable and moving phenomenon to witness."

GRATITUDE FROM MUSLIM LEADER

REV. SCOTT SAMMLER-MICHAEL

"My mother used to say that a real friend is like the blood that runs to the wound without been called. I’m aware that it probably wasn’t an original proverb, but the reality is that it is a truth as big as a building.

You and your Congregation are that blood, and for that I want to express my sincerest gratitude first to the Creator and Source of Peace. Then to each and every member of your Congregation and you for the friendship and love you have always sent our way. I also have to make public how thankful I am to Loudoun Interfaith BRIDGES, which was the avenue God used to start this relationship.

I personally will never thing of you all as our non-Muslim Allies, but our brothers and sisters in humanity. Thank you for the love and the compassion you have shown us over the years."

SHARING A MEMORIAL SERVICE WITH CHRISTIAN MINISTER

REV. ANYA SAMMLER-MICHAEL

"Even though it has been over a month, it still feels like it was yesterday that we said good-bye to Michael. Your kindness and assistance and presence was amazing to me, and I wanted to thank you for it. You included me graciously with not only a professional courtesy, but with a real sensitive spirit for my unique position as family and clergy. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you also for taking the time to talk to my son, Christian. As I shared with you, he is going through his own tough time and seeing you speak with him meant a lot to me. He was very affected by Michael’s death."

PRAISE FOR SERMON, AND INTERNATIONAL CONNECTION

REV. SCOTT SAMMLER-MICHAEL

Thanks for the fascinating service today on the Doctrine of Christian Discovery at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax.

Two things that I thought that you might like to know: (1) Her Excellency Professor Alidou was in attendance and she is appointed ambassador to five countries: The United States, Canada, Venezuela, Columbia, and Bolivia; and (2) She took notes during your entire sermon.

Maybe you have helped prevent racial-based land grabs by Niger in Bolivia, or vice versa."

HOSTING NPR PROGRAM AT COLLEGE CAMPUS

REV. SCOTT SAMMLER-MICHAEL

"I just wanted to say thanks to you and GMU Campus Ministry Association for hosting
the recent NPR Interfaith Voices program on "Religion: Problem or Solution?"

What an inspiring and unifying event for spiritual seekers and thinkers from all walks of life
in our No VA and GMU communities. Great questions, great answers...

So grateful to be included in this interfaith discussion and to see the evidence of Love's blessings for all.

Thanks again for the wonderful work you are doing,
and for the rich spirit of openness and love expressed by your Unitarian Universalist ministry."

GRATITUDE FOR A SHARED SERMON

REV. SCOTT AND REV. ANYA SAMMLER-MICHAEL

"It was great to have you both preach on such a celebratory Sunday in the life of our church. Thank you so much for leading us in worship today. (Our minister) made an inspired pick when he made arrangements with you!

I'm still thinking about your sermon...and will probably always remember the line about how church membership doesn't begin when you sign the book...but rather, the first time you become angry about something...and stay!

With warm regards from all in attendance today."

GRATITUDE FOR POWERFUL STEWARDSHIP SERMON

REV. SCOTT SAMMLER-MICHAEL

A note to Rev. Anya from the Board Chair, about a service Rev. Scott led to kick off the Stewardship Campaign:

"Just a quick note to say that the service today was incredible! Rev. Scott's sermon was perfect. He hit every note. His tone was great. His energy was fantastic. The band was also excellent. Both services rocked - literally and figuratively.

Great day and kickoff to the stewardship campaign!"

GRATITUDE FOR A WORSHIP RETREAT

REV. SCOTT AND REV. ANYA SAMMLER-MICHAEL

"WOW! What a day that was. It was a very special gathering, an honor to be a part of something so creative and spirited :)

Thank you so much for inviting me into your home...your home is infused with beautiful spirit. It was AWESOME what you provided that day - the preparation, the welcoming space, the energy, hospitality and laughter, the knowledge, and of course, the delicious meal. It was inspiring to see all the work happening there."

PRAISE FROM A UU COLLEAGUE FOR A SERMON

REV. ANYA SAMMLER-MICHAEL

"Beautiful. Haunting. How could one listen to you say these words and not aspire to loyalty, humility, and awe? You make me think of this, probably quoted to you before:

'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'
- Maya Angelou

You put memorable words together with an ability to make people feel blessed. Nice."