Send announcements to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call Jennifer Lesinski at 703-917-6454.
This free listing is reserved for activities and events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost.
The 8th Ashburn Farm 10K, 5K and 2-Mile Fun Run, Thursday, Nov. 25, 8:15 a.m., at Crossroads United Methodist Church, corner of Crossroads Drive and Ashburn Farm Parkway in Ashburn Farm. USATF-certified course.
Cash prizes of $300, $200 and $100 will be awarded to the top three male and female 10K run finishers. The top male and female 5K finishers will receive $150, $100 and $50. Registration is $25 for the 10K if postmarked by Nov. 21 and $30 after. The 5K is $23 before Nov. 21 and $25 after. The fun run is $16 and does not increase. Online registration is available at www.active.com. All proceeds from this event benefit The Humble Place mission, an orphanage and school founded by Crossroads UMC in Mukono, Uganda. For more information, call Crossroads UMC at 703-729-5100.
The November sermons at Saint Matthew's Episcopal Church, 201 E. Frederick Drive in Sterling, will be "The Apprentice: Preparing for the Ultimate Boardroom," at 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. This series will look at how we develop the life and character that will not only enhance the quality of our life now, but prepare us for the day when we see the One who is much bigger than Donald Trump and hear Him say, "Well done," rather than "You're fired." For more information visit the church's Web site at www.stmatthewssterling.org or phone 703-430-2121.
There will be an intergenerational Family Thanksgiving Service at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling Sunday, Nov. 28. Intern minister Amy DeBeck and the Rev. Roberta Finkelstein will lead a participatory service, modeled on a Seder that illuminates the meaning of Thanksgiving for religious liberals. The Unitarian Universalists of Sterling meet every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m., at the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 21355 Davis Drive. For more information call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org.
Monday evenings Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13 and 20, the Rev. Roberta Finkelstein of the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling will offer a workshop series that will deal with places for religious liberals to find hope. Participants will be able to deepen their own spiritual experience of hope, as well as learn more about the UU faith with an in-depth look at Unitarian Universalist sources of authority. The workshops will go from 7:30-9:30 p.m.. For more information call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org
Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation will be holding its annual Chanukah Boutique, Dec. 5, between 9 a.m. and noon. The boutique will have a large selection of items available, including decorative items and gifts. For more information about the Chanukah Boutique, call 703-777-8023.
Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation is a member of Union for Reform Judaism and serves Loudoun and western Fairfax County. Additional information about BCRC, its services and programs can be found at http://www.bethchaverim.org/ or by calling 703-391-8669.
A "Bible for Liberals" class will be held as a monthly drop-in discussion at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling on the second Sunday of each month. At each session there will be an in-depth discussion of a biblical text. Participants will be given background on the historical context in which the text was written, the literary features, and the way it has been interpreted. There will be opportunities to talk about personal response to the text and how biblical studies might influence one's own personal spiritual journey. The discussions will be held after the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service held at the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 21355 Davis Drive near Route 28 and Church Road. For more information call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org.
The Loudoun Church Alliance is a formal association of churches of many denominations, founded two years ago. It works in the areas of youth development, international missions, evangelism outreach, and is now working to develop relationships with government and business. For further information, contact founder and missionary Jack Stagman at jackstagman@adelphia.net.
The Unitarian Universalists of Sterling meet on Sunday mornings, at 10:30 a.m., at the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 21355 Davis Drive near Rt. 28 and Church Road. For more information call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org.
"How Do I Deal With My Parents," New Life Christian Church's Teen Care Ministry, is offering a 13-week program for sixth-12th graders on how to deal with what happens when families split. Join other teens struggling with the same issues. Contact Lucy Martinez at lucy@community-impact.org or 703-220-5022 or Ron Furgerson, community care minister, at 703-266-0118.
St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church is hosting an Alternative
Gift Fair, Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at Belmont Ridge Middle School, 19045 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg.
A dozen nonprofit organizations in Loudoun County, including the Loudoun Free Clinic, Good Shepherd Alliance, Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers, Interfaith Relief and others, will set up tables at the fair, offering donation choices from $5-$100, which can be given as gifts. Includes refreshments and live music. Children can get their picture with Santa or make a craft while adults shop for meaningful Christmas gifts that benefit our neighbors here in Loudoun. Cash and checks only. For more information visit www.saintgabriels.net or call 703-779-3616.
The Chabad of Northern Virginia and its affiliate Chabad Centers have organized a grand menorah lighting at Dulles Town Center, Tuesday, Dec. 14, in front of Lord and Taylor, at 6:30 p.m. For further information on any of Chabad's activities, call Chabad at 703-426-1980.