Know something that should be featured in Faith Notes? Classes? Services? Special events? Send a brief write-up and photos to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, fax to 703-917-0991, or write an e-mail to maweber@connectionnewspapers.com
"Grief Recovery Support Group: Your Journey from Mourning to Joy." Those who have lost someone or know someone who has lost someone may call 703-356-3312 to find out about a weekly GriefShare, a nondenominational seminar/support group running through Dec. 6. GriefShare uses a Bible-based video series combined with a support group and guided discussion. GriefShare meets Monday evenings, 7-8:30 p.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1205 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean. A fee of $12 covers the workbook. Scholarships and child care are available.
For the 24th year, McLean Baptist Church is offering free English classes on Monday mornings. Classes are designed for those for whom English is a second language and include beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Advanced electives are literature, U.S. government, world religions and current events. There is no cost for the class or registration; however, students must buy their own books ($20). Two sessions of classes run 9:30 a.m.-noon. Classes run through mid-May and do not meet when Fairfax County Public Schools do not meet. McLean Baptist Church is located at 1367 Chain Bridge Road. For more information, call 703-356-8080.
The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in McLean's Faith and Life Forums are one-hour programs featuring a speaker and followed by discussion that relates to the topic of living Christian faith on a daily basis.
On Sunday, Oct. 10, Redeemer member Dr. Thomas W. Imhoof presents "A Historical Overview of the Tensions between Faith and Science."
On Oct. 17, Dr. Yvonne Haddad discusses "American Muslims and their Attitudes about Culture, War and Terrorism." Dr. Haddad is a professor at Georgetown University. She is currently conducting research on Muslims in the West and on Islamic revolutionary movements.
On Sunday, Oct. 24, Dr. Barbara Stowasser, professor at Georgetown University and author of "Women in the Qu'ran," leads the discussion "Understanding the Qu'ran."
On Sunday, Oct. 31, Redeemer member Liz Scheffler will continue with the second part of the topic "The Church and Homosexuality."
Forums take place at 9:45 a.m., at the church, 1545 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. For more information, visit www.redeemer-mclean.org, write to church@redeemer-mclean.org, or call 703-356-3346.
Christ the King Lutheran Church, 10550 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, has worship services Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m.
Adults may attend a Bible Study on Job led by Joanne Durig, "Crossways," led by Gale Bobzien, and an adult forum led by Bob Hummel. Future topics in the forum include author/pastor Scott Gustafson who will discuss his recently published book "Biblical Amnesia" on Oct. 3.
Positions are open in the Handbell Ringers group, which meet Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., under the direction of Jane Cooper, and in the King’s Choir on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., under the direction of Walt Rossbach. For more information contact 703-759-6068 or Christ-The-King-Lutheran.org.
Oktoberfest Theme Dinner and Auction. The Padre Pio Council of the Knights of Columbus, serving the Great Falls community, will hold an Oktoberfest fund-raiser for the Siena Academy on Oct. 9, 6:30-10 p.m., at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1020 Springvale Road, Great Falls. The school's grand opening was Sept. 15. Tickets, which are $50 per person, include the Oktoberfest buffet dinner, beer, wine and beverages. For more information and tickets, contact Bill Kelley, 703-450-8480, bagkelley@comcast.net. The Knights of Columbus is a 501(C)(3)organization.
James Coley, vice-president of the North Carolina Society for Ethical Culture from Chapel Hill, N.C., discusses "Medical Ethics: Life and Death" at the Northern Virginia Ethical Society. Coley, a philosopher and activist, will address issues in medical ethics using straightforward philosophical definitions of life and death. 11 a.m., Oct. 10. Free. 225 Nutley St. N.W., Vienna. For more information about NoVES, visit www.noves.org, or call 703 437 3161.
Andrew Chapel UMC welcomes all to its second annual Fall Festival on Oct. 16, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Proceeds fund local and worldwide charities. Activities include scarecrow making, pumpkin painting, face painting, golf putting, hayrides, moon bounce, and all sorts of games for all ages. Tables full of baked goods, and food and gift vendors will be waiting. Rain or shine. 1301 Trap Road, Vienna, on the corner of Route 7 and Trap Road. For information, call 703-759-3509.
The next Interfaith Trialogue takes place on Sunday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m., at St. Thomas a Becket Catholic Church, 1441 Weihle Ave., Reston. In keeping with election season, the topic will be "God in the Voting Booth." Explore the issue of religion in politics and the impact of faith on public policy. Rabbi Robert Nosanchuk of Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation (NVHC), the Rev. Thomas Ferguson of St. Thomas, and Bob Marro of ADAMS will be speakers. For information, call NVHC at 703-437-7733.
INOVA health services will offer flu shots from noon until 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17, at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 7628 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, one mile east of Tysons Corner Mall. No reservations needed. Flu shots cost $20 and pneumococcal vaccinations cost $25; Medicare Part B is accepted as payment for either. Must be 18 or older to get shots. The church will hold a chili lunch the same day at noon. For information go to www.stlukestysons.org.
On Oct. 17, the Northern Virginia Ethical Society hosts Dyana Mason, executive director of Equality Virginia, a statewide, nonpartisan, lobbying, education and support network for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and straight allied (GLBT) communities in Virginia. Dyana will discuss the current status of efforts to provide full and equal rights to all Virginians. 11 a.m., at 225 Nutley St. N.W., Vienna. Free. For more information about NoVES, visit www.noves.org, or call 703 437 3161.
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The Great Falls United Methodist Church will host its annual Fall Bazaar on Saturday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. A ham and turkey dinner will be served, noon-6 p.m., at $12 for adults and $4 for children 3-12. A live auction will take place mid-afternoon. There will be a sale of crafts, baked goods, jewelry and accessories, used books and yard sale items, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The church is located at 10100 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. For information, call 703-759-3705.
Chabad of Northern Virginia has introduced the Jewish Learning Institute (JLI), to commence Nov. 1. This in-depth program on the essentials of Jewish literacy will be taught in three semesters: fall, “Finding Yourself In The Stories Of Genesis”; winter “Men Women & Kabbalah”; spring, "The Time Has Come" — unveiling the universal masterpiece.
The JLI was created to address the need for in-depth Judaic knowledge. Authorities on each subject have organized the curriculum and teaching materials for each course. JLI’s mission is to become the pre-eminent institute for university –accredited adult Jewish learning.
The first course, "Finding Yourself in the Stories of Genesis," takes place on eight consecutive Monday evenings, beginning Nov. 1, at Chabad Community Campus, 3939 Prince William Drive, Fairfax. For registration and testimonials, visit www.myjli.com or call 703-426-1980.