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
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. 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.
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.
Redeemer Lutheran Preschool in McLean is hosting its semiannual consignment sale of baby/child/maternity items on Friday, Oct. 22, 7-9 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 23, 8 a.m.-noon. Buy or consign. The sale takes place at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1545 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, at the corner of Chain Bridge Road and Westmoreland Street, 703-356-3567. All proceeds will be used to purchase preschool equipment and maintain/upgrade the playground, which is open to the public during non-school hours.
The "Left Behind Prophecy Conference" features three of America's leading Bible prophecy teachers and writers to discuss today's world events related to centuries-old biblical prophecy. The conference is a one-day event on Saturday, Oct. 23, at the McLean Bible Church.
Dr. Tim LaHaye, co-author of the "Left Behind" fiction series, as well as authors Dr. Gary Frazer and Dr. Ed Hinson, will speak at the conference. Each of the speakers will seek to address the question "Were the things written about in the 'Left Behind' books nothing more than fanciful imagination by Dr. Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, or are they events prophesied centuries ago?" Each session addresses a different aspect of biblical prophesy.
The event takes place from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Registration is $25 in advance, $35 at the door. Seating is limited. The church is located at 8925 Leesburg Pike.
For more information, visit www.LeftBehind.com. To register for the conference, visit www.LeftBehindDC.org. For more information, call Valerie Squerciati at 703-770-2969, or write her at VSquerciati@McLeanBible.org.
Scripture scholar Patricia Datchuck Sanchez speaks on the Parables on Sunday, Oct. 24, at 12:45 p.m., at St. Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean. The program will last approximately 90 minutes. For information, contact the St. Luke Office of Religious Education at 703-356-8419.
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, ÒFinding Yourself In The Stories Of GenesisÓ; winter ÒMen Women & KabbalahÓ; spring, "The Time Has Come" Ñ 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. JLIÕs mission is to become the pre-eminent institute for university Ðaccredited 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.
Ambassador Dennis Ross, the chief U.S. Middle East peace negotiator during the presidential administrations of both George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, speaks on prospects for peace in the Middle East on Thursday, Oct. 28, at 7:45 p.m., at Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, 1441 Wiehle Ave., Reston. The event is open to the public, and there is no admission fee.
Ambassador Ross, in his 12 years as a presidential envoy, gained the respect of all parties to the dispute. His recent book, "The Missing Peace," is a candid, insider report of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, describing the maneuverings of both sides.
Dr. Ross was a career foreign service officer until he joined the Washington Institute for Near East Policy in 2001 as its senior fellow. Dr. Ross' commentary on Middle East events can be heard on Fox TV, The Lehrer News Hour, PBS, CNN and the major networks, as well as read in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post.
"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.
McLean Women's Bible Study, a nondenominational study that meets on Thursday mornings in a member's home in McLean, is opening membership for study sessions to begin mid-September. Anyone interested in learning more about the teachings of the Bible through speakers, small group discussion and fellowship may call Lisa Parcells at 703-448-9045 or Lynn Nelson at 703-757-4751.
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. 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 KingÕs 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.
St. Athanasius Lutheran Church, 114 Kingsley Road in Vienna, member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, offers traditional worship in accordance with the historic liturgy of the church. The current Sunday schedule includes Bible study and Sunday school for all ages at 9 a.m. and worship at 10:15 a.m. A Lutheran book club is also offered twice a month. A midweek Bible study meets Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., preceded by "Ask the Pastor" time at 7 p.m. Call 703-455-4003 for more information or visit www.saint-athanasius.org.
Emmanuel Lutheran Church has a full range of education, music, worship and outreach programs. Traditional worship is at 8 and 11 a.m., in the rich Lutheran tradition of liturgical song mixed with music of the masters, spirituals and contemporary Christian music. Contemporary worship is at 9:30 a.m., with fresh liturgical song and contemporary Christian music led by Revelation. Christian education for all ages is 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon. Christian education is available for everyone from preschoolers through adults. Classes are always open to newcomers.
The church is located at 2589 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna, on the Oakton side of Vienna near McDonaldÕs. Call 703-938-2119.
Body & Soul offers a high/low impact aerobic workout, kick boxing, strength training, Pilates all in one exercise session to the latest in contemporary Christian music. There are several church locations to choose from. All are welcome.
McLean Bible Church holds classes on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9:45-11:15 a.m. Call Mary Ward at 703-830-2478 for more information. Child care is offered. Classes are also offered on Wednesday evenings from 6:45-8:15 p.m. Contact Tricia Van Ryn at trva@yahoo.com.
Emmanuel Lutheran Church offers a Fit over 50 version on Wednesday mornings from 9:15-10:30 a.m. Call Lynn Mostellar at 703-698-8624.
The BahaÕi community of McLean holds a weekly fireside, a meeting of discussion, devotion and fellowship, at 7500 Box Elder Court in McLean, beginning at 8 p.m. every Friday. The fireside is an opportunity to learn about the BahaÕi faith and why BahaÕis find hope in a seemingly hopeless world. Call 703-556-3400.
Charles Wesley United Methodist Church, located at 6817 Dean Drive in McLean, holds Sunday services at 10 a.m. and Communion and healing services Wednesdays at noon. Its motto is "A Place to Be Ñ Belong, Become, Believe." Visit www.charleswesleyumc.org
Vienna Baptist Church offers numerous Christian worship, education, music and mission opportunities. Each Sunday begins with a high-energy VBPraise service at 8:45 a.m. Sunday school begins at 9:45 a.m., providing different programs to people of all ages. The traditional liturgical worship service takes place at 11 a.m. The church is located at 541 Marshall Road, Vienna. For more information, call 703-281-4400 or visit www.vbc-va.org.
Faith Baptist Church, located at 301 Center St. S., Vienna, offers Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. for all ages, 11 a.m. worship, and Bible Study on Sunday at 6 p.m. On Wednesday at 7 p.m., The Awana children's club for fourth- through sixth-graders takes place during the school year. Nursery school is provided for all services. The preschool and kindergarten program uses the abeka curriculum and serves ages 3, 4 and 5. Visit the Web site at www.FaithBaptistVienna.org or e-mail Faith@tidalwave.net. Call the church at 703-938-9688.
The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer celebrates a contemporary service at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, supplementing its traditional worship services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Modern praise music is sung, accompanied by a band of nine musicians on electric keyboard, bass and acoustic guitars, trumpet and drums.
Concurrently at 9:45, adult Bible study and Sunday School for children age 3 through high school. Nursery is available at all services.
The church is located at 1545 Chain Bridge Road in McLean. For more information, visit www.redeemer-mclean.org or call the office at 703-356-3346.
St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, located at 1830 Kirby Road in McLean, invites all to come for contemporary worship the first Sunday of every month at noon. This new service will incorporate uplifting music; a warm, friendly, casual atmosphere; and interesting sermons. In addition to this service, traditional services take place every Sunday at 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. Call the church office at 703-356-7533 with questions.
Chabad at Tysons is holding a Shabbat educational service at the Embassy suites Hotel on Route 7 (next door to the Toys R Us, across from the Container store). Saturday morning service starts at 9:30 a.m., Torah discussion at 10:30 a.m., followed by a sit-down Kiddush. Call 703-356-3451, or e-mail ChabadTysons@aol.com.
The Great Falls United Methodist Church offers two services with different worship styles. The 8:30 a.m. service is traditional, and the 11 a.m. service is a blend of contemporary and traditional styles. The church is located at 10100 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls.
St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, located at 1830 Kirby Road in McLean, invites all to come for the Third Sunday Service every month at 10:15 a.m. This service allows the children to play active roles during the service, particularly in the music and as greeters and ushers. In addition to the Third Sunday Service, traditional services take place every Sunday at 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. Nursery is available at the 10:15 a.m. service. Call the church office at 703-356-7533 with questions.