<lst>Send announcements to the Reston Connection, by mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, by e-mail to reston@connectionnewspapers.com or by fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Thursday 5 p.m. for the following week's paper. Photos/artwork encouraged. Call Meghan Williams at 703-917-6407 with questions. This free listing is reserved for activities and events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost.
The Baha'is of the greater Herndon is presenting an Interfaith Devotional Program on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 1:30-2:30 p.m., in the large meeting room, at the Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. The devotional program consists of prayers and music from many religions all relating to a common topic.
The Longest Night Service is a worship service of healing, hope and encouragement on Monday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m. at Community of Faith United Methodist Church, 13224 Franklin Farm Road. One night each December is the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. The service is close to this time as a reminder that even on the darkest day, Christ comes to offer light into the world. In a time when everyone else seems merry, come and seek the hope that God offers. Those who have experienced loss during the year or just had a difficult year and are searching for new meaning in this Christmas season, are welcome to participate. For more information, see www.cof-umc.org.
The United Christian Parish offers five services on Christmas Eve. Services especially for young families are at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., at which all children will be invited to take part in the nativity scenes. Candlelight services are at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. with lessons and carols, bells, choir and dance. A candlelight communion service is at 11 p.m. with harp and vocal soloists.
A 10 a.m. service takes place on Christmas Day. The church, located at 11508 North Shore Drive, Reston, is an ecumenical union uniting in ministry four denominations: the United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). For more information visit www.unitedchristianparish.org or call the church office at 703-620-3065.
A free English class for speakers of other languages is offered at Jubilee Christian Center as a special Sunday school class at 9:30 a.m. 4650 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax. Call 703-383-1170.
Vajrayogini Buddhist Center offers Buddhist meditation class at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 1700 Wainwright Drive, Reston. Classes are Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. No class Dec. 20-Jan. 3. Fee: $10 per class. Call 202-331-2122 or info@meditation-dc.org.
B'nai B'rith Chanukah Pot Luck Dairy Lunch and light entertainment, at the Reston Community Center. Dec. 18, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Call 703-620-3844 for reservation.
LINK churches seek volunteers to help with the annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Basket events in Sterling and Herndon. The events supply groceries, gift certificates, used coats and toys to needy men, women and children of the area. Christ the Redeemer Church in Sterling and Trinity Presbyterian Church in Herndon will distribute groceries for both events. Herndon United Methodist Church will distribute toys at Christmas, Dec. 19 and 20, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon invites those suffering or mourning this Holiday season to a special service, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m., 2730 Centreville Road. Join in prayers, Scripture and music. Call 703-793-0026.
The Reston Bible Church is a non-denominational church, which celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2005, and serves a congregation of more than 2000 at 11979 North Shore Drive, in Reston. Pastor Mike Minter has served as the church’s pastor since he and his wife, Kay Minter, founded the church 1974. RBC is a Bible believing and preaching church with a passion for impacting the lives of those living in the community. Call 703-478-9730 or visit www.restonbible.org.
Every Wednesday at noon, St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 432 Van Buren St. in Herndon, offers a lunch-time Prayer and Healing Service. This 30-minute nondenominational service is offered to all local residents and people working in businesses in Herndon and surrounding areas; and allows people an opportunity to worship during the work week when they may be away from their regular church. All are welcome. Call the church Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at 703-437-3790 or visit www.saint-timothys.org.
Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation offers Sunday School every Sunday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., at the Boyd Montessori School in Ashburn. In addition to Sunday School, a second day of Hebrew School is offered Tuesday evenings, from 7-8 p.m., at Sanders Corner Elementary School. Attendance is limited to fourth- through seventh-graders and adults interested in learning Hebrew. Contact Lisa Kimball at bradamk@aol.com or call 703-858-1999.