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.
Christian Basics classes begin at Galilee United Methodist Church. A two-session workshop for discovering your spiritual gifts, spirituality type, interaction style and working preference will take place Feb. 27, 6-8 p.m. "Beginnings: An Introduction to Christian Faith," a 12-week course, begins March 6, 6 p.m. "Get Acquainted With Your Christian Faith," a four-week course, begins March 6, 9 a.m. Contact Joan Rudisill at 703-430-2203 or joanmr@galileeumc.net to register. Galilee United Methodist Church is located at 45425 Winding Road, Sterling.
On Saturday, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m., the Augustana College Symphonic Band will hold a concert at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 605 W. Market St., Leesburg. The 75-member big band will perform works including John Philip Sousa's "Uncle Sam's Navy" plus modern settings of Irish tunes and ancient hymns. No ticket required, however, a freewill offering will be accepted. Call 703-777-4912.
Potomac Falls Episcopal Church will hold the Alpha course, a 10-week exploration of Christian faith, beginning on Monday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m., at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. Each Monday evening the course begins with dinner, which is followed by a talk and time in small groups to discuss questions raised by the talk. Free child care provided. Call to register for the free kickoff dinner by calling 703-404-0900 or online at www.potomacfallschurch.org.
Potomac Falls Episcopal Church meets for services each week at 10 a.m., at Horizon Elementary School, 46665 Broadmore Drive, Sterling.
A concert, featuring Jericho, The Melanie Moore Band and J.C. Mason will be presented at the Christian Fellowship Church of Ashburn, Feb. 25, from 7-10 p.m., for the benefit of tsunami relief. 100 percent of all donations will be hand carried and turned over to agencies in the affected areas. Contact Laura Readyoff at 703-860-1992.
The public is invited to attend a vespers service at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling Wednesday, March 2, at 7 p.m. Join the UUS Worship Associates for Evensong, an informal and participatory worship service guaranteed to bring mid-week serenity to stressed hearts. UUS is located at 22135 Davis Drive in the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center. Call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org.
St. James United Church of Christ, with the help of the Loudoun Bluegrass Association, presents a concert and free-style jam session Friday, March 4, from 7:30-9:30 p.m., at the Lovettsville Game Club on Route 287. Children welcome. No entrance fee, food and drinks may be purchased. Call 703-443-0524.
"The Wrestling Season," a play that addresses the effects of homophobia and gender stereotyping on young people, will be presented by Trumpet Vine Theatre Company March 5, at 7:30 p.m., at Unitarian Universalists of Sterling, 22135 Davis Drive, Sterling. Written by playwright Laurie Brooks, the play follows eight high-school seniors as they grapple with difficult situations and issues that are common in
schools today. A rumor spread by a rival that two top wrestlers are lovers leads to violence, broken friendships and a series of unfortunate choices. The play
ends with an interactive forum in which the characters engage the audience in discussion. The event is free and open to the public. Call 703-431-0882 or visit www.equalityloudoun.org.
On Sunday, March 6, at 10:30 a.m., the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling will host guest speaker, Connie Barlow, an author of popular science books bridging evolution and meaning. She and her husband, Michael Dowd, are affectionately known by many as "the Unitarian Universalist Association's evolutionary evangelists". On Tuesday, March 8, Barlow and Dowd will conduct a followup workshop from 7-9:15 p.m., at UUS which meets every Sunday morning at 10:30 at 22135 Davis Drive in the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center. Call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org.
"Caring For Others, Caring For Yourself" is the theme of the 3rd Annual Congregation Beth Emeth Women and Teen Health Seminar set for Sunday, March 6. from 2-5 p.m. Topics include caring for your aging loved ones, healthy relationships and healthy communication for teens, maintaining healthy skin and preventing osteoporosis. Plus, there will be opportunities to browse the Exhibitor's Hall, Pilates demonstrations, mini-makeovers, refreshments and more. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Call 703-860-4515 or visit http://www.bethemeth.org/womenshealth.htm. Congregation Beth Emeth is located at 12523 Lawyers Road, Herndon. This event is open to the public.
The 2005 Lenten Series at Saint MatthewÕs Episcopal Church in Sterling, will center around study and discussion of "The Jesus Creed," written by Scot McKnight, Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies at North Park University. The series will continue each Wednesday through March 16. The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a simple ÒSouper SupperÓ in the parish hall. The study and discussion will start at 7:15 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. Participants in the study will want to purchase the book. "The Jesus Creed" analyzes the philosophy of Jesus, its historical context, and the principles he espoused. Bring the entire family. The nursery will be open and staffed.
Middle-school and high-school students will be studying "The Jesus Creed" along with the adults, and a program will be offered for elementary students for the first time. Call or e-mail: 703-431-2121, www.stmatthewssterling.org. 201 E. Frederick Drive, Sterling.
The Unitarian Universalists of Sterling Book Club announces its selection for March is "God's Politics" by Jim Wallis. The public is invited for lively discussion of its relevance Saturday, March 26, 7 p.m., at the church facility in the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 22135 Davis Drive in Sterling. Visit www.uusterling.org or call 703-406-3068.
On Sunday, March 13, the topic of the 10:30 a.m. service at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling will be "Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters." The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee has designated March 13 as Justice Sunday throughout the UU world. Ann Robinson and other members of the Social Action committee will join the Rev. Roberta Finkelstein in sharing their perspectives on the contemporary relevance of the ancient Prophets' call to do justice. UUS is located at 22135 Davis Drive in the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center. Call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org
On Palm Sunday, March 20, a sermon entitled "Leadership and Power" will be given by the Rev. Roberta Finkelstein of the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling. She will talk about the nature of power in religious communities, both as it informed the Palm Sunday story and as it informs our approach to congregational life today. UUS meets every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., at 22135 Davis Drive in the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center. Call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org.
At 10:30 a.m., Sunday, March 27, an Easter Intergenerational Service entitled "Waiting and Hoping for Resurrection" will be offered by the Rev. Roberta Finkelstein of the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling. This family Easter service will include the annual Flower Communion, several choral anthems, and an interactive homily by the minister about the universal longing to experience resurrection, or something like it. Flowers will be exchanged during the service as part of the annual ritual of affirmation of the Spirit of Life. UUS meets every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., at 22135 Davis Drive in the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center. Call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org.
James Stafford will be leading a Bible for Liberals at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling, taking a literary and critical approach to the Bible. The ancient historical, cultural, literary and religious heritage both in and beyond the Bible will be explored. Open to those who have and those who have not read the Bible. Bible for Liberals meetings occur every second Sunday, through June, from 12:30 -2:30 p.m. These meeting are designed to be casual, drop in,
stand-alone sessions. The session will be held at the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 21355 Davis Drive near Route 28 and Church Road. 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. 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. 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.