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.
Saint Matthew's sermon series, The Jesus Diet: 3 Steps to a New You began Jan. 2 and continues for three weeks, and looks to Jesus as a way to shed the extra weight that comes from fear, guilt, debt and stress. Saint MatthewÕs Episcopal Church, 201 E. Frederick Drive in Sterling. Call 703-430-2121 or visit www.stmatthewssterling.org.
On Wednesday evening, Jan. 5, at 7 p.m., the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling will hold an Evensong Vespers service of informal and participatory readings, reflections, and sharing. UUS is located in the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 22135 Davis Drive, near Route 28 and Church Road. Visit uusterling.org or call 703-406-3068.
The Shenandoah Coffeehouse Series continues its fourth season in the heart of Loudoun County with a concert of original acoustic music, at 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 8, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun featuring Cletus Kennelly and Lori Kelley, two award-winning contemporary
singer/songwriters from the Washington area. Tickets are available when the doors open at 7:30 p.m. All concerts are smoke and alcohol free. The Shenandoah Coffeehouse Series is an environmentally-friendly event; feel free to bring a favorite coffee mug. Coffee and other refreshments are provided by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun.
Visit: http://www.shenandoahacoustics.com/scs.
Because of the Jan. 4 shooting in South Riding in which two teenagers were killed, the Rev. White has changed his sermon for Sunday, Jan. 9 to "Choose Life!" The sermon will deal with the problem of teen violence and be based on a text from Deuteronomy 30:19. At the close of the service, participants will be invited to sign a covenant promising to be supportive of youth and to do what is in their power prevent violence. At 5:30 p.m. Sunday evening, parents and teens are invited to attend a forum, which will be moderated by the Rev. White and Bob Straub, a former school counselor. Teens and parents will have the opportunity to share perspectives and learn some of the warning signs associated with this behavior. Pleasant Valley UMC is located at 43987 John Mosby Highway in Chantilly. The community worships at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Sunday mornings. The general public is invited to the worship services and the evening forum.
On Sunday, Jan. 9, at 10:30 a.m., the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling will have a service entitled Don't Mourn, Organize! These words may be apocryphal, but they are attributed to the legendary union organizer, Joe Hill, just before he was executed. How can Joe Hill's final words inform our work of building and sustaining a liberal religious community in illiberal times? UUS meets every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., at the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 22135 Davis Drive, near Route 28 and Church Road in the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center. Visit uusterling.org or call 703-406-3068.
On Sunday, Jan. 16, intern minister Amy DeBeck will offer a Martin Luther King service at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling congregation. UUS meets every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m., in the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 22135 Davis Drive, near Route 28 and Church Road. Visit uusterling.org or call 703-406-3068.
"The Separation of Church and State: A Faith Perspective" will be the topic of the Rev. Roberta Finkelstein's service at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling Sunday, Jan. 23, at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Finkelstein will talk about the spiritual, not religious, foundation of this nation, and how people of faith can best protect both their government and their faith communities. UUS meets every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m., at the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 22135 Davis Drive, near Route 28 and Church Road in the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center. Visit uusterling.org or call 703-406-3068.
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. 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.