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.
An anonymous donor has given $1 million to Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation (BCRC) of Loudoun County. Of the total donation, $800,000 is designated for BCRCÕs building fund. The donation will accelerate the congregationÕs search for a permanent facility for religious services, events and school.
In addition to the funds directed to the building fund, the donorÕs bequest states: ÒIn light of our special place in the community, and frankly the world, we want 20 percent of our gift, or $200,000, to be dedicated to an education or action program that promotes peace, justice and multicultural, interfaith understanding. In this yearÕs Erev Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) service, Rabbi Bonny Grosz spoke of making the world a better place and promoting peace and justice. Now it is time to put that into action.Ó With these funds, BCRC plans to start a separate nonprofit organization called TIKVA (Hope), The Loudoun Center for Peace and Understanding devoted to these goals. Other religious, cultural, and community groups in the County will be invited to participate in the organization and the programming of Center activities. The Center also plans to participate in similar national groups as well as those in the Greater Washington area.
Headquartered in Ashburn, Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation is a member of Union for Reform Judaism and serves Loudoun and western Fairfax County. Visit www.bethchaverim.org or by calling 703-391-8669.
Galilee UMC is viewing Mel Gibson's move, "The Passion of the Christ," Friday, March 11, 7 p.m., at the church. Includes a short preliminary discussion, the movie and a discussion afterwards. This movie is a graphic reproduction of the actual crucifixion, so the church requests that those under 16 either bring written permission from their parents or be accompanied by their parents. Child care will be provided for those who call or e-mail in advance. Galilee United Methodist Church is located at 45425 Winding Road, Sterling. Contact Pastor Sarah Calvert at scalvert@galileeumc.net or call 703-430-2203.
A Program of Prayer, sponsored by the Great Falls United Methodist Women, will be held Saturday, March 12, at 9:30 a.m., at the Great Falls United Methodist Church, 10100 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Call 703-437-7152.
Ox Hill Baptist Church will host Easter Bible School for children ages 4-sixth grade Saturday, March 12, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Bible stories, music and games will be a part of the program as children learn about Easter. Pre-registration is requested. The church is located at 4101 Elmwood Road, Chantilly. Call 703-378-5555. Directions are available at www.oxhillbaptist.org.
"Our Stories; Our Lives" an event featuring a panel discussion, spoken and choral performance pieces and open dialogue seeking understanding of the celebrations, struggles and personal truths of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
community. Monday, March 14, 7:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. This free, public event is sponsored by Equality Fairfax, Wellspring United Church of Christ, Rainbow Freedom Chorus of Northern Virginia, UUCF Intergenerational Choir and Social Justice Council of the UUCF. Visit http://equalityfairfax.org/events.htm.
Rabbi Robert Nosanchuk will speak on Judaism and the Death Penalty Thursday, March 17, at 7:30 p.m., in the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation in Reston sanctuary. Nosanchuk is a member of the Washington Board of Rabbis, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Northern Virginia and the Synagogue Federation Task Force of Greater Washington. He has been active in the civil liberty and human rights movements.
St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, in conjunction with the Chaplaincy Department of Loudoun Hospital Center, provides a healing service on the second Sunday of each month, from 2:30-3:30 p.m., in the chapel of Loudoun Hospital Center, located on Riverside Parkway in Lansdowne. Patients, family, friends and staff, as well as the wider community are welcome. The service is conducted with "stations" so that people can drop in any time during the hour to receive healing prayer, holy communion, and request prayers for others. Contact the church office at 703-779-3616 or visit www.saintgabriels.net.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Unitarian Universalists of Sterling Book Club announces its selection for March "God's Politics" by Jim Wallis, who endeavors to explain why the "Right has it wrong and the Left doesn't get it." 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.
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.