To have an item listed, mail to the Gazette-Packet, 1604 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314; fax to 703-917-0991 or e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos and artwork encouraged. If you have any questions, call Marguerite Rogers at 703-917-6407.
The Longchenpa Institute, a Tibetan Buddhist organization, will host Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist High Lama (Khenchenla), from Namdroling Monastery in Byalakuppe, India, for a series of public teachings. The series will take plarna Schwimmer at 703-780-4068. King Street from March 25-March 28. These teachings are based on the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and are open to all. Following a public talk on the Buddhist Views on Violence, to take place on Friday, March 25 at 7p.m., Khenchenla will offer two empowerments - the Guru Rinpoche (Rigdzin Düpa) empowerment and the Amitabha empowerment - in addition to preliminary Dzogchen (Great Perfection) teachings on Guru Yoga, Phowa and Dream Yoga. Visit www.longchenpa-institute.org.
Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 2006 Belle View Boulevard is hosting a St. Patricks' Day Irish Dinner on March 19. Adults $5; children under 12 $2.50. All you can eat. Call for tickets 703-765-1100. Proceeds support youth trips this spring.
On March 24-26, the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, will hold a Spring Book Sale. Donations of books, records, videos and puzzles are accepted now. Call Joan Wamsley at 703-751-6086.
There will be a Youth Forum at the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane. April 3, 4-6 p.m. For youth grade 8-12 and interested parents. Call 703-765-5950, e-mail info@mvuc.org or visit www.mvuc.org.
On March 25, the Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road, will hold a Family Shabbat Dinner. Dinner at 6 p.m., family service at 7 p.m. The dinner is a potluck: chicken is provided, participants should bring a side dish. Deadline for registration is March 18. Volunteers are needed. Call 703-370-9400 or visit www.bethelhebrew.org.
Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road, holds Tot Shabbat on the first and third Saturday morning of each month. 11 a.m. with Carol Boyd Leon. Call 703-370-9400 or visit www.bethelhebrew.org.
On March 24, the Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road, will present “The Lion Queen.” 7 p.m. A “purimshpiel” that weaves the story of Purim with Disney’s Lion King. Call 703-370-9400 or visit www.bethelhebrew.org.
The Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road, will hold a Yard Sale on June 26. The Congregation is now accepting clothes, jewelery, housewares, small appliances, kitchen items, linens, garden tools, tools, hardware and toys. Call Dana Arnold at 703-780-4481 or e-mail Rhoda Goldman at lennieg@cox.net.
On March 24, the Agudas Achim Congregation at 2908 Valley Drive will hold a Purim Service at 7 p.m. The theme is classic movies. No registration is required. For information, call 703-998-6460, e-mail synagogue@agudasachim-va.org or visit www.agudasachim.net.
There will be a Purim Carnival at the Agudas Achim Congregation, 2908 Valley Drive, on March 27 at 3-6 p.m. Presented by the Agudas Achim Sisterhood. For all ages. Including food, games, arts and crafts. For information, call 703-998-6460, e-mail synagogue@agudasachim-va.org or visit www.agudasachim.net.
On April 9, there will be a concert at the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, with musicians from Musikanten, directed by Kerry Krebill, with baritone soloist Brian Ming Chu. 4 p.m. The concert will be followed by a light buffet supper. All are welcome. For reservations, call 703-960-5945 or e-mail mimis@erols.com.
Up Where We Belong Family Ministry will hold its Northern Virginia's Super Church event, the third Sunday of every month starting at 10:40 a.m., at Mount Vernon High School's main auditorium. Bring the family and participate in their worship celebration and eligible families will receive free groceries. Pre-registration is necessary. Contact Bishop Robert Lewis Taylor at 703-878-2247.
St. John Passion by J.S. Bach will be presented in its entirety by the Westminster Choir, soloists and orchestra on Sunday, March 20, at 3 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road. Call 703-549-4766. Donations will be accepted.
On Sunday, April 17, there will be a Music of the Masters concert with the Alexandria Choral Society Children’s Chorus at Fairlington United Methodist Church, 3900 King St. 8 p.m. For tickets, call 703-548-4734 or visit www.alexchoralsociety.org.
On Saturday, May 7, there will be a Mother’s Day Choral Bouquet with the Alexandria Choral Society at Fairlington United Methodist Church, 3900 King St. For tickets, call 703-548-4734 or visit www.alexchoralsociety.org
Shabbat Services are held at the home of Rabbi and Mrs. Newman, 4301 Seminary Road, Alexandria, each Friday at 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Morning services begin Saturdays at 9:45 a.m. Services are followed by a sit-down Kiddush. For more information, call 703-370-2774.
A program for Catholics thinking about returning to the church is being offered at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway. For those who may have been away from the Catholic Church and are considering returning, Good Shepherd has begun a "Coming Home" process, at 7:30 p.m., Monday nights for you to ask questions, get an update on the Church, and to help you decide if it's time to reconnect with parish life. If interested or you have questions, you can contact Rob Doerschner at 703-822-0523.
The newly opened Baha’I Center, 5400 Eisenhower Ave., now offers a reference and lending library on its premises. The reading room and library is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Call 703-836-2475.
Alexandria's Christian Science Reading Room, 691 S. Washington Street, is open daily. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday evening, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 2-5 p.m.
The Christian Business Women’s Committee (CBWC) meets to study God's word at the Royal Restaurant in Old Town Alexandria. The CBWC meets every Wednesday at 7 a.m. for breakfast. Additional information contact Pamela Nilsen at 703-519-4475 or 703-660-6759.
Noon Prayer Meeting. Christians from around the area unite in prayer for the country and community every Friday, 12-1 p.m., at Regent University, in room 303. For more information, call Rich Nilsen at 703-922-5183.
Meditation. Every weekday from 12-1 p.m., Roberts Memorial Methodist Church, 606 South Washington St., is open to the public for meditation. Organ music is played during this time.