Laura Sweet is the revitalization pastor at Fairfax Christian Church, located at 10185 Main St. in Fairfax. She is this week's People Profile.
Number of Years in the Community:
Two.
Family:
I have a husband of 23 years, Bruce, and we have two daughters; Christina, 22, and Katherine, 17.
Education:
I received a bachelor of arts degree in community planning and sociology from Western Maryland College; a master of divinity from Brite Divinity School, Fort Worth, Texas; and a master of social work, with a specialty in families and children, from University of Maryland at Baltimore.
Current job:
I am revitalization pastor at Fairfax Christian Church in Fairfax. I am working with a team from the church to redefine the church's role in this new millennium. Fairfax Christian Church is a positive Christian community open to all people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or culture. We believe the church has been too closed, too exclusive and we are working to create again a community that opened itself to people regardless of social status (slave or free); religion (Jew or Gentile) or gender (male or female). We respect the individual's right to chose their own path to God through our motto, "no creed but Christ," and house an authentic community of divergent theologies. We believe this is one way we can model peace in the world — true diversity in real community.
Achievements:
Phi Beta Kappa, International Society of Theta Phi, Phi Alpha Honor Society. I co-owned and ran a large group therapy practice with my husband Bruce for 10 years on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. My biggest achievement has been creating supportive and lasting relationships with family and friends.
Activities/interests/hobbies:
Biking, French cooking, reading and breaking out into the odd polka dance.
Favorite local restaurant or place? I love all of the ethnic choices in this community!
Community concerns:
My biggest community concern is the disconnect that is experienced by people living away from extended families and living in a high-pressured work culture. This concern crosses the spectrum from the chronically homeless in Fairfax County to the well-established householder. This county offers many opportunities and venues to plug into community. Start participating in building relationships that last!
What brought you to Fairfax?
A combination of the call to pastor Fairfax Christian Church, and my husband's move to the National Institutes of Health to participate in research in the area of cognitive neuroscience.
Community hidden treasure:
The American Youth Philharmonic, directed by Luis Haza, in residence at George Mason University. I've never seen a more dedicated, talented group of teens pouring their hearts into music and creating something amazing!
Personal goals:
World peace. No seriously — helping to create a world where we learn to vocalize our opinions and express our beliefs without the need to make enemies out of one another.
Do you know someone who should be featured in the Connection's People Profile? Send your nominations to Jon Whiten at jwhiten@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-917-6422.