To have faith news listed in The Arlington Connection, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Matthew Razak at 703-917-6457 with any questions.
Virginians will vote this November on a proposed constitutional amendment that would go well beyond prohibiting same-sex marriage and civil unions. It could discriminate against any unmarried couple, gay or straight, young or old. On Sunday, June 25 come learn more about the far-reaching implications for domestic violence, contracts, advanced medical directives, and more and steps you can take to help defeat the Amendment from 7-9 p.m. at Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ 5010 Little Falls Road, Arlington. RSVP to JOHNSON1966@COX.NET or Rock Spring at 703-538-4886.
Beth El Hebrew Congregation will hold a yard sale from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 25. The sale includes household items, electronics, glassware, clothing, baby items, toys, clothing, and collectibles. Beth El Hebrew Congregation is at 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria. The yard sale will be held rain or shine.
All children ages 4 to 11 are invited to participate in Fairlington Presbyterian Church's Vacation Bible School, Adventure of the Treasure Seekers: Exploring God's Promises. The program runs from July 31 to Aug. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. The program is free, but a $10 donation per child is suggested. Transportation needs can be accommodated. Registration by July 1 is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Fairlington Presbyterian Church is located at 3846 King Street in Alexandria. Call the Director of Christian Education at Fairlington Presbyterian Church, Rob Ross, at 703-931-7344 or e-mail: rob@fpcusa.org. Visit www.fpcusa.org.
Bishop Paul S. Loverde thanked committee members of the 2006 Catholic Charities Ball for their fund-raising efforts, which netted more than $563,500 to support the programs of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington. The Feb. 24 Ball raised the highest amount ever recorded in its 24-year history. The Bishop hosted a thank-you dinner for Ball committee members May 20 at his residence, where he was presented with the Ball check by Kevin C. Fitzgerald, special-gifts chair. The 25th Anniversary Ball will be held Feb. 9, 2007. For details, call 703-841-3835.
The Vajrayogini Buddhist Center continues to hold classes in Buddhist thought and meditation on Monday nights from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Griffin Center, 3800 Fairfax Drive in Arlington (Suite 5). Beginners to Buddhism and meditation are invited to learn how Buddhist philosophy can help people cope with today's stressful times. Cost is a $10 donation. Classes will be held through the month of June.
The Arlington Metaphysical Chapel, 5618 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, offers lessons, classes and other activities for bettering life. Call 703-276-8738 or visit www.arlingtonmeta.com or e-mail info@arlingtonmeta.com for event information.
St. Ann's Youth Group hosts a Tuesday Night Drop-In Night every Tuesday form 6:30-9:30 p.m. The church hopes to make it a great space to do homework, listen to music, play on the computer, hang out, chat, watch movies, or maybe some TV shows and most importantly, just be in a communal sort of way. No need to be formal about it, just stop on in as time permits. Contact Toni at stannsyouthminister@yahoo.com with any questions.
Body & Soul Fitness offers a blend of cardio, strength training, Pilates, core strengthening, and flexibility rolled into a unique package. Set to contemporary Christian music, find a program that will work both your body and your soul. Local classes at Classes at The Falls Church on Mondays 10:30-11:45 a.m. and Wednesdays 12:30-1:45 p.m., low impact. Contact Dana Elsnick at 703-847-9814. Also at The Falls Church on Mondays and Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m. Contact Tricia Van Ryn at trvanryn@yahoo.com.
Buddhist Meditation Classes. Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Griffin Center, Tower Villas, Suite 5, 3800 Fairfax Drive, Arlington. Local Buddhist teacher Kelsang Varahi will teach a series of classes on the text "Eight Steps to Happiness," which teaches about the Buddhist way of loving kindness. The classes include guided meditations, a Buddhism teaching, Q&A/discussion and refreshments. Cost is $10/class. Call 202-331-2122 or www.meditation-dc.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 10 a.m. Services are followed by a sit-down Kiddush. Call 703-370-2774 or visit www.chabadalexandria.org
The progressive NOVA Catholic Community holds Mass on Sundays from September through mid-May at 10:15 a.m. at Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Road, and Memorial Day weekend through September at 9:30 a.m. at Lacey Woods Park Pavilion, George Mason Drive and Washington Boulevard. Call 703-852-7907 or visit nova.novacommunity.org.
Faith, Food and Fellowship. Clarendon United Methodist Church, 606 N. Irving St., offers a twice-monthly Thursday noon service for the Arlington community, with one half-hour of spiritual nourishment and one half-hour of physical nourishment. On the second and fourth Thursdays, a worship service is held in the sanctuary at noon, and a hot lunch is serviced at 12:30 p.m. for a donation of $4. A time of fellowship follows from 1:15-2 p.m. with programs geared mostly to senior citizens. J. Reilly Lewis, CUMC's music director and director of the National Cathedral Choral Society, arranges for guest soloists at each service. Call 703-527-8574.