Send announcements to the Gazette, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos and artwork encouraged. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
Children ages 4-10 are invited to participate in Fairlington Presbyterian Church’s, 3846 King St., annual Vacation Bible School, "Take the Plunge: Make A Splash With Jesus!" from July 23-27, from 9 a.m. to noon. The program cost is $10/child or a $20/family. Registration by July 1 is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. For more information, or to request a registration packet, call Rob Ross, at 703-931-7344 or e-mail rob@fpcusa.org. Online registration is also available www.fpcusa.org.
Washington Street United Methodist Church, 115 S. Washington St., invites all children ages three years through second grade to become Sky Scouts at their summer Vacation Bible School, "Lift Off! Soaring to New Heights with God," Thursday, July 12 through Sunday, July 15, 9:30 a.m. to noon. This free program offers fun, interactive activities that combine the world of hot air ballooning with the discovery of how to reach new heights with God. Each lesson will be supported with Bible stories, songs, crafts, games, and snacks. For more information, contact the church office, 703-836-4324, office@wsumc.com, or www.wsumc.com.
Is your connection with your e-mail better than your connection with your family? Trinity United Methodist Church, located at 2911 Cameron Mills Road will hold a special series of sermons through June 24 entitled, "Connections" on Sundays at 11 a.m. Nursery care is available. Contact the church at 703-549-5500 or visit
www.trinityalexandria.org.
Christ Church, 118 North Washington St., is holding prayer workshops on Oct. 20 will be "Body Prayer," where liturgical dance and yoga can be performed as body prayer. Sessions are held 9 a.m.-noon and are $15 with registration at the door. 703-677-5642.
Avalanche Ranch, a wild ride through God's Word, is coming to Harvest Church on June 25-29 and is open to children entering the first through sixth grades this fall. It will be held from 6:30-8:45 p.m. Enjoy crafts and exciting games, experience thrilling Bible stories, sample tasty snacks and hear unforgettable music. Free. Register by calling 703-971-7070 or stop by the church office at 7401 Beulah St. Visit www.harvestchurchag.org.
Vacation Bible School, July 9 – 13, from 8:45 a.m.–noon at Queen of Apostles, 4329 Sano St, Alexandria. Children aged rising kindergarteners to rising 6th graders, Catholic or non-Catholic, are invited to attend a week-long program where all activities will help understand "The Mass." There will be scavenger hunts and games, crafts, snacks, activity books, and lots of holy cards. $50/first child and sliding scale for siblings. For registration form and more information, call the Religious Education Office, 703-354-4360. Deadline for registration is June 22.
"Love and Compassion" will explore techniques for both meditation and daily life that lead to a deep experience of love and compassion in our hearts. This experience improves all relationships, gives great meaning to life. Runs June 19 and 26 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Meade Memorial Episcopal Church, 322 N. Alfred St. $10/class, no registration required. Visit www.meditation-dc.org.
The Catholic Diocese of Arlington Victim Assistance Coordinator in conjunction with Catholic Charities will offer a 10-week psychotherapy group for victims/survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Arlington and Fredericksburg. The groups are open to all victim/survivors of sexual abuse. Further information is available by calling Patricia Mudd, A.C.S.W. at 703-841-2530. Registration required.
The Victim Assistance Coordinator maintains a list of social workers and counselors, as well as local clergy available for counseling of victims. The office also facilitates counseling for any victims/survivors abused in other dioceses, but currently living in the Arlington diocese. Call Patricia Mudd, A.C.S.W. at 703-841-2530.
First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1509 Collingwood Road, Mount Vernon, is now holding Wednesday evening meetings at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information call 703-768-2494.
The Vajrayogini Buddhist Center offers classes in Buddhist Meditation at the Meade Memorial Episcopal Church, 322 North Alfred St. in Alexandria. Classes are held on Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. Buddhist Nun Kelsang Varahi will be teaching. $10/class. For more information visit www.meditation-dc.org or call 202-331-2122.
Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria, holds services at 8:15 p.m. on Fridays and at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Religious school is on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Adult learning opportunities take place throughout the year. Tot Shabbat is at 11 a.m. on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Kolot Shabbat (musical service) the first Friday of every month at 7:30 pm. For more information, call 703-370-9400 or visit www.bethelhebrew.org.
Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Mount Vernon Highway in Alexandria is offering a "Coming Home" process at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month to ask questions, get an update on the church, and to help decide if it's time to reconnect with parish life. Contact Rob Doerschner at 703-822-0523.
The Urban Passage Inc., a faith-based non-profit organization, seeks adult volunteers, 50 years and older, to mentor high-risk youth at the Northern Virginia Juvenile detention Home in Alexandria. Volunteers are also needed to serve as youth advisory council leaders and community service project leaders for a program that serves terminally and seriously ill children at Inova Fairfax Hospital. Call 703-924-9840.
The Christian Women In The Marketplace 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 703-660-6759.
Meditation. Every weekday noon-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. 703-836-7332.
AWANA is an international, non-denominational, Bible centered youth organization providing weekly clubs and programs for ages three-year-old through high school. Engleside Baptist Church's, 8428 Highland Lane, AWANA club consists of three parts, Handbook Time, Council Time, and Game Time. Club meetings are held every Wednesday night during the school year from 7-8:30 p.m. Call 703-780-5410.
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.
Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church, 8220 Russell Road, Alexandria, holds a weekly Sunday celebration service starting at 11 a.m. For more information on Rising Hope's programs call, 703-360-1976. All programs are free.
*"Kingdom of Living" Bible Study held each Monday evening from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The study is led by three members of Rising Hope and focused on understanding specific Bible chapters. Child care is available during each session.
*"Building a People of Power" Empowerment Series held each Tuesday from 6:45-8:30 p.m. A study led by Rev. Keary on Robert Linthicum's book on the Biblical foundation for advocacy and empowerment of people who may feel unable to affect change in systems.
* Celebrate Recovery-- a Christ-centered recovery program with groups for men and women follows the model developed by Saddleback Church, California. This is held each Friday with worship at 6:45 p.m., recovery groups at 7:30 p.m. and fellowship from 8:30-9 p.m. Child care is available, if requested in advance.
* Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study held from 9:30-10:45 a.m. each Sunday. Led by members of Rising Hope with various study guides used. Held at the same time as Rising Hope's Children's Sunday School.