Send notes to the Connection at south@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-778-9416. Deadline is Friday. Dated announcements should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.
Silverbrook United Methodist Church, 8616 Silverbrook Road in Lorton, will hold an outdoor Blessing of the Animals service, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2 p.m. All pets must be on a leash or in their appropriate cages (i.e. hamsters, birds, reptiles). Contact 703-690-4159 or www.silverbrookumc.org.
Interested in the Catholic Faith? Classes will be held at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in the Guadalupe Room in the Parish Center, 3700 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Contact Carolyn Smith at carolynsmith.stleos@gmail.com or 703-273-5369.
Interfaith Discussion Group at New World Unity Church, 8136 Old Keene Mill Road, Suite A-209, Springfield. 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Nov. 17. People of all faiths for are invited for an interfaith discussion of “Spiritual Liberation: Fulfilling Your Souls Potential” by Michael Bernard Beckwith. 703-913-8560 or newworldunity@verizon.net.
Burke Presbyterian Church, 5690 Oak Leather Drive in Burke, presents a sermon series entitled "Life in the Fast Lane: Slow Down for Relationships.” Explore everyday relationships through the Biblical story of Joseph and his family (Genesis: 37-50). The topic for Oct. 2-3 is "Are We There Yet? Seeking God's Direction in the World-Wide Family." Worship services are Saturday Coffeehouse at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. www.BurkePresChurch.org.
Franconia United Methodist Church, 6037 Franconia Road in Alexandria offers Fall Bible Study Classes from Oct. 1-10. Classes will be offered in Disciple II, Invitation to Psalms, The Jesus I Never Knew, Forgiveness/Letting Go, The Life You've Always Wanted, and a Men's Bible Study. Contact 703 971-5151 or www.franconiaumc.org.
St. Mark's Life Center, 5800 Backlick Road in Springfield, will host a Senior Caregiver's Forum & Panel Discussion 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct 2. Caring for the senior population, with answers to medical, legal, and housing issues. Open to the public. 703-609-7546 or patti.bruch@gmail.com.
St. John’s United Methodist Church, 5312 Backlick Road in Springfield conducts its Annual Community Fun Festival on Saturday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Train ride, moon bounce, big ocean slide, pony rides, games, craft and vendor booths, the Logan Kraft Band and more. Children and youth will receive 20 tickets free. Additional tickets 5 for $1. 703-256-6655 or www.saintjohnsumc.org/funfair .
Burke Presbyterian Church, 5690 Oak Leather Drive in Burke, invites members and friends to their annual World Communion Sunday Celebration, on Oct. 3, 8:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Native attire and languages are woven into these special worship services, followed by an International Festival celebrating gifts of all nations with a potluck luncheon. www.BurkePresChurch.org.
Series for Returning Catholics at St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church, 5222 Sideburn Road in Fairfax, 7:30 p.m. for ten Tuesdays beginning Oct. 5. ‘Landings’ offers a supportive environment for sharing and discussing the faith and future in the Church. 703-830-4708.
The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Springfield, will present a free talk entitiled "Beyond the Sixth Sense" on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 2 p.m. at Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Hear how developing a spiritual sense is the basis of all of healing. 703-866-4325.
The Greater Little Zion Baptist Church, 10185 Zion Drive in Fairfax, will celebrate its 119th Anniversary with a nightly Revival, Oct. 13-15, at 7:30 p.m., and a Zion Day Celebration service on Oct. 17, 9:45 a.m. The public is invited to join us for these services of praise and thanksgiving. 793-764-9111.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road in Oakton, offers services on Saturdays at 4:30 p.m., in addition to Sunday services at 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Classes for children and youth begin Sept 18. www.uucf.org.
The Parkwood Baptist Church, 8726 Braddock Road in Annandale, Bible Study Fellowship will study of the Old Testament Book of Isaiah. The Day Women's Class meets at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays, and offers a children's program for ages 6 weeks-6 years. rdmarotto@cox.net.
Sydenstricker United Methodist Church, 8508 Hooes Road in Springfield, will host a Parenting Workshop 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25. Dr. Rene Hackney of Parenting Playgroups will discuss children and stress. The free workshop meets in the church fellowship hall and is open to the public. Register at 703-644-6384.
Franconia United Methodist Church, 6037 Franconia Road in Alexandria, has several upcoming events. Contact 703-971-5151 or www.franconiaumc.org.
* UMWomen Spiritual Life Event: Turning Prayer Inside Out. Saturday, Sept. 18, 12-4 p.m. With speaker Irene McGee. $15 includes lunch. lgstocks@cox.net.
* Volunteer for Phoenix Rising Meal Program. Help prepare meals for the homeless Thursday, Oct. 21, at 6:30 p.m., and deliver the bags Friday, Oct. 22, at 5:30 p.m.
* Pie & Ice Cream Extravaganza. Saturday, Oct. 9, 12-2 p.m. Enjoy free pie and ice cream for kids of all ages.
* Fall Festival. Saturday, Oct. 30, 5-7 p.m. Children (with adults) can come in their costumes for games, prizes, crafts, and food. Free.
* Volunteer for Phoenix Rising Meal Program. Help prepare meals for the homeless Wednesday, Nov. 24, at 6:30 p.m., and deliver the bags Friday, Nov. 26, 5:30 p.m.
* Volunteer for Phoenix Rising Meal Program. Help prepare meals for the homeless Thursday, Dec. 23, 6:30 p.m., and deliver the bags Friday, Dec 24.
Messiah United Methodist Church, 6215 Rolling Road in Springfield, offers a Divorce Recovery Workshop 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Sept. 22-Nov 17. The workshop is conducted by trained facilitators and topics will include denial, grief, anger, loneliness, guilt, rejection, forgiveness, letting go, self worth and hope. No matter where you are on the timeline, you are welcome to work on healing in a caring, non-judgmental environment. The workshop and childcare are free. Resource books available for $12. Childcare must be requested at time of registration. 703-569-9862.
Cranford UMC, 9912 Old Colchester Road, Lorton, summer hours take effect Sunday through Labor Day. Church begins at 10 a.m. 703-339-5382 or www.cranfordumc.org.
Christ Church, 8285 Glen Eagles Lane in Fairfax Station, will host The Alpha Course, Wednesdays, Sept. 8–Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. This is an opportunity to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting. Dinner and childcare provided. Free. 703-690-3401 or christchurchva.org.
Cranford United Methodist Church, 9912 Old Colchester Road in Lorton, will host the 110th Anniversary at Cranford: A Lorton Homecoming, on Saturday, Oct. 2, 12-6 p.m. Join the community for stages of music featuring Hokum Jazz, pony rides from Tamarack Stables, food, artists, family games, docents from Gunston Hall in period costume and more. Meet your local politicians. Free and open to the community. 703-339-5382.
Messiah United Methodist Church, 6215 Rolling Road in Springfield, will begin GriefShare, a free, church-sponsored support group 7:15 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 6. The focus is on Christ-centered healing through small group interaction. Recovering from the death of a spouse, a close family member, or a special friend, takes time. Child care is available upon request. Contact Chum Robert at 703-455-2344.
Congregation Adat Reyim, an independent Jewish congregation, offers services Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and Wednesday at 7:40 p.m. Hebrew School is Sundays at 9:30 and Mondays at 5:30 p.m. Hebrew High is Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Preschool is Monday-Friday at 9:30 a.m. Adat Reyim is located at 6500 Westbury Oaks Court in Springfield. For more information, contact us at 703-569-7577 or visit www.adatreyim.org.
One God Ministry Church, 4280/4282 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, has launched a new Web site with news, events, training, conferences, fellowship programs and more. Sunday School is at 10 a.m., Sunday Worship Service at 11 a.m., and Wednesday Prayer Service at 7 p.m. Women, Men, and Youth Bible Studies are on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. A Spiritual Gifts Service is the first Friday of every month at 7 p.m. One God Ministry has ministries for youth, men, women, couples, music and singles. 703-591-6161 or www.onegodministry.org.
Lord of Life Lutheran Church presents Financial Peace University, a video-based small group study that teaches families how to beat debt, build wealth and better manage their finances. Contact Arlene K. Darke at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 5114 Twinbrook Road, Fairfax. 703-323-9500 or adarke@lordoflifelutheran.com.
New Women's Bible Study meets at Jubilee Christian Center on Tuesdays, 9:45 a.m.-12 p.m. The study will focus on "Spirit, Soul, and Body" by Andrew Wommack. $10 per person. Nursery provided for registered children. 703-383-1170 or www.jccag.org.
The Fresh Fire congregation meets every Sunday for a service at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Sackey and his congregation invite all to participate in preaching and teaching, praising and worshipping, in a Christ-centered ministry. Fresh Fire International Center meets at the Chinese Martial Arts Building, 8426-B Lee Highway, Fairfax, opposite the BMW Fairfax; entrance is in the back. 703-815-8950.
Faith Communities in Action meets the first Wednesday of every other month from 2-4 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, Conference Rooms 2 and 3, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.
The Baha'i of Fairfax County Southwest offers "Interfaith Devotions: World Peace and Unity" for the general public on Saturdays. These free devotional gatherings meet at the Pohick Regional Library, Room #1, located at 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke, 22015.
International Calvary Church Sunday services in English are at 9:45 a.m., Korean services at 11:30 a.m. and youth services at 11:30 a.m. Sunday School classes in English are at 11:30 a.m. and children's classes at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday Bible study and Youth Meeting are at 8 p.m. and Friday Prayer and Youth Meeting at 8:30 p.m. 5700 Hanover Ave., Springfield. 703-569-1918.
St. Leo the Great in Fairfax hosts “Night of Praise” the first Saturday of each month, featuring praise music and Eucharist adoration at 7 p.m. Located at 3704 Old Lee Highway in Fairfax.
The Immanuel Bible Church MOPS group meets every Monday 7 to 9 p.m., at Immanuel Bible Church, 6911 Braddock Road, Springfield. MOPS is a group for pregnant or parenting mothers of children from infancy to kindergarten. 703-922-4295 or www.MOPS.org.
The Shalem Institute free monthly prayer opportunities. Time together devoted to relaxation, the presentation of different prayer practices, silence, journal keeping and small group sharing. No experience is required and participants may attend regularly or drop in. Donations accepted. Meet on the third Monday of the month from 7:30 p.m. at Providence Presbyterian Church, 9019 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. www.shalem.org or 301-897-7334.
The following is a list of events at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 4325 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax:
* Bible study and Prayer Service every Tuesday starting at 7 p.m.
* Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., except for the fourth Sunday of the month, when Sunday School is at 9 a.m.
* Sunday morning service at 11 a.m.
* Commonwealth Care Center ministry every first and third Thursday night. Call 703-273-1455.
Congregation Adat Reyim offers services Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and Wednesday at 7:40 p.m. Hebrew school is available on Sunday at 9 a.m. and Sunday and Mondays at 5:30 p.m. Preschool is Monday-Friday at 9:30 a.m. Located at 6500 Westerbury Oaks Court in Springfield. 703-569-7577 or www.adatreyim.org.
Beth El Hebrew Congregation has services on Fridays, 8:15 p.m. and on Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. The temple is located at 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria. Religious school is on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Adult learning opportunities take place throughout the year. Tot Shabbat is on the first and third Saturdays. Kolot Shabbat, a musical service, is the first Friday of every month at 7:30 p.m. 703-370-9400 or www.bethelhebrew.org.
First Baptist Church of Springfield has Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday school at 9:15 a.m., Hispanic worship service at 9 a.m., Korean worship service at 2 p.m., and an Ethiopian service at 12:15 p.m. The pastor is Jim Weaver. Church is located at 7300 Gary St., Springfield. 703-451-1500 or www.fbcspringfield.org.
Clifton Presbyterian Church, located at 12748 Richards Lane, Clifton, offers Sunday worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. 703-830-3175.
St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, located at 6720 Union Mill Road, Clifton, conducts Sunday masses at 7:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. It also offers a Saturday vigil at 5:30 p.m. and a Wednesday Latin mass at 7 p.m. 703-817-1770 or www.st-andrew.org.
Messiah United Methodist Church is located at 6215 Rolling Road, Springfield. For more information, call 703-569-9862 or visit www.messiahumc.org. Sunday Worship is at 8:15 a.m., with Holy Communion every Sunday; and 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., Holy Communion on the first Sunday of the month.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8304 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, offers casual worship services on Saturday evenings at 5:30 p.m. featuring contemporary music. More traditional services take place on Sunday mornings at 8:15 and 11 a.m. Sunday School is at 9:45-10:45 a.m. for children. The church also offers discussion groups for adults. 703-451-5855.