The Baha’i community of McLean holds a weekly fireside, a meeting of discussion, devotion and fellowship, at 7500 Box Elder Court in McLean, beginning at 8 p.m. every Friday. The fireside is an opportunity to learn about the Baha’i faith and why Baha’is find hope in a seemingly hopeless world. Call 703-556-3400.
On Oct. 3, St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Vienna will begin the seventh year of Rainbows for All God’s Children, a support group for children who have lost a parent due to death, divorce, separation or abandonment. The program consists of 12 sessions with three to five children per group. The sessions are facilitated by adults from St. Mark’s who are chosen and trained by Rainbows. Free. Attend the Open House on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m., or call the Community Growth Office at 703-938-1936.
The International Chabad-Lubavitch organization is establishing a new Jewish institution, Chabad at Tysons, which will serve Vienna, McLean and Great Falls. Chabad welcomes all Jews regardless of background or affiliation. Activities will include holiday awareness programs, adult education, Shabbat and High Holiday services, and special children’s events. Call 703-356-3451 or 703-622-2953.
Charles Wesley United Methodist Church, located at 6817 Dean Drive in McLean, holds Sunday Services at 10 a.m. and Communion and healing services Wednesdays at noon. Its motto is "A Place to Be - Belong, Become, Believe." Visit www.gbgm-umc.org/cwumc.
The Vienna Presbyterian Church (VPC) announces the opening of CenterPoint, the adult Christian education center. CenterPoint invites adults in the community to spiritual growth experiences through education. Five academic tracks on the Bible, Church History and Theology, Ethics and Christian Living, Spirituality and the Arts, and Church and Mission will be offered during the four five-week terms. Classes will be offered through April 2003 on Sunday and Tuesday evenings. VPC staff, university, seminary, business and nonprofit organizations professionals will teach the classes. Registration is required, and there is a $25 fee per course ($35 fee at the door on a space-available basis.) Call 703-938-9050, e-mail to centerpoint@viennapres.org, or visit www.viennapres.org.
Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, located at 1724 Chain Bridge Road in McLean, will begin a monthly program of contemplative worship services in the worship style of the Taize community on Sunday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. Free.
St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church in McLean has revamped the Sunday school curriculum to provide a stimulating, experiential learning opportunity for youth. The youngest children, up to third grade, will be introduced to the concept of stewardship, using their behavior and talents as gifts in the offertory part of the weekly service. They will learn the Lord's Prayer in sign language and will have other activities geared to different learning styles. For more information, call 703-356-7553. The church is located at 1830 Kirby Road in McLean.
The Dunn Loring United Methodist Church will hold an All Saints/Halloween pot luck dinner on Oct. 26 at 5:30 p.m., followed by a family-oriented program at 6:30 p.m. on the importance of giving blood. Children of all ages are encouraged to come in costume as their favorite saint. After dinner, representatives of the Inova Blood Center will talk about the services they provide and how to qualify as a blood donor. For more information, call 703-573-5836. The church is located at 2501 Gallows Road in Dunn Loring.
The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer at 1545 Chain Bridge Road in McLean is offering training in the Barnabas Ministry by Judith Sienknecht beginning Oct. 8 from 7-9 p.m. Volunteers willing to commit two hours a week for 10 weeks may sign up by calling the office at 703-356-3346.
The Barnabas Ministry is a service in which lay people provide their neighbors in need with confidential, one-on-one caring, listening support. Volunteers receive 20 hours’ training in communication and listening skills, family systems theory, confidentiality requirements and the primary skills of caring.
The First Baptist Church of Merrifield in Falls Church will hold a health-awareness day on Saturday, Oct. 12, beginning at 10 a.m. The event is sponsored by the Women's Ministry in collaboration with Tomorrow's Black Men Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of troubled and at-risk young males. For more information, call 703-560-3247.
The Halloween Fun Fest will take place at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in mcLean on Saturday, October 26, from 4-7 p.m. All children in the community are invited with a parent or guadian and to participate -dressed in a Halloween costume- in the Halloween parade. Activites include games, crafts and the perennial pumpkin decorating and coloring. "Slime-ade" will be the drink of choice. The church is located at 1545 Chain Bridge in McLEan. For more information call 703-356-3346 or visit www.redeemermclean.org.
A workshop presented by Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of Metro DC (PFLAG) will take place Sunday, Oct. 27, 2002 3-5p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1545 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Program will address family, work and religious issues. Bring your questions, your family and your friends. Join us for conversation and refreshments. For more information go to www.pflagdc.org or call 202 638-3852.