Dennis Cole of Dramatic Christian Ministries will present a one-person dramatization of Jesus and the "Sermon on the Mount" at Jubilee Christian Center on Sunday, March 7, 6:30 p.m. 4650 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax. Call 703-383-1170. There is no charge. Cole will also be participating in a special healing service after the dramatic portrayal.
Christ United Methodist Church, 8285 Glen Eagles Lane, Fairfax Station, hosts a Children's Consignment Sale on Saturday, March 13, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. From noon-1 p.m., some items are 50 percent off. No strollers are allowed during the sale. For more information, call 703-690-3401 or visit www.christchurchva.org.
An Abendmusik Lenten Offering takes place at Fairfax Presbyterian Church on Sunday, March 14, at 5 p.m. Soloists Cynthia Ballantine and Reginald Allen join the Sanctuary Choir, orchestra and organ in a presentation of Maurice Durufle's "Requiem." The strings present "Concerto Grosso in D," by Archangelo Corelli.
Fairfax Presbyterian is located at 10723 Main St., Fairfax. A free-will offering will be take to benefit the music program. Call 703-273-5300.
Women of all ages are invited to hear Melissa Jansen from the Alexandria Pregnancy Center at Harvest Church on Monday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. Harvest Church is located at 7401 Beulah St. in the Kingstowne area of Alexandria. Make reservations at 703-971-7070.
Burke Presbyterian Church is presenting the youth musical "Children of Eden" from Thursday-Sunday, March 18-21. The musical is based on the first nine chapters of the Book of Genesis in the Bible. The production is fully orchestrated, and follows Adam and Eve, Noah and his wife, and God who must meet the challenges of parenthood.
The 60-member cast, band and crew are local middle and secondary school students.
Show dates and times are Thursday, March 18, 7 p.m.; Friday, March 19, 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 20, 8 p.m.; and Sunday, March 21, 7 p.m.
A lasagna dinner is offered on Friday and Saturday evenings, from 6-7:15 p.m. The dinner is $8 for adults, $5 for children, with reservations. At the door, the cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children.
Admission to the production is free, but due to space limitations, all seats are reserved. Tickets are available at the church beginning March 1. Call 703-764-0456.
Donations will be accepted to help defray production costs.
St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Springfield offers a Lenten Series entitled "Forms of Prayer, Ancient Yet Ever New," on Sundays, through March 28, from 6:40-8 p.m., each day.
The Reverend Susan Goff, rector of St. Christopher's, will lead the Sunday evening series and offer opportunities for conversation and creativity including hands-on art projects and music and song under the direction of organist and choirmaster, Ted Davis.
The schedule of events is as follows:
* March 7, Praying with Words and Books
* March 14, Praying with Prayer Bead and Other Aids
* March 21, Praying with Music
* March 28, Praying with Our Bodies.
The program is preceded each evening by a soup supper in the fellowship hall at 5:45. Everyone is welcome to attend; reservations are not required. The church is located at 6320 Hanover Ave. in Springfield. For more information, e-mail stchrisaa@aol.com or call 703-451-1845.
"Profiles in Courage and Hope," is a Lenten Series being offered on Tuesdays at Burke Presbyterian Church, 5690 Oak Leather Drive, Burke. Each event features dinner at 6:30 p.m., worship at 7:15 p.m., followed by the program, from 7:30-9 p.m.
* March 9. "Courage and Hope, A Historical Perspective, Part II," is a discussion and reflection on the previous week’s film guided by the Rev. Barbara G. Green, Bonhoeffer scholar and executive director of the Center for Theology and Public Policy in Washington, D.C., and a consultant for the film.
* March 16. "Courage and Hope, An International Perspective," features Rev. Dr. Bill Lowrey, parish associate at Burke Presbyterian Church and director of Peacebuilding for World Vision International, who shares stories and perspectives from his work in conflict situations around the globe.
* March 23. "Courage and Hope, An Interpersonal Perspective," is a thought-provoking presentation from the Fairfax County Public Schools Improv Troupe, “The Troupe,” which consists of adults from varied backgrounds and experiences and encourages audiences to look critically at the barriers which divide people and to embrace the humanity that unites.
* March 30. "Courage and Hope, An Interfaith Perspective," is an evening with Laura Blumenfeld, New York Times best-selling author of "Revenge: A Story of Hope." In 1986, Blumenfeld’s father was shot by a Palestinian gunman in Jerusalem. Her father lived, but Blumenfeld’s desire for revenge haunted her, taking her on a journey to meet the gunman’s family, and ultimately, the man himself.
Call 703-764-0456 for more information about any of these programs.
The Little River United Church of Christ, Annandale, presents a program, “Expanding Christ’s Table Until All Are Welcome,” at its evening Lenten series the four Tuesdays in March. A simple meal starting at 6 p.m. will be followed by discussions with United Church of Christ leaders who deal with matters of inclusion. The series includes:
* March 9: Juanita Helfrey, minister for racial justice ministry and native American activist;
* March 16: Rev David Wild, a Baltimore UCC minister and theological conservative;
* March 23: Rev Steve Camp, conference minister, Southern Conference, where there is racial and cultural tensions.
On Friday, March 5, the Little River United Church of Christ features the return of the Reptile Lady. The First Friday program provides an evening of safe fun and food for children ages 6 months-6th grade. The Reptile Lady brings a new cast of desert creatures from Reptiles Alive. Hours are 6:30-9:30 p.m. The cost is $8.50 at the door, or $7.50 if registered in advance. Visit www.reptilesalive.com.
Little River UCC is located at 8410 Little River Turnpike. Call 703 978-3060. Visit www.lrucc.org.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church hosts a Lenten Recital Series over five Tuesdays in March to celebrate the installation of its new Steiner-Reck pipe organ. Organists scheduled to perform include Ina Berkey on March 9, Diann Clark on March 16, Dr. Paul Skevington on March 23 and Wallace Horton on March 30. Concerts are held from 12:15-12:45 p.m. The church is located at 8304 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield. For more information, call 703-451-5855, or visit www.poplc.org.
Spring-Mar Cooperative Preschool of Burke hosts a Children's Consignment Sale on Saturday, March 6, from 8 a.m.-noon. Items for sale include children's clothing for spring and summer, children's furniture, baby equipment, strollers, toys, books and videos, maternity and nursing clothes. Due to space constraints, strollers are not allowed. All proceeds from the consignment sale will benefit Spring-Mar Cooperative Preschool.
The event takes place at Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church, 10125 Lakehaven Court, Burke (just off Fairfax County Parkway at Burke Lake Road). Call 703-239-1213 or visit www.spring-mar.org.
St. Mark's Lutheran Church presents the Wartburg College Choir on Saturday, March 6, 7:30 p.m. The concert will feature classical works, American composers, as well as spirituals. The critically-acclaimed 85-member choir is from Waverly, Iowa. A free will offering will be taken. At dinner begins at 6 p.m. at a cost of $10 per person. Make reservations by calling 703-451-4331 no later than March 1.
New World Unity Church offers a Sunday Celebration Service every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at Irving Middle School, located at 8100 Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield. New World Unity Church is a spiritual community "consciously co-creating a peaceful, harmonious world that recognizes Oneness." Children's programs begin at 9:30 a.m. World Peace Meditation takes place at 10 a.m., and Sunday Celebration Service begins at 10:30 a.m. There is a healing prayer service at 7 p.m. every Wednesday at the New World Unity Activity Center, 9331 Braymore Circle in Fairfax Station.
For more information, call 703-690-7925 or visit www.NewWorldUnity.org.
The New World Unity Church is offering the following classes:
"The Week that Changed the World" looks at the last week of Jesus' life. Class meets every Thursday, beginning March 4, from 10 a.m.-noon, at 8044 Galla Knoll Circle, Springfield. For more information, call 703-690-7925.
Speaking Circles is a class to help participants conquer their fear of speaking in front of groups from a loving, spiritual perspective. Meets every Thursday, beginning March 4, from 7:30-9 p.m. Call Sheryl for location and information at 703-309-7023.
Spiritual Parenting is a group that offers an opportunity to support and be supported in the spiritual aspects of parenting. The group meets the first Sunday of the month, noon-1 p.m., at Irving Middle School in Springfield. Child care is available upon request. The next meeting is March 7. For more information, call 703-690-7925.
New World Men of Spirit is a group of men dedicated to the recreation and cultivation of that which is godly in men. The class meets Tuesday evenings beginning, 7:30-9:30 p.m., in Springfield. Call Sam at 703-763-0423, for meeting locations and other information.
Co-creating Music Together is an opportunity for anyone to create spirit-inspired music. Participate by bringing music, lyrics, poetry or creative energy. Event takes place Saturday, March 13, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Unity Life Center in Chantilly. Call 703-690-7925 or visit www.newworldunity.org.
The Ekoji Buddhist Temple is offering a class on Buddhist Ethics as part of its ongoing Adult Dhama Education Program. Beginning March 7, classes meet for one hour each Sunday for four weeks, from 10-11 a.m. Topics to be discussed include:
* Are all ethical issues necessarily religious issues?
* Do Shin Buddhist teachings give clear guidance on how to behave in respect to contemporary social issues?
* Are Shin Buddhist ethical teachings different from hose of other Buddhist traditions?
* Will the steadfast cultivation of gratitude in everyday life make progress on the path of "doing right" and "avoiding wrong" clearer and easier than it would otherwise be?
Classes are free and all are welcome. Visit www.ekoji.org for more information.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the Jewish in Northern Virginia (JNV) Affinity Network and the Temple Rodef Shalom Sisterhood are hosting a program about creative ways to “Soup Up Your Seder.” Guest speaker is Dr. Richard Wagner, Jewish educator and headmaster, Gesher Jewish Day School, on Wednesday, March 10, from 7-9 p.m., at The Levin Group Home in Reston. The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served; dietary laws observed. R.S.V.P. by March 4 to Lissette Alfaro at 301-230-7276 or e-mail lissette.alfaro@shalomdc.org. Local chairs of the event are Myra Gondos and Barbara Herman.
The Jewish Community Center hosts a Book and Author Brunch on Sunday, March 21, from 10 a.m.-noon. The topic is "Suddenly Jewish: Jews Raised as Gentiles Discover Their Jewish Roots" by Barbara Kessell. The book is based on interviews with over 160 people raised as non-Jews only to learn later in life about their heritage. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing. Cost is $9.50 for members; $10.50 for non-members; tickets at the door are $11.50.
The Center offers its Model Passover Seder for mature adults on Thursday, March 25, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Rabbi Brett Isserow, Beth El Hebrew Congregation leads. Deadline for registration is March 18. Cost is $23 for members; $28 for guests of members; $40 for non-members.
The Center is located at 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. Call 703-323-0880.
Christ United Methodist Church hosts its Children's Consignment Sale Saturday, March 13, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Items are half-price from noon-1 p.m. Over 175 consignors have signed up with merchandise including children's clothing, shoes, toys, games, books, infant items, maternity and other miscellaneous items. No strollers allowed in building during sale. The church is located at 8285 Glen Eagles Lane, Fairfax Station. Call 703-690-3401 or visit www.christchurchva.org.
Immanuel Bible Church is hosting its semi-annual Clothing Orchard on Saturday, March 13 at 8 a.m. Used clothing and household articles will be given away free to the public. Everyone is welcome. Immanuel is located at 6911 Braddock Road, Springfield. Call 703-941-4124.
"A Taste of Judaism" takes place on Wednesdays, March 17, 24 and 31, from 7-8:30 p.m., at Temple B’nai Shalom, 7612 Old Ox Road, Fairfax Station. The classes are designed for those who would like more information about Judaism or would like to better understand Jewish relatives and friends. Pre-registration is required. Contact Gloria at 703-764-2901.
Fairfax United Methodist Church hosts its Little Angel Consignment Sale for gently used children's clothing, equipment, toys, coats and costumes on Saturday, March 20, from 8:30 a.m.-noon. There will be a half-price sale from 11:30 to noon. The church is located at 10300 Stratford Ave., Fairfax. Proceeds go to support local missions of the church.
Six Washington-area Reform congregations have joined together to support and host outreach programs for interfaith couples, parents of interfaith couples and individuals working with a rabbi towards conversion. Washington Hebrew Congregation, Temple Sinai, Temple Beth Ami, Temple Shalom, Beth El Hebrew Congregation and Temple Emanuel will be the venues for the rotating workshop series. Ruth Goldberger will facilitate and administer the programs under the auspices of these congregations.
"Our Children: Their Loves, Our Faith." Enables participants to articulate concerns about their children's interfaith relationships. Four sessions; $100/person or $150/couple. Temple Shalom (Chevy Chase, Md.), March 21 and 28; and April 11, 25
Registration is required. Members of supporting congregations will receive fee discounts. For information and registration contact Ruth Goldberger at ruthgoldberger@yahoo.com.
Burke Presbyterian Church offers a Coffeehouse Worship Service on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m., for those people who may be unavailable Sunday mornings or are seeking a break from a more traditional style of worship. The service offers the same lesson and sermon as the Sunday service, but in a less formal environment. A nursery is provided for young children. Burke Presbyterian Church is located at 5690 Oak Leather Drive in Burke.
Harvest Church is sponsoring the study series "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren every Wednesday at 7 p.m., at Harvest Church, 7401 Beulah St., Alexandria. Pastor Tim Cerce is currently leading this study, which focuses on the question, "What on Earth am I here for?" For more information, call the church office at 703-971-7070.
The Women's Ministries at Jubilee Christian Center host a Women's Bible Study, on the book, "Praying God's Word," Tuesdays, through April 27, at 9:45 a.m. Jubilee Christian Center is located at 4650 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax. Cost is $20, including the book, or $15 if providing own book. Call 703-383-1170 to register.
With the voice of their own generation, the youth group of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 5114 Twinbrook Road in Fairfax, brings a new worship service to senior and junior high-age students on the following Sundays: Feb. 29, Mar. 21 and Apr. 18. The services will take place at 7 p.m., in the church's sanctuary. One Sunday a month, the youth band “Nothing but Faith” will sing and perform for the service while other students deliver the message, scripture readings and prayers. Communion will be celebrated. Parents and youth of all ages are encouraged to participate. Call 703-323-9500.
The Shalem Institute is offering free monthly prayer opportunities in Fairfax. The time together will be 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 are accepted. Meetings take place the third Monday of the month, 7:30-9 p.m., at the Providence Presbyterian Church, 9019 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. Ann Kulp, Kathy Spaar and Tad Wicker lead the meetings. To register for these events or for more information, visit www.shalem.org or call 301-897-7334.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8304 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, holds 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 your children. The church also offers discussion groups for adults. Call 703-451-5855.
Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church offers a weekly session of Zen meditation led by Jim McAdams on Thursday evenings, 7:30-9 p.m. The class is designed for both beginners and those more experienced mediators who have established practices. Registration fee is $10. For information call 703-503-4579 or visit http://accotinkuuc.uua.org.
"Growing Through Divorce." This eight-week workshop program discusses topics such as grieving the loss of the marriage, anger, rejection, forgiveness, loneliness and transitioning into single life. Child care is available but must be requested in advance. There is no charge for the program itself; the only cost is a $12 corresponding book. For more information, call Shari Sadowski at 703-569-9862, Ext. 213.
Career Net meets every Monday, from 7-9 p.m., at Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church in Burke. The free weekly event allows job seekers to network with each other, receive employment-related news and literature, ask for specific help from others and the volunteers. Meetings are headed by Jane Tresvaskis, a professional career counselor. For more information, call Subhash Gupta at 703-323-5676 or Robert Westin at 703-978-6229. Career Net takes place in Room 124 of the church, 10125 Lakehaven Court, in Burke. Call the church office at 703-503-4579 or check the Web site, accotinkuuc.uua.org.
Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, located at 8336 Carrleigh Parkway in Springfield, supports a Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) program on the first Wednesday of each month. Meetings are 9:30-11 a.m., at the church. All mothers and children are welcome. The program provides mothers an opportunity to get to know other mothers through discussions and craft activities. The children will be cared for my adults in the MOPPET program. Cost is $3 per session. Register by stopping by the church, calling 703-451-5320.
"The Dragon Doesn’t Live Here Anymore." A study of the book by Alan Cohen. The class will meet Wednesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m., at 8044 Galla Knoll Circle, Springfield. The class is sponsored by New World Unity Church. Meditation will be incorporated each week. For more information, call 703-690-7925.
Burke Community Church offers a weekly group for men called Men’s Fraternity to help discover authentic manhood as directed through the Word of God. Tuesdays, 6 a.m., at 9900 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield.
Divorce Care is a weekly Bible Study care group that helps those who are transitioning through a divorce. The group meets every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., in the church parlor at First Baptist Church of Springfield, 7300 Gary St., Springfield. Child care and children's activities are provided. 703-451-1500.
The Ekoji Buddhist Temple of the greater Washington, D.C., area supports the practice of Shin Buddhists. Various programs and activities help each participant walk the path of a Buddhist, including adult services Sundays at 11 a.m., children's services and Dharma School for children and adults, and meditation classes. For more information visit www.Ekoji.org.
Fresh Fire International Center hosts a dress-down "Love Feast" on the second Sunday of every month at 10:30 a.m. at the Chinese Martial Arts Building, 8426-B Lee Highway, Fairfax, opposite the BMW Fairfax; entrance is in the back. Come meet new people, play games, enjoy a meal and hear the word. Call 703-815-8950.
Arabic Bible Baptist Church is located at 5424 Ox Road in Fairfax Station. Pastor: Tony Ghareeb. Call 703-273-5599 or e-mail to Tghareeb@wmconnect.com.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is for people interested in becoming Catholic or learning about the Catholic Church. A group meets on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., at St. Leo the Great Church in Fairfax City. All are welcome. Call Martha Malloy at 703-273-5369.
All are welcome to join the Fresh Fire congregation every Sunday for a service at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Sackey and his congregation invite all to participate in preaching and teaching, praise and worship, 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. Call 703-815-8950.
“Wisdom for a Lifetime” by Alden Studebaker will be discussed on Wednesday evenings, 8-9:30 p.m., at New World Unity Church, located at 9331 Braymore Circle in Fairfax Station. Call 703-690-7925.
The following is a list of various events taking place at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 4325 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax: Bible study and Prayer Service every Tuesday night starting at 7 p.m. Sunday School at 9:30–10:45 a.m., except for the fourth Sunday of the month, when Sunday School is offered 9-10 a.m. Sunday morning service at 11 a.m. Commonwealth Care Center ministry every first and third Thursday night. Call 703-273-1455.
Each Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel, Messiah United Methodist Church, located at 6215 Rolling Road, Springfield, hosts a prayer service. Those in need of God's help to deal with life's stresses and difficulties are welcome to experience the power of prayer. All in the community are welcome. Call 703-569-9862.
Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 4325 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, is now conducting registration for the winter semester at the Calvary Institute of Theology. Classes take place Thursday and Saturdays. 703-242-0747 or 703-273-1455.
Grief Support. Be with others experiencing a similar life experience. Church of the Nativity, 6400 Nativity Lane (near Old Keene Mill and Lee Chapel Road), Burke, 7:30-9 p.m. the first and third Thursday of each month. Call Carol Mack 703-455-2400 ext. 17 for more information.