Send announcements to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call Jennifer Lesinski at 703-917-6454.
This free listing is reserved for activities and events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost.
Ashburn Presbyterian Church (APC) invites the community to join them Sunday, Sept. 4 and Sunday, Sept. 11, for a two-part sermon series focused on how to bring balance into your busy life, by making a lasting connection with God and others in the community.
On Sept. 4, senior pastor, Dr. John Peterson will be discussing how to retool your perspective about making a true connection with God to help you mange all that life demands, by building a solid spiritual foundation and developing a personal relationship with God. On Sept. 11, Peterson will conclude the series by focusing on how to make meaningful connections with others in the community, by joining a small group, to support you in your spiritual growth and daily life.
The series will be highlighted at a contemporary worship service, which is held at 9:45 a.m., and a traditional worship service held at 11:15 a.m. The church is located at 20962 Ashburn Road, in the heart of Old Ashburn. Call 703-729-2012 or visit the Web site at www.ashburnpresbyterian.org.
At a congregational meeting the Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun (UUCL) voted overwhelmingly to become recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association as a "Welcoming Congregation."
As a Welcoming Congregation,Ó the UUCL has taken a vow to provide a welcoming place of worship to all people, regardless of sexual orientation. The congregation is dedicated to continued education on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues, and advocacy for the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered persons.
Summer services are held at 10 a.m., every Sunday from through Sept. 4. Visit the UUCL Web site at www.uuloudoun.org or call the church at 703-737-7644.
Cyndi McCrea, the director of Religious Exploration, at the
On Sunday, Sept. 4, at 10:30 a.m., the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling will feature a worship service called Preparing for the Equinox. Worship associate Kim Fitzgerald will explore the earth-based spirituality of this season as we transition from summer to fall. The Unitarian Universalists of Sterling meet every Sunday, at 10:30 a.m., at the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 22135 Davis Drive near Route 28, off of Church Road near the W & OD bike path. Call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org.
On Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m., the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling invite the public to share in a midweek vespers service. Join worship associate Deb Rose for a midweek respite from the stresses of the work week and a renewal of spiritual energy. The Unitarian Universalists of Sterling meet every Sunday, at 10:30 a.m., at the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 22135 Davis Drive near Route 28, off of Church Road near the W & OD bike path. Call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org.
Leesburg's Evergreen Church invites everyone Sept. 11, at 10 a.m., for a special worship celebration featuring Dr. Patrick Matsikenyiri, a native of Zimbabwe and a prominent musician in The United Methodist Church of Zimbabwe.
Matsikenyiri will lead an African worship service and present a message from God's Word, from an African perspective. He has led worship services and workshops on African music in Africa, Central Europe, Scandinavia, England, Australia, Canada and the United States. Everyone is welcome. Visit www.evergreenchurch.net or 703-737-7700.
Sterling United Methodist Church, 304 E. Church Road, will kickoff a month-long celebration in honor of its 130th anniversary at noon on Rally Day, Sept. 11, with a potluck picnic on church grounds. Includes games and activities for all ages, a moon bounce, dunk tank, sack races and more. All members of the community are invited. Call 703-430-6455 or visit www.sterlingumc.org.
On Sunday, Sept. 11, at 10:30 a.m., the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling will celebrate the beginning of the liturgical year with the traditional water communion and gathering. The Rev. Matthew McNaught will share the history of the water communion and the choir will be singing. All are invited to bring water collected from summer travels to pour into the communal bowl as the return from vacations is celebrated. The Unitarian Universalists of Sterling meet every Sunday, at 10:30 a.m., at the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 22135 Davis Drive near Route 28, off of Church Road near the W & OD bike path. Call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org.
Starting in late September, Ashburn Presbyterian Church (APC) will be offering nine small group studies, which include Beginning Life Together: God's Purposes For Your Life; How Reliable is the Bible; Defining Moments; Romans: Find Freedom; Parenthood: Rising to the Challenge of a Lifetime; Experiencing the Heart of Jesus; Wild at Heart; Loved by God: Trusting His Promises and Experiencing His Blessings; Guiding Your Teenagers: A Family Life Home Builders; and Parenting Series.
Each study will meet in homes, either weekly or bi-weekly. Sign-up for small groups will be Sunday, Sept. 11, after the contemporary worship service, at 9:45 a.m., and the traditional worship service, at 11:15 a.m. APC is located at 20962 Ashburn Road in the heart of Old Ashburn. Visit the Web site www.ashburnpresbyterian.org, e-mail Denis and Priscilla McSweeney at smallgroups@ashburnpresbyterian.org or call the offices at 703-729-2012.
"How do I deal with My ParentsÕ Divorce?" is being offered by the New Life Christian Church as a 13-week divorce care program for middle-school students and elementary-level, ages 5-11. Groups will take place from 9:30-11 a.m., at Westfield's High School campus on Sunday mornings in Centreville. Groups start Sept. 11. Contact Lucy Martinez for sign up information at 703-220-5022.
Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation invites new and prospective members to its Annual Open House Ice Cream Social Sunday, Sept. 11, from 2-4 p.m., in the social hall. Enjoy an ice cream sundae, meet Rabbi Robert A. Nosanchuk and temple leaders, and learn all about NVHC. Families are welcome. 1441 Wiehle Ave., Reston. Call 703-437-7733.
Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation will hold youth services for the youngest members, Sept. 16, at 6:30 p.m., followed by a family Shabbat service in Sterling. Call 703-391-8669.
The Family Fun Festival sponsored by Church of the Holy Spirit in Ashburn will be held on the grounds of Mill Run Elementary School Saturday Sept. 17, from 2-5 p.m. The rain date will be Saturday Sept. 24, from 2-5 p.m., at Mill Run Elementary School. This will be a time to come and enjoy fellowship with neighbors while the children engage in fun games, moon bounces, pony rides and much more. Free food and drinks will be provided. There will be an opportunity to thank the local sheriffÕs and fire departments for the work they do daily. Call 703-726-0777.
Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation Shabbat morning services/bar mitzvah, Sept. 17, 9:30 a.m. Call 703-391-8669.
Student Rabbi Gallop and Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation (BCRC) will offer a monthly, hour-long, high-school class to meet one Saturday evening a month. To foster a high degree of student involvement, course topics relating to teenage life will be agreed upon jointly by attendees and the rabbi. Adopting a discussion-type format to exploring current issues and discuss Jewish and modern perspectives. An optional youth group social will follow each class to be determined by the students at the Sept. 17 kickoff. For enrollment and further information, contact Lisa Kimball at bradamk@aol.com. ThereÊis a nonmember fee of $36 for the 10-session class.
Ashburn Presbyterian Church (APC) will host a two-part introduction gathering to provide general information about the church and our ministries. Part one of the introduction will be held Saturday, Sept. 17, from 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. A continental breakfast will be served. Part two will be held Sunday, Sept. 18, from 4-6:30 p.m. A light dinner will be provided. The church is located at 20962 Ashburn Road, in the heart of Old Ashburn. Child care will be provided, but register first by calling 703)-729-2012 or visiting the Web site at www.ashburnpresbyterian.org.
The Sterling United Methodist Church United Methodist Women are sponsoring its annual community dinner Sunday, Sept. 18, noon-5:30 p.m., at the church, 304 E. Church Road. Menu includes turkey breast or ham dinner with traditional trimmings, salad, dessert and beverage. Proceeds benefit UMW missions including Loudoun Habitat for Humanity, Henry Fork Service Center in Franklin County, Va., and a missionary. Suggested donations adults $8, children 5-12 $5, senior citizens 60 and older $6. All members of the community are invited. Take outs will be available.
On Sunday, Sept. 18, at 10:30 a.m., the Rev. Matthew McNaught explores "The Meaning of Friendship" in his sermon at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling. McNaught reflects on the theme of human friendship and the book "The Little Prince" by Antoine St. Exupery. The Unitarian Universalists of Sterling meet every Sunday, at 10:30 a.m., at the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 22135 Davis Drive near Route 28, off of Church Road near the W & OD bike path. Call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org.
Ashburn Presbyterian Church (APC) is hosting three community get-togethers for people who enjoy making crafts. The APC Women's Ministry is looking for individuals who enjoy expressing themselves through pottery, wreaths, stamping, ornaments, woodworking, sewing, painting or other projects. They are encouraged to get involved by creating and donating items for sale at the church's bazaar. While working on project ideas, join the Women's Ministry for one of its monthly craft classes to produce bazaar merchandise Sept. 18, from 4-6 p.m., bean bag snowmen. Craft sessions will be held at Ashburn Presbyterian Church, 20962 Ashburn Road. Visit the Web site at www.ashburnpresbyterian.org or call 703-729-2012.
Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation will hold a meet and greet, Sept. 25, in Ashburn at 9 a.m. Prospective and new members come join the BCRC family for coffee and a nosh and visit the Sunday school Call 703-391-8669.
Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation (BCRC) will offer adult education with student Rabbi Jesse Gallop. The class will meet once a month during the academic year Ñ September-June, 10 sessions in all Ñ at the Boyd School in Ashburn. The course will be Sundays during religious school, 9:30-11 a.m.; and is intended as an introduction to Jewish customs, traditions, concepts and philosophies. All are welcome to participate. Tuition is free for BCRC members, $36 for nonmembers. To enroll, contact Karlah Louis at 703-421-0884 or by e-mail at karlah.louis@earthlink.net.
Required texts: Dosick, Wayne. "Living Judaism." HarperCollins: New York, N.Y., 1995; "Introduction to Judaism: A Sourcebook." The URJ Press: New York, N.Y., 1998; Perelson, Ruth. "An Invitation to Shabbat." The URJ Press: New York, N.Y., 1997; Sonsino and Syme. "Finding God." The URJ Press: New York, N.Y., 2002; Telushkin, Joseph. "Jewish Literacy." William Morrow (Publisher): New York,
N.Y., 2001; "Tanakh: The Holy Scripture." Jewish Publication Society (JPS), 1985, recommended, not required.
On Sunday, Sept. 25, at the 10:30 a.m. service, at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling, member Mike Masiak reflects on "Gifts of Belonging." Masiak will share his views on the gifts of belonging to a faith community, gifts both given and received. The Unitarian Universalists of Sterling meet every Sunday, at 10:30 a.m., at the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 22135 Davis Drive near Route 28, off of Church Road near the W & OD bike path. Call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org.
On Sunday, Sept. 25, St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church will celebrate St. Gabriel's Day with a community party including brunch and a moon bounce while people visit the ministry fair. Visit www.saintgabriels.net or call 703-779-3616.
On St. Francis Day, Oct. 2, St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church plans to return to the Holiday Inn on Route 7 to hold its St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals. All humans and pets are welcome to participate in this one-hour event that focuses stewardship of the animal kingdom and recognizes the huge role they play in people's lives. Visit www.saintgabriels.net or call 703-779-3616.
Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation High Holiday Services:
Oct. 3, Erev Rosh Hashanah 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 4, Rosh Hashanah 9:30 a.m.
Oct. 12, Kol Nidre at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 13, Yom Kippur at 10 a.m.
With services throughout the day all the High Holiday Services will be held in Ashburn. Call 703-391-8669.
The High Holy Days mark the beginning of the Jewish New Year (5766). They begin with Rosh Hashanah at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 3. Congregation ShaÕare Shalom will hold services the first and second days of the holiday Tuesday, Oct. 4, with Tashlich, at 1 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 5. Services each day begin at 9 a.m. Yom Kippur (Kol Nidre) services begin at 6:15 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 12 and at 9 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 13. A break-the-fast will be held after the conclusion of Yom Kippur services around 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13.
All services and events are held at Congregation ShaÕare Shalom, 19357 Evergreen Mill Road, Leesburg. Rabbinic intern, Neil Tow, will lead Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services.
Child care will be provided with a cooperative baby sitting effort by those in attendance. Nonmembers can reserve tickets by calling the synagogue at 703-437-6500. Visit the Web site www.sha-areshalom.org.
Help St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church and the Ashburn Youth Football League feed the hungry in Loudoun County.
On Oct. 8, the church will be joining with the AYFL to help collect food for Interfaith Relief. The church will assign collection stations around town and encourage its neighbors to help the many local families that depend on Interfaith Relief for food. Visit www.saintgabriels.net or call 703-779-3616.
Ashburn Presbyterian Church invites women to join in the annual, nationally acclaimed THRiVE simulcast. This year's theme is "Leading a Life of Significance."
A lineup of nationally known speakers and authors will connect with tens of thousands of women across North America. Speakers include Ruth Graham, Elizabeth George, Michelle McKinney Hammond, Shaunti Feldhahn, Valorie Burton, Florence Littauer, Carol Kent, Liz Curtis Higgs, and Les and Leslie Parrott.
The simulcast will be held at Ashburn Presbyterian Church, in the heart of Old Ashburn, Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Lunch will be included. Tickets will be available in early September. Call 703-729-2012.
Unitarian Universalists of Sterling, has planned a new program for the children and youth of the congregation. For all age levels the Sunday topics will be based on the six sources from which UU faith is drawn: a shared sense of awe, the prophets from all faiths who guide the way, the world's wisdom, Christian and Jewish truths, reason and science, and nature's cycles.
The Explorers group goes from babies to children age 4. Every Sunday they will play and do an activity relating to the day's theme.
The kindergarten to seventh-grade group is called "Caring Community," which each week will explore a topic from one of the six sources. They will explore the day's theme by choosing from four or five activities.
The YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists) are youth from grades eighth to 12th. They will integrate five components including worship, leadership, learning, social action and fun. Some of the activities include donut discussions after the worship service, participating in covenant groups, service to the church and community, the fellowship of fun and games and attendance at Family Fun Nights, which take place the third Friday evening of each month, from 7-9 p.m., and will include board games, movies, music and snacks.
The Unitarian Universalists of Sterling is located at the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 22135 Davis Drive. Call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org.
Potomac Falls Episcopal Church meets for Sunday services at 10 a.m., at Horizon Elementary School, 46665 Broadmore Drive, Sterling. Sunday school for children and nursery care for infants is provided each week.
The Loudoun Church Alliance is a formal association of churches of many denominations, founded two years ago. It works in the areas of youth development, international missions, evangelism outreach, and is now working to develop relationships with government and business. Contact founder and missionary Jack Stagman at jackstagman@adelphia.net.
The Unitarian Universalists of Sterling meet on Sunday mornings, at 10:30 a.m., at the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 21355 Davis Drive near Route 28 and Church Road. Call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org.
Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation will hold Sunday School every Sunday, from 9 a.m.-noon, at the Boyd Montessori School in Ashburn. In addition to Sunday School, a second day of Hebrew School will be offered Tuesday evenings, from 7-8 p.m., at Sanders Corner Elementary School. Attendance is limited to fourth- through seventh-graders and adults interested in learning Hebrew. Contact Lisa Kimball at bradamk@aol.com or call 703-858-1999.