<lst>Send announcements to the Herndon Connection, by mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, by e-mail to herndon@connectionnewspapers.com or by fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Thursday 5 p.m. for the following week's paper. Photos/artwork encouraged. Call Meghan Williams at 703-917-6407 with questions. This free listing is reserved for activities and events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost.
Christ the Servant Lutheran Church has an Advent gathering on Monday, Dec. 12. Come together for a time of study, refection, conversation and prayer using portions of the book "Christmas From the Backside." The church is located at 2300 Hunter Woods Center, Reston.
Congregation Beth Emeth, a Conservative Synagogue in Herndon, offers a Singles Schmooze and Shabbat on Friday, Dec. 9., at 7:30 p.m., with an Oneg Shabbat immediately following services. Jewish Singles are invited to enjoy wine and light fair before services and meet other singles. Beth Emeth is located at 12523 Lawyers Road, Herndon. For detailed directions go to http://www.bethemeth.org/directions.htm or call 703-860-4515.
On Dec. 11, the executive director of the American Ethical Union, Jone Johnson Lewis, will speak on "Theocracy: The Path America Rejected (So Far)."
Many of the Europeans who settled in America were fleeing religious persecution, yet began their life on the new continent by establishing their own religion as the only legitimate choice. Lewis will talk about what Americans inherited from both those initial theocratic impulses, the rejection of theocracy, and the current attempts that some interpret as trying to reestablish a theocracy. Begins at 11 a.m. Admission is free. The event will be at 225 Nutley St., NW, Vienna, VA 22180. For more information about NoVES, please visit the Web site, www.noves.org, or call 703-437-3161.
Jinny Marsh's Hot Kugel Klezmer Band TM performs a concert, Dec. 11, 2:30 p.m., at Congregation Beth Emeth, 12523 Lawyers Road, Herndon, as a fund raiser for The Jewish Theological Seminary. $25 adult, $18 young adult and $75 family. Reserve tickets by Dec. 3 at 703-860-4515. Klezmer music is a traditional form of Eastern European Jewish dance music. Modern groups are innovating and applying modern jazz sensibilities to ancient Jewish melodies. E-mail Jinny at info@hotkugelklezmerband.com, or visit hotkugelklezmerband.com.
B'nai B'rith Chanukah Pot Luck Dairy Lunch and light entertainment, at the Reston Community Center. Dec. 18, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Call 703-620-3844 for reservation.
LINK churches seek volunteers to help with the annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Basket events in Sterling and Herndon. The events supply groceries, gift certificates, used coats and toys to needy men, women and children of the area. Christ the Redeemer Church in Sterling and Trinity Presbyterian Church in Herndon will distribute groceries for both events. Herndon United Methodist Church will distribute toys at Christmas, Dec. 19 and 20, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon invites those suffering or mourning this Holiday season to a special service, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m., 2730 Centreville Road. Join in prayers, Scripture and music. Call 703-793-0026.
The Reston Bible Church is a non-denominational church, which celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2005, and serves a congregation of more than 2000 at 11979 North Shore Drive, in Reston. Pastor Mike Minter has served as the church’s pastor since he and his wife, Kay Minter, founded the church 1974. RBC is a Bible believing and preaching church with a passion for impacting the lives of those living in the community. Call 703-478-9730 or visit www.restonbible.org.
Every Wednesday at noon, St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 432 Van Buren St. in Herndon, offers a lunch-time Prayer and Healing Service. This 30-minute nondenominational service is offered to all local residents and people working in businesses in Herndon and surrounding areas; and allows people an opportunity to worship during the work week when they may be away from their regular church. All are welcome. Call the church Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at 703-437-3790 or visit www.saint-timothys.org.
Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation offers Sunday School every Sunday, 9 a.m.-noon, at the Boyd Montessori School in Ashburn. In addition to Sunday School, a second day of Hebrew School is 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.