Congregation Beth Emeth, a Conservative Synagogue in Herndon, will host 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 attend services, enjoy wine and light fair before services and meet other singles.
This event is co-sponsored by the JCC of Northern Virginia, which schedules monthly Singles Shabbat services and singles social activities for all age groups. For other singles events, go to www.jccnv.org.
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.
Christmas Bible School for children ages 4 through sixth grade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ox Hill Baptist Church. Children will hear the Christmas Story, make crafts and sing songs. Register your children by contacting the church.
The church is located at 4101 Elmwood St., Chantilly. Call 703-378-5555. Directions to the church can be found at www.oxhillbaptist.org.
Chanukah Extravaganza, Saturday, Dec. 10, 6:30 - 9 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. Call 703-323-0880 ext. 39 or visit www.jccnv.org.
The Children's Ministry of Jubilee Christian Center will present the Christmas musical, "The Tale of Three Trees" on Sunday, Dec. 11, at the 8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. The musical will be directed by Wendy Podsednik and Children's Pastor, Todd McKeever. Located at 4650 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax. No charge. Call 703-383-1170.
Polar Express Party. St. John's Episcopal Church is hosting a holiday party for children (geared towards preschool to age 10) and their families on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. It will take place at St. John's in the lower parish hall.
Enjoy the following:
* Train demonstration;
* Ornament making;
* Cooking decorating;
* Reading of the Polar Express;
* Hot chocolate and marshmallows;
* Call 703-803-7500.
Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, located at 43987 John Mosby Highway, Chantilly, has a variety of worship themes and activities coming in the month of December. Here is a listing of upcoming events:
* Dec. 11, The worship theme is, "Is There Hope For The Future?" at 8:45 and 11 a.m. The Children's Program is at 4 p.m. Come for a Pleasant Valley UMC "Kodak Moment" and don't forget the cameras and video equipment. Call 703-327-4461
* Dec. 18, The worship theme is "What Does Mary Know?" at 8:45 and 11 a.m. The choir Cantata will be at 6 p.m.
* Dec. 24, A Children's Service, "The Grumpy Shepherd" at 3 p.m. This service is designed especially for the children. Candles, Carols and Communion at 7 and 9 p.m.
* Dec. 25, Christmas Day. A Birthday Party for Jesus at 11 a.m. Celebrate in drama, story and song.
Holiday Events At Centreville Baptist Church, 15100 Lee Highway, Centreville. Call 703-830-3333, or visit www.cbcva.org.
* Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. — Christmas Musical.
* Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. — Christmas Musical.
* Dec. 15 from 7-9 p.m. — Live Nativity.
* Dec. 16 from 7-9 p.m. — Live Nativity.
* Dec. 18 at 9:30 and 11 a.m. — Children's Christmas Musical.
* Dec. 24 at 4. 6 and 8 p.m. — Christmas Eve Services.
* Dec. 25 at 9:30 and 11 a.m. — Christmas Day Worship Service.
Celebrate the birth of Christ at the Ox Hill Baptist Church, 4101 Elmwood Street, Chantilly. Special Christmas Services will be held:
* Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. — "Choir of Bells" by the Handbell Choirs
* Dec. 18 at 4 and 7 p.m. — "The Wonders of His Love" by the Sanctuary Choir and guest orchestra.
* Dec. 24 at 5 and 7 p.m. — Christmas Eve Services.
Temple Beth Torah is a Reform Jewish congregation and member of the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ) that meets at St. John's Episcopal Church in Centreville. Religious school is held at the Goddard School in Chantilly. The congregation offers the Northern Virginia Jewish community services that provide numerous spiritual, educational, support and social opportunities including religious school for member children age 3 through Bar/Bat Mitzvah and confirmation. The congregation welcomes all members of the community to attend any of the services or events. For more information, a newsletter, or a membership package, call 703-263-2252 or visit www.BethTorah.net.
Upcoming Services and Events:
* Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Religious School: Goddard School.
* Dec. 11 at 2:30 p.m. — Jinny Marsh’s Hot Kugel Klezmer Band. Presented by the Jewish Theological seminary at Congregation Beth Emeth (12523 Lawyers Road, Herndon). Call 703-860-4515. $25 adult, $18 young adult, $75 family. Refreshments following concert.
* Dec. 13 from 6-7 p.m. — Jinny Marsh’s Hot Kugel Klezmer Band. Free Concert at The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, Washington, D.C.
* Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. —Religious School: Goddard School. Followed by the JCCNV Chanukah celebration at Beth Emeth.
* Dec. 25 — No Religious School: First night of Chanukah.
* Jan. 1 — No Religious School.
* Jan. 6 from 7:30–9:30 p.m. — Shabbat Service: In the chapel.
* Jan. 7 from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. — Family/Children’s Shabbat service: In the chapel.
* Jan. 7 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Shabbat Service: In the chapel.
* Jan. 8 — 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Religious School: Goddard School.
* Jan. 8 from 12:30 –3:30 p.m. — TBT Youth Group.
* Jan. 15 — No Religious School
* Jan. 20 from 6:30– 7:30 p.m. — 2nd and 3rd Grade Dinner.
* Jan. 20 from 7:30– 9:30 p.m. — Shabbat Service: In the chapel.
* Jan. 21 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. — Family/Children’s Shabbat Service: In the chapel.
* Jan. 21 from 10:30 - 12 p.m. — Learner’s Shabbat Service: In the chapel.
* Jan. 22 —9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Religious School: Goddard School
* Jan. 29 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Religious School: Goddard School.
Chabad of Northern Virginia announces the creation of a new idea. An enrollment campaign dubbed "Enroll today for a Jewish tomorrow." The campaign seeks to attract parents of children ages 2-5 who would like to consider a Jewish pre-school education with a strong focus on small class size and the individualization of each child. Significantly reduced tuition packages are available.
The open houses for the "Gan Israel Preschool" on Tuesday, Dec. 13 and on Sunday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. will have answers to questions and inquiries. Come meet parents of the Gan Israel family and find out what everyone is talking about.
Schedule a tour of the new center-based classrooms and facility. Call the office at 703-426-1980 or via E-mail at www.chabadva@aol.com-
Lord of Life Lutheran Church will be having holiday services at 5114 Twinbrook Road, Fairfax; Centreville High School, 6001 Union Mill Road, Clifton.
Christmas Eve Worship, Fairfax:
* 5 p.m. — Family Worship, Sunday School/Children's Choirs will present the musical "The Living Crèche Christmas Pageant."
* 6:30 p.m. - Candlelight Worship, Spiritwind provides music.
* 8 p.m. - Candlelight Worship, Spiritwind provides music, signed for the hearing impaired.
* 9:30 p.m. - Communion Candlelight Worship - Adult Choir.
* 11 p.m. - Communion Candlelight Worship - Adult Choir.
Nursery will be available during the 6:30 and 8 p.m. services. Overflow parking at the Twinbrook Shopping Center, free shuttle bus provided.
Christmas Day Worship:
* 11 a.m., Fairfax.
Call 703-323-9500 or go to www.lordoflifelutheran.com.
Centreville United Methodist Church presents "An Evening With Christmas Music," with the Glenn Draper Singers on Friday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. This group of 30 auditioned singers brings concerts of all styles of music, from Broadway to classical, and meets to tour with Dr. Draper three to four times a year. Their Northern Virginia tour will take them to area churches as well as the White House and the National Cathedral. No tickets are required. A freewill offering will be collected. Centreville United Methodist Church is located at the intersection of Route 28 and New Braddock Road. Call 703-830-2648.
The Centreville Community Bible Church will be holding special services. Christmas Worship Service, Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m.; Christmas Children's Program and Cantata, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m.; Pre-Christmas Eve Service, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. All events will take place at Deer Park Elementary School, 15109 Carlbern Drive, Centreville. Call 703-815-8860.
Fair Oaks Alliance Bible Church will be hosting an International Candlelight Service on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. A Korean dance team will perform a medley of Christmas carols. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. The church is located at 12113 Vale Road, Oakton. Child care will be provided. Call 703-264-1273.
Second Annual Chanukah Bash for western Fairfax and eastern Loudoun Communities, Sunday, Dec. 18 from 12-4 p.m. at the Congregation Beth Emeth, 12523 Lawyers Road., Herndon. Call 703-323-0880 ext. 39 or visit www.jccnv.org.
"The Longest Night Service" is a worship service of healing, hope and encouragement held Monday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Community of Faith United Methodist Church, 13224 Franklin Farm Road. One night each December is the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. Go to www.cof-umc.org.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington is offering a 10-week therapeutic support group for survivors of sexual abuse to run from now through Dec. 19 in Arlington. The group will meet Monday evenings 7-8:30 p.m. Call Patricia Mudd, ACSW, Victim Assistance Coordinator at 703-841-2530.
December Meal and Movie Fun at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, Saturday, Dec. 24, 7:30 p.m. The movie will be "Checking Out," starring Peter Falk, which is a timely comedy dealing with the quality of life of the elderly and the impact it has on the family. "Checking Out" will be released nationally next year, but this is an opportunity to see it first at the JCCNV.
Gourmet Catering offers kosher hot dogs with buns and condiments, knishes, chips, salad, dessert and hot and cold beverages prior to the film. Tickets are $15 Members/$20 Non-members. The ticket includes meal and film. Register by Dec. 19. Call 703-323-0880 ext. 11 or roze@jccnv.org. Visit www.jccnv.org for details.
King of Kings Lutheran Church located at 4025 Kings Way, Fairfax, invites everyone in the community to come for Sunday morning Eucharist at 8:15 and 11 a.m. Midweek services are on Wednesdays at 6 a.m. and during the Wednesdays, 14 and 21. In Advent there will be a 7 p.m. service.
On Christmas Eve, services will be at 4:30, 7, 9 and 11 p.m.
The 4:30 p.m. service will be a family-oriented service that will include a children's message and special music by the children's choirs.
The 7 and 9 p.m. services will be traditional services that will include special music by the Adult and Handbell Choirs.
The 11 p.m. will be the traditional "Midnight" Candlelight Service with special brass music.
On Christmas Day there will be one service at 10 a.m.
New Life Christian Church is forming a new Grief Share group for persons who are experiencing the hurt associated with loss of a loved one. The group meets for 12 sessions using a video-based discussion format and is effective in helping survivors deal with the issues faced by persons going through a period of grief. Contact Leslie Delp at 703-815-6274.
Unity Life Center, at 14088-C Sullyfield Circle in Chantilly, is "Changing Lives and Changing the World." Explore the traditional advent themes of faith, peace, love and joy.
A Christmas Eve celebration will be held at 7 p.m. for a candle-lighting ceremony to ritually light the candle of your heart and carry it out to make a difference in the world.
On Jan. 1, at 10 a.m. experience the Burning Bowl Ceremony as part of a Sunday morning worship experience. During this service you'll have an opportunity to release the old patterns of thought and behavior into a fire and to open to the infinite possibilities that lay ahead.
New Life Christian Church is once again offering two Divorce Care Groups, one meeting on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at Westfield High School (child care provided) and one home group which meets on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. Both are video-based seminar groups for people who are experiencing difficulty with their separation or divorce. The groups provide sound information about ways to heal from the hurt and cope with the life pressures which accompany separation and divorce. Groups are free. Contact Jon Williams at 703-505-4525 or Deeanne Rampey at 703-266-8357.
Temple Beth Torah is a Reform Jewish congregation and member of the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ) that meets at St. John's Episcopal Church in the heart of Centreville. Religious school is held at the Goddard School in Chantilly. The congregation offers the Northern Virginia Jewish community services that provide numerous spiritual, educational, support and social opportunities including religious school for member children age 3 through Bar/Bat Mitzvah and confirmation. The congregation welcomes members of the community to attend any of the services or events. Call 703-263-2252 or visit www.BethTorah.net.
Upcoming Services and Events:
YAWEH (You Are Welcome Here) will be held on the first Sunday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for a Christian discussion group reinforcing God's love for the GLBTQ community (and the people who love them.) The discussion is led by Pastor Sandi John and Minister of Music Dean Jenkins. The gathering is an informal time of worship, instruction and fellowship. Call the church office at 703-471-5225, e-mail Pastor@WashingtonPlazaChurch.com and/or see the Web site at www.WashingtonPlazaChurch.com for directions. The church is located at 1615 Washington Plaza, Reston.
Shepherd Gate Church is now offering two services: 9 and 10:45 a.m. The church is located at 4310 Pleasant Valley Road, Chantilly. Visit www.shepherdgate.org or call 703-961-1040.
Unity Life Center of Chantilly holds Sunday services and youth education at 10 a.m. with the Revs. Cynthia Vermillion-Foster and Don Foster. The church is located at 14088-C Sullyfield Circle, Chantilly. Call 703-263-7645 or visit www.unitylife.org.
St. John's Episcopal Church offers the following: Sunday Eucharist services are at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. A nursery for children up to age 3 is available. Opportunities for adult, youth and child enrichment are offered. On Wednesdays, a Eucharist and Healing Service is held at 9:15 a.m. Call 703-803-7500 or visit www.stjohnscentreville.org, or e-mail officemanager@stjohnscentreville.org. The church is located at 5649 Mount Gilead Road, Centreville.
Cedar Run Community Church is a non-denominational Christian church. It meets for Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. at Waples Mill Elementary off Waples Mill Road in the Fair Oaks area. There's a Promiseland children's ministry for newborns through sixth-graders, as well as a dynamic, safe place for teens at the student ministry meeting during the Sunday service. Call 703-968-7312 or visit www.cedarrun.net.
Capital Worship Center will hold weekly worship services at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays, and Bible study and worship services on Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m. at Centre Ridge Elementary School, 14400 New Braddock Road, Centreville. Also offered at this time will be youth services, children's fellowship and a nursery. Call 703-530-8100.
Christ the Redeemer Episcopal Church holds a contemporary worship service on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. at Centreville Elementary School in Centreville. Sunday school and a nursery are provided on Sundays. Visit www.connectwithctr.com. or call 703-502-1732.
New Hope Fellowship currently meets at 10:50 a.m. at the Greenbriar Community Center each Sunday. The center is located at 4615 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. Call 703-591-2948.
Body & Soul Aerobics and Strength Training Classes is a fitness program choreographed to today's Christian music, and offers great fellowship with other women. Classes are currently held at Centreville Baptist Church on Route 29 just south of Stone Road. Class times are Monday and Thursday, 9:30-11 a.m. and Saturday morning, 7:30 a.m. Call ahead for childcare at 703-830-3333.
Community Care Groups at New Life Christian Church
The following are ongoing support groups which meet at Westfield High School on Sunday mornings or as indicated. Contact Community Care Minister Ron Furgerson at 703-266-0118 or ron@newlife4me.com.
* Food Freedom — A Celebrate Recovery Support Group. This group uses a proven Biblical approach to promote healing from compulsive eating problems. The group meets at Westfield High School at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday. Child Care is provided.
* Help for Hurts, Habits, and Hang-Ups — A Celebrate Recovery Group. This group uses the 12-step approach coupled with the teachings of Jesus to help overcome or cope with all types of addictions, compulsions and life problems. The group meets at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday at Westfield High School. Child care is provided.
* Dealing with Divorce — A Divorce Care Support Group. This is a video-based seminar group for people who are separated or divorced. The group is a place to receive sound information about ways to heal from the hurt and to cope with the life pressures which accompany separation and divorce. The group meets at 11 a.m. each Sunday at Westfield High School. Child care is provided.
Healthy Boundaries — Getting Control of Your Life. The group helps the over-stressed, over-worked and over-committed to gain control of their lives through developing healthy, balanced relationships. The group meets at 7:30 p.m. each Thursday at 13777 Laurel Rock Drive; Clifton.
Beth Moore Bible study series “Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit” will be offered for women Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 5114 Twinbrook Road, Fairfax. Workbooks are $15. Call 703-323-9500 or visit www.lordoflifelutheran.com.
Adults, single or married, are invited to join Saint Andrew Lutheran Church's Adult Fellowship team. Church is located at 14640 Soucy Place, Centreville. E-mail Pam Gehle at Gehles4@yahoo.com or Linda Schwarz at Linda.Schwarz@cox.net with any new ideas or interest in planning or hosting an event.
The Activity Center at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church is every Sunday after the 11 a.m. Service's Children's Sermon. Children ages 3-7 go to the preschool area while parents listen to the sermon without interruption from little ones. Adult volunteers who are scheduled about once every two to three months are needed. Church is located at 14640 Soucy Place, Centreville. Call Kathy Uffelman at 703-830-2768 with questions or to volunteer.