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.
On Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m., the Rev. Roberta Finkelstein of the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling congregation will offer an Ash Wednesday vespers service.
It will be a Unitarian Universalist version of Ash Wednesday and complete with UU communion. UUS is located in the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 22135 Davis Drive near Route 28 and Church Road. Visit uusterling.org or call 703-406-3068.
On Saturday, Feb. 12, from noon-2 p.m., the Rev. Roberta Finkelstein of the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling will host a discussion of parents who thought that once college was over, their children would leave the nest. Many find themselves in the position of welcoming home grown children who need a temporary or not-so-temporary launching pad for the next stages of their lives. The parent-child relationship must change, and it can be stressful and confusing to figure out proper boundaries, expectations, and ways to communicate. Brown bag lunch encouraged. Call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org. UUS is located in the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 22135 Davis Drive off of Church Road near the W&O.D. bike trail.
The Shenandoah Coffeehouse Series continues with a concert of original acoustic music at 8 p.m., Saturday Feb. 12, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun, 20460 Gleedsville Road, featuring award-winning North Carolina singer, songwriter and guitarist Jonathan Byrd. Tickets are available when the doors open at 7:30 p.m., showtime is 8 p.m. All concerts are smoke- and alcohol-free. Bring a favorite coffee mug. Coffee and other refreshments are provided by the event hosts. Visit http://www.shenandoahacoustics.com/scs.
The Ox Hill Baptist Church youth will lead a contemporary youth worship service Sunday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. Drama, video and praise will be used to present the theme "Jesus is our Advocate (God's Justice)." The church is located at 4101 Elmwood Road, Chantilly. Call 703-378-5555 or visit www.oxhillbaptist.org.
The Feb. 13 service at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling will feature a sermon entitled "The Least of These." The Biblical story says that how you treat the least, that's how you treat God, but caring for the least is often far from easy. This sermon is a tribute to those compassionate souls who manage to care for the very least and will be delivered by Mel Harkrader Pine of the UU church in Leesburg. UUS meets every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. at the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 22135 Davis Drive off of Church Road. Call 703-406-3068 or visit: uusterling.org.
The Rev. Roberta Finkelstein will be a guest speaker at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun Sunday, Feb. 13. Finkelstein will talk about finding hope in a troubled world. UUCL welcomes everyone to attend Sunday services, held at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., at the UUCL chapel, 20460 Gleedsville Road, Leesburg. Visit the Web site, www.uuloudoun.org. or call 703-737-7644.
The 2005 Lenten Series at Saint MatthewÕs Episcopal Church in Sterling, will center around study and discussion of "The Jesus Creed," written by Scot McKnight, Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies at North Park University. The series will start Wednesday, Feb. 16, and continue each
Wednesday through March 16. The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a simple ÒSouper SupperÓ in the parish hall. The study and discussion will start at 7:15 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. Participants in the study will want to purchase the book. "The Jesus Creed" analyzes the philosophy of Jesus, its historical context, and the principles he espoused. Bring the entire family. The nursery will be open and staffed.
Middle-school and high-school students will be studying "The Jesus Creed" along with the adults, and a program will be offered for elementary students for the first time. Call or e-mail: 703-431-2121, www.stmatthewssterling.org. 201 E. Frederick Drive, Sterling.
Saint Matthew's Episcopal Church, 201 E. Frederick Drive, Sterling, is offering three services for Ash Wednesday at 6 a.m., 12 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Visit www.stmatthewssterling.org or call 703-430-2121.
Former NFL Denver Bronco and national spokesperson for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Steve Fitzhugh, will speak Sunday, Feb. 20, at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., at the Potomac Baptist Church, 20747 Lowes Island Blvd. Contact Damon 703-430-2377 or visit Fitzhugh's Web site. www.powermoves.org.
A concert, featuring Jericho, The Melanie Moore Band and J.C. Mason will be presented at the Christian Fellowship Church of Ashburn, Feb. 25, from 7-10 p.m., for the benefit of tsunami relief. 100 percent of all donations will be hand carried and turned over to agencies in the affected areas. Contact Laura Readyoff at 703-860-1992.
"Caring For Others, Caring For Yourself" is the theme of the 3rd Annual Congregation Beth Emeth Women and Teen Health Seminar set for Sunday, March 6. from 2-5 p.m. Topics include caring for your aging loved ones, healthy relationships and healthy communication for teens, maintaining healthy skin and preventing osteoporosis. Plus, there will be opportunities to browse the Exhibitor's Hall, Pilates demonstrations, mini-makeovers, refreshments and more. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Call 703-860-4515 or visit http://www.bethemeth.org/womenshealth.htm. Congregation Beth Emeth is located at 12523 Lawyers Road, Herndon. This event is open to the public.
The Unitarian Universalists of Sterling Book Club announces its selection for March is "God's Politics" by Jim Wallis. The public is invited for lively discussion of its relevance Saturday, March 26, 7 p.m., at the church facility in the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 22135 Davis Drive in Sterling. Visit www.uusterling.org or call 703-406-3068.
James Stafford will be leading a Bible for Liberals at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling, taking a literary and critical approach to the Bible. The ancient historical, cultural, literary and religious heritage both in and beyond the Bible will be explored. Open to those who have and those who have not read the Bible. Bible for Liberals meetings occur every second Sunday, through June, from 12:30 -2:30 p.m. These meeting are designed to be casual, drop in,
stand-alone sessions. The session will be held at the Sterling Oaks Commerce Center at 21355 Davis Drive near Route 28 and Church Road. Call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org.
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 Rt. 28 and Church Road. Call 703-406-3068 or visit uusterling.org.
"How Do I Deal With My Parents," New Life Christian Church's Teen Care Ministry, is offering a 13-week program for sixth-12th graders on how to deal with what happens when families split. Join other teens struggling with the same issues. Contact Lucy Martinez at lucy@community-impact.org or 703-220-5022 or Ron Furgerson, community care minister, at 703-266-0118.