Faith Notes are for announcements and events in the faith community. Send to mclean @connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-917-6428. Deadline is Friday.
Two opportunities at the Dominican Retreat in McLean: Friday, May 2 Day of Recollection, Lectio Divina, Praying the Gospel of St. John and May 2 through 4, a Centering Prayer Retreat: Prayer in Secret. Fr. Bill Sheehan will conduct both Retreats. Those interested in attending should contact the Retreat House directly at 703-356-4243 or online at www.dominicanretreat.org.
Pleasant Grove Church in McLean needs structural work and a lighting system so it can be leased to the public more frequently. The annual Pleasant Grove Fair, to be held Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., will raise most of the money for annual maintenance. But the church needs contributions to counter depreciation and pay for insurance, lighting and a security system. The Friends of Pleasant Grove have a wish list which includes a handicapped ramp, a permeable walkway, stripping and repainting, repair of a leaky roof, outdoor lighting, air conditioning and insulation. The public is invited to inspect the building at the fair. Any offers of funding or labor are welcome. Contact Wanda Born at 540-522-7375 or klwlborn@comcast.net.
Those experiencing the pain of separation or divorce are welcome to join the community at Vienna Presbyterian Church at Passages. This program offers an initial path towards recovery. The next 10 week series will be held 7-9 p.m. Thursdays. Vienna Presbyterian Church is located on the corner of Maple Avenue and Park Street in Vienna. Cost for materials is $20. For more information or to register contact 703-938-9050 or passages@viennapres.org.
Vajrayogini Buddhist Center offers ongoing classes on meditation and Buddhist philosophy Mondays 7-8:30 p.m. at Unity of Fairfax at 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, $10 per class. Call 202-331-2122 or visit www.meditation-dc.org.
Vienna Assembly of God has ministry to children on Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. at the corner of Center N and Ayr Hill Avenue, N.E. Children's Church on Sundays is also available. 703-938-7736 or visit www.ViennaAG.com.
Vienna Christian Healing Rooms: a place to receive healing. Every Saturday, 1-5 p.m., at 8200 Bell Lane, a team of Christians is available to pray for anyone requesting prayer. The rooms are open to the public without charge. For more information call 703-698-9779 or visit www.viennachristianhealingrooms.com.
The Baha’i community of McLean holds a weekly fireside, a meeting of discussion, devotion and fellowship, at 7500 Box Elder Court in McLean, beginning at 8 p.m. every Friday. The fireside is an opportunity to learn about the Baha’i faith and why Baha’is find hope in a seemingly hopeless world. Call 703-556-3400.
English classes. McLean Baptist Church is offering free conversational English classes on Mondays. Classes include beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Advanced electives are Literature, U.S. Government, World Religions, and current events. There is no cost for the class or registration, however students must buy their own books. Classes begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at noon. New student registration begins at 9 a.m., until Oct. 30. McLean Baptist Church is located at 1367 Chain Bridge Road. Call 703-356-8080 or visit www.mcleanbaptist.org.
St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, located at 1830 Kirby Road in McLean, invites all to come for the Third Sunday Service every month at 10:15 a.m. This service allows the children to play active roles during the service, particularly in the music and as greeters and ushers. In addition to the Third Sunday Service, traditional services take place every Sunday at 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. Nursery is available at the 10:15 a.m. service. Call the church office at 703-356-7533 with questions.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, at 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, has music programs for the congregation. The chorale, a 60-voice adult choir, welcomes new members at any time and rehearses Thursdays, 7:15-9:15 p.m. The Circle of Music Makers meets the first Monday of the month and welcomes those who can share a vocal or instrumental solo; everyone who comes is expected to perform. For information about the chorale and the circle of music makers, contact Judy Harrison at jharrison@uucf.org or 703-281-4230, ext. 26. JAMS, Joint Activities in Music at Sunrise, is an intergenerational music program for preschoolers and kindergarteners, their parents and residents of Hunter Mill Sunrise Assisted Living Center. The group sings, dances and plays instruments Wednesdays, 1-1:30 p.m. Contact Marsha Giusti at 703-425-1902 or giustim@juno.com.
McLean Bible Church Fitness Class — at Body & Soul fitness, balance is key, energy is renewed, strength is gained, and friendships are formed. Mondays 9:15 a.m. and Fridays 9:45 a.m. Childcare is free for registered students. Spring discount available. E-mail bodyandsoul@mcleanbible.org for more information.
A program using music, drumming, movement, song and prayer seeks to bring communities together as part of everyday life. The dances are cross-cultural using sacred phrases, chants, music and movements from many faith traditions. These efforts aim to promote peace and integration within individuals and groups. There are no performers or audience, and no experience is necessary. Donations are accepted. The group meets the second Saturday evening each month, September to June, 7:30-10 p.m. Contact Kathryn at 703-573-1236 or SpiralRose@aol.com. For more information on the worldwide Dance Network, visit www.DancesOfUniversalPeace.org.
A Centering Prayer Group meets Fridays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church, 1301 Trap Road, Vienna. The hour includes a brief reading related to Centering Prayer, followed by a 20-minute prayer period. The group will also hear portions from "A Centered Life," an audio tape series by Basil Pennington. E-mail Martha Thomas at mmthomas211@hotmail.com or call the church at 703-759-3509.