Know of something missing from our Faith Notes? Send it to The Arlington Connection, e-mail it to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with any questions. Photos are welcome.
On Jan. 25, the ministers at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (UUCA) were presented with an award certificate from the national Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) giving the church formal accreditation as a “Green Sanctuary.” A Green Sanctuary is a church that has made a deep commitment to living in harmony with the Earth and made substantial progress in “greening” all aspects of church life, from buildings and grounds to worship services and religious education. Visit http://www.uucava.org/EcoAction/index.htm for more.
Advent Lutheran Church (2222 S. Arlington Ridge Road) will host a five-session Introduction to Contemplative Prayer course that is open to all who want to explore meditation and deep prayer. The course will begin with a two-hour retreat-type session on Sunday, March 1 from 7 to 9 p.m.). Each of the four 1.5-hour sessions that will follow on Sunday evenings through March 29 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Participants are asked to make a commitment to attend all sessions, if possible. For more information or to register, contact Ingrid Berdahl at iaberdahl@comcast.net.
General Program Classes with meditation and Buddhist teachings on Monday evenings, Feb. 3, 9,16, and 23. The classes are held at The Griffin Center (Suite 5) 3800 Fairfax Drive , 7-8:30 p.m. Walk-ins welcome. A $12 class fee is requested. For more information; www.meditation-dc.org or call 202-986-2257.
Beth Moore Bible Study begins in January. Clarendon UMC at 606 N. Irving, Arlington, will begin a new women's bible study by Beth Moore called “Believing God: Experiencing a Fresh Explosion of Faith” on Jan. 26. There will be three times the study is offered: Monday mornings, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. (childcare provided), Monday evenings, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., and Wednesday (starts Jan. 28) 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, contact the church at 703-527-8574 or e-mail secretary@morefaith.org.
Shabbat Services are held at the home of Rabbi and Mrs. Newman, 4301 Seminary Road, Alexandria, each Friday at 7:30 p.m. Shabbat morning services begin Saturdays at 10 a.m. Services are followed by a sit-down Kiddush. Call 703-370-2774 or visit www.chabadalexandria.org
The Victim Assistance Coordinator maintains a list of social workers and counselors, as well as local clergy available for counseling of victims. The office also facilitates counseling for any victims/survivors abused in other dioceses, but currently living in the Arlington diocese. Call Patricia Mudd, A.C.S.W. at 703-841-2530.
Buddhist general program classes are held Mondays, from 7-8:30 p.m. at The Griffin Center, 3800 Fairfax Drive, Suite 5. They last for 90 minutes, and involve introductory lectures and meditations. $12 contribution. For more information, go to www.meditation-dc.org, or 202-986-2257.
Mount Olivet United Methodist Church, 1500 N. Glebe Road, introduces “The Well,” through energetic and contemplative music led by worship band, relevant, thematic preaching, opportunities for questions about God and faith, time to connect with others and weekly communion. Contact Pastor Brad, bmcmullen@mtolivet-umc.org, 703-527-3934 or www.mtolivet-umc.org.
Faith, Food and Fellowship - Clarendon UMC, 606 N. Irving, offers twice-monthly mid-week worship, meal and program on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. The worship service with inspirational music begins at noon, a hot meal follows at 12:30 p.m., and a program runs from 1-1:45 p.m. For more information, contact the church at 703-527-8574.
The Vajrayogini Buddhist Center continues to hold classes in Buddhist thought and meditation on Monday nights from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Griffin Center, 3800 Fairfax Drive in Arlington (Suite 5). Beginners to Buddhism and meditation are invited to learn how Buddhist philosophy can help people cope with today's stressful times. Cost is a $10 donation. Visit www.meditation-dc.org.
The Arlington Metaphysical Chapel, 5618 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, offers lessons, classes and other activities for bettering life. Call 703-276-8738 or visit www.arlingtonmeta.com or e-mail info@arlingtonmeta.com for event information.
St. Ann's Youth Group hosts a Tuesday Night Drop-In Night every Tuesday form 6:30-9:30 p.m. The church hopes to make it a great space to do homework, listen to music, play on the computer, hang out, chat, watch movies, or maybe some TV shows and most importantly, just be in a communal sort of way. No need to be formal about it, just stop on in as time permits. Contact Toni at stannsyouthminister@yahoo.com with any questions.
Body & Soul Fitness offers a blend of cardio, strength training, Pilates, core strengthening, and flexibility rolled into a unique package. Set to contemporary Christian music, find a program that will work both your body and your soul. Local classes at Classes at The Falls Church on Mondays 10:30-11:45 a.m. and Wednesdays 12:30-1:45 p.m., low impact. Contact Dana Elsnick at 703-847-9814. Also at The Falls Church on Mondays and Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m. Contact Tricia Van Ryn at trvanryn@yahoo.com.
Compline at St. Mary's Episcopal Church every Sunday at 9 p.m. Join for a sung, candle-lit service of meditation and prayer led by the St. Mary's choir. All are welcome. St. Mary's Episcopal Church; 2609 N. Glebe Road. Visit www.stmarysarlington.org or 703-527-6800.
Clarendon United Methodist Church, 606 N. Irving, holds twice monthly noon services followed by a hot lunch (12:30 p.m.) and a program (1-1:45 p.m.) on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. Contact Jane Dixon 703-465-0341.