Send announcements or events, which are open to the public at no or minimal cost, to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102 or e-mail <a href="mailto:loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com">loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com</a>. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged.
Galilee United Methodist Church, 45425 Winding Road, Sterling, is holding a service of Prayer for Healing and Wholeness, Friday, Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m. Call 703–430-2203, e-mail GalileeUMC@GalileeUMC.net or visit www.GalileeUMC.org.
Sterling United Methodist Church, 304 East Church Road,
Sterling, is collecting items for the Marshall Islands. Donated items must be in new or gently used condition. Monetary donations are also welcome to help purchase items and offset general mission costs. Contributions may be dropped off at the church between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays or on Sunday mornings from 8 a.m.- noon. Contact Phil Mohr, youth director, by calling 703-430-6455 or by e-mailing youth@sterlingumc.org. A complete list of suggested items can be found on the Web site at www.sterlingumc.org.
Sterling United Methodist Church, 304 E. Church Road, Sterling, is holding two special Ash Wednesday events Feb. 25. At 6 p.m., a family supper will be held in the church’s fellowship hall. Following the supper, an Ash Wednesday service of prayer and mediations will begin at 7:15 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Call 703-430-6455 or visit www.sterlingumc.org.
The 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, March 1, at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling is called "Gather The Spirit" and will kick off the annual stewardship campaign. There will be an inquirers’ class following the service for those interested in learning about the faith. UUS meets every Sunday 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.
Congregation Sha'are Shalom, 19357 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg, is hosting the adult "Purim Masquerade Party" Saturday, March 7, 7:30 p.m. Purim is the Jewish festival that celebrates the survival of the Jewish people in ancient Persia. Costumes are encouraged. Visit www.sha-areshalom.org or call 703-639-1633.
The 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, March 8, at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling will be led by the youth group. UUS meets every Sunday 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.
A program of Jewish "lunch-and-learn studies" continues Wednesday, March 11, 18 and 25, 12-1:15 p.m. Rabbi Bonny Grosz of the Community Rabbi Foundation will lead study sessions on "Turning Torah: Studying the Weekly Torah Reading Using Different Approaches." Free. Registration required. E-mail JewishStudies.Teacher@gmail.com to register and for locations.
The 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, March 15, at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling will be led by Karen Rasmussen, a UU ministerial student from Wesley Theological Seminary. In her sermon "The Rich Young Man," based on the story in Mark 10:17-25, she will explore the topics of wealth, generosity and love. UUS meets every Sunday 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.
Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation, 21740 Beaumeade Circle, Suite 100, Ashburn, is celebrating "Shabbat Across America" Friday, March 20, 6:15 p.m. Attend the potluck dinner at 6:15 p.m., followed by a Shabbat service at 7:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Jesse Gallop. Cost: $10 per family plus a side dish. Call 703-729-1659 or e-mail publicrelationsvp@bcrcva.org to RSVP.
Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation and Congregation Sha'are Shalom invite the women and girls of Loudoun County to a Miriam's Seder Sunday, March 22, 2-4 p.m., at 21740 Beaumeade Circle, Suite 100, Ashburn. This special Seder, led by Rabbi Randi Nagel, will use a Hagaddah that expands the Passover theme of liberation. Bring a tambourine or other small instrument and a canned good item for Interfaith Relief. Send an $8 per person check payable to Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation Sisterhood to Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation Sisterhood, 21740 Beaumeade Circle, Suite 100 Ashburn, VA. E-mail Sisterhood@bcrcva.org by March 15.
The 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, March 22, at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling is "Turn and Return." The Women’s Earth-Based Spirituality group joins the Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael to celebrate the Spring Equinox and the connection to the natural order of the universe. Andy Johnston, who directs the local nonprofit Loudoun Cares, will provide special solo music. UUS meets every Sunday 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 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, March 29, at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling is called "Scars," and reflects on the remnants of physical, emotional, and spiritual injury. The UUS choir, led by Kris Rector, will share sacred music. UUS meets every Sunday 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.