Send notes to the Connection at south@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-778-9416. Deadline is Friday. Dated announcements should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.
Franconia United Methodist Church, 6037 Franconia Road, Alexandria, will have a sermon series through Feb. 21 at the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services, based on Bishop Robert Schnase's book "The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations." Each of the five practices has a biblical underpinning and is structured to provide practical ideas. The church is also having a free Pancake Dinner at 6 p.m. on Feb 16, and an Ash Wednesday Service at 7 p.m. on Feb 17. 703 971-5151 or admin@franconiaumc.org.
Sydenstricker United Methodist Church, 8508 Hooes Road Springfield, has scheduled several community events for February. Contact www.sumcdisciples.org or 703-451-8223.
* Haitian Relief Sock Hop. on Saturday. Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m., with games, snacks and more, sponsored by the Family and Children’s Committee at the church. Donations accepted to support Haitian Relief.
* Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 5:30 p.m., served by the church youth to mark the beginning of Lent.
* Sweetheart Dinner. Saturday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m., including dinner and entertainment. Reservations requested.
* Blood Drive. on Sunday, Feb. 28, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., will be in the church’s Hottle Hall. Call to reserve, walk-ins also welcome.
Burke Presbyterian Church is participating in the Church World Service (CWS) humanitarian relief efforts to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. The public can help CWS in its urgent disaster response by assembling and donating a hygiene kit or a baby kit. BPC is a collection point for the kits. To create a kit, visit either www.BurkePresChurch.org and click on "Haiti Relief" or visit www.ChurchWorldService.org and click on "Hygiene Kit" or "Baby Kit." Both of these sites provide specific instructions on how to assemble a kit. Drop off kits at Burke Presbyterian Church, located at 5690 Oak Leather Drive, Burke. Phone the church office with any questions at 703-764-0456.
Renew Your Wedding Vows on Valentines Day on Sunday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m., at Messiah United Methodist Church, 6215 Rolling Road, Springfield. The sanctuary will be decorated for a wedding and this opportunity to reconnect with God and your spouse in a meaningful way. The church will sell flowers for "brides" to carry in the service. A nursery is available for age 2 and under, and Sunday School classes for age 3 through sixth grade. Immediately following the service, couples are invited to a wedding style reception in the Fellowship Hall. Bring wedding albums to share with others, enjoy a light snack and wedding cake.
Messiah’s Marriage Matters Ministry will also offer the six-week class "Dream Team: Building Unity in Marriage," on Sundays, Feb. 21-March 28, 9:30 a.m., and on Wednesdays Feb. 24-March 31, 7:15 p.m. Free child care will be available. Register at 703-569-9862.
Praise Service at Springfield United Methodist Church, 7047 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, on Sunday, Feb. 14, at 9:15 a.m. All are welcome. Come sing, enjoy coffee and donuts and praise God. 703-451-2375 or www.springfieldvaumc.org.
Congregation Adat Reyim Shabbat and Prayer Service for Haiti. 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19 at Adat Reyim, 6500 Westbury Oaks Court, Springfield. Join a special Shabbat service offering prayers and support for Haiti. Mrs. Mompoint of the World Ebony Network, a Haitian native and founder of Faibien Corporation, will speak about the recent tragedy and hopes for the future. adatreyim.org or 703/569-7577.
Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church, 10215 Lakehaven Court Burke, will show "The Gay Marriage Thing" on Friday, Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m., with a discussion to follow. The film strives to show a different side of the issue than documentaries or newscasts have. With an array of opinions from church, state and everyone in between, this is a film that family members can watch together. This is a free non-religious service open to the public. 703-503-4579 or www.accotinkuuc.org.
Congregation Adat Reyim Purim Carnival. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21 at Adat Reyim, 6500 Westbury Oaks Court, Springfield. Join Adat Reyim for games and prizes, arts and crafts, traditional Purim hamentashen treats, moon bounces and more. Lunch will be available and Purim costumes are welcome. Buy tickets early for $15 for 31 tickets or $30 for 64 tickets. Tickets purchased at the event will be .50 each. Sponsored by the Congregation Adat Reyim Preschool. adatreyim.org or 703/569-7577.
Burke Presbyterian Church, 5690 Oak Leather Drive in Burke, will host a Lenten Quiet Day 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23. The day's offerings include a Morning Retreat at 9:30 a.m. with Ann Kulp, Spiritual Director from Shalem Institute, as well as guided devotions in the Meditation Room at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m, and 7:30 p.m. including communion. The labyrinth will be available all day for self-guided prayer walks. Breakfast breads, soup, cheese, crackers, fruit, coffee and tea available throughout the day in the Inner Narthex. www.BurkePresChurch.org or 703-764-0456.
Franconia United Methodist Church, 6037 Franconia Road, Alexandria, needs volunteers for Phoenix Rising to help prepare and deliver meals for the homeless along the Route 1 corridor. Meals will be prepared on Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. and delivered on Feb. 26 at 5:30 p.m. Contact 703 971-5151 or admin@franconiaumc.org.
Series for Returning Catholics is offered by St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church for eight Tuesdays beginning March 2 at 7:30 p.m. at 5222 Sideburn Road, Fairfax. This program, called Landings, offers a supportive environment for sharing and discussing one's faith and future in the Church. 703-830-4708 or sandy@tsandt.com to register.
The Cranford United Methodist Women's 110th Year Annual Ham & Oyster Dinner will be 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, March 20, at Cranford United Methodist Church, 9912 Old Colchester Road in Lorton. The menu includes fried oysters, baked ham, potato salad, cole slaw, deviled eggs, green beans, applesauce, rolls, beverages and desserts. All proceeds from this dinner go to mission work with women, children, and youth. Contact 703-339- 5382.
Messiah United Methodist Church is located at 6215 Rolling Road, Springfield. For more information, call 703-569-9862 or visit www.messiahumc.org. Sunday Worship is at 8:15 a.m., with Holy Communion every Sunday; and 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., Holy Communion on the first Sunday of the month.
One God Ministry Church, 4280/4282 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, has launched a new Web site with news, events, training, conferences, fellowship programs and more. Sunday School is at 10 a.m., Sunday Worship Service at 11 a.m., and Wednesday Prayer Service at 7 p.m. Women’s, Men’s, and Youth Bible Studies are on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. A Spiritual Gifts Service is the first Friday of every month at 7 p.m. One God Ministry has ministries for youth, men, women, couples, music and singles. 703-591-6161 or www.onegodministry.org.
Lord of Life Lutheran Church presents Financial Peace University, a video-based small group study that teaches families how to beat debt, build wealth and better manage their finances. Contact Arlene K. Darke at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 5114 Twinbrook Road, Fairfax. 703-323-9500 or adarke@lordoflifelutheran.com.
New Women's Bible Study meets at Jubilee Christian Center on Tuesdays, 9:45 a.m.-12 p.m. The study will focus on "Spirit, Soul, and Body" by Andrew Wommack. $10 per person. Nursery provided for registered children. 703-383-1170 or www.jccag.org.
The Fresh Fire congregation meets every Sunday for a service at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Sackey and his congregation invite all to participate in preaching and teaching, praise and worship, in a Christ-centered ministry. Fresh Fire International Center meets at the Chinese Martial Arts Building, 8426-B Lee Highway, Fairfax, opposite the BMW Fairfax; entrance is in the back. 703-815-8950.
Faith Communities in Action meets the first Wednesday of every other month from 2-4 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, Conference Rooms 2 and 3, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.
The Baha'i of Fairfax County Southwest offers "Interfaith Devotions: World Peace and Unity" for the general public on Saturdays. These free devotional gatherings meet at the Pohick Regional Library, Room #1, located at 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke, 22015.
International Calvary Church Sunday services in English are at 9:45 a.m., Korean services at 11:30 a.m. and youth services at 11:30 a.m. Sunday School classes in English are at 11:30 a.m. and children's classes at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday Bible study and Youth Meeting are at 8 p.m. and Friday Prayer and Youth Meeting at 8:30 p.m. 5700 Hanover Ave., Springfield. 703-569-1918.
St. Leo the Great in Fairfax hosts "Night of Praise" the first Saturday of each month, featuring praise music and Eucharist adoration at 7 p.m. Located at 3704 Old Lee Highway in Fairfax.
The Immanuel Bible Church MOPS group meets every Monday 7-9 p.m., at Immanuel Bible Church, 6911 Braddock Road, Springfield. MOPS is a group for pregnant or parenting mothers of children from infancy to kindergarten. 703-922-4295 or www.MOPS.org.
The Shalem Institute free monthly prayer opportunities. Time together, devoted to relaxation, the presentation of different prayer practices, silence, journal keeping and small group sharing. No experience is required and participants may attend regularly or drop in. Donations accepted. Meet on the third Monday of the month from 7:30 p.m. at Providence Presbyterian Church, 9019 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. www.shalem.org or 301-897-7334.
The following is a list of events at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 4325 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax:
* Bible study and Prayer Service every Tuesday starting at 7 p.m.
* Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., except for the fourth Sunday of the month, when Sunday School is at 9 a.m.
* Sunday morning service at 11 a.m.
* Commonwealth Care Center ministry every first and third Thursday night. Call 703-273-1455.
Congregation Adat Reyim offers services Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and Wednesday at 7:40 p.m. Hebrew school is available on Sunday at 9 a.m. and Sunday and Mondays at 5:30 p.m. Preschool is Monday-Friday at 9:30 a.m. Located at 6500 Westerbury Oaks Court in Springfield. 703-569-7577 or www.adatreyim.org.
Beth El Hebrew Congregation has services on Fridays, 8:15 p.m. and on Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. The temple is located at 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria. Religious school is on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Adult learning opportunities take place throughout the year. Tot Shabbat is on the first and third Saturdays. Kolot Shabbat, a musical service, is the first Friday of every month at 7:30 p.m. 703-370-9400 or www.bethelhebrew.org.
First Baptist Church of Springfield has Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday school at 9:15 a.m., Hispanic worship service at 9 a.m., Korean worship service at 2 p.m., and an Ethiopian service at 12:15 p.m. The pastor is Jim Weaver. Church is located at 7300 Gary St., Springfield. 703-451-1500 or www.fbcspringfield.org.
Clifton Presbyterian Church, located at 12748 Richards Lane, Clifton, offers Sunday worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. 703-830-3175.
St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, located at 6720 Union Mill Road, Clifton, conducts Sunday masses at 7:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. It also offers a Saturday vigil at 5:30 p.m. and a Wednesday Latin mass at 7 p.m. 703-817-1770 or www.st-andrew.org.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8304 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, offers casual worship services on Saturday evenings at 5:30 p.m. featuring contemporary music. More traditional services take place on Sunday mornings at 8:15 and 11 a.m. Sunday School is at 9:45-10:45 a.m. for children. The church also offers discussion groups for adults. 703-451-5855.
Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, located at 8336 Carrleigh Parkway in Springfield, supports a Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) program on the first Wednesday of each month. Meetings are 9:30-11 a.m. at the church. All mothers and children are welcome. The program provides mothers an opportunity to get to know other mothers through discussions and craft activities. Adults in the MOPPET program will care for the children. Cost is $3 per session. Register at the church or call 703-451-5320.
JCCNV Mother’s Circle program, for women who are not Jewish but are raising Jewish children. Free education in Jewish rituals, practices and values, while respecting the participant’s choice to retain her own religious identity. Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike in Fairfax. Contact Laurie Albert, 703-537-3064 or LaurieA@jccnv.org.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is for people interested in becoming Catholic or learning about the Catholic Church. A group meets Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 3704 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax. Sessions are in the Old Parish Hall. All are welcome. Call Martha Malloy at 703-273-5369.
The Jewish Social Services Agency, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, offers a variety of family programs. Call 703-204-9100 for details or to register.
Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia, located on 10383 Democracy Lane, Fairfax, presents worship services on Sundays at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and choir practice (open to all) on Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. www.mccnova.com or 703-691-0930.
Church of the Nativity offers a free general bereavement support group open to all adults on the first and third Thursday of each month 7:30-9 p.m. The church is located at 6400 Nativity Lane, Burke. Call 703-455-2400, ext. 17.
Arabic Bible Baptist Church is located at 5424 Ox Road in Fairfax Station. Pastor: Tony Ghareeb. Call 703-273-5599 or e-mail Tghareeb@wmconnect.com.
The Fairfax Church of Christ sponsors a 16-week Divorce Recovery support group every Monday at 7 p.m. at the church. The Fairfax Church of Christ is located at 3901Rubgy Road, Fairfax. 703-631-2100 or www.fxcc.org.
A casual worship service with a praise band is at 9:45 a.m. at Sydenstricker United Methodist Church, 8508 Hooes Road in Springfield. www.sumcdisciples.org or 703-451-8223.
St. Matthew's United Methodist Church offers Crossroads, a new 'come as you are' worship service each Saturday evening at 5 p.m. at 8617 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. www.stmatthewsumc.org or 703-978-3500.
Truro Church MOPS would like to invite all mothers of preschool-aged children to join MOPS for relevant speakers, small group time with other moms and food. The group meets the second Thursday of every month, at Truro Church, located at 10520 Main St., Fairfax, in the church fellowship hall on the lower level. Call Amanda Qreitem at 703-222-2332 or e-mail amandazubi@hotmail.com.