Clothing Drives to help the poor

This has always been one of our nicest events - music, sunshine, fun friends. Starting this Friday, downtown Bethesda is hosting live outdoor concerts at the corner of St. Elmo Ave. and Norfolk Ave. every Friday. You're invited to bring your own food. Usually we're able to grab a table nearby Olazzo restaurant. The [Jill Fulton Band](https://www.google.com/search?q=Jill+Fulton+Band&rlz=1C1HKFL_enUS1197US1197&oq=what+is+the+jill+fulton+band%3F&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRigATIHCAYQIRifBTIHCAcQIRiPAjIHCAgQIRiPAtIBCTgzNjFqMGoxNagCCLACAfEFpf4BSnqR8bnxBaX-AUp6kfG5&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&mstk=AUtExfAhoqZxoQEGdwMyMCUjTq40c8n1XLQkooe1v9ZDvVeLqrqGJsp3Swol7xTgEj9q-Z1tEy8bSrjTkBJtsMdNpEZ3BWbISDodEAQycf5xCrvIfd3Dk6IgaKaLirTwAqAOHkaBlA-q67-NlewMiqTqDs3_vFF3kI3nGZPvB5UGRP5xAElCcHXcWtKlhlB2hKbbKmbx&csui=3&ved=2ahUKEwi52qj8kbKUAxXxj4kEHfszH0cQgK4QegoIAggACAAIBxAB) is a Pennsylvania/Maryland-based, 5-7 piece powerhouse ensemble led by Nashville recording artist and award-winning singer-songwriter Jill Fulton. Known for a "Country-Blues" sound, they play a mix of original music and covers spanning classic rock, soul, and country blues. Join us any time in the evening.

Bike to Work Day is almost here and Vélocity is once again hosting a stop at Colasanto Park! Join us to welcome cyclists, hand out the official Bike to Work Day t-shirt, and maybe fix a flat or two. It's a great time and other local businesses will be there. Bike to Work Day is a great day to start volunteering too! More info on Bike to Work Day can be found here: https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/

Bike to Work Day is almost here and Vélocity is once again hosting a stop at Colasanto Park! **[Support BTWD by signing up here.](https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/pit-stop-locations/pit-stops/alexandria-del-ray/)** Then come to the intersection of Mt. Vernon and Commonwealth Aves. between **6:30-9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 15** to get your free 2026 tee shirt and other free stuff from our partners: * *Transportation Federal Credit Union* * *Bagel Uprising* * *South Block* * *MOM's Organic Market* * *Virginia American Water* * *Alexandria Families for Safe Streets* * *Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.* **Sign up to show your support!**

The Rockville Bike Hub will be at the Rockville Town Square Bike to Work Day pitstop to provide help with mechanical issues you might be having on your way to work. Come by and say hi or stay to volunteer for an hour! Register to be counted and receive a free t-shirt and other fun prizes! [https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/rockville-town-square](https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/rockville-town-square)

## **Sunday Worship: Encountering God’s Word** Join us every **Sunday at 10:45 AM** for a powerful time of worship, prayer, and deep biblical engagement. Our Sunday service is the heart of our community, where we gather to honor God and equip ourselves for the week ahead through the transformative power of the Gospel. *** ### **What to Expect** * **Christ-Centered Worship:** We begin our time together by lifting our voices and hearts, creating a space to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit through song and prayer. * **Exegetical Preaching:** We value the depth of Scripture. Our sermons focus on unfolding the Bible verse-by-verse, providing clear theological insights and practical applications that speak to the challenges of modern life. * **A Welcoming Community:** At Bethel, you aren't just a face in the crowd. You’ll find a diverse family of believers dedicated to walking together in love, grace, and mutual support. * **A Call to Action:** We believe faith should move us. Every service concludes with an encouragement to take the hope of Christ out into our neighborhoods, workplaces, and families. ### **Plan Your Visit** Whether you are wearing your "Sunday best" or coming in casual attire, you are welcome here. We believe that no matter where you are in your spiritual journey, God has a message of grace waiting for you. * **Location:** 9200 Edmonston Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770 * **Time:** Sundays at 10:45 AM *** > *"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."* — **Matthew 18:20**

Come support Velocity's Monthly Warehouse Sale! We'll need help moving bicycles outside the warehouse before 9 a.m. and back inside at 1 p.m. In between, we'll greet customers, help them find bicycles and parts, and ring up their purchases on Square. Feel free to sign up even if you can't volunteer for the whole time. And remember to wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! Please note that volunteers under 18 are required to have a parent or guardian attend the beginning of their first volunteering session in order to sign a waiver for them, and volunteers under 16 are required to have a parent or guardian present with them during all the time they spend volunteering at Velocity.

Death is a natural part of life, yet many of us feel unsure how to help loved ones during this important transition. In the Kadampa Buddhist tradition, death is understood as a meaningful moment—one that can be approached with clarity, compassion, and purpose. In this workshop, we will explore practical and heartfelt ways to support others at the time of death and after they have passed. Drawing from Buddhist teachings on the death process, we will learn how our presence, prayers, and intentions can be deeply beneficial for those who are dying, helping to create a calm and peaceful environment for their mind. The workshop will also introduce powa, a special Buddhist ceremony and meditation practice performed on behalf of the deceased. Powa is a method of compassionate assistance that helps guide the consciousness toward a positive rebirth. We will learn when and how this practice is performed, its meaning, and how it can be engaged in as an act of kindness and care. This workshop is suitable for anyone interested in end-of-life support, caregiving, spiritual care, or developing a wiser and more compassionate relationship with death. No previous experience with meditation or Buddhism is required. Includes: Clear explanations of Buddhist views on death and dying Guidance on how to help others at the time of death Introduction to the powa ceremony and its purpose Guided meditations and time for questions You can register at the door or register online: https://meditation-dc.org/event/helping-others-at-death-beyond/ Cost: Whole Weekend: $45 Saturday only: $30 Sunday only : $15 Event Schedule Session 1: 10am-11:15am Session 2: 12:15pm-1:15pm

Hi Volunteers! Bikefest is here again! Although it’s at a new location about a half mile away from the last BikeFest site. I’m looking for 3 others to help with bike maintenance. No need to be an expert, even helping pump tires would be a huge help. I’ll bring all my tools, supplies, bike repair stand, and pumps which I’m glad to share. Just bring yourselves!

We will be hosting the City of Rockville's annual TERRIFIC Kids bike distribution. In this program students have completed a list of good deeds to earn a bicycle. Here is information about the program: [www.rockvillemd.gov/321/Terrific-Bicycle-Award](https://www.rockvillemd.gov/321/Terrific-Bicycle-Award) We need volunteers to help with set-up, helping students select a bike, and break-down. Families will be arriving by appointment between 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. A member of the Mayor and City Council will be presenting the student with a certificate. Then the student will be guided to select the correct-sized bicycle and helmet. Please let us know which 3-hour shift you can volunteer: 8:30 am to 11:30 am and/or 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. You are welcome, of course, to spend the entire day with us also. Just let us know!

Sign up to help with customer service at our Del Ray shop! **If this is your first time doing customer service at our shop**, **please direct message Elizabeth here via MeetUp** so she can ensure someone can be there to orient you. **What you'll do:** * greet customers * manage customer traffic * help customers find basic bike parts in our store * direct customers to the mechanics if they need a bike repair * help customers find a bike that fits them * set customers up to test ride bikes * work the register to conduct customer payments **Qualities of a good volunteer for this role:** * customer service oriented * willing to work outside most of the shift * able to work on their feet most of the shift * comfortable working in a faced-paced environment * open to a steep learning curve with a rewarding experience the more times you volunteer * excited to learn about Velocity Bicycle Cooperative and become part of our volunteer team that keeps our wheels turning! **What to Bring/Attire** * A water bottle & snack * Wear comfortable shoes and clothes appropriate for the day's weather * Sunscreen and a baseball hat if it is sunny **Age Requirements:** If you are under 18, you must bring a parent/guardian with you to the orientation to sign the waiver.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

Do you feel introverted when you are in a group setting? Are you shy? Do other people have more fun than you do? There are simple life hacks you can use to improve your connection to others and improve your social life. Talking is one thing. Truly connecting is altogether another. It's the whole experience of connecting with people and forming relationships. It includes the joy, understanding, and love formed among people. * In our meetings, you will learn: * A simple life hack to increase your liking and tolerance of other people, or even of yourself! * How to become more interested and enjoy conversations with people. * How to be comfortable in social settings. * How to be yourself * How to become more extroverted and, * How to make connections with people. Feeling lonely, isolated, or bored? This local meeting is exactly what you need! Come join us! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Attend a free seminar on how to have successful and lasting relationships. At this seminar you will learn: How to spot and handle negative and toxic relationships. How to get through the "rough patches" in a relationship. How to choose the right people to work with. The three things that make or break any relationship. How to make a good relationship great. All are welcome. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. Hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL

The Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless is seeking compassionate volunteers who would like to help serve and uplift members of our homeless community. This group is dedicated to sharing kindness, resources, and support with individuals who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Anyone with a heart for service is welcome to join us as we work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Community members are also invited to contribute by bringing helpful items for those in need. Donations of items can be contributed at the meeting and will be distributed to assist members of the homeless community. Please consider joining us and sharing this opportunity with friends, family, or associates who may also wish to help. Learn more about Unity of Columbus at www.unityofcolumbus.org or call (614) 267-4959. Together we can extend compassion, dignity, and support to our community. 💛