Dialogue Café

This month at **Taproom Theology**, we’re handing the mic to the people everyone talks *about* but rarely talks *with*: **Gen Z students**. Join us for a candid, eye‑opening panel where local teens and young adults share the real challenges their generation is navigating — from mental health and identity to faith, friendships, pressure, and the future they’re inheriting. But this isn’t just a conversation about struggles. It’s a chance to hear **what they wish parents, churches, and schools understood**, the questions they *want* adults to ask, and the support they’re actually looking for. Expect honesty. Expect surprises. Expect wisdom that doesn’t sound like a lecture — because it’s coming straight from the voices living it every day. Whether you’re a parent, educator, ministry leader, or simply someone who cares about the next generation, this is a rare opportunity to listen, learn, and build bridges across the generational gap. **Come ready to hear. Come ready to rethink. Come ready to understand Gen Z on their own terms.**

ETA: I want to return to this cafe. Hopefully I’ll see you there. Great vibe here! The owner has a passion for cafe culture and it shows in everything they do here. Come out for some relaxed downtime. (No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)

Regular boba tea meetup for people to meet, make new friends, or enjoy general conversations. Great for those who are new in town or find new activities to do! We will meet inside Ben Gong’s, and afterwards, at 9 pm, we’ll go next door to Taco Chinoz for dinner. Those who attend can join us for dinner if they like.

This **no gi class** focuses on **advanced [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) concepts**, including takedowns, positional drilling, submissions, transitions, situational sparring, strategy development, and live training. While the class is scheduled for **90 minutes**, it may run longer depending on content and participation. This class includes both instruction as well as [rolling](https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/7/29/how-rolling-works-in-bjj) (sparring). The **drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20**, payable on-site and note that we are in **suite #130**.

You're invited to Weird Brothers Tabletop Tuesdays! We have some games and puzzles you can check out or bring your own and see who wants to play. Up to 16 seats available, reserve yours by selecting attend on this event.

Germantown's evening Toastmasters club. We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 pm at Northwest High School, classroom 232. We offer opportunities to give a speech, practice impromptu speaking, participate in a leadership role, evaluate a fellow speaker, participate in speech contests, and organize Toastmasters events. There is never any pressure. This is a very kind group of people dedicated to improving their communications and leadership skills and helping others to do the same. You're welcome to visit as many times as you'd like for free. If you would like to join Toastmasters and get started on your public speaking and leadership path, you can do so at any time. Dues are just $51 for a six-month membership + $20 New Member Fee (one time only). Hope to see you soon! IMPORTANT: When Montgomery County Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the club will not meet.

Voices of Mount Pleasant Toastmasters is a new faith-based club sponsored by Mount Pleasant Baptist Church of Herndon which is open and all guests are welcome to attend. It is a pleasant fusion of Public Speaking and Leadership training with fun and fellowship. Opening with an invocation, the Club president provides guests the opportunity to introduce themselves to the group with a short elevator-speech and introduces the Toastmaster to lead the meeting with a theme. The General Evaluator and team are introduced to let attendees know the word of the day, the timing of speeches and evaluations, and the filler-words, which wil be counted. In the first segment of the meeting, there will be 1 or 2 prepared speeches from projects studied in the Toastmasters education program (Pathways). In the second segment of the meeting, willing attendees are selected to receive information or a question from the Table Topics Master to give a 1-2 minute impromptu speech. In the third segment of the meeting, the General Evaluator introduces the Evaluator for each prepared speech; reintroduces the Timer, the Ah-Counter, and the Grammarian for reports. Next, the General Evaluator gives a summarized review of the structure and leaders of the meeting. An Educational Moment will be given to explain the Toastmasters Educational Program (Pathways) as an introduction to new members and guests. The presiding officer will make announcements, ask visitors to the club for their impression of the meeting for feedback, ask for prayer concerns, and give a benediction to end the meeting. The group is mainly made up of members of the church who joined Toastmasters for the first time with the chartering of the club in September of 2023. So everyone is learning together and encouraging one another.

This used to be my go-to cafe because it’s not far from home. They’ve got plenty of food options, espresso and coffee from local roasters Caffe Amouri, and dedicated parking. I’ll try to grab a comfy couch for us to enjoy the morning. (No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)

Come join us for in-depth discussions on topics relating to moral and political philosophy. This is a group for members who are comfortable discussing topics that are often anxiety producing and controversial. *"Aristotle was a realist who believed that reality and knowledge are found in the physical world, accessible through sensory experience and logic. This led to contrasting views on ethics, politics, and the nature of reality itself. Plato emphasized abstract, ideal concepts, while Aristotle prioritized empirical observation and the study of the natural world."* \- Google Gemini Following Aristotle's lead, this group will lean heavily on empirical data to make arguments. The Socratic method is still the preferred way to engage in conversation, and Platonic Idealism is still relevant to the conversation as points of reference.

Socrates Cafés are gatherings around the world where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange thoughtful ideas and experiences while embracing the Socratic Method; the idea that we learn more when we question, and question with others. Although this may be considered a "philosophical" group, there are no rules as to what is discussed. Those attending decide upon the questions of the night. Usually, the topics revolve around social concerns, moral issues, and the first principles of things. Prior to each meeting we vote online for the questions we will discuss. That way, we will have enough time to ruminate on them and have more in-depth conversations. If you RSVP to a meeting, you may post your question in the event comments section below. I'll send out a survey for voting a few days prior to the meetup. We discuss two questions each night. So you will get to cast two votes in the survey. When we meet, we break into smaller groups of five to seven to discuss the top two vote-getters. Each group discusses one question for around 45-50 minutes, and we then take a short break. After reconvening, each group moves on to its second question. Hope to see you there! -Brian

Regular coffee meetup for people to meet, make new friends, or enjoy general conversations with coffee. Great for those who are new in town or looking for new activities to do! This will be held at Weird Brothers Coffee at Worldgate Centre in Herndon. Afterwards, if anyone is interested, we can grab lunch at whichever nearby restaurant in the shopping center. There’s a TGI Friday’s, a Thai place, a Mexican place, Inchin’s Asian fusion restaurant, and I’m open to alternative preferences. Additional Note: If you are on the Wait List, you can still feel free to attend if you wish.

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.
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Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions
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1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging?
2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists?
3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about?
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Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles
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4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?
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Optional Questions: AI & Being Human
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7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?
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Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning
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10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?
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Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche
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13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?
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Optional Questions: Work & Purpose
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16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?
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Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection
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19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?
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Optional Questions: Time & Mortality
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22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?
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Optional Questions: Society & Culture
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25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?
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Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy
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28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the "slice of life", to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

This event is inspired by a suggestion from one of our members. I'm curious what we'll find, as I've never been to Roggenart. Join us in Reston for good vibes on a midweek morning, complete with essential fuel! (No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Spring Social** **Community, Connections, and Coffee** **Wednesday\, April 22 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for a special **1 Million Cups Loudoun Spring Social** — a morning dedicated to what makes this community so powerful: **connection**. ## **About the Event** This gathering is all about slowing down, stepping away from presentations, and creating space for meaningful conversations. Whether you’re a longtime member or joining us for the first time, this is your opportunity to: * Build new relationships * Reconnect with familiar faces * Share ideas and experiences * Strengthen your network in a relaxed, welcoming environment No presentations. No pressure. Just community, connection, and coffee. ## **What to Expect** * Open networking with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals * Intentional conversations that go beyond surface-level connections * A welcoming environment for both new and returning attendees * A chance to continue relationships beyond the meeting Enjoy a **light breakfast sponsored by E.L. Strategic** as you connect with others who are building, growing, and navigating business alongside you. ## **Why Attend?** At 1 Million Cups, we believe businesses grow through relationships. This Spring Social is designed to strengthen those connections and create space for collaboration, support, and shared momentum. ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **April 22** for a morning that reminds us why showing up matters. We look forward to seeing you there.

What if the way we speak—to our families, colleagues, and communities—could actively bring out the best in others? Join us for an elevated conversation on how to incorporate the language of virtues into our daily interactions, inspired by the work of The Virtues Project. This approach centers on recognizing and naming the positive qualities—such as courage, kindness, integrity, and perseverance—that exist within each person and moment. Together, we’ll explore how using the language of virtues can: * Strengthen relationships and build trust * Shift conversations from reactive to intentional * Encourage growth, accountability, and mutual respect * Create more positive, purpose-driven environments at home and at work Through discussion, examples, and shared experiences, you’ll gain practical ways to integrate this language into everyday moments—from giving feedback to navigating conflict. Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the underlying truths that unite us all – on what we can do through our use of words to contribute to a better world. Join us for an open and respectful conversation where participants can share perspectives, experiences, and insights. Whether you come to speak or simply to listen, all thoughtful voices are welcome.

What does freedom of speech—and freedom of religion—really mean today? Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation featuring experts from the **National Constitution Center**. Together, we’ll explore the First Amendment’s protections around speech and religion—what they mean, how they’ve evolved, and how they continue to shape our daily lives. This is a welcoming space to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful dialogue with others in the community. Whether you’re brushing up on your knowledge or diving in for the first time, you’ll leave with new insights and perspectives. All are welcome—bring your curiosity! We'll be in Classroom 1, or you can join us online, via our[ Zoom link](https://constitutioncenter.zoom.us/meeting/register/hc_8FV8yTv6s4DH-i0lMLA). *** ### **Who Should Attend** * Anyone interested in the Constitution or civic education * People curious about freedom of speech and religion * Community members who enjoy thoughtful, respectful dialogue * Students, educators, and lifelong learners * Individuals seeking connection across perspectives ### **What to Expect** * An engaging talk led by experts from the National Constitution Center * Clear, accessible insights into the First Amendment * Opportunities for reflection and community discussion * A respectful, inclusive environment for all viewpoints * A chance to connect with others interested in civic topics