Foster Parenting

ward through gentle meditation and heart-centered inquiry. In this safe, supportive space, we will slow down, breathe deeply, and listen attentively to the whispers of our inner world. Together, we will explore a series of carefully crafted, heart-prompting questions—questions that gently invite us into the deeper corridors of our being. Through silent reflection and optional sharing, participants are encouraged to meet themselves with compassion and open vulnerably to the group if they feel called. This is not a space for fixing or analyzing, but for presence, authenticity, and courageous sharing. Whether you choose to listen or to speak, your presence is welcome and honored as we collectively tap into awareness. What to Expect: Guided heart-centered meditation Reflective journaling prompts Optional group sharing in a circle of trust Practices to foster self-connection and emotional safety Come as you are—bring a journal, a pen and a willingness to meet yourself and others with tenderness, love and respect. Space is limited so a RSVP is required. . FIRST TIMERS: No prior experience necessary. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get situated. You are also welcome to walk our grounds or check out or crystal shop. IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS: The address is 15406 Riding Stable rd. Property is at end of 1/2 mile driveway into the woods. you will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (under 10 MPH) as to not stir any driveway dust. It is a shared driveway so it's important to respect our neighbors. Please do not stop to interact with horses. COST: To help make this affordable to all, we have an offering range of $15-$25. If you would like to contribute in another way, please let us know. With Love and Gratitude🎂

If you’ve already learned the basics of volleyball and want to keep improving your skills while having fun, this event is for you! **Skill Level:** Advanced Beginner (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details). **Reminders** 1. Attendance: We’ve noticed that the waitlist is growing, so please make sure your name is on the Going list if you plan to play. Our number of nets is limited so this helps avoid too many rotations. If your name is on the list but you don’t show up, it will count as an absence according to Smiley Social rules. Please update your RSVP at least 12 hours in advance if your plans change. 2. Injuries: Play safely and be mindful of others on the court. Respect positions and avoid risky moves that could lead to injury. If you’re not sure the ball is yours, call it before going for it to avoid collisions. 3. Game Rules: Let’s follow the basic volleyball rules, especially the three-touch rule so we can play properly and improve as a team! 4. Waitlist: The waitlist is not first come first serve. We prioritize regular attendees, and will fill empty spots with new faces closer to the event date. **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

Come volunteer with us refurbishing donated bicycles so that they can be used again by the community! This event is open to new volunteers and existing volunteers. No mechanical experience is necessary. Note: The warehouse location is in the alley behind 1502 Mt Vernon Ave. Enter through the gray door next to a roll-down garage door. If you drive to the location, be sure to park in the street, not in the alleys or parking lots surrounding the warehouse. And wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! Volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to accompany them to their first volunteer experience and sign a liability waiver. Volunteers under 16 need a parent or guardian to accompany them at all times while volunteering with Vélocity.

## Thinking about buying a home in Maryland? Join us for an informative seminar on the **Maryland Mortgage Program** and learn how qualified buyers may be able to access home loan options, down payment assistance, and other valuable homebuyer resources. This seminar is designed for first-time buyers, repeat buyers, renters preparing to purchase, and anyone who wants to better understand the homebuying process in Maryland. **Topics will include:** Maryland Mortgage Program basics Down payment assistance options First-time homebuyer qualifications Credit, income, and loan eligibility Steps to prepare for homeownership Common mistakes to avoid when buying a home **Date:** Thursday, June 4, 2026 **Time:** 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM **Location:** 1300 Spring St #134, Silver Spring, MD **Registration is required.** To register, email: **cassey.coul@gmail.com** Space may be limited, so reserve your spot today and take the next step toward homeownership.

Come volunteer with us refurbishing donated bicycles so that they can be used again by the community! This event is open to both new and existing volunteers. No mechanical experience is necessary. Note: The warehouse location is in the alley behind 1502 Mt Vernon Ave. Enter through the gray door next to a roll-down garage door. If you drive to the location, be sure to park in the street, not in the alleys or parking lots surrounding the warehouse. And wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! Please be aware that volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to accompany them to their first volunteer experience and sign a liability waiver, while volunteers under 16 need a parent or guardian to accompany them at all times while volunteering with Vélocity.

Let's get together to play some fun BB level Doubles games at Bluemont. **Format**: Doubles **COST**: FREE **Court Type**: Outdoor grass **Minimum Skill Requirements**: Intermediate-BB (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 1. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 1. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

Join other parents from [Neighborhood Church](https://www.neighborhoodc.org/) as we reflect on God's characteristics and how His posture toward us can directly impact our posture toward our children. Gather every Saturday morning with or without the kids for a casual time of hanging out at [Blueberry Hill Park](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Blueberry+Hill+Local+Park/@39.128916,-77.1565103,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7d2f3bb090ff9:0x92add00fbaa79b7a!8m2!3d39.128916!4d-77.1565103!16s%2Fg%2F11bbrnzjr5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDUwMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) with one another. Throughout the week, we’ll study [Bible Project’s “Character of God Word Study”](https://bibleproject.com/videos/collections/character-of-god/) at our own pace & share our thoughts, reflections & questions with one another through a What’s App group.

We'll try to hike again. Hopefully, the weather cooperates this time. There's a shelter at 2401 Tilden Street we'll meet at. It's a simple out and back, not too steep. If we're up for it, we can grab some food at one of the nearby eateries. By signing up for this hike, you indicate you are responsible for own safety and do not hold the organizer or Meetup responsible for any injuries incurred. You may bring as many guests as you want provided they're single and childfree.

Each month we will gather in community for mindfulness meditation and activities. There will be time for collective family practice as well as time for parents and children to break-out into groups and engage with peers. Rooms will be right next door to each other. We request that children under the age of 5 stay with caregivers. Learn more and subscribe to updates and newsletters [here](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=751).

**Notice the new time. We are now 2-5pm.** Bring your own board games! The MoCo Pride Center has a few games as well. Newcomers welcome! You don't need to know anything, we will teach you how to play! We do not serve food. Note that you can bring drinks and food, but plan to leave the place tidy. Some of us may also get food together afterwards. Info about the MoCo Pride Center: [https://www.mocopridefamily.org/pride-center-home](https://www.mocopridefamily.org/pride-center-home) The Center is close to the **Bethesda Metro Station**. It is on the 2nd floor of the **Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center**. Look for the **blue awning** that says Geste Beer at the cross of Old Georgetown Road -- the front entrance is directly to the left of this awning. The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Service Center has an attached garage, which is accessible on Edgemoor. Go past the Center, then turn right at the stop sign across from the Metro stop. The garage is your first right. Payment is mobile using the ParkMobile app.

The relationships children form with parents and caregivers play a profound role in shaping who they become and the kind of world we create together. Through love, guidance, attention, and example, adults help form a child's values and character. In this discussion, we will explore the importance of nurturing strong bonds with children and the unique opportunity caregivers have to influence future generations in positive and lasting ways. We’ll reflect on questions such as: How do everyday interactions shape character? What values do we hope to pass forward? This conversation welcomes parents, grandparents, educators, caregivers, and anyone interested in child development and building a more compassionate society through the care and guidance we offer children today. Join us for an open and meaningful exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives. All thoughtful voices are welcome.

The Single Adult Ministry of Our Lady of the Fields invites you to join us for a tour of the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington DC. on June 7, 2026. We will meet at OLF parking lot in the back to carpool at 9:15. We will leave at 9:30 to drive to the Monastery. All are welcome to attend the 11am Mass. Bring your own lunch so we can eat in Agnel Park and Tour the Gardens. We have a Guided tour at 1:30pm of the Monastery Church, lower church and catacombs (Catacombs are not hadicap accessible) Carpooling is available, please meet at OLF at 9:15. Please contact Jeanne if available to drive. If you need to reach me my cell is 410-206-1156. RSVP to: [ministry4singleagain@gmail.com](mailto:ministry4singleagain@gmail.com) before June 2, 2026

Summer Session, Thursdays, June 4 - July 23, 2026, from 6 to 8:30pm ET **NAMI Family-to-Family** is a free, eight-week program for family members, caregivers, and partners of individuals living with mental illness. NAMI Family-to-Family provides information about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. Other topics covered include communication, problem solving, treatment, and recovery.