Historical Jesus

**Nurture Voices. Grow Leaders. Inspire Impact.** Join us for a once-in-a-generation moment as we celebrate over 30 years of excellence. This historic final conference is our opportunity to honor our legacy, connect with leaders from across the region, and step boldly into the future as we transition to District 220. **Event Details:** * **Dates:** May 15–16, 2026 * **Location:** Washington Rockville Hilton Hotel, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852 **Why You Can't Miss This:** * **World-Class Keynotes:** Learn from **Craig Valentine, DTM** (1999 World Champion of Public Speaking) and **Melissa McGavick, DTM** (Past International Director). * **Expert Education Sessions:** Gain insights from industry leaders and Toastmasters legends: * **Michele DiMeo:** Branding and storytelling from "The Restaurant Diva." * **Vince Caldwell, DTM:** Strategies for high-performing teams. * **Barry Piatt, DTM:** Mastering the art of growth-focused evaluations. * **The Final Celebration:** Riveting speech contests, networking with guests, and food/entertainment as we honor the District 36 legacy. **Agenda Highlights** * Inspiring Keynote Speakers * Educational Sessions on Leadership and Communication * District-Level Speech Contests * Networking and Social Connection * Commemorative Food and Entertainment Seats are limited for this final gathering. Secure your spot today to ensure you are in the room when we close this chapter and launch into a bold new future. **Register Now:** https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/district-36-2025-2026-spring-conference-may-15th-and-16th

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Ps 33:12, KJV) Please join the Christian Party of America’s monthly Nationwide, public Conference Call to discuss current political issues with like-minded Christians. The conference call is the second Thursday of each month at 8:30 PM est. Lets join in a discussion on what can be done to address the concerns we all share for the status of our country’s civil government and have prayer to close the call. Guest speakers will be present at some of the calls to provide input on political issues. The Christian Party of America (www.christianpartyof america.com) is a new, national third-party of Christian voters, dedicated to proclaiming that Jesus is Lord in the political arena. Our purpose is to bring our country back to being an unabashedly Christian nation, by offering and electing competent candidates who share and promote our vision. Please join us in our goal of uniting believers under the banner of Jesus Christ to bring constitutional freedom to all people of the United States. We believe in the Christian principles set forth in the Bible, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. The Christian Party of America’s nationwide Conference Calls are a great opportunity to connect with other Christian Party supporters as we try to make a difference in this country. So sign on with us for the conference call to discuss issues and contribute your thoughts about what we can be doing politically. Our conference calls are open to the public and are for all of us who are interested in the Christian Party of America. It is an easy-access way to share ideas and learn more about what is going on around the country with the Christian Party of America. Hope you can make it! There is no extra charge to participate other than the usual charges by your phone plan for a long distance call. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV) KJV)

**Unlocking the Power of the Gospel: A Journey Through the Book of Romans** Are you looking to deepen your understanding of the Christian faith and experience the life-changing power of the Gospel? Join us for an inspiring and in-depth study of the **Book of Romans**, often called the "Greatest Letter Ever Written." Romans is a masterpiece of theology, grace, and practical living. Whether you are a lifelong believer or someone just beginning to explore the depths of Scripture, this study will offer fresh insights into God's plan for humanity and His incredible love for you. ### **Why Study Romans?** * **Discover the Foundation:** Understand the core truths of salvation, justification by faith, and the transformative power of God's grace. * **Find Strength in Truth:** Explore how the "Chief Cornerstone" provides a firm foundation for our lives, no matter what challenges we face. * **Practical Transformation:** Learn how to move from theological understanding to everyday devotion, living as "living sacrifices" in a modern world. * **Build Community:** Connect with fellow students and seekers as we journey together through Paul’s most profound letter. ### **What to Expect** Each session will feature engaging teaching, thought-provoking group discussions, and a warm environment where questions are welcomed. We will move beyond just "reading" the text to truly *investigating* how these ancient truths apply to our contemporary walk with God. **Come and see why this book has sparked every major spiritual awakening in history.** Let’s grow in faith, speak the truth in love, and be built together into a community centered on Christ. **We can’t wait to meet you there!**

*Access to the God Current with HU* **Some of the benefits of HU:** * **Releases stress, worry, and fear.** * **Opens the door to higher awareness and miracles in your life.** * **Deepens your connection to the divine, regardless of your belief** **Experience the Sound of Soul, pause in quiet reflection, and join a gentle spiritual conversation—at your own pace, with no obligation.** Ways to participate: **IN-PERSON MARYLAND ECK CENTER** **1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104,** **Silver Spring, MD 20903** **ON ZOOM** **🔗[SOUND OF SOUL EVENT](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89597899210?pwd=reKwx1zJtFNylttx8N4LKs3zYJN7a3.1)** **Meeting ID: 895 9789 9210** **Passcode: 978196** **Phone: (301) 715-8592** **Questions?** **Call or text: (301) 439-2120; Email: [MEC@eckankarmaryland.org](mailto:MEC@eckankarmaryland.or)** **Presented by the Maryland & D.C. Satsang Societies Inc., Chartered Affiliates of ECKANKAR.** **Copyright © 2026 ECKANKAR. The terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOUL TRAVEL, and VAIRAGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 U.S.A.**

Every Friday night at 7:30pm you are welcome to attend the Covenant Life Church School of Holy Spirit. Whether you are just beginning in the prophetic or a seasoned saint, the Friday night School of the Holy Spirit provides the opportunity to be trained and exercised in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The sessions are taught by Apostle/Prophets Jeff & Linda Herbert who are ordained by Christian International. They are fully certified by CI to raise and train using the Manual for Ministering Spiritual Gifts and the Apostolic Prophetic Training series. Everyone who is willing will have the opportunity to pray for others during the activation times and will be used in their gifts. All sessions are free. Everyone is welcome. Childcare is not provided. For additional information: www.covenant-life-church.org

Gently flow to release the week's stresses, then deeply stretch with the yin and restorative yoga in an accepting, calm environment enhanced with candlelight and the aromatherapy of essential oils. Leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, restored and ready for what the weekend has in store for you! Class is 75 minutes. The session is offered InStudio only. **Sign up at www.piesfitnessyoga.com required at least two hours before class begins.** The address is 1322 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

Sunday, May 17, 2026 **How Bad Were Bad Roman Emperors?** Josiah Osgood – Georgetown University Nero fiddling while Rome burned, Caligula appointing his horse as consul, Commodus fighting as a gladiator: Rome’s worst emperors live on in popular memory as few other figures from the past do. Just how bad were these men? Modern historians have often dismissed ancient accounts as unreliable and also have suggested that it didn’t matter who the emperor was. A re-examination of the evidence, including recent archaeological finds, however, argues that an emperor could put his stamp on a whole age and affect the lives of millions for good and for bad. Come and meet anew these notorious rulers and learn how their abuse of power generated a literature of protest that has shaped culture to the present day. Luncheon at 2 pm; Lecture at 3 pm This event will be held at: Tandoori Fairfax 10312 Willard Way / Fairfax, VA 22030 How Bad Were Bad Roman Emperors? Reserve your spot: [https://basonova.org/next-lecture-reservation.html](https://basonova.org/next-lecture-reservation.html)

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

Hello Everybody! Join us this Saturday at 11 AM at the Fairfax Wegmans as we continue our Bible study and discussions. Recently, we've been studying the "types" (patterns or pictures) of Jesus in the Old Testament in chronological order starting with creation. We will go all the way to David as a type of Jesus the King. As anyone who's attended before knows, we have open discussions. Our goal is always to grow in our love, knowledge, and relationship with Jesus and to have fellowship. We invite the presence of the Holy Spirit as we meet together and we've had some great conversations and revelations. Please join us as we continue our Bible study and prayers. God bless you all, Mihail

**Real connection with fellow Catholics who are eager to grow in Faith and friendship!** This 3 year--- 45min deep dive into the Catholic faith is a great way to spend your Sunday rest day. When you are ready to dig deeper and live the faith more fully this is an optimal opportunity. Talk yourself into this! You may start whenever and can come as often or as little as you desire. Coffee is served w/ small donation. It is taught by the priest and/or OCIA director at St Louis Parish who are ALL fabulous- faithful educators filled with theologically inspired knowledge. You can ask questions at the end, which I love. It is just a wonderful experience to grow. Afterwards if you wish, you can also find your way over to the Little Way Cafe Coffee shop across the parking lot to stay for more community time or read some of the excellent books that line the shelves throughout. If you are new to the community of Alexandria and want to meet like minded folks or a veteran of it, this is a special and unique opportunity and did I mention it is free? :) Hard to believe! Please join me every Sunday at 945 am.

Francis Hutcheson (1694-1746) was a pivotal early figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, a movement which strongly embraced empiricism and concentrated on the study of human nature and the relationship of individuals and society. Born in Ireland to a line of Scottish Presbyterian ministers, Hutcheson was educated by dissenting Irish Presbyterians in Ulster before matriculating at the University of Glasgow, where he studied philosophy and theology. In 1719 he was licensed to preach in Ireland, but rather than adopting the more traditional views of his forefathers, he gravitated toward the tolerant and liberal “New Light” Presbyterianism. Instead of further pursuing the ministry for which he had trained, he put his efforts into founding a dissenting academy in Dublin—a successful venture that occupied him for the next ten years. While teaching in Dublin, he moved in intellectual circles, and it was there that he wrote the four early treatises—collected into two books, the *Inquiry* of 1725 and the *Essay* of 1728—that quickly established his reputation as a philosopher. On being appointed chair of moral philosophy at his alma mater, he left Ireland for Glasgow in 1729. Contemporaries described Hutcheson as a popular and animated professor—the first at Glasgow to deliver lectures in English rather than exclusively in Latin. His most famous student was Adam Smith (enrolled 1737-40). Hutcheson's influence on Scottish thinkers was considerable. With his emphasis on the primacy of feeling over reason in our moral perceptions, he inspired David Hume’s moral sentimentalism. His analysis of natural rights and property in the *Inquiry* (Treat. II Sect. VII) as well as in his later works directly influenced Smith. The Scottish school of common sense realism derived partly from Hutcheson's explication of moral sense theory. His influence also made its way to colonial America, where his works were included in college curricula beginning in the mid-1700s. John Adams and other signers of the Declaration of Independence are known to have read Hutcheson. In the *Inquiry*, he takes up Locke’s epistemology of sense perception and broadens it into a theory of the “internal senses”—faculties of perception as powerful as the commonly designated five external senses. Elaborating Lord Shaftesbury’s notion of a “moral sense” and the earl's analogy between beauty and virtue, Hutcheson divided his *Inquiry* into a discussion of the sense of beauty and of the paramount moral sense—both being internal senses which operate without depending on mediation by the will or reason. Like Shaftesbury and the philosopher Richard Cumberland, Hutcheson held a strong distaste for the Hobbesian worldview. In the vein of the former two, he promoted a vision of humans as naturally benevolent and innately interested in the welfare of others, maintaining that others’ good brings us no less pleasure than our own good. Notably, he also sowed the seeds of utilitarian thought with his phrase “the greatest happiness for the greatest numbers” (Treat. II Sect. III). **Main Reading** The reading below is available at the Online Library of Liberty: * The [Inquiry](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004), comprising the first two of Hutcheson's four early treatises (we are reading the 1726, or 2nd edition, of the book): read the [Preface](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_head_019) and Treat. I: Sections [I](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_051), [II](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_071), [III](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_088) (Art. [IV](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_101) is optional), ([V](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_109) is optional), [VI](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_137), [VII](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_158), [VIII](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_165); and Treat. II: [Intro](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_head_032) and Sect. [I](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_181), [II](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_205), [III](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_228) (Art. XI, XII until “Intention, foresight” optional), [IV](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_258), [V](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_275), [VI](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_296), and especially [VII](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_324). * Hutcheson's lecture upon his appointment at Glasgow, “[On the Natural Sociability of Mankind](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/hutcheson-logic-metaphysics-and-the-natural-sociability-of-mankind#lfHutcheson_head_238)." The first 3 paragraphs, until footnote 10, are optional. * The beginning of the fourth treatise [Illustrations](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/garrett-an-essay-on-the-nature-and-conduct-of-the-passions-and-affections-1742-2002#lf0150_label_230), Sect. [I](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/garrett-an-essay-on-the-nature-and-conduct-of-the-passions-and-affections-1742-2002#lf0150_head_019), and Sect. [IV](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/garrett-an-essay-on-the-nature-and-conduct-of-the-passions-and-affections-1742-2002#lf0150_label_296). Note that the ebook page on OLL can take a few moments to load. **Secondary resources** [IEP - Hutcheson](https://iep.utm.edu/hutcheso/) [SEP - Hutcheson](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hutcheson/) Liberty Fund: Editor’s [Intro to Inquiry](https://oll.libertyfund.org/pages/hutcheson-on-liberty-and-happiness). [SEP - Scottish 18th C. Philosophy](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/scottish-18th/) [Wiki - Scottish Enlightenment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Enlightenment) [Hutcheson and private property](https://www.adamsmithworks.org/documents/matson-hutcheson-property-virtue-march-2022) Routledge: [1](https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/biographical/hutcheson-francis-1694-1746/v-1/sections/life-and-works-43333), [2](https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/biographical/hutcheson-francis-1694-1746/v-1/sections/the-foundations-of-morality-and-the-moral-sense), [3](https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/biographical/hutcheson-francis-1694-1746/v-1/sections/practical-ethics-and-influence)

## **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**

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“How AI Alters Thinking,”** on dealing with artificial intelligence’s capacity to change and undermine our thought processes, with Eli Alshanetsky, assistant professor of philosophy at Temple University, principal investigator at its Cognitive Integrity Lab, and author of an upcoming book on AI and freedom of thought. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-how-ai-alters](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-how-ai-alters) .] Doctors who give bad advice can be sued for malpractice. Teachers belong to a profession with set standards. When artificial intelligence guides you, however, that guidance comes with a disclaimer: Use at your own risk. Every day millions of people take that risk, and usually AI seems genuinely helpful. But even if AI gives us good answers, might its use over time do bad things to how we think? Explore the relationship between AI and our own minds with Eli Alshanetsky, whose Cognitive Integrity Lab studies how artificial intelligence changes how we think, learn, and build trust. Author of *Articulating a Thought* and the upcoming book F*reedom of Thought in the Age of AI*, he’s on the cutting edge of efforts to answer AI-related questions such as: How can we tell when work is truly our own? How can technology support rather than replace authorship and reflection? What does trust mean when AI mediates our relationships with others and with our own thoughts? To set up his discussion of potential consequences of AI, he’ll describe how social media’s impact on society serves as a preview. Social media didn’t just give people what they wanted to click on, it actually changed what they regarded as click-worthy. It broke attention spans and fueled radicalization across millions of very different people. It left us with people who doom-scroll for hours, who can’t focus, who don’t know what to trust anymore. If you’d shown people this version of themselves ten years ago, would they have chosen it? Artificial intelligence is making a similar deal with us, but the stakes are higher. It isn’t chasing clicks. It’s optimized for giving you the most satisfying response to whatever is on your mind right now. The risk over time isn’t just that you’ll get lazy. More profoundly, even when you think hard, your sense of what counts as good thinking—as well as what sounds like you—will shift to match what AI has been feeding you. We’ll consider what kind of person this produces and whether this is someone we want to be or want children to become. Professor Alshanetsky will lay out a practical framework, which he calls “the interaction layer,” for using AI without letting it replace the thinking it’s supposed to support. He’ll also talk about what AI-related concerns should be the focus of parents and educators. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Illustration by David S. Soriano / Creative Commons.

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.

The topic for May is "Ink" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!