Historical Jesus

## **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**

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets are available.** [Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Dune and Messiahs,”** on word of saviors in religion and science fiction, with Peter Herman, former lecturer in theology and religious studies at Marymount University and scholar of religious and social themes in sci fi. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-dune-messiahs](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-dune-messiahs) .] *Dune: Part Three* is scheduled for release in December, and trailers for the epic space opera film have fans of the *Dune* franchise longing for it like visitors to its desert planet Arrakis long for water. Based on the second volume of renowned science fiction novelist Frank Herbert's *Dune* saga, the movie depicts the internal and external conflicts of protagonist Paul Atreides, an emperor treated by others as a messiah while being depicted as an antihero. The film will raise intriguing questions related to the presence of redeeming figures, or messiahs, throughout both science fiction and religious texts. Among them: What exactly do we mean by the term “messiah”? Why have many religious traditions looked for a redeemer to emerge? What happens if the messiah gets it all wrong? Explore such questions—and prepare yourself to enjoy the upcoming *Dune* film at a much deeper level—with Dr. Peter Herman, who has given several excellent, thought-provoking Profs and Pints talks on the *Dune* franchise. To center *Dune* in the discussion, we’ll look at the character of Paul Atriedes as a ruler who has launched a jihad across known space to reconquer it. His prescient visions show him that although the spread of religious war is not optimal, neither is it the worst potential future for humanity, and he allows excess and violence to continue in his name out of a conviction that it’s for the greater good. Throughout the book on which the upcoming film is based, Atriedes struggles with his followers' desire to view him as a divine figure. Dr. Herman, a trained theologian, will set such themes in the broader context of religious studies by discussing messianic figures across various religious traditions. Among them, Christianity names Jesus of Nazareth as the messiah, but he is hardly the first person in the canonical Bible given that title. Mainstream Judaism does not anticipate any similar, deified figure descending from heaven, but messianic strains of Judaism have looked for the arrival of a political liberator. Islam, from which Frank Herbert borrowed terms applied to Paul Atriedes, contains reference to someone serving not as a redeemer but as a heavenly guide. All branches of Buddhism situate within each new age of their cyclical cosmology a Buddha-yet-to-come. We’ll look at the human tendency in confusing times to seek out direct, uncomplicated answers and to embrace messianism as part of apocalypticism, which foretells a straightforward sorting process in which believers, as good people, see reward while their enemies, as bad people, see punishment. *Dune* fans will feel rewarded for coming to this talk. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

Since we're shifting our date to avoid Father's Day, let’s wrap up the month with a "sweet" summer romance! We’re heading to **Decadent Coffee and Dessert Bar** in Maple Lawn to discuss *Seven Days in June* by Tia Williams. This New York Times bestseller follows two writers who spent one intense week in love as teenagers and reunite 15 years later. It’s a witty, steamy, and deeply moving story about second chances, chronic pain, and the power of Black love. **The Details:** * **Book:** *Seven Days in June* by Tia Williams * **Location:** Decadent Coffee and Dessert Bar, Maple Lawn * **Date/Time:** Sunday, June 28th @ 2:00 PM **Important Note on RSVPs:** Decadent is a cozy spot! Please **RSVP as soon as possible** so I can get a headcount. Since they are a dessert bar, this is a great low-pressure meeting to enjoy some treats while we chat. **Start the Conversation!** Are you a coffee, tea, or "just give me the dessert" person?

**MLK Library - Room 302E** So many of us have a bucket list of things we hope to do or achieve before we “kick the bucket”! But do we also need to consider creating a spiritual bucket list – not just a list of things we want to do, but of things we want to be? And do we wait to one day just become these things, or are these things we can – and should we – be working on right now, day by day? What makes a bucket list meaningful is that it be a reflection of what you value and desire – a tool to help push ourselves to grow and develop and fulfill our highest aspirations. Things like skydiving, traveling, running a marathon, and buying a house are common to-do’s helping us achieve our material aspirations. But what about considering our ultimate to-do’s to fulfill our spiritual purpose? What if we aspired to grow spiritually, to be kinder and more virtuous people, to help others in need? Do we need to wait for some future time to do these things, or can we actually draw closer every day to achieving these goals through our daily choices and spiritual habits? What would it look like to live a life designed around reaching these spiritual goals and reaching our true, spiritual purpose? How can we support each other in checking off our spiritual bucket lists? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the deeper truths that unite us – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on fulfilling our spiritual purpose. Please join us for a lively discussion as we explore how we can each live a life of spiritual growth and fulfillment and create communities that support each and every one of us. *“Material progress insures the happiness of the human world. Spiritual progress insures the happiness and eternal continuance of the soul.”* – Bahá’í Teachings **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

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.

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 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? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Stretch & Sip A unique worship experience for adults looking to engage their mind, body, spirit, and taste buds! Sundays, 5 PM Join us each Sunday for a guided time of stretching, meditation, and mindfulness (think Yoga Church) – followed by a free mocktail and conversation! Can’t make it in person? Join us ONLINE Sundays at 5pm (or watch back any time): [https://boxcast.tv/view/stretch--sip-yoga-church-fmqisz5b8r1x8rzawvbb?_gl=1](https://boxcast.tv/view/stretch--sip-yoga-church-fmqisz5b8r1x8rzawvbb?_gl=1) Questions? Contact [abbytoler@thevineva.org](mailto:abbytoler@thevineva.org)

Every Sunday afternoon before church, one of the Covenant Life Church prophetess' hosts a prophetic training class that activates participants in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. During this class, participants will be provided opportunity to be taught how to use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and will have opportunity to ask questions and talk with someone who has been used in the Gifts during ministry. Teaching is provided on the gifts with emphasis on the Gift of the Prophecy. A combination of lecture and experiential learning is employed to teach, guide and instruct the participants. Everyone is welcome, all classes are free. Childcare is not provided.

Join us for a relaxed morning of conversation, connection, and community as we gather to explore psychedelic integration, harm reduction, and the lessons that continue unfolding long after an experience ends. Whether you’re experienced, curious, or simply looking for thoughtful community, you’re welcome here. Zen Press Cafe & Juice Bar 806 King St, Alexandria, VA Sunday, June 28 @ 10:30 AM Hosted by @openeyesva and @thefractalpath Come grab a juice, meet like-minded people, and participate in an open community discussion on making meaning from psychedelic experiences.

* **Would you like to look deeper into the source of life?** * **Do you want to find your own answers to everyday questions?** * **Singing HU can bring you Love, Happiness, and Stability** **You’re warmly invited to join us at our** **Friday HU Chant at 7:00 pm** **You will be welcome to chant out loud or simply listen, whatever is right for you. The chant lasts about 20 minutes, followed by brief contemplative time and conversation with others of like heart.** **Attend In-Person at:** **The Maryland Eckankar Center** **1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104** **Silver Spring, MD 20903** **(Doors open at 6:30 pm)** **Check out our local events at [EckankarMaryland.org](http://eckankarmaryland.org)** **For more information:** **Call or text: (301) 439-2120** **MEC@eckankarmaryland.org** **Presented by the DC & Maryland Satsang Societies, Inc. Chartered Affiliates of ECKANKAR.** **Copyright © 2025 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.**

**NOW ONLINE** The weekly Sunday morning (10:30 am to 12 noon) class begins with a welcome, short reflection on an aspect of the teachings, and includes an arriving meditation (15 minutes) that will often incorporate poems and may end with a reflection or question. The opening meditation is followed by an invitation to each person to share their name and a few words (for example, what is alive for them right now or what their intention is for the class or the day). The sharing has been a powerful support to help welcome new people, get to know each other, and build community/sangha. Following a brief period of mindful stretching/movement, we finish with a longer meditation (25-30 minutes) and final reflections on the teachings, sharing, Q&A, and announcements. Class participants are welcome to stay and engage with other members of the community or adjourn to a neighboring restaurant or coffee shop. This space is inclusive, everyone is welcome, and we invite you to bring with you all aspects of yourself. Learn more here: https://imcw.org/Calendar/Event-Calendar/EventId/3686/e/drop-in-class-livestreamed-19-apr-2020

**YES! YES!! YES!!!** **FREE HUGS on the National Mall are happening again!!** **"Spreading More Love"** Here are two videos of past FREE HUGS gatherings: [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** Now that the Flu, COVID and RSV have subsided, we are **RESUMING OUR MONTHLY FREE HUGS GATHERINGS!!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

**Hi Amazing Singles,** Have you been looking for a precious community? People who pursue God seriously :) People who love, laugh, pray, and eat with rigor ;) LOL Then you've come to the right place! This summer SingleFaith Chaplain Ted will lead us through a book titled Famines, Deserts, and Other Hard Places: Trusting God in the Day of Calamity You'll learn: \- How to trust God when the wells run dry\. \- How God's hidden purposes are revealed through suffering\. \- Why spiritual disciplines become essential in hard places\. If your new we would love for you to give us a try! If you've been around it's time to return. An Amazon link to the book is provided below: Ted and I are excited to walk with you through this book and life! There will roughly 8-9 weeks of study ending Sunday Aug. 30th If you have any questions let Ted or I know. Lots of love, Ted - 443-905-2585 Andy - 804-986-3164 https://www.amazon.com/Famines-Deserts-Other-Hard-Places/dp/B0F92JBZ7Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3QOTPPOKAGNM7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6bVs-K_2VoDd3P6yT5ghKQ.It4RuHYzrt5Q6KEaTg5E0DpenH5kJ8jDXiT_l22st-U&dib_tag=se&keywords=famines+desserts+and+other+hard+places&qid=1778942949&sprefix=Famines+d%2Caps%2C489&sr=8-1

From the moment sin entered the world, death began. Adam and Eve were not stricken dead immediately, but the process by which none of us lives forever in health and wholeness in these earthly bodies started its inexorable march to the inevitable end—death. The Bible makes it clear that by one man’s sin, death came to all mankind, but that by the obedience of One Perfect Man, Jesus, many are made righteous (Romans 5:19). F.F. Bosworth recognized this truth; he also would have people consider that the God Who provided for our greatest need—salvation from eternal death—would also provide healing for the lesser, but still great needs, of health and healing from sickness, disease, and the consequences of sin that we encounter before we die. Join us as we examine the case for biblical healing in the book first published in 1924, ***Christ The Healer*. We meet at True Food Kitchen, Easton Town Center on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 6:30 pm.** Get your tickets on [EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christ-the-healer-columbus-ohio-tickets-1989133215995)! Connect with us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/events/1495777228332299)! Check out our new website, [LocalCA](https://localca.org/)! Say hello on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/christianbookclubwellness/)!

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)

Just because someone quotes the Bible doesn't mean that they are using it in truth. In Luke chapter 4, Jesus goes out into the wilderness to fast and pray for 40 days and Satan takes that opportunity to taunt and tempt Jesus to sin. How does Satan make effort to entice God In Human Flesh to sin? By quoting His own words to Him, but out of context, falsely, and with evil intent. The importance of knowing God rightly and in truth through His Word is of utmost importance. Jesus made this clear when He defeated Satan's arguments by directing Scripture right back at the Father of Lies, in the Spirit and in Truth. Come study Luke 4 with us, **Sunday morning, July 26, 2026 at 10 am, True Food Kitchen, Easton Town Center**! We look forward to seeing you there!! Get your tickets on [EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/columbus-luke-4-tickets-1992450602387)! Check us out on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/events/1771970560829552)! Connect with us at our new website for [LocalCA](http://%5Bwww.localca.org%5D(www.localca.org)/ "\[www.localca.org\](www.localca.org)")!

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.