Jehovah's Witnesses

Philosophers, religionists, thinkers and psychologists have long debated whether we are born good, evil or full of sin – or whether we’re all blank slates just waiting to be filled in but with no inherent potential one way or the other. But what if we are actually created to be noble? How might that change the way we look at ourselves? What about others? At children? And the world? The world around us often seems to be telling us that we are unworthy of love or of excellence, that we as human beings are somehow inherently bad – or at least selfish in our motivations – and that this needs to be controlled. But what if we viewed ourselves and others as being born with inherent nobility just waiting to be realized? Is it possible that much of the negativity we see in the world today isn’t because people are inherently bad but that our inherent “goodness” and nobility is not being recognized and nurtured? What role does spirituality potentially play in this? How can a more spiritual perspective enable us to find reasons for hope and inspire us to act, to channel our unique strengths towards creating a world that reflects and nurtures our best selves? Can seeing the nobility in ourselves cause us to recognize and uplift the nobility in others, help us overcome challenges and forge a path towards a brighter future? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the underlying truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspectives offered by the Bahá’í Teachings to deepen our understanding of human nature and the nobility within each of us. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the role each of us can play in transforming our communities, in building a spiritually dignified world where each of us can thrive. *“...Noble have I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself. Rise then unto that for which thou wast created.”* – 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 a fun, relaxing day of hanging out, arts & crafts, and board games at the NoVA Prism Center! We will be providing supplies for various arts and crafts, but feel free to bring your own project or supplies as well! We will also have board games ready for use for anyone not artistically inclined (\*cough\*like Velvet\*cough\*) who still wants to join in and chill with friends. Be sure to bring some games from your own collection as well, as ours will be somewhat limited. In addition, this is a fursuit friendly event! This is a FREE event, and is all ages! Everyone is welcome. This will take place at the [NoVA Prism Center](https://novaprismcenter.gay/), a locally-run 501(c)(3) organization/community center for queer folks in Northern VA. The staff at the NoVA Prism Center have very generously allowed us to use their facilities for this event for free, so please have the utmost respect for your surroundings, and clean up after yourselves. The NoVA Prism Center is also kindly providing light snacks and beverages! ✨As a thank you to the NoVA Prism Center for letting us use their space, please consider [donating to the organization ](https://givebutter.com/3EJN5K)if you have the ability – even a few bucks here and there helps!✨ Looking forward to seeing you all there!

**‼️EDIT — TIME CHANGE‼️** Apologies everyone, something came up last minute and need to push it back. Sorry for any inconveniences :( **🌈SAFE ENVIRONMENT🌈** **Matthew 22:39 ❤️** “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Do you identify as **LGBTQIA+** and find yourself carrying doubt, shame, or hurt because of religion? Are you curious about reconnecting with your faith—or exploring it in a new way? If so, you’re invited to join a queer Bible study centered on **rediscovering God’s word through* love***. **This space is rooted in the belief that Christ’s love is for everyone.** Despite what many have been taught or made to feel, your identity does not disqualify you from faith—it is part of your story, and you are worthy of love, belonging, and grace. For a long time, I struggled with confusion, frustration, and even resentment toward religion. I asked God why I was made the way I am, wondering if that meant I was somehow wrong. Over time, I came to realize that the hurt I carried didn’t come from God—it came from human misunderstanding, systemic bias, and teachings that strayed from love. Through reflection and growth, my faith has become something different: something rooted in compassion, inclusion, and love for all people—myself included. **Logistics:** • 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month\* • Location: Library or apartment\*\* • 60–90 minutes of reading and discussion\*\*\* \* Frequency can increase if a consistent group forms \*\* In-person gatherings at my apartment's lounge if the group is comfortable \*\*\* Agenda shared in advance **If this resonates with you, you are welcome here. ❤️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️**

**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

**Welcome to our church in Greenbelt, MD** where we believe that everyone is made in God’s image, and that no one should be ignored or marginalized. We are a safe space for everyone who is looking for unconditional love and acceptance in Jesus Christ our Lord. We invite you to join us for our next service on **Sunday**, at 10:40 AM. We hope to see you there! 🙏🌟

Do you have goals focusing on your health this year? In this group, be de-influenced by internet trends and companies making a quick buck and join fellow pagans, witches, and heathens in creating practices that build your connection to your body and wellness. **The focus of this group:** -Share on your own experiences with health topics, whether that is food wellness, strength building, mobility training, and coordinating group walks and physical activities. -Lean into our spiritual practice as a tool in manifesting our health goals. -Mindfulness activities that can improve your body-spirit connection. -Share your own thoughts and struggles in an advice-centered and solutions oriented space that is respectful, intentional, and empathetic. Have you heard about a new trend you want real life opinions on? Are you looking for strategies **About your facilitator:** Merlin is a local practitioner in Massage Therapy, Reiki, Group Fitness, and is interested in all around wellness. He has focused on his own health and wellness over many years and recognizes how much supportive community and intentional self-love is for finding value in a health journey. If you are seeking a supportive community with the intention of bravely sharing, being heard, and being present with others, please join us!

**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.

In conjunction with the Interreligious Communities Project of Northern Virginia and [Sharing Sacred Spaces](https://www.sharingsacredspaces.org/), the Firefly House invites you to join us for an open house on Sunday, April 19, from 2 – 4pm in the McLaren Sargent Pavilion at beautiful Lake Accotink Park. You **must** [RSVP through the Sharing Sacred Spaces website](https://www.sharingsacredspaces.org/events-1/northern-virginia-sacred-site-visit-at-firefly-house) in addition to (or instead of) your response here. We will remind folks to do so a few times as we approach the open house. The afternoon will include a brief ceremony to consecrate our space and time together, a "Spring Awakening" walk in the park, information about the history of the Firefly House and an overview of the sort of Paganism(s) that we practice, some personal stories from members about how they came to the house, and the opportunity to ask any questions about witchcraft and Paganism in the modern world. **All are welcome!** You can be part of any religious community, or none, to join this event. We hope that anyone who is interested in learning in an interfaith setting will come. Please join us and feel free to invite friends and family. **Know before you go:** * Come with an open mind — Paganism carries a lot of baggage, and the Firefly House is excited to help unpack it. * As an earth-centered tradition, this visit will take place outdoors in a public park, in a reserved pavilion. Follow the directions to the pavilion below. * Hospitality is a core virtue here, expect to be warmly welcomed.

What does it mean to truly live in *Onenes*—with each other and with the Earth? Join us at **Unity of Fairfax** for a special Earth Day Sunday service as we celebrate our shared connection to all life. Rooted in Unity’s core value of *Oneness*, this gathering invites us to recognize the sacred interconnection between people, planet, and spirit. Featuring an interfaith element, this service will bring together diverse perspectives to honor the Earth and inspire a deeper sense of care, responsibility, and reverence for our world. Whether you’re spiritually curious, environmentally conscious, or simply looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Earth Day—you are welcome here.

Sunday, April 19, 2026 - Luncheon at 2 pm; Lecture at 3 pm **Legacy of the Minoans** **Emily Anderson - Johns Hopkins University** Sponsored by the Hellenic Society Prometheas Crete’s Minoan civilization was Europe’s first great Bronze Age society. Crete hosted magnificent palaces, including the labyrinth at Knossos, and Minoan art and traditions that profoundly influenced the Mediterranean world. The language of Minoan Crete is unknown, and their scripts, such as Linear A, have eluded translation since Sir Arthur Evans first excavated in Crete in 1900. Named after the mythological King Minos, Crete’s Minoan landscape serves as the setting for countless legends, including the birthplace of Zeus, the labyrinth where Theseus killed the Minotaur and the prison that Daedalus and Icarus fled with their ill-fated wings. How did Minoan society rise from small isolated farms to state-level palatial society with "international" prominence? Professor Anderson’s detailed exploration of the uniqueness and trajectory of Minoan Crete within the eastern Mediterranean will focus on the role of trade and exchange, seafaring, craft, politics, art and religion, and how these were all entwined. This event is sponsored by the Hellenic Society Prometheas Luncheon at 2 pm; Lecture at 3 pm This event will be held at Yayla Bistro: 2201 N. Westmoreland street / Arlington, VA 22213 Reserve your spot: [https://basonova.org/next-lecture-reservation.html](https://basonova.org/next-lecture-reservation.html)

Apostolic Word Of God Church Freewill Prophetic Worship Service. Apostle Dr. David and Prophetess Dr. Marguerite Carter are inviting you to join our Sunday Worship Services. Optional Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83705862326?pwd=OVZHMFB6U0lrOUlIT1gxSDZ3c2w1QT09 Meeting ID: 837 0586 2326 Password: 667084 Optional one tap mobile +13017158592,,83705862326#,,,,,,0#,,667084# US (Germantown) +13126266799,,83705862326#,,,,,,0#,,667084# US (Chicago) The Purpose Of Our Worship Of God The purpose of our worship is to glorify, honor, praise, exalt, and please God. The nature of the worship God demands is the prostration of our souls before Him in humble and contrite submission. Jesus says in John 4:23-24, "But the hour is coming, and now is when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth."It doesn’t say we can worship God any way we want, but we "must worship Him in spirit and in truth". The word "must" makes it absolute. There is no other way we can worship God and be acceptable to Him. God seeks true worshippers, and He identifies them as those who "worship Him in spirit and in truth". Worshipping God in spirit means that it must be done from the heart. Worshipping God in truth means that it must be done according to God has specified in the Bible. Come with Expectations: Expect to experience the Presence of the Lord. Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and flow in the spirit. Expect "Soaking Time" This is your personal time seeking the Lord while listening to prerecorded music, as directed by the Holy Spirit. Come 15 to 30 minutes early for soaking time. Expect an atmosphere of freedom to worship and liberty in Christ Jesus. Expect the Holy Spirit to administer Spiritual Gifts in the Body of Christ: The Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge faith, gifts of healings, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues (languages), interpretation of tongues (languages), 1 Corinthians 12. Expect singing and praying in the spirit with understanding, 1 Corinthians 14:15 Expect to be filled with the spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:18-20 Expect anointed teachings/preaching of the Word Of God. Expect to lay prostrate while seeking the Lord (bring a throw blanket). Note: The above is freely administered by the Holy Spirit, subject to change, and is not all-inclusive. There is much more, but cannot be written here. Remember God sent you here for a purpose. Blessed be God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 We love you in Jesus's name. Apostle David and Prophetess Marguerite Carter, Pastors Apostolic Word Of God Church Inc. 13413 Marburg Lane | Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-4318 Phone: 301.780.3707 | Fax: 301.780.3708 AWOGC website address: http://www.awogc.org david.carter@awogc.org marguerite.carter@awogc.org Donate On-Line at http://www.awogc.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.

Instead of our usual 3rd Sunday ritual, please join MoonFire on Sunday, April 19 at 12:00 PM, for the “Exploring Your Core Values” workshop being offered at UUCA that you may find meaningful and engaging. It’s an interactive workshop designed to help participants discover what truly matters to them - - at a deep, grounding level. For more details and to enroll in the workshop, please either contact UUCA (703-892-2565 / uuca@uucava.org) or check out the Faith360 write-up on the UUCA web site under “In Person Workshops” at the following address: https://uucava.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/036d86f0-3e1d-4d24-b228-9bf787645305 MoonFire (usually) holds ritual the 3rd Sunday of every month at the UU Church of Arlington, VA, starting at 12 PM with a pre-ritual briefing. Plan to arrive a little early so you can meet folks and get settled in. Rituals are usually followed by a potluck. We welcome everyone. If you are wondering whether to bring children, are new to Paganism, or plan to take pictures or write about our ritual, let us know ahead of time.

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.

**Caller: Richard Ades** **Band: The McKenzies** **Clinton Heights Lutheran Church** **15 Clinton Heights Ave, Columbus, OH 43202** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

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

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) $15 for One Class $20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space.

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.