Spiritual Growth

**Join us for Soul Coffee, an informal gathering where we can connect a bit deeper, check in on each other, and share some real soul conversation together - as always, across beliefs and traditions.** Soul Coffee is a gathering by BreadBreakers, a community for people of all stripes to build meaningful relationships and have curious conversations. **Our mission in BreadBreakers is to be a place of compassion and belonging in a time of division and isolation; to rebuild the town square, one table at a time.** Usually we do this by breaking bread and having facilitated conversations over dinner, but sometimes it's good to just meet over coffee and spend some unstructured time talking about the deep stuff. At each Soul Coffee, we'll keep it simple and talk about three questions: - How's your soul doing? - How have you experienced wonder lately? - What do you need right now? No matter your religion, or if you even are religious; no matter where you are spiritually; no matter if you even think souls exist - come to be seen and known, to just be humans together in a crazy world, to talk about those things of the spirit that are so central to the human experience but rarely get discussed. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of being in community with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by[ Restoration United Methodist Churc](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers)h in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community, a collaboration between the church and those of all different beliefs. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

Life will always bring moments of uncertainty, change, and challenge, but within each of us is a quiet strength that can remain steady no matter what is happening around us. Join Sister Jenna for an uplifting and empowering workshop designed to help you reconnect with your inner resilience, restore clarity, and strengthen your spiritual foundation. This session will explore how to stay calm under pressure, protect your inner peace, and respond to life’s challenges with courage, compassion, and stability. Come discover how to become unshakeable from the inside out. Sunday, June 14th, 1:00pm - 2:30pm. Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum - Virginia, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl Suite 200, 2nd floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event. Sister Jenna is the director of the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museums in Silver Spring, MD and Chantilly, VA.

Is there hidden value in the difficulties and hardships of life, or are these things just to try to get past as quickly as possible? If so, how can we emerge from the current world crisis we are facing as stronger, more resilient individuals and communities? When we look at the difficult moments of our lives, aren’t those often the times when we grew the most? So many valuable lessons in life and growth opportunities are hard-won, often coming out of these trying moments. So why are we so focused on avoiding these difficulties? From this perspective, how would we as individuals and as a society confront the inevitable struggles we will be faced with? How can we build stronger communities that ensure not only that we don’t have to face struggles alone, but that we as individuals will emerge stronger as well? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the opportunity for growth during times of struggle. Join us for a lively discussion as we reflect on the meaning of the struggles of life and explore the true nature of progress. *“The troubles of this world pass and what we have left is what we have made of our souls.*” – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

Release the past and embrace new possibilities in this Reiki-guided meditation enhanced by live music. Through a journey of release, healing, and self-discovery, you will arrive at a place of deep peace, supported by a restorative sound bath. Experience Fee: $35 Tickets: www.danceoflighthealing.com/events-guided-meditations I am Cindy Waldman Maher, a certified Usui Holy Fire III Karuna Reiki Master, Teacher, and Practitioner with over 30 years of experience in stress management across the U.S. and South America. I was always drawn to natural healing and in the early 1990s, I began exploring alternative techniques for relaxation and consciousness expansion using sound and light stimulation. My journey with Reiki began after witnessing its profound healing effects when my daughter recovered from a severe asthma attack with the help of Reiki. For the last 20 years, I have helped individuals with physical, mental, and emotional challenges through Reiki sessions, both in-person and remote. I have trained many new Reiki healers; those who aspire to help themselves and their loved ones, healers who want to become certified and open their own practice, and many people who are drawn to Reiki for spiritual enlightenment. Regardless of why someone seeks Reiki, I have found that they always benefit from the experience—and that brings me great joy.

Good food has a way of bringing people together. Faith & Fork is a small group built around the simple idea that meaningful connection often happens around a table. Each gathering includes a shared meal, conversation, a brief devotional, laughter-filled games, and prayer. Together we'll explore one guiding question: "If Jesus were at the table..." What would he say? What would he notice? How would he respond to the stories, struggles, celebrations, and questions we bring? And how might we be invited to respond as people seeking to follow him? Whether you're new to church, have been part of a faith community for years, or simply long for authentic connection, there's a seat for you. Come enjoy a meal, meet new friends, share meaningful conversation, and discover how faith can shape everyday life around the table. Expect good food, thoughtful discussion, plenty of laughter, and a welcoming community where you can know and be known. A seat is waiting for you at Faith & Fork. 🍴❤️ When: 4th Fridays \| 6:30–8:00 PM What to Expect: Shared meal • Fellowship • Devotional conversation • Games • Prayer • Community Questions? Contact [jennifer@thevineva.org](mailto:jennifer@thevineva.org)

Faith meets the front page—casual conversation with Vine Clergy & Friends! ImBIBLErs — Faith, Food & Conversation Join us this Monday (and every 3rd Monday) for ImBIBLErs—a casual gathering where we enjoy good food, good drinks, and great conversation. Each month, we dive into the day's headline through a theological lens, led by one of our pastors. Come as you are, order what you like, and join the discussion. All are welcome! Meets at Caboose Commons, Mosaic: 2918 Eskridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 2203 Questions? Contact [vine2501@gmail.com](mailto:vine2501@gmail.com)

### Hopeful Cafe Conversations @Panera Kentlands **You are cordially invited to join in the conversation to catch the positive vibe... a cup of coffee, or another of your favorite refreshment.** **At NEW HOPE CAFE CONVERSATIONS on 3rd Saturdays, Monthly** **Address: Panera, 285 Kentlands Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878** **Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83326239362** ===== **New Hope Workshop**: What is Negativity Bias? How do we get ahead of it to reach more positive outcomes in work, life, and relationships? Discover the difference between goals and outcomes. 1\. How do we reaffirm ones role\, despite negativity bias from others? 2\. The New Hope Community Affirmative Statements of Foundational Principles 3\. Your Perspectives in Conversation **"Star Points Meal Deal"** If you have New Hope "Star Points 💫" you can get a discount on a meal. Also you can earn Star Points, if this is your first time attending Cafe Conversations, in-person. Ask Gene, newhope321community@yahoo.com, 240-848-0808.