Theology

Trail Mix: Worship on the Move SATURDAYS\| 9 AM Meet @Vine Outdoor Picnic Tables (2501 Gallows Road) Trail Mix: Worship on the Move is a unique worship experience that invites us beyond the church walls and onto the W&OD Trail to encounter God in the beauty and freedom of the outdoors. We begin at Vine Church with a warm welcome, gentle stretching, scripture, and a centering thought before walking together to the trail. Like a pilgrimage, this time of walking or running becomes a space for fellowship, reflection, and openness to the gentle surprises of the Holy Spirit moving through creation. As we journey, worship happens in the quiet noticing: the rhythm of our steps, the sounds of nature, the beauty of the sky. Some may walk, others jog or run. Everyone moves at their own pace, yet we share the trail as one community of faith. When we return to Vine, we’ll share simple trail snacks (like trail mix or granola bars)—a small but meaningful meal that reminds us Christ nourishes us along the way, wherever our paths may lead. This is a great service for families (all ages welcome), singles (join a community), people who are neurodiverse, or who feel most connected when they can be alone together—sharing space with others while moving at their own pace, without pressure to talk or engage in traditional ways. The structure is open and spacious, allowing room for silence, prayer, or conversation—whatever feels right to you. Trail Mix is for everyone: those rooted in church life, those exploring faith for the first time, those who find God best in wide open spaces. Come expecting to move, breathe, pray, and experience the sacred in the world around you. Questions: Contact [abbytoler@thevineva.org](mailto:abbytoler@thevineva.org)

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

**Wifi might not be available. Please use your phone hot spot in case.** Non-programmers are absolutely welcome—you don’t need to know how to code to join. This meetup is for anyone interested in tech. You can share what you’re working on, propose ideas, or just talk about technology. **No intro circle 🙂** We typically meet once a month at the Centreville Regional Library, with occasional meetups in Chantilly or other nearby libraries depending on availability. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to reach out: timothyfilippone@gmail.com

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free meditation sessions and everyone is welcome to join and experience the peace within!

Casual coffee meetup to connect and get to know others interested in metaphysics, mediumship, intuition, and related topics. We’ll have informal conversation and share what brought us to this interest area. All experience levels are welcome. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

**Finding Truth, Together** *** Are we facing a crisis of truthfulness? Given our unique and diverse experiences and perspectives, is it still possible to reach a collective understanding of what is “true” and to form a basis for how we determine truth? And how can we actively seek and recognize what is true, beyond just relying on conventional wisdom, tradition, superstition, or our own personal beliefs? Truth is an anchor to reality, rooting us in the midst of chaos and providing direction for a path forward. But while access to information has greatly increased, it seems to be increasingly difficult to determine facts from opinions or falsehood. Far beyond just being a problem in politics, it seems to extend into almost every part of our society and cultures. Could our ability to discern truth depend in part on certain spiritual qualities like humility and detachment complementing our senses, our mind, and intellectual training? What is the relationship of truth to justice? Are there tools that can help us seek and find the truth not only as individuals but collectively as a society? 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 spiritual solutions to seeking the truth. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore how to apply spiritual principles of finding collective truth to benefit our lives and our communities. “*Truth has many aspects, but it remains always and forever one*.” – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

Pastor Weaver will lead an in person meditation session on June 7th in the sanctuary at 9:15 to 9:40am. Come, learn, experience and/or practice the Mercy meditation.

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.

Optional 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?

Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles

4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?

Optional Questions: AI & Being Human

7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?

Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning

10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?

Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche

13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?

Optional Questions: Work & Purpose

16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?

Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection

19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?

Optional Questions: Time & Mortality

22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?

Optional Questions: Society & Culture

25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?

Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy

28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free meditation sessions and everyone is welcome to join and experience the peace within!

Let's get our 80s nerd on, BY THE POWER OF GREYSKULL!!!

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free meditation sessions and everyone is welcome to join and experience the peace within!

**The Soul Remembers What the Mind Forgets with Sister Jenna** In honor of **Dadi Prakashmani**, whose life embodied deep spiritual awareness and the power of remembrance, this special evening invites us to look beyond the limits of the mind and reconnect with the truth of the soul. Through a heartfelt sharing of walking alongside Sister Gita during her journey with Alzheimer’s, we will gently explore what remains when memory begins to fade. While the mind may forget names, places, and moments… the soul continues to hold love, impressions, and a quiet knowing that cannot be erased. Held during **Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month**, this reflective gathering offers space to: * See beyond the fear of memory loss * Discover the deeper identity of the self as a soul * Find meaning, patience, and growth through caregiving * Experience the power of love that remains constant This is not just a talk, it is a moment to pause, reflect, and remember who we truly are. Even when the mind forgets… the soul remembers. Sun., June 7th, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/KwXdf](https://shorturl.at/KwXdf)

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)

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)

Get ready to hang ten at VINE’s first-ever Vacation Bible School from July 20th to 24th, 9 AM to 2 PM! Registration is open now: [VBS 2026 - Vine Church](https://vinechurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3622442) We’re transforming our church into an exciting beachside paradise, and we want YOU to be part of our surf team! Join us for Surf Shack VBS: Catch the Wave of God’s Amazing Love, brought to you by Axil Youth Group and supported by Vine’s Kid Ministry leaders and volunteers. Don’t miss out on the fun—come ride the wave with us! Questions? Contact jennifer@thevineva.org

*In this talk, Rev. Hannah Sachs, Pastor of Faith Formation at Rock Spring UCC, will share her journey from a conservative Evangelical upbringing to her current life as an ordained minister in an affirming tradition. Moving beyond the defensive position that "queerness isn't a sin," she will invite us to consider a more radical, prophetic possibility: that queer identity is actually an integral spiritual blessing the Church desperately needs to stay alive. Together, we will explore the idea that queerness is not merely something to be tolerated, but may offer a vital lens for understanding the expansive, boundless nature of God and the liberating way of Christ.*

Holy Shift! is a weekly small group focused on spiritual growth, authentic conversation, and exploring faith through different forms of media. Each series rotates formats — including books, podcasts, TV shows, movies, and more. For a fresh way to engage spirituality, theology, philosophy, and everyday life, join your small group hosts Steven Robeson and Allie Olson on Wednesdays from 6:00–7:25 PM in the Vine Church Middle School Room. 6:00–6:30 PM — Bring-your-own dinner & casual conversation 6:30–7:25 PM — Spiritual discussion The group will begin June 17th by exploring the Unbelief Podcast, hosted by Jeremy Steele, pastor of NOOMA, which recently joined Vine as a cooperative parish. Holy Shift will expand into deeper seasonal studies in the fall, with future topics ranging from the contemplative writings of Richard Rohr, the Biblical reimagining of The Chosen, and the philosophical underpinnings of The Good Place. Questions? Contact [jennifer@thevineva.org](mailto:jennifer@thevineva.org)

Join us for a group discussion on Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), a reflection on human dignity, work, technology, and artificial intelligence in light of the Gospel and Catholic social teaching. We’ll meet in the New Parish Hall (on the other side of the partition when you walk in the door) at 7:00 pm and unpack a short portion of the encyclical, sharing our thoughts and reflections. Our typical group size for the weekly meetings is roughly 8-15 people.

Join the St. Augustine Society every Wednesday at 7:00 pm in St. Timothy Catholic Church's New Parish Hall for study on the Church Fathers! We'll read and discuss a chapter a week from the book: Reading the Church Fathers: A History of the Early Church and the Development of Doctrine by James Papandrea Email staugustinesociety@sttimothyparish.org for more information or if you have any questions. Sponsored by the St. Augustine Society, a 30's to 50's Catholic singles ministry based at St. Timothy's in Chantilly. We host weekly meetings on Wednesday on topics related to the Catholic faith and serve as both a fellowship meeting and a learning opportunity. We also host monthly social events, which are usually advertised by email to our members. Email us if you'd like to get on our email distribution list.