Edgar Aranda-Yanoc, President of the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations and Community Educator with the Legal Aid Justice Center's Immigrant Advocacy Program, will discuss the growing economic and political importance of immigrants in Northern Virginia, the treatment of both documented and undocumented immigrants by government entities, and what we can do to help. Just how do you think immigrants live from day-to-day?

What are the challenges and beauty of navigating our growth as ethical beings in our congregations? How does living in an ethical community shape our quest for better relationships and a just world? In exploring these themes, our speaker will discuss her own spiritual journey and capacity to reflect and bring possibilities to consciousness. Catherine Bordeau is the Clergy Leader Candidate at the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture.

Iris Woodard is a NoVES member as well as a nurse and a labor relations specialist with Kaiser Permanente. Are you left with a bitter after taste when negotiating with your boss, colleagues, family, or friends? Come hear about a novel negotiating technique that strives to leave everyone pleased.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” (Dr. Seuss)

A purpose of an Ethical Society is to help individuals grow to our unique selves -- the "truer than true" You.  We're called human beings, not human doings -- who we are is the foundation of what we do, and what we do helps shape who we are.  "Who we are" is about our unique best, though, not just some way we now are: "who we are" is always open to change, and to more choice than we may recognize.  Jone Johnson Lewis, NoVES Leader, will explore the interrelationship of who we are and what we do.

Penny Gross

Fairfax County Supervisor representing Mason District in Annandale

Note 10 a.m. start time! Most Sundays we begin at 11 a.m.

Felix Adler, who we recognize weekly as the founder of the first Ethical Society, once wrote: "We cannot adopt the way of living that was satisfactory a hundred years ago. The world in which we live has changed, and we must change with it."  It's an interesting paradox: recognizing our history and also moving towards a future.

What can we learn from some of the "ghosts" or "heroes" or even "saints" of the history of our ethical movement?  How did they shape the way that we practice today?  What of that past is useful and what is not?  What can we learn from their lives?  

Northern Virginia Ethical Society Leader Jone Johnson Lewis is speaking.

Dr. Howard Radest, Dean Emeritus of The Humanist Institute, a member of the National Council of Ethical Culture Leaders, and retired Adjunct Professor of Philosophy at The University of South Carolina-Beaufort will speak Sunday, April 22, 2012, 11:00 am about what is happening in this time of fragmentation, anger, and distrust. Week 3

Part Earth Day, part Spring Solstice (a little late) celebration, this day is one of our intergenerational festivals, with fun, food and fellowship.

We are meeting at Blueberry Hill on this date, not at Green Hedges! Green Hedges School is having an Open House for prospective students this Sunday.

Merle Morrow, author of So Am I: What Teaching in a Prison Taught Me

Leader Jone Johnson Lewis reflects on the learnings that parenting brings to our lives -- humility, compassion, responsibility, juggling, even critical thinking and how the universe works.

Northern Virginia Ethical Society is a democratic organization -- the members' votes elect a board, set major policy, and approve the financial plans for the year.  Please join us and "see how the sausage is made."

On what people believe strongly in, without or against evidence, led by member Sven Sinclair.

This week includes a reflection from Leader Jone Johnson Lewis and our Sunday School graduation, celebrating the unique individuals who have been part of our RE program and whose lives are moving onwards.

Being seen and appreciated for who we are and what we bring to this community is something most long for -- though how people want this to happen may vary.  On this Sunday, we look at what appreciation and recognition mean in our lives -- and we recognize some special contributions to our community.