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Northern Virginia Ethical Society (NoVES)

Sunday Platforms

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The platform of an Ethical Society is itself the altar; the address must be the fire that burns thereon.

Felix Adler, Founder of Ethical Culture




What to Expect

Our platform meetings typically feature a thought-provoking talk on a topic of ethical interest, along with responses, music, a story for children of all ages, and more. We meet from mid-September through mid-June (see topic listings below).

Our Sunday School is devoted to teaching children how to make ethical choices, with a thoughtful, age-specific curriculum and a friendly, supportive environment.

All are welcome to attend a Sunday meeting and to bring children along for Sunday School. Casual, comfortable dress is the norm, we want you to feel at home.

We follow the more formal part of our meetings with a coffee and conversation time hosted by our members -- a chance to continue the conversation about the topic, to get to know each other, to learn from each other, and to find others with shared values and concerns.

A few times each year, we have inter-generational festival celebrations instead of talks at the Sunday platform meeting. In these events, we celebrate the natural flow of the seasons, honor the universal human concerns behind holidays, and enjoy a shared meal together.

Each Sunday, we pass the basket, giving members and friends an opportunity to help support the Society and its values. Half of all undesignated donations are given to a charitable or service organization or project; the Ethical Action committee selects and announces each week's recipient organization or project.

Sample Sunday Program

 10:45-11:00Gathering           
 11:00 AMOpening Words and Music   
 Welcome and Greet Your neighbors
 11:10 AMStory Time (kids gather up front)  
 11:15 AMKids go to Sunday School
 Music
 11:20 AMPlatform Speaker Introduction
 11:20 AM-11:50 AMPlatform Address  
 Music  
 Response Period and Sharing of Responsibility (collections)
 Announcements 
 12:00 PMClosing Words  
 12:15Conclusion of Sunday School  
 12:00 PM-1:30 PMSnacks and Social Time

Upcoming Topics

    • Sunday, October 01, 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Green Hedges School, 415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA 22180


    Humanist Values and the American Ethical Union

    In September I spoke about challenges to humanist values around the world today.  This talk addresses challenges to maintaining our values in how we treat others as our national organization, the American Ethical Union, undergoes a process of critical self-assessment and seeks a more inclusive pathway for our future.  Change can be unsettling, even perceived as threatening.  How we relate to others during this process of change and reformation will ultimately show if we can act out our values, recognizing the worth and good will of others.

    This in-person meeting can also be attended on Zoom.  The Zoom link is below.

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88010148102?pwd=N2E3b25YdkNhaCtROUt6OG0rRUJZZz09

    • Sunday, October 08, 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • This is a Virtual Discussion


    NoVES Discussion: Eliciting the best in others. A humanist value worth living?

    [Note that this is an on-line discussion.  There will not be any in-person meeting this week]

    One of the maxims of Felix Adler, the founder of Ethical Culture, is Act so as to elicit the best in others and thereby in thyself.  Just what is Adler getting at here?  Is this a good or useful guide to live by?   Come join the discussion to unpack this concept on the treatment of others and our own self-development.

    Here is the link to this Zoom meeting.

    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88010148102?pwd=N2E3b25YdkNhaCtROUt6OG0rRUJZZz09


    • Sunday, October 15, 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Green Hedges School, 415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA 22180


    Celebrations and ceremonies surround us our whole lives from birth to death. They can differ from region to region and throughout time, but any momentous occasion is usually marked with a ceremony.  Why is that? And why does its significance vary from person to person?

    Melissa Sinclair, NoVES Board President and long time member of NOVES will share her thoughts about ceremonies and celebrations, and open it up for discussion. 

    This in-person meeting can also be attended on Zoom.  The Zoom link is below.

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88010148102?pwd=N2E3b25YdkNhaCtROUt6OG0rRUJZZz09

    • Sunday, November 05, 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Green Hedges School, 415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA 22180


    Masculinity: Crisis or Outdated Concept

    Some contemporary authors and pundits speak of a “Crisis in Masculinity”.  Is there a crisis?  Where does this idea come from?  Other people see “masculinity” as one location in multiple continuums of identity.  “What it is to be a man” is part of multifaceted identities, subsumed in idea of “what it is to be a good person”.  So, is the focus on the concept of masculinity a useful construct?  Is erosion of the construct of masculinity perceived as a threat to the established order?  Come hear my take on masculinity.  You will have an opportunity to express your views as well.

    This in-person meeting can also be attended on Zoom.  The Zoom link is below.

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88010148102?pwd=N2E3b25YdkNhaCtROUt6OG0rRUJZZz09

    • Sunday, November 12, 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Green Hedges School, 415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA 22180


    NoVES Discussion: Masculinity - Crisis or Outdated Concept

    This discussion will follow up on last week's Platform address (description below)

    Some contemporary authors and pundits speak of a “Crisis in Masculinity”.  Is there a crisis?  Where does this idea come from?  Other people see “masculinity” as one location in multiple continuums of identity.  “What it is to be a man” is part of multifaceted identities, subsumed in idea of “what it is to be a good person”.  So, is the focus on the concept of masculinity a useful construct?  Is erosion of the construct of masculinity perceived as a threat to the established order?  

    This a Zoom only event.  The Zoom link is below.

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88010148102?pwd=N2E3b25YdkNhaCtROUt6OG0rRUJZZz09

    • Sunday, December 03, 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Green Hedges School, 415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA 22180


    Winter Solstice and the Renewal of Hope

    As we approach the Winter Solstice, days grow shorter and darkness seems to envelop our lives.  Darkness abounds – in our government’s use of violence, in our uncaring treatment of asylum seekers, in our failure to address the climate crisis, in the ways that many see those with differing views as the enemy.  Amidst the darkness, how can I bring some light?  How can I find hope in seemingly hopeless times?  What can I do to bring about change?

    This in-person meeting can also be attended on Zoom.  The Zoom link is below.

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88010148102?pwd=N2E3b25YdkNhaCtROUt6OG0rRUJZZz09

    • Sunday, December 10, 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • This is an on-line only event


    NoVES Discussion: Where Do You Find Hope in These Dark Times

    This discussion will follow up on last week's Platform address (description below)

    Winter Solstice and the Renewal of Hope

    As we approach the Winter Solstice, days grow shorter and darkness seems to envelop our lives.  Darkness abounds – in our government’s use of violence, in our uncaring treatment of asylum seekers, in our failure to address the climate crisis, in the ways that many see those with differing views as the enemy.  Amidst the darkness, how can I bring some light?  How can I find hope in seemingly hopeless times?  What can I do to bring about change?

    This a Zoom only event.  The Zoom link is below.

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88010148102?pwd=N2E3b25YdkNhaCtROUt6OG0rRUJZZz09

    • Sunday, December 17, 2023
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Green Hedges School, 415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA 22180


    Come join your friends and guests for a platform of music provided by NoVES members and guests! Bring your singing voices too!

    This in-person meeting can also be attended on Zoom.  The Zoom link is below.

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88010148102?pwd=N2E3b25YdkNhaCtROUt6OG0rRUJZZz09


Directions to Sunday Platform

Green Hedges School

415 Windover Avenue NW

Vienna, VA 22180


Driving Directions

Take the Nutley Street North exit from Route I-66.  At the fourth light, cross Maple Avenue (Route 123) and start watching your odometer.  At 0.2 miles, you will see a driveway with “Watch for Turning Vehicles” and “Green Hedges” signs.  There will also be an Ethical Society sign next to the driveway.  Turn right into the driveway, park in the lot, and take the nearest entrance into the building.

Questions or platform topic recommendations? Contact the Platform Committee


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