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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

 10:30-11:00Gathering  and Greet Your neighbors
 11:00 AMOpening Words and Music   
 Welcome 
 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-1:00 PMSnacks and Social Time

Upcoming Topics

    • Sunday, November 08, 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom only


    Consequences of the Election for the Separation of Church & State and the Christian nationalist agenda 


    We just had an election and whether your side won or not, if you are an Ethical Humanist, you have thoughts about current events and the Christian Nationalist agenda that has been in place for a number of years. What does it mean for non-Christian religions and secular groups pursuing their beliefs in freedom. 


    Galina Varchena is the Policy Manager for the Center for Freethought Equality. A seasoned attorney and lobbyist, she brings a diverse legal background spanning immigration law and civil litigation to advocacy in the reproductive rights and justice space. She is a veteran of the Virginia legislative trenches.

    Zoom link:

    Northern Virginia Ethical Society's Zoom Meeting

    Meeting ID: 811 3062 9495







    • Sunday, November 15, 2026
    • 11:00 AM
    • Green Hedges School

    Back after a two year hiatus, NoVES is having it's own Stone Salad celebration.

    What is a Stone Salad? It's our version of the Story of Stone Soup. NoVES doesn't  have a kitchen, so we make a community salad instead! We come together, share the story and then we eat a community lunch together after we build our salad.

    As this is a community building event, each family group contributes something. 

    We ask every one to bring washed and chopped salad vegetables and bring them in container that can be dumped into a shared salad one one item at a time. Please do not bring any meat items (so no bacon or diced ham).

    Here are Examples of what you could bring. A container of washed and chopped:

    • A: avocado, asparagus
    • B: beets, broccoli
    • C: carrots, cucumber
    • D: daicon radish, etc.
    We also ask people to bring either a dessert or bread item to share.

    A base of greens, salad dressings, drinks, cutlery, and table cloths will be provided. 

    There is often leftover salad, please bring a container from home so you can enjoy your salad leftovers. 

    We hope to see you there for our treasured NoVES festival! This is an in person only event.
    • Sunday, November 29, 2026
    • 11:00 AM
    • Zoom only

    Leadership for the Ethical Culture We’re Becoming

    Ethical Culture has always depended on both professional and lay leaders to help our Societies grow, serve their communities, and carry our Movement forward.

    On November 29, at 11 a.m. ET join Dr. Sheron Fraser-Burgess, AEU Leadership Dean, for an interactive All-Societies Platform exploring what healthy, collaborative leadership can look like now and in the future.

    The conversation will include opportunities to share your own questions, experiences, and ideas, and you can help shape the discussion in advance.

    The AEU All-Societies Platform is free to attend or stream. All virtual participants must register to receive the Zoom link.

    Learn More and Register

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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