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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, April 05, 2026
    • no meeting

    No Platform meeting on Sunday, April 5, 2026

    Due to the Easter holiday, our in-person meeting has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 12, 2026. 

     Enjoy the day in an ethical way! 


    • Sunday, April 12, 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Greeh Hedges School

    Our own member, Jim Ball, a hugh supporter of all things ecological, will speak on what has happened to our transition to renewable energy. 

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

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83422695892


    • Sunday, April 19, 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Green Hedges School

        Spring Festival / Swap Meet

    In the spirit of protecting the earth on Earth Day, NoVES will hold a swap meet as part of the Spring Festival.  This will be held in the parking lot of Green Hedges School.  We will be “free” trading with each other for any item in good condition including jewelry, clothing, small appliances, books, and small household items like linens and lamps.

    All items need to fit in the trunk of your car or on a card table AND you MUST plan to take all remaining items home with you.  

    You do not need to bring any items in order to take something.  This is a very loose swap meet and all participants are welcome. 

    Families should bring food for their own family.  Paper products, serving utensils and beverages will be provided by NoVES. We will eat outdoors, weather permitting. In the event of bad weather, all activities will move indoors.  


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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