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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

  • Reflections on the State of the World and Myself by Randy Best

    • Sunday, September 07, 2025
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Green Hedges School and Zoom

    Reflections on the State of the World and Myself

     

    My summer adventures included a trip to Germany and the Humanists International Conference in Luxemburg.  Wandering in unfamiliar places in another part of the world caused me to reflect on the state of my country, the world, and myself.  I returned with a changed perspective and a desire to effect change.  Amidst the chaos and horror, I achieved a feeling of unjustified optimism.  Come and hear my reflections and you will have an opportunity to share some of your own.

     

    Hope to see you there.

     

    Randy Best

    NoVES Leader

     

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

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

    Show details

  • Is Civility Dead?

    • Sunday, September 14, 2025
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Zoom Only event

    Photo Credit: David Shankbone

    Is Civility Dead?

    From Politics to E-Mail to Social Media uncivil behavior abounds.  Is Civilty dead?  Are there circumstances where it should be abandoned?  Does remaining civil when others are not effective?

    Come share your views in this discussion moderated by NoVS Leader Randy Best.

    This is a Zoom discussion.  Link below.

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


    Show details

  • Sun Day: Building a Better World by Powering it with the Sun

    • Sunday, September 21, 2025
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Green Hedges School

    Sun Day: Building a Better World by Powering it with the Sun

    The first amorphous silicon solar PV cell was created in 1974, it only converted 2.4% of solar energy to electricity and cost an exorbitant amount of money. Today almost 50 years later the amount of CO2 in our atmosphere has increased over 27% and worsened the impacts of climate change planet wide. Fortunately we now also have solar panels that are nearly 10 times more efficient, last over 25 years, and can produce enough energy to drive an electric car for 1500 miles a year that cost under $200 dollars each. These advances have spurred a huge increase in solar installations worldwide, but there are still many things holding up full solar adoption while global CO2 levels continue to rise. In this presentation Matt Herndon will explore the benefits of solar, why we need to transition to being powered by the sun even faster, and what's holding us back from doing so.

    Speaker Bio: Matt Herndon was raised in the Northern Virginia Ethical Society. Growing up in the 90s, he learned about the ruinous impacts humanity's greenhouse gas emissions would produce, and as an adult, he has seen these predictions start to come to pass. He spent years working in green tech and now in politics to reduce these harms as much as possible. With solar powering his home, car, and even eBikes, he puts his money where his mouth is to improve the lives of his family and help the world at the same time.

    This meeting will be held in-person at Green Hedges School, 415 Windover Avenue NW, Vienna, VA 22180


    Show details

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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