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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, April 21, 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Green Hedges School and Zoom


    Animism 

    In honor of earth day, come join NoVES member Tom Nyilasi as he describes the concept of animism, the beliefs and understandings and how it can be relevant to our own times today. As we head into environmental disaster animism may give us an ethical framework for change and a renewed reverence for nature.

    This is an in person platform at Green Hedges. 





    • Sunday, May 05, 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Green Hedges School and Zoom


    Falling In Love With Mystery

    Sometimes we encounter things we don't understand. Language changes, new discoveries and developments fundamentally change our conversations about everything from physics to gender, and it can get hard to follow the conversation, shift our perspectives, and engage with each other in loving ways. How can we position ourselves to be open to change? What does it look like to let go of our need to be certain and embrace mystery?

    KC Slack (they/them) is the Senior Clergy Leader at the Washington Ethical Society, in Washington, D.C. Their work as a clergy person, chaplain, academic, and artist is grounded in embodied practice and focused on finding and building beauty into the future. They moved from Los Angeles in 2022, and now live and sing loudly with their wife and three cats in Capitol Heights, MD.

    This is an in person platform at Green Hedges. You may also attend via Zoom using this link.





    • Sunday, May 19, 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • 415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA 22180


    It has been 40 years since NoVES first began meeting in a motel in Fairfax VA. Forty years is a big accomplishment and we want to celebrate. There have been lots of activities completed, many memories created and many people come and gone.  We hope to see some of your friendly faces again, hear your memories, and share our joy on this anniversary. 

    If you are unable to attend we would love to have you submit something in writing. Do you have photos that you wish to share? We love photos! Please send an email to Iris Woodard (1349iwood@gmail.com) with your comments, thoughts, and memories. These will be collected in a book for all to share. 

    If you have any friends from NoVES please share the event details with them. 

    Want to be part of the celebration? 

    If you would like to contribute an event or activity to the program, please contact Chris Van Dyke chris@cmvd.us

    If you have questions or other comments, contact Iris Woodard, 1349iwood@gmail.com

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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