Religion briefs

GRACE UMC HOSTS 'LIFE AFTER DEATH'

Grace United Methodist Church invites the community to attend its "Life After Death" series in May. Part of Grace's Senior Adult Ministry, meetings take place 10 a.m. each Tuesday in May in the church's fellowship hall, with a different topic to be highlighted each week. Topics include: theological issues regarding death and dying, hospice care and caregiver related issues, legal issues, including wills, probate, and trusts and funeral arrangements. Michael Post leads the discussion on funeral arrangements from Baker-Post Funeral Home in Manassas. Free and open to the public. Grace UMC at 9750 Wellington Road, Manassas (behind the Wellington Giant Food). Contact Grace UMC's Spiritual Formation Leader, Nancy Miller, at 703-361-7800 or nmiller@umcgrace.org.

SPEAKER ADDRESSES GOD, MEDICINE

International speaker, Scott Preller, a practitioner of Christian Science healing, Bible scholar and a member of The Christian Science Board of Lectureship, will present a talk titled, "The Medicine of Christian Science," June 8 at 2 p.m. at Northern Virginia Community College, 15200 Neabsco Mills Road, Woodbridge. In this talk you can discover how an understanding of God proves to be a supremely effective medicine.

NEABSCO BAPTIST ANNOUNCE SERVICES

Neabsco Baptist Church, 15557 Cardinal Drive, Woodbridge, worships and praises the Lord Sundays under the leadership of Pastor Joshua Speights Jr. Through the aid of the Holy Spirit, the church hopes to be "Building on the Foundation of Jesus Christ." In addition to our 9:30 a.m. Sunday school and 11 a.m. worship service beginning on Sunday June 1, Neabsco Baptist Church offers a 7:45 a.m. service. Any questions call 703 307-8516.

ISLAM 101 CLASSES IN MANASSAS

The Muslim Association of Virginia is offering free Islam 101 classes Sundays at 4 p.m. at Dar Alnoor Mosque, 5404 Hoadly Road, Manassas.

The classes are designed for new Muslims and non-Muslims, and will be taught by Brother Altaf Taufique. Participants should feel free to ask any question, and no question will be considered offensive. Books and other materials are provided at no cost. Register by e-mail at mohammadmeh@gmail.com or askrua@yahoo.com, or call Brother Mohammad Mehboob at 571-220-2147 or Brother Rafi Ahmed at 571-334-3011.

BUCKHALL CONTINUES SERMON SERIES

Buckhall United Methodist Church will continue its sermon series on the monastic and church tradition of the hours of prayer. Come visit us on Sunday for "Sweet Hours of Prayer -- Prime Time." Services begin at 8:15, 9:30 and 11 a.m. at 10251 Moore Drive, Manassas. There is a nursery for babies and Sunday school for children through high school age during the 9:30 a.m. service. All are welcome.

THE SCOOP ON VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

» Potomac Crest Baptist Church invites the community to attend vacation Bible school June 15 through 19 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. This year's theme is "Cactus Canyon." Church is at 15418 Cardinal Drive, Woodbridge. Register online at PotomacCrestBaptist.com or call 703-730-7222. People can also stop by the church and pick up a form in the lobby.

» Children are invited to discover Jesus' miraculous power at Power Lab at St. Margaret's Anglican Church. Children can enjoy Bible crafts and exciting games, experience thrilling Bible stories, sample tasty snacks and hear unforgettable music. Power Lab will be held June 16 through 20, 9 a.m. to noon at 13900 Church Hill Drive, Woodbridge. For more information visit SaintMargaretsChurch.org. To register call 703 494-7621.

»Vacation Bible school at Lake Ridge Baptist is at Outrigger Island, July 21 through 25. During VBS 2008, kids will know, speak, and live God's truth -- aloha style. Outrigger Island is more than a tropical paradise. It's the place where kids will develop the stability they need to face a world of shifting sands and wavering opinions. Rising kindergarten through fifth-graders will meet from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sixth through twefth-graders meet 7 to 9 p.m. VBS week is free. Patrons can reserve a spot early by registering at Lakeridgebaptist.com/vbs_2008.htm or by contacting Sherry Radcliffe at 703-494-8413, Ext. 20.

» Children who have completed kindergarten through fifth grade can now register for vacation Bible school at St. Thomas United Methodist Church. "Power Lab" -- a high voltage science theme -- runs June 23 through 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. St. Thomas United Methodist is at 8899 Sudley Road, Manassas. Call 703 368 5161.