Embedded Files
Discover religious education, music, crafts, fellowship, climate action, and other programs to serve the community and the world.
For the latest activities, subscribe to the newsletter, which provides details and contact information as events take place.
Religious Education (RE)
Religious Education (RE)
See programming for youth and adults (tap here). Contact: dlsg@mvuc.org.
Our RE program is called Lifespan Spiritual Growth (LSG). Our Director of Religious Education oversees curricula for children and youth, and families.
For children and youth
For children and youth
Sunday classes follow guidance and resources from the UUA. Children and teens attend classes according to age, during the Sunday service. The program is managed our Director of LSG, and classes are taught by volunteers.
For adults
For adults
Introduction to Unitarian Universalism - Occasional sessions that often include lunch, usually led by the minister. A friendly conversation where your questions are encouraged.
Contemplative Group - Sundays, before service, 9-10 a.m., Hollin Hall, Sun Porch Deepen your spiritual life with a supportive group. Sessions start with a reading from a spiritual tradition, followed by silent meditation, a brief discussion of the reading, and contemplative practice. You are welcome to join any time - no need to register in advance.
Music Program
Music Program
Find out about our Music program led by our Director of Music, who plans music for Sunday services and other celebrations. Contact: Music@mvuc.org.
Choir
Men and women's voices join in harmony led by our Music Director and professional accompanist. The choir sings during services roughly three Sundays per month, and takes a break in the summer.
Bell Choir
A volunteer-led group performs on special occasions.
Fundraising Programs
Fundraising Programs
Check out these special events that serve our congregation, the larger community and raise funds for MVUC programs and services.
Used Book & Art Sale
Used Book & Art Sale
Every March, MVUC hosts the Used Book and Art Sale, bursting with donated used books and art, and more.
In addition to books, we accept puzzles, CDs, DVDs, and art. including include empty frames, framed and unframed art, and sculptural pieces. Use the Book Donation Box located at the lower edge of the parking lot. It's is a great time to volunteer and help out.
Holiday Shop & Quilt Raffle
Holiday Shop & Quilt Raffle
Mark the Saturday before Thankgsgiving. MVUC shop offers a wide array of unique hand made items with gift-giving in mind, each November, since 1961.
We host dozens of local artists and makers selling handcrafts, from cozy throws to baked goods, jewelry, decor, totes and bags, candles, and more. A small share of proceeds supports MVUC.
The annual Quilt Raffle winner takes home a stunning hand-sewn quilt designed by the MVUC Quilters just for this event.
Volunteers help these events be successful year after year.
Plant Sale
Plant Sale
Each spring jumpstart your garden with healthy sprouts of herbs and vegetables, hand-raised in our heated greenhouse. Proceeds support future plantings and greenhouse operations.
Silent Auction
Silent Auction
The first Saturday in May marks our newest fundraising event. In 2025 we auctioned more than 50 pieces of artwork, food, experiences, and vacation stays, donated by over 45 members and friends.
The live auction includes refreshments and drinks, with the option to participate online.
Committees, Justice, and Social Groups
Committees, Justice, and Social Groups
Volunteer groups are the driving force for the services, fellowship, and social justice work of MVUC.
Events appear on the events calendar and in the newsletter. To get the latest announcements, subscribe to the Windmill Newsletter.
For a partial list of activities and groups click here.
Committees, Justice, and Social Groups
Committees, Justice, and Social Groups
A partial list of activities and groups (in alphabetical order)
Activity Fair - Often in September, leaders set up tables in the Commons to represent different group activities. Explore the latest opportunities and sign up for more information.
Adopt-a-Highway - Meet to pick up litter on MVUC's designated section of Sherwood Hall Lane
Buildings and Grounds - Learn about our historic buildings, their unique features, and help with maintenance and awareness. Plan "workenanny" days, where members and friends join in taking care of outdoor work.
Care Team - The longstanding heart of our caring community, support others at MVUC in times of illness, need, or transitions such as births and bereavement. Activities include visiting members at home or wherever they receive care, chatting on the phone, transporting to church or medical appointments, needs arise.
Circle Suppers - Members and friends host dinners at home to get to know each other better.
Climate Action Team (CAT) - Work together to care for the earth. Use our commercial compost bins. Meet in sub-groups such as zero waste, native plant gardening, energy conservation, and educational talks.
Endowment/Legacy Circle - When you want to make an impact for future generations, talk with and join others at MVUC who have chosen to support MVUC their estate plans.
Every Thursday group (ET) - One of the longest running groups, ET meets weekly to socialize and serve. Members work together to support Holiday shop and other church events, prepare meals for local people in need (through VIC-HOP), celebrate birthdays, and hold talks and lunches. You're welcome to drop in any Thursday.
Greenhouse Gardeners - Plant seedlings for an annual plant sale. Enjoy working in the historic greenhouse building.
Hum & strum - a monthly folk sing-along with, guitars, banjos, shakers, ukuleles, etc.
Membership Committee - Welcome visitors and help people get to know each other.
Memorial Walks - Help maintain and promote our columbarium and its beautiful setting .
Outdoor fellowship - Join hikes in local state parks and natural areas, for gentle exercise under 5 miles.
Quilters - Help design and stitch together a stunning quilt raffled during Holiday Shop.
Stewardship Committee - Plan fundraisers and work to support financial health of MVUC.
Sunday Services/Worship Committee- Work with the minister to organize speakers, readings, and other elements of the Sunday services.
Windmill Jazz Collective - A weekly jazz jam session that occasionally performs at church events.
Zowie - There may be more! Subscribe to the newsletter to stay up to date.
Especially for Families (Multigenerational Events)
Especially for Families (Multigenerational Events)
Easter Egg Hunt,
Fall Campout on the Hill
Games Night
Holiday Craft Workshop & Sing-Along
Seder
Tap here for details about these activities
Easter Egg Hunt - Easter Sunday
Youth hide egg-shaped containers filled with candy and other treats for younger children to find. Members and friends donate treats. It all happens after the Easter Sunday service, in the Walled Garden and Memorial Walks.
Fall Campout on the Hill - Last Weekend in August
The Campout on the Hill for MVUC Families and Friends takes place on a Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning in August. Participants pitch their tents in the Meadow and the fun includes a cook out, games, singing, storytelling and s’mores. Campers wake up to a pancake breakfast before attending worship. A small fee is charged to cover costs.
Games Night - Meets on occasion
Families, singles, friends of all ages join together for a relaxing – but sometimes competitive – evening of board, trivia, and performance games. Play an old favorite, or check out a new one! And what would Games Night be without a potluck? Bring a favorite dish to share.
Holiday Craft Workshop & Sing-along - First Saturday in December
Make graham cracker houses and enjoy making holiday crafts. Fun for all ages! Come early to construct your house, enjoy crafts while it dries, then decorate it before the Holiday Pizza Party, Sing-along and Pinata. A small supply fee is charged for those making cracker houses and wreaths. Volunteers appreciated.
Lasagna Dinner and Variety Show - First Saturday in March
The Lasagna Dinner and Variety Show takes place on the first Saturday in March, and benefits the Coming of Age heritage trip to Boston. Middle school youth and their parents coordinate the dinner, and all welcome to perform in the family friendly Variety Show. A sign-up sheet for the Variety Show will be in the Commons each Sunday in the spring.
Seder - Passover
At the start of Passover, MVUC holds a UU Seder, a multi-generational celebration commemorating the exodus of the Jews from Egypt and celebrating the liberation of all peoples. Volunteers appreciated.
Serving the Larger World
Serving the Larger World
MVUC supports community groups with practical and financial aid to serve those in need, locally and globally:
Share the Plate
Partner Church
Community Groups we support
Share the Plate
Share the Plate
During Sunday services, we pass a basked to collect money for MVUC's work and to serve our neighbors in need.
Half of the collection is donated directly to a charity chosen for the month, and the other half supports MVUC.
This 50-50 offering is called share the plate, and our members choose organizations to receive funds each month during the annual meeting.
2025-2026 Share The Plate Recipients
2025-2026 Share The Plate Recipients
July
Amica Center for Immigrant Rights
August
September
MVUC Minister’s Discretionary Fund*
October
November
Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions
December
January
Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture
February
March
April
May
Katie Tyson Fund for Youth and Young Adult Ministries *
June
Partner Church Program
Partner Church Program
Historically, the UUA has helped a number of North American UU congregations form about 200 global partnerships through the years.
Mount Vernon Unitarian Church has two partners, one church in Szentháromság, Romania and another in Mawlat, India. Our support benefits their Unitarian congregations and nearby villages.
Our support also includes financial contributions offered by MVUC members and friends. Thes funds enable church and educational activities in our partner congregations and villages.
MVUC's partnership may include in-person visits to foster personal and spiritual connection, and mutual understanding. On occasion we host visiting clergy, and travel to visit our partner friends in their villages.
Community Groups we support
Community Groups we support
Community Groups We Support
Community Groups We Support
MVUC members and friends help many organizations through volunteer work and financial doations. These are two agencies who have had longstanding support.
Ventures in Community (VIC)
VIC helps local organizations join forces to help the unhoused with food, shelter, and other care. Through VIC, MVUC volunteers provide:
Overnight support for VIC's Hypothermia Outreach Program (VIC-HOP)
Donations of clothing, food and school supplies
Fundraising
United Community
UC provides food, housing, childcare, job training, and more to those in need in Fairfax County.
Keep Exploring MVUC
Keep Exploring MVUC
MVUC's Adopt-A-Highway crew
Get Involved
Want to know more about one of these groups? Send an email to our Church Administrator Tami at admin@mvuc.org.
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