Did You Ever Miss a Platform?

At the excellent Mother's Day platform, a visitor stood during the response time and said that whenever he came to WES, he thought of people he wished were there, to hear the platform address.  Maybe you've had the same thought. Or maybe you had to miss a Sunday and you really wanted to hear the talk.  Well, you can! The handy link on the right of this page will lead you to the Sunday podcast.  This is a great way to introduce new folks to WES or to share with family and friends who live out of town.  Happy listening!

Film Showing: Merchants of Doubt on May 15

The WES Earth Ethics team is hosting a showing of Merchants of Doubt on Sunday, May 15 at 7:00 in the library. Inspired by the acclaimed book by Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway, this documentary takes audiences on a funny and illuminating ride into the heart of conjuring American spin.  Filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the curtain on a secretive group of highly charismatic, silver-tongued pundits-for-hire who present themselves in the media as scientific authorities -- with the aim of spreading maximum confusion about well-studied public threats, ranging from toxic chemicals to pharmaceuticals to climate change.

A discussion will follow.  Requested donation is $5, and refreshments will be available.  For more information and to RSVP, contact Rich Reis at rich.reis1@gmail.com or call 301-325-8001.

Saturday, March 12--Community Dinner

WES members and spouses are warmly invited to our annual Community Stewardship Dinner, where we recommit ourselves to supporting our Ethical Society's future.  Come at 5:30 for schmoozing, followed by a catered dinner at 6:00.  Please RSVP to Julie Campbell (juliecampbell@aol.com, 202-244-0206) and mention any dietary restrictions.  To reserve childcare, contact Melissa Sinclair, melissas@ethicalsociety.org.

Calling all Parents--Teens Offer You a Night Out

Do you have young children and find it hard to get a night out?  On March 4, WES teens will give your kids a fun evening--and give you the opportunity to have a grown-up evening.  The children will play games, make crafts and eat pizza at WES, from 6:00 to 10:00.  Cost: $30 (+ $10 for siblings).  Contact Robyn Kravitz (RobynK@ethicalsociety.org).

February 28--Passion for Work...or Not

To conclude our monthly theme of desire, Amanda Poppei will look at passion through the lens of our work. We often long not just for a job, but for a vocation or a calling.  But that is not always possible. Does it matter? Is your work your passion?  Or do you find your passion elsewhere?  Music by the WES Chorus.

February 28-Neighborhood Potlucks

Join your friends and neighbors for yummy food and great conversation at a WES neighborhood potluck.  Held four times a year, the potlucks give members a chance to know each other in a smaller, homier setting.  The next one will be held on Sunday, February 28 at 5:00.  To learn more, contact Lindsay Lucke.

A Platform Named Desire

In February, WES will explore the intriguing theme of desire. On February 7, Amanda Poppei begins the month with her platform on  "Eve, the Buddha, and a Piece of Fruit: Desire in World Religions." How do different religious traditions approach the idea of what we want, what we long for, and what happens when we get it? How do we synthesize what we may have learned in childhood and what we have discovered in adulthood to create an understanding of desire now? Music will be provided by  the WES Chorus.  The children in our Sunday School will also explore the theme, as depicted in these images.