Vegan Events / VSDC @Compassionate Conversations™: What’s on Your Plate This Lent?
VSDC @Compassionate Conversations™: What’s on Your Plate This Lent?
Sunday, February 15, 2026, 11:30 AM EST
Held at First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City, 14391 Minnieville Rd, Woodbridge, VA
Hosted by Veg Society of DC
[Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/) (VSDC) is pleased to join with [The Ark of Compassion ](https://theaoc.org/)(AOC) to co-host a Compassionate Conversation™ on Sunday, Feb. 15 at [First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City](https://fupcdc.org/)
Talk Title: What’s on Your Plate This Lent? - Faith, Fasting, and Compassion Speaker: Rev. Adam Bowling, Pastor of First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City
• In-Person Location: [First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City](https://fupcdc.org/) • Address: 14391 Minnieville Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22193 • Virtual Option: Microsoft Teams Link (join via browser, no account needed) • Date and Time: Sunday, February 15th, 11:30–1:00 PM (Speaker begins at 11:45pm) • Cost/Food: FREE buffet lunch will be provided ([registration required](https://givebutter.com/compconvos-02-15-26) for an accurate count)
Event Description For centuries, Christians have practiced fasting during Lent, often by giving up meat, not as a diet, but as a spiritual discipline rooted in prayer, simplicity, and compassion.
Join The Ark of Compassion for a thoughtful and accessible Compassionate Conservation™ led by Rev. Adam C. Bowling, pastor of First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City and a *“struggling, sometimes vegan.”*
Together, we’ll explore:
* The history of giving up meat during Lent in the Christian tradition * Fasting as a spiritual practice that shapes the heart and the soul * How compassion for animals, care for creation, and concern for neighbor align with Christian faith * Why Lent can be a meaningful season to explore plant-based living
Lent begins Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and participants will be gently invited, not pressured, to consider giving up meat for the 40 days of Lent as a grace-filled spiritual practice rooted in intention, not perfection.
You don’t need to be vegan, or even Christian, to attend. Come curious. Come hungry. Come as you are.
Why This Compassionate Conversation™ Matters
* It invites reflecti