| Easter at MCC NOVA |
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The Way of the Cross
BK Hipsher
Palm Sunday and Easter are just a week apart. The hosannas of joyous triumphal entry into Jerusalem unravel quickly during Holy Week so that by Thursday we are remembering the institution of the Eucharist, the Last Supper of Jesus with his friends on earth. Later that evening he will be betrayed into the hands of the Roman prefect, beaten and lead through a mock trial that ends in a death sentence. By Friday at noon Jesus hangs on a cross, disgraced and dishonored, murdered for his teachings of love and acceptance that pull us, each and every broken one of us, close to the bosom of God.
It is not possible to fully appreciate Easter without Good Friday. It is not possible to entertain the bursting joy of sunrise on that morning that Jesus overcame death and grave without first experiencing the grief of loss and the loneliness of feeling, just for a moment, what life might be like without the love of Jesus. It is important for we Christians in the 21st century to try to understand what it might have felt like to lose our friend, our teacher, to lose our hope that things could be different.
On Maundy Thursday we will gather at 7pm to sing and pray and remember the institution of the Eucharist both by reenacting the foot washing in John's gospel as well as the Last Supper from the synoptic gospels. Afterward the altar will be stripped leaving the stark reality of bare wood, symbols of what it means to be church put away and lights extinguished to remember that God incarnate was murdered for a message of love.
On Good Friday we gill gather again at 7pm to lament and consider what this day really means in our lives and what this stop on the path to Easter means for our lives. There will be no communion, no homily. There will be 3 readings followed by brief music responses, a short AV program, a song and we will again leave in silence and darkness.
For some of us, this is the path we retrace each year remembering that last week of Jesus' life. For me, the bright sunrise of Easter is brighter and the smell of lilies sweeter when I have spent some time in darkness and silence on the way to that celebration of life. Join us this year and experience Easter anew by walking the way of the cross.
Easter Sunday Service 11 am |
| MCC NOVA News & Events |
DiMENsions MEN's BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, April 11, 7:30 pm
Ken Williamson will moderate the next meeting of DiMENSions at 7516 Chrisland Cove, Falls Church 22042 (Chris Fink and Scott Brna's home). Our men's Bible study group's mission is providing a nurturing and bonding experience over a shared meal with each other as well as with the Lord for about 90 minutes, as He leads us. All those who identify as a man are encouraged to attend, regardless of church membership, beliefs, or where an attendee is on his own journey of spiritual growth. For more information or travel assistance, contact Ken Williamson at 202.277.7337 or Kyle White at 703.200.9503
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Every Second Saturday, beginning in April
A sign-up sheet is located on the bulletin board or contact Judith for details.
FAIRFAX NURSING CENTER MINISTRY
Sunday, April 15, 2:00 pm
After several postponements due to illness at the Center, the MCC-NOVA Care Team ministry to residents of Fairfax Nursing Center gets underway this month, visiting the residents on the second Sunday of the month, for one hour, starting April 15 after the Lunch Bunch. The first session will be an orientation meeting provided by the center. You do not need to be a member of the existing care team to participate. No particular skill is required; only a heart for older people, a compassionate attitude, and a desire to provide friendship to those without many visitors. We are making an initial commitment to the center of six months. For more information, contact Doug Hansen (703-999-2882 or s1gnal@cox.net) who is coordinating this ministry."
BENEFIT DANCE FOR RIGA, LATVIA GLBT COMMUNITY
Saturday, May 5, 7:00 -11:00 pm
MCC NOVA is hosting a dance to support an MCC church plant in Riga, Latvia where the GLBT community suffers oppression and harassment from government and religious leaders. Suggested minimum donation is $20. Checks should be made payable to MCC NOVA w/Eastern Europe in the memo line. Please CLICK HERE for more information or see Jenny Banks, Vanessa Lambert, or Margaret Rood concerning donations.
ICE SKATING WITH DC ICE BREAKERS
Wednesday, May 16, 7:45 pm - ??
Grab your mittens, 'cause MCC NOVA and MCC DC are joining the new DC Ice Breakers for a whole new way to socialize - an hour of casual ice skating, followed by food, drinks, and conversation at a restaurant near the rink! It happens Wednesday, May 16, at 7:45 pm at the Ballston Common Mall in Arlington, just 2 short blocks from the Ballston Metro station. For more information, CLICK HERE.
FEELING LUCKY?
May 19, 7 pm
BINGO IS BACK AT MCC NOVA! -- join us for an evening of fun, food, prizes and cash! Saturday, May 19, 2007: Doors open at 7:00 pm, games begin at 8:00. 50/50 cash raffle. Call the MCC Office at 703-691-0930 for advance tickets sales, or visit BINGO! for more details.
SAVE THE DATES!
August 10 - 12, 2007
MCC NOVA's Annual Spiritual Retreat!
More details coming soon!
CHURCH DIRECTORY UPDATE
If you would like to be added or need to update your information in the church directory, please see Michele Loyd. She will be available after Sunday service or you can send your information via e-mail to mdloyd@gmail.com. This year, we will be including photos and you can sign up to have your photo taken. The schedule will be posted on the bulletin board in the fellowship area. In addition, as a fundraiser for the church, you can purchase additional photos. So come have your portrait taken and share it with us in the directory as well as with your friends and family.
WANTED: AIR MILES
We are seeking the donation of air miles to help cover some upcoming church travel needs. If you have any air miles you might be willing to donate for this cause, please contact Rev. Kharma.
FROM CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Do you enjoy the energy and spirit that the children of MCC bring to church each Sunday? Now is the time to give a little back to the children. Our Sunday School needs more helpers.
1) We again need to have two Sunday School classes - one for the big kids (ages 7 and up) and one for the younger ones. More classes mean more teachers. If you have ever wanted to teach, PLEASE consider teaching the children of MCC. Your commitment can be as big or as small as you want. We need regular teachers, substitute teachers, and visiting teachers.
2) From time to time the parents of MCC gather in fellowship and the children play. It is nice to provide child care so the parents can be adults for a few hours knowing that their children are in good hands.
If you can help with child care and/or would like to teach, PLEASE email Sharon and Lisa Dravvorn (dravvorn1@comcast.net) so that our children can be the recipients of the talents that you have to offer. Thank you for considering this opportunity to minister to our children.
MCC NOVA SUPPORTING EQUALITY RIDER
Catch up with Stephen Krebs, son of Cathryn and Fred, as he continues on the East Coast Equality Ride bus. You can find out more about the Equality Ride at www.soulforce.org/equalityride and follow Stephen's blog at http://stephenkrebs.livejournal.com Your support and prayers are appreciated in this effort for justice for the LGBT community.
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| Spotlight on Ministry |
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t 11:00 am
v Special thanks to Vivian, Isabelle, Lucas, Mark, and Arlen for hosting a wonderful Parents Rap and Children Play Day last Sunday afternoon. Thanks to Vivian and Isabelle for providing all the goodies and to Lucas, Mark, and Arlen for sharing all of their toys and games!!
v Special thanks to Gail M., Gail S., Yvonne, and Joani for their leadership of the Hospitality Ministries and the innovative and creative ways they are helping all of us increase our welcome.
v Special thanks to Ginny R. for her leadership of the Congregational Care Team, and to the following people who have been intentionally showing signs of love and care to members and friends of our community by assisting the Care Team: Kathleen, Gail S., Kelli, Pepe, Cathy, Chris, Doug, Eleana, Deb, Susan, Joyce, Kurt, Micki, Yvonne, BK, Margaret, Sheri A., Sarah, Ginny M., Kala, Joani, Gail M., Sheri T., Cassie, and Cindy G.
v Many thanks to the Children's Ministry for their ongoing work to nurture our children and our future. |
| MCC News |
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MCC Region 3 Children and Youth Summit 2007
This summit is a way for those involved in working with children and youth programming to share resources, network and support one another in offering this critical ministry.
Date: April 21, 2007, Saturday
Place: MCC of Northern Virginia (NOVA), Fairfax, VA
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Facilitated by: MCC Region 3 Children and Youth Summit Planning Team: Lisa Dravvorn (MCC NOVA, Fairfax, VA), Cheryl Melton (MCC Charlotte, NC), Mary Ann Durborow (Vision of Hope MCC, Lancaster, PA), Rhonda Russell-Caville (MCC Fredericksburg, VA)
What comes first - children or a children's program? The answer, build the program and they will come. It is amazing how quickly the news of having a good program will attract families to your church. But the reverse sends a very different message. When a family comes to church and sees that there is no program they generally will not stay and will continue to look for a church that can help meet their family's need.
Doing this kind of ministry is not always easy. Our goal for this summit is to not only encourage those providing leadership but offer tangible support. Please, support your youth leaders by encouraging them to come to the summit. You can send as many people from your program as may be interested in attending.
Registration Fee: FREE However, you must let us know in advance that you will be joining us. Please email jenniferglass@mccchurch.net to RSVP. Thanks!
 UFMCC GENERAL CONFERENCE
July 2-6, 2007
Scottsdale, AZ
Additional Information and Registration on the Literature Table or visit:
MCC General Conference |
| Community Notes |
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THE BELIEVERS
calendarA feature film about Transcendence,the world's first
transgender gospel choir
a unique story of determination and perseverance and an important
look at the intricacy and diversity of spirituality
POWERFUL - SPIRITED - JOYFUL - TRANSFORMATIVE - A REVELATION
7:30 PM, Saturday, May 12
Lincoln Temple United Church of Christ
11th & R Streets NW (3 blocks from U St or Howard Metro stops)
www.lincolntemple.org lincolntemple@aol.com 202-288-4699
Presented by Lincoln Temple in partnership with City of Refuge DC, DC Black Pride, The DC Coalition, Faith Temple, Inner Light Ministries, MCC DC, National Black Justice Coalition, MCC NOVA, Religion & Faith Program of the Human Rights Campaign, Transgender Health Empowerment, and Us Helping Us.
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Virginia Women's Music Festival at CampOut VA
May 25 - 28, 2007
Louisa, VA
Some of the women from MCC NOVA are trying to organize a group camp site for this event. For information, contact Vanessa Lambert at shotguness@hotmail.com or speak with Vanessa or Grace at church for a registration form.
Featuring: Ember Swift, Christy Snow, Tret Fure, Paprika, Someone's Sister, and many other regional artists. Includes: Camping, Concerts, Workshops, Drumming Circle, Canoeing, Fishing, Swimming, Field Sports, DJ and Dancing. CampOut VA is a 95 acre campground in Louisa, VA. Cost: $85 for entire weekend or pay by the day. Food: Bring your own, or purchase vegetarian/non-vegetarian meals on site. For more information: www.campoutva.com/Festivalinfo.htm.
HAVE A ROOM TO RENT?
Please let us know. We often have people who are looking for housing and would love to know about your resource. Contact Rev. Kharma.
CAPITAL HOSPICE IS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
Are you interested in making a difference? Adult daytime, evening, and weekend volunteers are needed to visit hospice patients at home, work in our Van Ness office, join our Speakers Bureau. We also need volunteers with cars, language skills, a strong desire to work with people. Patient Care Volunteer Trainings are held three times a year. Volunteers will learn about Capital Hospice services and programs and techniques in caring for and communicating with hospice patients. To apply, please contact Volunteer Services at 202-244-8300 or visit www.capitalhospice.org
WHITMAN-WALKER CLINIC SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
Whitman-Walker Clinic has volunteer opportunities in a variety of capacities at all of its metro locations --NW, SE, Arlington and Takoma Park. If you can help, please contact WWC Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Jackson" at sjackson@wwc.org or 202-797-3576
AREA PFLAG GATHERINGS (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
1. Annandale-Little River United Church of Christ, 3rd Sunday, 4:30 pm.
2. Falls Church--Temple Rodef Shalom at 2100 Westmoreland Street on the 2nd Thursday at 7:30 pm.
3. Manassas --Bull Run Unitarian Universalist Church, 4th Monday at 7:00 pm.
4. Reston --Washington-Plaza Church (Lake Ann), 1st Tuesday, 7:30-9:30 pm. 5. Bethesda MD-2 separate meetings at 2:00 pm on each 3rd Sunday: one focused on Trans-people and their families-Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church.
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