|
THIS SATURDAY! DANCE BENEFIT FOR RIGA, LATVIA |
ROCK ON WITH AREA MCCs!
Saturday, May 5, 7:00 - 11:00 pm
On May 5, MCC NOVA is hosting a dance with nearby MCCs and we'd love to have you.
You don't need a date.
You don't need to dress up.
You don't even need to dance!
Just come out and meet your MCC neighbors; we're not so far away.
Proceeds will benefit our LGBT Latvian brothers and sisters who are facing gross human rights violations. We can help them build a church, a safe haven, where they can form a strong community, worship, and someday, even rock on like we will on May 5.
On May 5, MCC NOVA is the place to be!
Click here for more information: Latvia Benefit
To see short flash movie on MCC in Eastern Europe, CLICK HERE!
(created by our own Jean Gralley)
|
| MCC NOVA News & Events |
NATURE HIKE!
Saturday, May 5, 10:00 am
Join us for a nature hike at Great Falls Park. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the water falls, hike nature trails, and get away from the distractions of day-to-day life. Take a long hike, a short stroll, or sit and take in the sights and sounds of the majestic water falls. Connecting with nature helps relieve stress and reaffirms purpose, which can benefit us spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Great Falls Park offers a children's area, book store, snack bar, picnic tables, grills, and miles of trails along the Potomac River Gorge below the Great Falls, along the historic Patowmack Canal, and along upland oak deciduous forest. Directions, park information, and entrance fee information can be found at - (http://www.nps.gov/archive/gwmp/grfa/). We will meet at the Visitor Center at 10am. Contact Kathy Felts for more information.
FAIRFAX BLITZ
Sunday, May 6, 2:00 pm
Come partake in the FAIRFAX BLITZ as we joyfully minister together to the elderly residents at Fairfax Nursing Center. We blitz the halls once/month to visit elderly residents, shorter term therapy patients and Alzheimer's patients. No special skill is needed except a love for people and just wanting to be a friend. Those who have animals are welcome to bring them. If you missed our recent group orientation session at Fairfax Nursing Center you will need to schedule a personal orientation (contact Fiona Shaffer at Fairfax Nursing Center 703-273-7705). We visit once/month, with our next "blitz" scheduled for Sunday, May 6, 2 p.m. For additional information, or to join up, contact Doug Hansen at 703-999-2882 or at s1gnal@cox.net. Thank you for caring for our older population.
LIVING THE QUESTIONS: New Class Forming 
Back by popular demand! We'll be hosting a new round of educational classes/discussion forums using the Living the Questions curriculum. Living the Questions is a DVD based small group curriculum that helps seekers and "church alumni/ae" alike in discovering the relevance of Christianity in the 21st century and what a meaningful faith can look like in today's world.
This popular 12-week study will be divided into three parts, as follows.
Section 1: Tuesday Evenings -- May 1, 8, 15, 22 at 7:00 pm.
Section 2: Tuesday Evenings -- July 10, 17, 24, 31 at 7:00 pm.
Section 3: Tuesday Evenings -- September 4, 11, 18, 25 at 7:00 pm.
Email us at info@mccnova.com to let us know you're interested. Course materials will be distributed by email unless otherwise requested. For more information, visit http://www.livingthequestions.com or see Ginny Miles/Rev. Kharma.
DiMENsions MEN's BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, May 9, 7:30 pm
Frank Vance will host the next meeting of DiMENSions at his home at 4105 Morin St., Alexandria 22312 on Wednesday, May 9 at 7:30 pm. The mission of our men's Bible study group 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, please contact Frank Vance at 703.642.2021 or Kyle White at 703.200.9503.
Habitat for Humanity Update
Due to the over whelming popularity with the Fairfax Humanity Project our involvement has been modified. We are still scheduled to attend the project every 2nd Saturday of each month but are required to phone ahead for a "Go or No Go" message. This message tells us whether we are needed on any given date. The idea is that once Habitat reaches max committed capacity that no other volunteers will be added. Bottom line, we may not be needed every month but we will be there when we are needed. Please expect a Go / No Go message (on the Friday prior) via email for the Saturday's you have committed to. Please send Judith a note (via email) with your address. Judith's email addresses are: judkat@hotmail.com or judith_l._raleigh@hud.gov. Thanks for your participation.
MCC NOVA SPIRITUAL RETREAT  --SIGN UP NOW
August 15-17, Madison, VA
Join us as we continue our annual tradition of spiritual retreats. For complete information and registration form,
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?
Saturday, May 19, 2007
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.
Children's Ministry is going CAMPING!
Saturday, May 26
The families of MCC NoVA are going camping at Prince William Forest Memorial Day Weekend!
Come for the weekend or for a day hike on Saturday at 2:00! Stay for a dinner of roasted hot dogs and S'mores! Talk to Lisa and Sharon Dravvorn for more details!
UPDATING THE CHURCH DIRECTORY
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. Sign up to have your photo taken on the schedule 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. |
| In Focus: Strategic Goals |
Living intentionally as a faith community lies at the core of strategic goal setting.
This column tracks the progress we're making toward our current goals of expanding our community involvement and service, and increasing spiritual formation at MCC NOVA.
Here's a roundup of the major activities that took place in February, March and April.
- Children's Ministry - Weekly sessions during service for the wonderful children of MCC NOVA.
- Cultivating Religious Imagination: Wonder As a Spiritual Resource - Workshop led by Rev. Dr. Anabel Proffitt, exploring the role of imagination and wonder as spiritual resources for adults.
- diMENsions- Off-site bonding and Bible study for those identifying as men.
- Drumming Circle - Sacred/community music celebration, drawing on ancient drumming traditions and making new ones.
- Membership Class - Informative session for those interested in learning more about MCC and the spiritual community at MCC NOVA. Nine individuals attended the class.
- Music Workshop - Music Ministry team event, led by Rev. Candy Holmes. Discussions focused on what music ministry really is and what it means to participate in God's work through music.
- Saving Jesus - Small group exploration of Jesus Christ for the third millennium. The study series ended with a wrap-up session called "Is Jesus Worth Saving?" The group's response was overwhelmingly positive.
Community Involvement and Service
- Children's Ministry Picnic - Opportunity for the kids and parents of MCC NOVA to enjoy each other's company in an outdoor setting.
- Children & Youth Coordinators Summit - All-day gathering providing ministry support and resource sharing for those involved with child and youth programming in MCC Region 3.
- Christian Peace Witness - A small group from MCC NOVA braved daunting weather to attend the Christian Peace Witness for Iraq, held at the National Cathedral on March 16. Over 3,000 Christians participated in non-violence training, worshiped together, and prayed for peace. As part of their observance, 222 witnesses engaged in an act of non-violent civil disobedience, for which they were arrested.
- Lunch Bunch - After-service fellowship, extending MCC NOVA's welcome and hospitality to all, including new visitors.
- Nursing Center Visitation - An enthusiastic contingent from MCC NOVA made its first visit to the Fairfax Nursing Center on April 15 for an orientation session. The best is yet to come!
- Our Daily Bread - Thanks for your generous donations of food to this Fairfax County charity, geared toward helping low-income people.
- Parent Rap & Lunch Play Date - Occasion for moms and dads to discuss parenting issues and relax together, while the kids play. Vivian Garcia hosted the most recent rap, which was attended by 31 people.
|
| Spotlight on Ministry |
|
Many thanks to our 26th Anniversary Award recipients for their tremendous service in the past year: Doug Hansen (spirit), Kyle White (community), Margaret Rood (action), and Cathryn Krebs (inside & "out").
Special thanks to The Hospitality Team for an amazing job of welcoming guests for Easter!! All the extra effort you are putting in makes a huge difference!
Thanks to Sharon and Lisa Dravvorn for hosting the MCC Regional Children and Youth Summit on April 21; and to the Children of MCC NOVA for their hard work at raising money to support that event with their lemonade stand. Thanks also to all of you who generously supported their efforts.
Special thanks to Jenny Banks for putting together the liturgical art for our worship series, "The Word the Poet Speaks". Thanks to the Worship Planning Team for their creativity! |
| MCC News |
|
 UFMCC GENERAL CONFERENCEJuly 2-6, 2007
Scottsdale, AZ
Additional Information and Registration on the Literature Table or visit:
MCC General Conference |
| Community Notes |
|
________________________
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.
______________________
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.
MOSAIC HARMONY CONCERT
Sunday, June 3, 4:00 pm
Oakcrest School, 850 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101
Ticket Prices: $20 in advance $25 at the door - Children Free
(Students & Seniors $15 in advance $20 at the door)
As you know, Kala and Kelli sing with this group. Mosaic Harmony is a community based choir which sings inspirational music from the African American music genre. This concert will, as always, lift your spirits, allow audience participation, and leave you wanting more! A variety of songs has been chosen for this concert, drawing on past favorites (including "I Need You To Survive," which the MCC-NoVa choir has also shared in worship), new favorites (such as "Hold On" by Hezekiah Walker, with Kala on lead vocal), and a remake of an original song by our dynamic director, Rev. David North ("The Vision"). As you may know, Rev. David North, also pastors one of our MCC congregations in Maryland. If you've never heard the choir, we hope you'll plan to check us out -- you won't be sorry! If you're a MoHa groupie, we'll be happy to see you again! Tickets can be purchased from Kala or Kelli, OR you may purchase them on-line at www.mosaicharmony.com
Mosaic Harmony is also participating in this year's 2007 Capitol Pride Interfaith Service on June 5th, which starts at 7:30 PM. This will be held at the Lincoln Temple United Church of Christ, 11th & R Streets NW, in Washington, DC
RAINBOW WEEKEND
WALKING JESUS' PATHWAY: SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS THAT GLORIFY GOD
June 7-10
Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center
Bangor, PA
With Virginia Ramey Mollenkott and Marvin Ellison. For more information, CLICK HERE.
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.
|
| Support MCC NOVA! |
DO YOUR SHOPPING ONLINE AT iGive.com and a percentage of your purchase goes to MCC NOVA
Shop at any of the more than 600 stores at i.GIVE.COM and a percentage of your purchase goes to MCC NOVA! Tell a friend about iGive.com and MCC NOVA gets $5.00! Its easy, just click on iGive.com to sign up.
SHOP AT THE MCC NOVA SPIRIT-WEAR STORE!
Now you can proudly wear t-shirts, sweatshirts and more emblazoned with MCC NOVA's new statement of calling logo! Simply go to our website at www.mccnova.comand click on the link to our online Spirit-wear store or go directly to www.cafepress.com/novacom2
TO SUPPORT MCC NOVA DIRECTLY, YOU CAN MAKE
A SECURE, TAX-DEDUCTIBLE  CONTRIBUTION BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK: | |
