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MCC NOVA NEWS & EVENTS |
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THIS SATURDAY! OCTOBER 6
AIDSWALK WASHINGTON 2007: "Put Your Foot Down"
Saturday, October 6
THIS SUNDAY! OCTOBER 7
MCC NOVA MINISTRY FAIR!
After Worship
Come celebrate our constellation of Ministries. Plan to stay for lunch after church and browse our parking lot fair. There will be food and fun for all ages and lots of information about the different ministries of MCC NOVA.
Come be a Star!!
MCC NOVA CALENDAR FUNDRAISER
Wouldn't it be great to have a monthly calendar for 2008 that provides a reminder of upcoming events along with pictures from MCC NOVA activities and events? The fundraising team is collecting photos for such a calendar. We need pictures! If you have a photo from an MCC NOVA event (picnic, basket auction, Bingo, potluck, lobby day, etc) that you would like to see in the calendar please send or give it to Kathy Felts, Chris Fink, or Cindy Giese.
We are also selling space on the calendar to advertise birthdays, anniversaries, and business. There is a sign up sheet on the information table. If you would like to have your advertisement on the calendar please sign up now! Birthday/anniversary announcements will cost $5 and business advertisement will cost $20. The deadline for pictures and advertisement is
October 7.
COMING UP!
NEW! SPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASS
"QUESTIONING CAPITAL PUNISHMENT with SISTER HELEN PREJEAN"
5 Tuesday Nights, 7:00-8:30 pm; October 23, 30 & November 6, 13, 20
This is a five session DVD study featuring one of the world's leading authorities and outspoken critics of state-sponsored execution. For more information, CLICK HERE.
diMENSions MEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, October 12 7:30 pm
Bob Morrow will host the next gathering of DiMENSions at 9316 Branchside Lane, Fairfax 22031, on Wednesday, October 12 at 7:30 pm. Over a shared meal, our men's Bible study group provides a nurturing and bonding experience with other men as well as with the Lord. Please join us as we continue with Chapters 7 and 8 of our DVD study entitled "Saving Jesus," 20-minute segments with a discussion about the relevance of our Savior in today's world. Please contact Kyle White at 703.200.9503 or Bob Morrow at 703.273.8548 for more information or if you need travel assistance.
Calling All Drama Queens!
Sunday, October 14
I was so impressed with the creativity of the skits at this years retreat, I wanted to give you a chance to revisit those talents again for the upcoming Holiday Musical Extravaganza! Anyone wishing to be a part of putting together a few skits for the show, are welcome. Please plan to stay after worship for a very brief organizational meeting, Sunday October 14th. Thanks. Daniel.
FAIRFAX NURSING HOME MINISTRY
Sunday, October 14
Our last visit for the year will be Sunday, October 14, 2 - 3:30pm. We'll break for the holidays, then put together a new schedule at the start of 2008. Please join in for this last visit. We would love to have you with us. It's fun, it's unstructured, it's at your own pace to visit with some folks that don't get out like they used to. It brings a smile to their faces and it will warm your heart! Please come! Contact Grace Borell at AgentGrace@mris.com or call 301-514-3772 for questions or to let her know you're interested in joining this ministry.
NEW! FILM FIELD TRIP
Sunday, October 14
Ever wonder about homosexuality, the bible and Christianity? Cathy Alexander is facilitating a field trip to see the film "For the Bible Tells Me So" on Sunday October 14th at the Lincoln Theater in Washington. If you would like to attend or need additional information, please call her at 703-965-9168.
Film Synopsis: For the Bible Tells Me So
Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Seattle International Film Festival, Dan Karslake's provocative, entertaining documentary brilliantly reconciles homosexuality and Biblical scripture, and in the process reveals that Church-sanctioned anti-gay bias is based almost solely upon a significant (and often malicious) misinterpretation of the Bible. As the film notes, most Christians live their lives today without feeling obliged to kill anyone who works on the Sabbath or eats shrimp (as a literal reading of scripture dictates).
Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families -- including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopalian Bishop Gene Robinson -- we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity. For information on the venue: http://www.reelaffirmations.org/RA17film.cfm?filmID=957
QUIZ FUN!
MCC NOVA's 2008 Operations are based on the budget that is approved by the congregation.
Do you know what a monthly pledge of $635 will pay each month?
A. Water bill
B. Condo fee
C. Gas for the church bus?
Together our pledges will make a difference! Answer: B. We are a part of the Democracy Square Condo association which maintains the common grounds and exterior of our units and includes our water and sewer usage. We do not have a bus--not yet anyway!
RECOVERY GROUP
MCC NOVA is considering becoming the host for a general addictions recovery group at the beginning of 2008, with the possibility of a few meetings at the end of this year to provide support around the holidays. In the tradition of Alcholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and other similar 12 step recovery groups, this group will be open to people regardless of their drug of choice. If you or someone you know might be interested in attending a LGBTQ friendly addiction recovery group here at MCC NOVA, please contact Rev. Kharma (703-691-0930) and she will put you in touch with the group organizers.
NEW!
FROM CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Decorate your home for the holidays and support the Children's Ministry by purchasing wreaths and greenery. Capture the fragrance of Christmas and choose from many natural handmade decorations. Gift wreaths can be shipped to your loved ones within the USA. Holiday items will be sold until November 4th. Decorations will be available for pickup beginning November 25th.
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| ON THE HORIZON--SAVE THESE DATES! |
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ANTI-RACISM WORKSHOP AT MCC NOVA
Saturday, November 3
 Rev. Delores Berry will lead us in a workshop to increase our awareness about the dynamics of racism, as well as strategies for engaging in anti-oppression work as an intentional part of our social justice activities. Rev. Berry will also be with us in worship on Sunday, November 4 to provide an inspiring message through word and song. www.revdeloresberry.com
ANNUAL MCC NOVA BASKET AUCTION
Saturday November 17
Yes, folks, it's that time again. It's time to start thinking about what type of basket you are going to make and donate this year for our annual Basket Auction set for Saturday, November 17th! This year we are asking folks to sign up to donate theme baskets ready to sell, instead of donating "stuff' and empty baskets for us to put together. This way we feel we'll get well thought out baskets (not that they haven't been before) and we won't have to wrack our brains trying to put together theme baskets with the items donated. If you donate a theme basket and don't feel confident enough to "put it together" and wrap it - that's fine. The committee can do that piece of the process.
There is a sign up sheet in the fellowship hall asking for folks to sign up to donate awesome theme baskets. Please give this some thought and put together a great basket for auction - this is a wonderful evening where everyone has a great time and we raise lots of money for the church as an added bonus. Thank you all so much for your continual support of this great event. If you have any questions, please see Jane Bennett or Cathryn Krebs.
DEADLINE FOR LETTERS OF INTENT TO RUN FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS, LAY DELEGATE, ALTERNATE LAY DELGATE
Sunday, November 18
NOVAM 'CONCERT FOR HOPE'
Friday, November 30, 2007
Save the date for NOVAM's inaugural "Concert for Hope" which will be held on Friday, November 30, 2007. This concert will be an uplifting recognition of World AIDS Day and will feature singing  duet of Jason and DeMarco, the Howard University Gospel Choir, and the Unity Fellowship and Shaman Tigre Drum Ministries.
This year's event will be held at the brand-new Kenmore Middle School Auditorium on Carlin Springs Road in Arlington, VA.
We look forward to a wonderful and inspirational evening filled with music, joy, and, most importantly, hope. For more information or to purchase your tickets online, please click here.
Tickets can also be purchased by calling 703-533-5505 x13.
WORLD AIDS DAY
Saturday, December 1
 MCC NOVA is working with Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry (NOVAM), several other area MCC congregations, Little River UCC, and many others to host a community health fair on the theme of Body, Mind, and Spirit. The event will include a keynote address from Joshua Love, MCC's international HIV/AIDS and Drug Literacy Program Specialist, a variety of panel presentations, booths sponsored by area agencies promoting a variety of health and wellness resources in our community, health testing/screening, and much more. Joshua will also preach at MCC NOVA on Sunday, December 2.
MCC NOVA CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, December 9 |
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MICAH MINISTRIES CALENDAR |
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Micah Ministries is MCC NOVA's social justice ministry. Below are our current plans for this calendar year. Please let Micah know what you would like to participate in. Judith Raleigh is the team lead and she would love to hear from you.
NEW! FOR ALL THOSE WHO LABOR
MCC NOVA PROMOTES WORKER JUSTICE
".And so there must be an all-out war against poverty. And this is one war in which we cannot afford to have conscientious objectors. Everybody must join the war against poverty."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1965
On September 2, Kharma described the plight of the working poor and called us to join the fight against poverty. As she said, two hundred million full-time workers live below the poverty line in our country.
The working poor receive low wages, no benefits, no health insurance, and no paid vacations. Many face egregious working conditions. Some can't afford to pay the rent.
This fall and winter, MCC NOVA will combat poverty and address worker justice issues.
In the D.C. area, nearly 12,000 people live in shelters, transitional homes, or on the street. Forty percent are in families. Thirty percent are children. In Fairfax and Falls Church, fifty percent of homeless adults have jobs.
From October until mid-November, we'll collect food for Fairfax's Our Daily Bread and take clothes, shoes, coats, blankets, and other items to DC's Community for Creative Non-Violence (a shelter for the homeless.) Also, on November 17, 2007, MCC NOVA will walk in the 20th Annual Help the Homeless Walkathon in D.C. Click here to register (http://www.helpthehomelessdc.org/site/c.plI4IcNWJyE/b.2699657/k.6833/Registration_Guidelines.htm) and contact Judith Raleigh (Judith_L_Raleigh@hud.gov) or Pat Monahan (pmmonahan@cox.net) .
Stay tuned. In upcoming months MCC NOVA will address issues dealing with immigrants and sweatshops. If you have any suggestions, or want to become involved, please contact Pat or Judith.
MCC NOVA's SERVICE PROJECT 2009 UPDATE
Pack your bags! We are going to Costa Rica! 
MCC NOVA's 2009 service project team will travel to Costa Rica for one week in the January/February 2009 time frame. This is an exciting decision for our congregation and we look forward to enriching the lives of others while enriching our own lives by giving of our time and talent. We currently have a team of 17 people who have committed to making the trip.
WE WANT YOU!
If you would like to learn more about the service project please visit: http://www.globalvolunteers.org/costarica/default.asp. If you are interested in joining the team or learning more please stay tuned for our next meeting or contact Judith Raleigh. Please join me in thanking the dedicated folks all who have graciously offered to donate their time & money to this worthy cause: Kharma, Kala, Scott, Chris, Kurt F., Lisa & Holly, Ginny Reed, Nancy, Pat, Vanessa, Irene, Karen, Michelle, Tracey, Judith & Kathy F!
Benefit Dance for Latvia ü
Our Daily Bread Food Drive On-Going
AIDSWalk Washington October
Ministry to Animals TBD
Thanksgiving Food Drive November 2007
Christmas Adopt a Family December 2007
Foot Ministry to Street People TBD
Global Outreach January 2009
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NEW!
"CHANGE IS IN THE AIR"
for the Worship Coordinating/ Participant Ministry!
See how it easy it is to bring your gifts of spirit and talent to MCC NOVA~
Now, you too can be a.....
WORSHIP COORDINATOR
A worship coordinator is one of a team of worship coordinators, each of whom finds participants for the various worship roles in a Sunday service. Participants can be chosen from a Master List made up of volunteers for particular worship roles and their contact information. Worship coordinators may take responsibility for filling only some -- rather than all -- the roles of a Sunday service. A Worship Coordinator will also have a "back-up" person who's agreed to fill in if there is a vacancy for a particular role on any Sunday.
SCRIPTED READINGS
Person who reads any of the following from the binder at the pulpit: Call to Worship, Scripture Reading, Contemporary Reading, Offertory. (Additional tips provided at Training !)
COMMUNION MINISTERS
Three persons assigned each Sunday to assist whoever is consecrating the elements. It is necessary to have balanced gender and ethnic diversity in mind when choosing people to fill these roles. The Communion Server provides a brief time of prayer for the individuals/groups who approach after they have taken the elements from the Acolytes. The prayer often reflects the theme of the sermon. Persons in this role who wish to take Communion, alone or with others, generally wait until all church attendees have been served before taking the elements and moving to an open Communion station for prayer. New candidates for this role are asked to attend a brief training and/or meet with Rev. Kharma prior to serving in this role. (Additional tips provided at Training!)
COMMUNITY PRAYER
Person assigned to this role delivers a more expanded prayer that is centered in the theme of the sermon. (NB: it is not intended to be "another sermon!") This time of the service allows for a reading of the prayers in the Community Prayer Book. New candidates to the role are asked to attend a brief training and/or meet with Rev. Kharma prior to serving in this role. (Additional tips provided at Training !).
ACOLYTE
Two Acolytes are assigned to each service. Each person assigned to this role hold the elements (bread and the cup) as individuals approach. The usher will direct people to an Acolyte, depending on which Communion Server is available next. Persons in this role who wish to take Communion with others generally wait until the church attendees have all been served. At that time, the Acolyte can join others at an open Communion Server station for prayer. (Additional tips provided at Training !).
FOR QUESTIONS OR FURTHER INFORMATION, SEE Jenny Banks.
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| SPOTLIGHT ON MINISTRY |
Special thanks to the following:
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Special thanks to Sharlette, Daniel, Byron, and Cindy for their construction of our new choir risers. We are so grateful for your gifts!
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Special thanks to Ken Williamson for his leadership of our AIDS Walk Team. Thanks to all of you who have signed up to walk and who have contributed.
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Thanks to Charlena for sharing her gifts and talents and for providing the community with a wonderfully artful fundraiser.
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Special thanks to Michele and BK for their work on the church directory. Thanks to Cindy for her production assistance.
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Special thanks to Colleen all of her work to redesign and manage our website (www.mccnova.com). Thanks to Lisa, Irene, and others who will be working on the site in the future. We are so grateful to all of you for your gifts of time and creative talent!
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| 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 September.
Spiritual Formation
· diMENsions - Over a shared meal, the men's Bible study group provides a nurturing and bonding experience with each other and with God. The group continued its discussion of the DVD-based course, "Saving Jesus."
· Living the Questions - Section 3 of the popular DVD- and discussion-based exploration of progressive Christianity and spiritual formation.
· Drumming Circle - Sacred/community music celebration, drawing on ancient drumming traditions and making new ones.
· Membership Class - Informational class for those interested in discovering more about MCC worldwide, our congregation, and the spiritual community we are building at MCC NOVA.
· Children's Bible Study - Weekly sessions during service for the beautiful children of MCC NOVA.
Community Involvement and Service
· Lunch Bunch - After-service fellowship, extending MCC NOVA's welcome and hospitality to all, including new visitors.
· Nursing Center Visitation - Ministry of companionship for the residents and patients of the Fairfax Nursing Center.
· Putting the "Fair" in Fairfax - MCC NOVA hosted a non-partisan discussion forum to hear the views of candidates running for offices in the Virginia General Assembly on issues impacting the GLBT community.
· Employment Non-Discrimination Act - Karl Bach with the Human Rights Campaign joined us to answer questions about the proposed federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) legislation. This act would extend fair employment practices to the LGBT community. (According to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force website, members of Congress have decided to move forward with a version of ENDA that does not include gender identity.)
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| COMMUNITY NOTES |
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SHARED SPACE/FACILITY USE NOTES
A Civics Class for immigrants organized through Liberty's Promise will begin using the MCC NoVA facility in the afternoons on the following days:
October 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
November 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 27, 29
December 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20
(and tentatively November 20)
Liberty's Promise supports young immigrants in need while encouraging them to be active and conscientious American citizens. Their programs aim to make the immigrant experience an affirmative one for young newcomers while instilling in them a sense of pride and support for American ideals of democracy and freedom. By doing so, Liberty's Promise seeks to reaffirm our fundamental egalitarian and democratic traditions for future generations
PUTTING THE "Fair" in Fairfax DISCUSSION FORUM
Tuesday, October 9
What do candidates for the Virginia House races have to say about issues impacting the GLBT community? Come to the second of two Putting the "Fair" in Fairfax Discussion Forum to find out. This is our chance to hear directly from the candidates about issues impacting our community before the November elections.
Equality Fairfax, Equality Virginia, Virginia Partisans G&L Democratic Club, and Log Cabin Republicans of Virginia are sponsoring a non-partisan discussion forum to hear the views of candidates running
for state-wide offices in the VA General Assembly.
Candidates representing Fairfax, Centreville, Chantilly, Burke, Herndon, Oak Hill, Vienna, Oakton, McLean, Springfield, Clifton and Fairfax Station will be in attendance.
Bring all of your friends, family and other allies to these important community meetings. Turnout is important -- elected officials in Virginia need to know that our issues DO matter.
Please take a couple hours out of your busy schedule to attend this worthwhile community event.
House Discussion Forum
Tuesday, October 9
Social gathering time-7:00pm-7:30pm
Discussion Forum-7:30-9:30
Location: Greenbriar Community Center
4615 Stringfellow Road
Chantilly VA 20151
Click here for a Washington Post article about the Senate Forum held at MCC NOVA!
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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| 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: | |
