MCC NOVA e-NEWSLETTER, November 2007

� To all of our ministry leaders for the work they have done to prepare for our Ministry Fair. Thanks to each of you who gives so generously of your time, resources, and unique spiritual gifts to help transform lives through our ministry within this community and out in the world. Together we are living out our common calling: spirit, community, action - inside & "out".

� To Ken for his leadership of the MCC NOVA AIDS Walk Team and to our 23 team members: Alicia, BK, Charlena, Chris, George, Jimmy, Johnny, Judith, Kala, Kharma, Kurt, Kyle, Lillian, Mark, Marvin, Matthew, Pat, Sarah, Scott, Stephen, Steve, Yvonne, and - of course - Sister. MCC NOVA was recognized as the TOP FAITH ORGANIZATION TEAM!! We raised $6,500 for Whitman Walker Clinic. THANK YOU for your generosity!

ELECTION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The weeks preceding the elections are crucial to voter turnout. Between October 27^th and November 6^th (Election Day) volunteers will speak one-on-one with voters and motivate them to exercise their right to vote. This will be a fun and exciting opportunity to get involved in Virginia's 2007 elections. Join HRC and our allies as we mobilize Virginia's pro-equality voters. For more information, contact Jamila.Ball@hrc.org Regional Field Organizer, Human Rights Campaign 202.716.1641.

MEALS ON WHEELS

Drivers critically needed. Meals are delivered Monday-Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Volunteers can deliver on a weekly, biweekly, monthly, or substitute basis. For more information, please call the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging's Volunteer Intake Line: 703-324-5406, TTY: 703-449-1186 or email: DFSAAAvolunteer@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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

MCC TRIP to GERMANY

May 2008

Have you ever traveled together and had to pretend you were "just friends"? Have you ever wanted to travel in a group where you could be with folk like you? Join us for a trip sponsored by the Open Door Center for Spirituality, leaving May 15th 2008. Our tour is "Historic Germany, from Berlin to Bavaria" and will include an optional excursion for three days in Vienna, Austria. All are welcome!! For those who would like to make this an educational experience through the Center for Spirituality, Rev. Dr. Rob Apgar-Taylor, Pastor of Open Door and German Professor at Hagerstown Community College will be leading an online study prior to departure on "When hate wears the face of Jesus" examining how people have abused religion and twisted Scriptures to validate the oppression of others. We will also experience an optional day excursion to Dachau Concentration Camp for those who are interested. Go to Goaheadtours.com and look at the tour "Historic Germany: From Berlin to Bavaria" for specific tour details. For more details contact Rob Apgar-Taylor at ptsem@verizon.net or call 301.916.5777.

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, 3^rd Sunday, 4:30 pm.

2. Falls Church--Temple Rodef Shalom at 2100 Westmoreland Street on the 2^nd 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 3^rd Sunday: one focused on Trans-people and their families-Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church.

� Belated and hearty thanks to Frank for photographing the Spiritual Retreat and for doing such a wonderful job compiling DVD's for retreat participants.