| FROM THE HEARTS OF THE COMMUNITY |
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Holly McMeekin recently served with the Red Cross (RC) to provide emergency assistance in San Diego following the fires that ravaged that community. She shared the following reflection with her MCC NOVA church community.
I returned last Thursday from San Diego after a 3-week deployment. It was an amazing experience that led to extensive learning opportunities, many challenges, intense personal reflection, and enormous pride in my work as a Red Cross team member. I put pictures up on the following site: http://picasaweb.google.com/holly.mcmeekin
As some of you know, I love top ten lists so here are my top lessons, experiences (in no particular order):
Read more |
| WORLD AIDS DAY EVENTS |
NOVAM 'CONCERT FOR HOPE'
Friday, November 30, 7:30 pm
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.
BODY, MIND, SPIRIT COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR
Saturday, December 1, 2007 * 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM 
Little River United Church of Christ
8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003
SCHEDULE
Plenary Schedule (Sanctuary)
12:00 Welcome, Event Co-Chairs:
Rev. Kharma Amos (MCC NOVA),
Bill Briggs (NOVAM)
Rev. Jim Bell (LRUCC)
Grounding & Centering, led by the DC Radical Faeries
Time of Silence
Orientation to Fair
12:30 Uncommon Hope: Leadership for Health and Wellness of Body, Mind, & Spirit
Plenary Address, Joshua Love, Program Director for MCC Global HIV/AIDS
1:30 The State of HIV/AIDS in Virginia
Plenary Address, Elaine Martin, Virginia Department of Health
Organizational Responses to HIV/AIDS
Plenary Address, Kristy Snowden, Virginia Organizations Responding to AIDS
community conversation
2:30 Living Positively
Personal Stories & Conversation, facilitated by Joshua Love
3:30 The Complication of Crystal Meth Addiction
Plenary Address, Mike Rubin, The Lambda Center
Personal Stories & Conversation, facilitated by Joshua Love
4:30 Closing Community Conversation & Acknowledgements
*There will be some breakout sessions to continue conversations w/ plenary speakers. Time & Location To Be Announced.
Health Fair (Main Hall)
11 - 5 Visit Booths & Collect Information/Resources
Health Screenings / Testings
11 - 5 HIV Testing - Rapid Tests (Room 8)
Blood Pressure Checks (Main Hall)
Cholesterol & Anemia Screenings (Main Hall)
Chair Massages (Downstairs, Room Posted on Door)
Health Screenings, including HIV Testing, is entirely confidential.
To See the Full Schedule CLICK HERE or visit http://www.mccnova.com/worldaidsdayfor more information
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MCC NOVA CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, December 9
Join us for our annual congregational for budget discussion and director elections. There will be a potluck before the meeting. A signup sheet is located on the hallway bulletin board. Everyone is welcome.
NOVAM HOLIDAY ADOPT-A-FAMILY
Through December 9
The holidays are right around the corner and once again MCC NOVA is pleased to participate in NOVAM"s Adopt-a-Family program. Through your generosity in past years, we have assisted NOVAM in their efforts toward making the holidays special for many families in Northern Virginia. Last year, NOVAM's  program reached more than 175 children in the Northern Virginia area who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Please save a place on your Christmas list for one of these children. Beginning November 25th, there will be a tree in the fellowship area from which you may select a child's "wish". The gifts are to be brought to the church not later than December 9th. If you have questions or would like to assist with the collection and delivery of these gifts, please see Alice Mason or Judith Raleigh or contact Alice at 703 644-7894 or LilGen1939@msn.com.
POINSETTIAS ON SALE NOW!
Dedicate a poinsettia to a loved one and help decorate the sanctuary for Christmas. Order poinsettias now through December 18. Cost is $15 each. Order forms are available on the information table. Please drop the forms, along with payment into the offering basket or bring it by the church office. Flowers will be on display December 23 and 24, after which they may be taken home. All proceeds benefit the MCC NOVA conference fund.
DiMENSions MEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, December 12, 7:30 pm
Brad Stooksbury and Bobby Hopson will host the first DiMENSions meeting outside of Fairfax County at 11205 Rienzi Pl, Unit #204, Manassas 20109, on Wednesday, December 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 wrap up the DVD program entitled "Saving Jesus," 20-minute segments with discussions about the relevance of our Savior in today's world. For more information or travel assistance, contact Kyle White at 703.200.9503 or Brad Stooksbury at 703.489.0404.
JOURNEY RHYTHMS: DRUMMING CIRCLE
Friday, December 14, 7:00-9:00 pm
MCC NOVA presents a sacred/community drumming circle. All are welcome. No experience is required. Circles are scheduled quarterly around the time of the solstice. Drumming has been used by indigenous people all over the world for thousands of years as a powerful spiritual tool. In recent years, thousands of Community Drumming Circles have come into an existence as a way for people in our time to capture some of the concepts and practices of the ancient tradition and experience the benefits of it. These circles typically borrow some of the concepts and traditions of the ancient traditions, but are more flexible and require no special training or talents to participate. Our circle is based on this concept. Fliers are available on the literature table; please feel free to take these to post and hand out to others who might be interested. The more the merrier.
MCC NOVA HOLIDAY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA!
Saturday, December 15, 7:00 pm
Mark your calendar, get out your Christmas sweater or tie. You know the one. Yep. That one with the bells and snow people... December 15th at 7pm. That is when the music ministry of MCC Nova will present their Christmas offering: "Together For Christmas". You are sure to have a good time! Bring a friend!
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
Monday, December 24, 7:00 pm |
| ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN COMES TO AN END |
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We Give: Because We Care
The 2007 Annual Giving Campaign has officially ended and you proved that MCC NOVA is full of amazing and awesome STARS! At the end of the campaign we received 99 pledges totaling $226,606. It is inspiring to see how Selfless, Thoughtful, Amazing, Remarkable, and Supportive you are. Just stop by the "Wall of Fame" and read the many reasons that we give. Each reason is awesome and inspiring!
Here are the results of the campaign:
33 pledges increased 25 pledged the same amount as last year
30 new pledges 33% increase in the number of pledges
10% increase in the amount pledged
18 people included MCC NOVA in their Will
20 use iGive to support MCC NOVA
Pledges ranged from $12 to $15,600. We greatly appreciate every pledge, recognizing that not everyone is in a position to make a large financial contribution. The heart of the annual giving campaign is a celebration of people giving according to their means. The Budget Committee will now go to work to build a budget based on the campaign results. The budget, which will be voted on at the annual congregational meeting in December, will put our money to use inside and outside of our community. We are truly blessed by the generosity of the congregation. Still haven't pledged? There is still time to be a part of this success story. We will gratefully and gladly accept additional pledges. Contact Gail Minnick for more information. |
| ON THE HORIZON--SAVE THESE DATES! |
COSTA RICA SERVICE PROJECT MEETING
Sunday, January 13, after worship
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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.
MCC NOVA's SERVICE PROJECT 2009 to COSTA RICA!
DATES CONFIRMED!
MCC NOVA's 2009 service project team will travel to Costa Rica February 14 - 22, 2009! 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.
Habitat for Humanity ü
Benefit Dance for Latvia ü
Our Daily Bread Food Drive On-Going
AIDSWalk Washington ü
Ministry to Animals TBD
Thanksgiving Food Drive ü
Christmas Adopt a Family December 2007
Foot Ministry to Street People TBD
Global Outreach February 14-22, 2009
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| SPOTLIGHT ON MINISTRY |
Special thanks to the following:
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To Jane, Jeanne, Cathryn, Kathleen, Jenny, Cassie, Colleen, Brad, Noreen, Holly, and Lisa for the tremendous work you did to prepare and present this year's Basket Auction. Thanks to all of you who attended and shared so generously. We are grateful for the $5,700 raised by this FUNdraiser.
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To InCluesion for their outreach efforts this past week as they traveled to the Unitarian Universalist Church in Williamsburg, VA for a concert and for music ministry during their weekly worship. We're proud of your witness beyond our walls!
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To Sabrina for translating sermons into Spanish to provide some Spanish language resources via the internet. Thank you for your dedication and willingness to help reach and touch another part of our community.
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To Cathryn, Chris, Daniel, Debbie, Gail, Joani, Kathy, Ken, and Tom for their creative and inspired leadership of our Annual Giving Campaign. Thanks also to Sister Maggie, Spock (Kathleen), Dave (Jenny), and H.A.L. (Vanessa) for transmitting to us the messages of the universe about generosity. And, most of all, thanks to ALL OF YOU who pledged your support to MCC NOVA so that we can continue transforming lives together through spirit, community, action - inside & 'out.'
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¡Llegando Pronto! |
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¡Miren al Nuevo MCC NOVA Recursos por Internet en Español!
Aqui hay una muestra:
Sermones por Rev. Kharma Amos
19 de agosto de 2007: Lucas 13
Atención: Los sermones de la iglesia MCC en éste momento son dados en Inglés. En el intento de brindar la Palabra en otros idiomas ofrecemos traducciones por internet en Español.
Conexiónes de MCC a los recursos en Español
Porfavor de entrar aqui
ICM en Latinoamérica
Sermones por Rev. Obispa Nancy Wilson
Servicio de celebración del Orgullo en Europa
MCC NOVA will soon offer Spanish language resources via our website! Included will be sermon translations, links to MCC resources in Spanish, and other information. Click the links above to see samples. If you have friends or family who speak Spanish and would be interested in these resources, you are encouraged to forward this newsletter to them. And watch for more information on the debut of our Spanish language resource web page. |
| COMMUNITY NOTES |
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HOLIDAY SOCIAL BOWLING
Friday, December 28, 8:00 to 10:00 pm
It's that time again- CARA will be playing host to a Holiday Social Bowling event on Friday, December 28, from 8:00 to 10:00 pm at AMF Alexandria Lanes, 6228-A N. Kings Highway, Alexandria, VA 22303 (NOTE: This is a new venue!).
The atmosphere is very casual (and all bowling skill levels are encouraged and will be represented). The details: $2.50/game, $1 shoe rental, we'll have a cake on hand in case anyone would like a nosh. For more information, contact Robert Treadway, 202-210-3277,
rob@avantedgemedia.com
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.
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, 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.
Spiral Dance Womyns Center and Bookstore
Baltimore
Finally open for business! This bookstore will carry a variety of interesting books and unique gifts, mainly written and created by women. The Womyn's Center will be open in the evenings for performances and special events as the women of Spiral Dance begin to schedule them. They are currently seeking local womyn artists, artisans and musicians willing to place their work on consignment and schedule performances. They are also looking for womyn willing to lead various types of workshops, reading groups and exercise/martial arts classes, etc. A community space for women and an opportunity for interested women to have an avenue to express whatever their passions may be. Please visit them on the web at http://www.thespiraldancebookstore.com/index.html or e-mail any questions to thespiraldancebookstore@yahoo.com |
| 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: | |
