February 2008
 
 
the e-Newsletter of MCC NOVA
spirit.   community.   action.    inside & "out"
 
 

Rev. Kharma Amos, Pastor

Service at 11:00 am

 
In This Issue
From the Laptop of Rev. Kharma
Read Ahead
Introducing Our New Clergy Intern
New! Lenten Study Series
MCC NOVA News & Events
On the Horizon--Save These Dates
Micah Calendar
Spotlight on Ministry
Community Notes
Support MCC NOVA
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Join Our Mailing List!
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FROM THE LAPTOP OF REV. KHARMA
 
LENT: A New Season,
A New Opportunity for Growth
 

kharma

It seems impossible, but the beginning of the season of Lent is already upon us.  Beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 6, we will enter into this season of introspection, self-examination, and spiritual growth.  This year, our theme is "Courage to Confront our -isms" (i.e., phobias, biases, prejudices, and other restrictive beliefs).  I want to give you a little background information in order to ground the opportunities for reflection we will have in worship as well as in a mid-week spiritual formation class.

           

I've been talking with leaders of MCC - including our Executive Director, Cindi Love, and a number of the pastors of the most vibrant MCC congregations - about the Would Jesus Discriminate? campaign.

 
Read more

   

READ AHEAD
 

February is Black History Month, an annual celebration honoring the important people and events in African American history.  Since 1926, this month has been set aside in some way in order to raise awareness of the historical journey and contributions of people of African descent in the United States.  Our contemporary readings for the month of February will draw wisdom from these voices.

 FEBRUARY 3

1st Reading:
 
Micah 6: 1- 8
2nd Reading:
 
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
From his Letter from a Birmingham Jail
 
Reflection:
 
"What Is Required?"
 
INTRODUCING OUR NEW CLERGY INTERN
                                                                                                               PAULETTE   

We are pleased to introduce our new Clergy Intern, Paulette

 Armstead.  Paulette was accepted "in care" as a candidate discerning and preparing for a call to professional ordained ministry in MCC at the Readiness for Entering Vocational Ministry (REVM) Retreat this past September.  She will be graduating from Wesley Seminary in May of this year with her Master's of Divinity degree.  Paulette comes to the Washington area from Florida, where she works as an Attorney at Law, a Certified Mediator, and a Certified Arbitrator. 

 

Paulette will begin her internship at MCC NOVA in February.  She will be spending approximately half of her internship time with us here in Northern Virginia and the other half at MCC of Washington DC, where she has been doing work while she is in seminary.  One of the things Paulette will spend time on during her candidacy period is helping MCC NOVA and MCC DC further develop our collaborative partnerships.  In particular, she will be helping to organize our joint participation later this year in MCC's Would Jesus Discriminate? campaign.  She will also be working with us to gain experience in many other areas of pastoral ministry, and she looks forward to the unique opportunities afforded by the context, culture, and character of MCC NOVA. 
               

We will welcome Paulette in worship on February 10.  Please take the initiative to introduce yourself to her, and extend a warm welcome to the community of MCC NOVA.
NEW!  LENTEN STUDY SERIES
 

lent

During the season of Lent, we'll be joining MCC congregations across the United States in a period of preparation for participating in the Would Jesus Discriminate? campaign.  Before we ask this question of the world around us, we recognize a need to ask this question in the confines of our own hearts and in the inner workings of our own congregations.  Lent is a time of self examination and transformation.  In this holy season, we will spend time examining the ways we discriminate - not to point fingers in judgment or to be more politically correct, but as an opportunity to grow further into our own best desires to be a radically inclusive, loving community.
 
Join Us

Wednesdays, February 13 - March 12

7:00 - 8:30 pm

 

MCC NOVA NEWS & EVENTS
 
NURSING HOME MINISTRY MEETING
Sunday, February 3, 12:30 pm

 

Please join us this Sunday, after worship to discuss plans for resuming our ministry at the Fairfax Nursery Center.  For more information, please contact Grace Borell at [email protected]

 
 

ASH WEDNESDAY

February 6, 7:00 pm

 

Join us for a special Ash Wednesday worship service as we begin the season of Lent, a time of self-examination and spiritual growth.  Our theme for Lent this year is "Courage to Confront our -Isms" (i.e., phobias, biases, prejudices, and other restrictive beliefs).  Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of our journey with Jesus, our model for living as radically inclusive and loving people.  A reflective service, our worship will include song, scripture, silence, the rite of imposition of ashes, and a burning bowl ritual to help us become aware of and release what is unwanted in our lives (a variation on the traditional practice of "giving something up for Lent") and of creating intention for the future. 

 

 

PAINTING THE CHURCH

Saturday, February 9, 8:30 am

 

We will be painting the sanctuary and fellowship hall of the church of Saturday, February 9th starting at 8:30am.  On Tuesday (2/5); Wednesday (2/6) and Thursday (2/7) for those who can help - we will be meeting at the church at 7pm to prepare the areas to be painted.  We'll be taping, putting down tarps, spackling, removing things from the walls, covering furniture and anything else needed to be ready to start painting as soon as we arrive at the church on Saturday.   If you are available any or all of these times, please plan to join us - we appreciate the help!  If you have any painting supplies i.e. rollers, roller handles, pans, tarps, tape or spackle you'd like to donate, please bring them with you on the preparing days (T,W,Th).   Any questions see Jane at church or contact her at [email protected] or 703-352-5426.  Thanks!
 
 

MEMBERSHIP CLASS

February 10, 12:30 pm

 

The next MCC NOVA Membership Class will be held at 12:30 on February 10, 2008, and will include lunch.  This class is for anyone who is interested in finding out more about MCC worldwide, about our congregation of MCC NOVA, or about the spiritual community we are trying to build here.  Whether or not you are interested in becoming a member, come and find out what membership is all about!  Please sign up on the sign-up sheet located on the Welcome Table.  If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

 

 

FREE FILM SCREENING & DISCUSSION

Tuesday, February 12, 7:00 pm

 

Join us to watch My Girlfriend Did It, a documentary exploring the impact of violence in lesbian relationships, and stay for a discussion on addressing violence within and against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities.  Sponsored by Equality Virginia's Anti-Violence Project, Equality Fairfax, MCC of Northern Virginia, and Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry, this event will be held at MCC NOVA at 10383 Democracy Lane in Fairfax.  Please help us spread the word.  For more information, call 804-643-4816.

 
 

DiMENSions MEN'S BIBLE STUDY

Wednesday, February 13, 7:30 pm

 

Mark Fox is hosting the first DiMENSions meeting in Arlington County at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, February 13, 2008, at 1900 S. Eads St., Unit #531, Arlington 22202, near the Crystal City Station on the Metro Blue Line.  Street parking is available on S. Eads St., S. Fern St., and at the Crystal City Shops.  Our men's Bible study group assembles monthly for dinner and fellowship with 

other men and with the Lord, as we share our experiences and grow along our spiritual paths.  For more information or for travel assistance, please contact Mark Fox at 703.895.1554 or Kyle White at 703.200.9503.
 
 
COSTA RICA TEAM MEETING
Sunday, February 24, 12:30
 
Team members please plan to attend as we plan our next steps.
 
 

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR TREASURER
 
What an Amazing End of Year.  On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I want to thank you for your amazing commitment and generosity to this community.  As you may recall, the financial report that was presented at the December congregational meeting did not include actual December data, only projections, so I thought that I would provide you with a quick update on how we ended the year.    Because of you, MCC NOVA ended the year with $6,444 in the black with total giving of $248,913.  Through your support we were able to help those in need, pay our bills and support many varied social justice efforts.  We can all be proud of what is happening here. 
 
This success puts us one step ahead as we enter into the New Year.   As expressed when the budget was presented, the $6,444 will be used to offset the $7,646 deficit projected for 2008 and will help ensure that we "Create a SuperNova Together".    
 
I would also like to mention the wonderful job that the Board of Directors did in managing our budget and expenses.   Please help me in thanking them for there outstanding commitment of time and talent that they give to our church regularly.    
 
If you have any questions or would like more information, just let me know.  Again, thank you for your faithful giving.
 

 

Chris Fink, Treasurer 

ON THE HORIZON--SAVE THE DATE!

   

Pride Planning Meeting

Sunday, March 2, 12:30 pm

 

If you are interested in helping plan MCC NOVA participation in upcoming Pride activities, please join us after worship or see Judith for more information.

 
 

MCC NOVA'S ANNUAL

SPIRITUAL RETREAT
May 9-11, 2008
SHAPING A SPIRITUAL LIFE

 

Hey, remember the little plastic bag with the dried date inside that you received at the Ministry Fair last fall?  Or the little bag with the dried date inside that you picked up from the table in the church foyer?  The little bag to remind you to save the date ?Well, it's time to dust it off and apply it to your 2008 calendar!

 

Where:   Sevenoaks Pathwork Center, Madison, VA

When:    4:00 pm Friday May 9 through noon Sunday May 11

Who:      All adult members and friends of MCC Nova

What:     Time set apart for personal spiritual deepening as well

               as friendship and community building.  A schedule that

               includes worships, workshops, small groups, playtime

               and free time.  Scrumptious meals, a mountain river, 

               wooded trails and lovely facilities.         threetwelvelogo

Leader:  David M. Mellott, Ph.D.                           

                Lancaster Theological Seminary 
               Theologian, teacher, spiritual director,
                consultant for MCC around the world.
 
Save the Date
 
Even if you didn't receive a little plastic bag.
 
        And look for registration forms and flyers soon!
 
 

MICAH MINISTRIES CALENDAR

 

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!

 

MCC NOVA's 2009 service project team will travel to Costa Rica February 14 - 22, 2009!  We currently have a team of 21 people who have committed to making the trip.  If you COSTA FLAGwould 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 contact Judith Raleigh.   

 
Team Members: Please plan to attend our next planning meeting on Sunday, February 24, after worship.

 

micah

Habitat for Humanity                    

Benefit Dance for Latvia            

Our Daily Bread Food Drive         On-Going

AIDSWalk Washington              

Ministry to Animals                     TBD

Thanksgiving Food Drive           

Christmas Adopt a Family          

Foot Ministry to Street People     TBD

Global Outreach                        February 14-22, 2009

 
SPOTLIGHT ON MINISTRY

 
Special thanks to the following:

 

To those who attended Equality Virginia's Lobby Day to advocate for justice and equality for all people in Virginia.
 
To Steve for volunteering to coordinate our worship, and for Ken, Jean, and Cindy for recruiting and coordinating for specific ministry functions.  We are grateful to every person who helps lead and facilitate our communal worship experience.  If you are interested in participating in worship, please contact one of these folks.
 
To Kathy Felts, Debbie Ronemus, and Leslie White for their service on our Board of Directors.  We are grateful for the years of effort and energy and wisdom you have put into this ministry!!
 
To Kathy Felts, Chris Fink, Tracey Kennedy, Ginny Reed, and Errol Waits - our 2008 Board of Directors - for their willingness to serve MCC NOVA this year.
 
To Ben Masters for organizing the sale of ornaments for Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry over the holiday season.

COMMUNITY NOTES
 

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:   [email protected].

 
 

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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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nova brand

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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

 
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