| FROM THE HEARTS OF THE COMMUNITY |
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IMMIGRATION IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
by Pat Monahan
"The battle over immigration is being fought in Northern Virginia."
Jen Smyers, American Friends Service Committee
And, the whole nation is watching. Without clear federal immigration law, Northern Virginia counties, such as Prince William and Arlington, have taken immigration reform into their own hands. Prince William County has seen a recent influx of immigrants. In response, the County has begun a costly crackdown on illegal immigration. Millions may be spent on programs denying illegal immigrants government services, limiting immigrant business licenses, detaining immigrants, and installing cameras in county police cars to protect officers from accusations of racial profiling.
Fifty-eight religious leaders, in Prince William County, recently sent a letter to their elected officials, criticizing the county's treatment of illegal immigrants. Prince William's Corey A. Steward, Chairman of the Board of County Supervisors, said this in response:
"We don't need them as an intermediary," he said. "They need to do what they do best: serve their congregants and attend to their denominations and not get involved in partisan politics. They need to think this through more carefully. Tolerance of illegal activity is not a virtue. If anyone is dividing the community, it is illegal immigrants. We are simply enforcing the law."
By contrast, nearby Arlington County has, for thirty years, received a diverse group of immigrants. According to the Washington Post, residents speak 120 languages and one in four residents is a first or second generation immigrant. Crime and unemployment rates are relatively low and test scores are high.
Arlington County Board member, Chris Zimmerman, suggested that County policy towards illegal immigrants has contributed to these statistics. "The attitude," says Zimmerman, "has always been: they're here. They're part of the community. Let's help them succeed."
Two neighboring counties. Two different tactics. When the battle is over, how will history remember Northern Virginia?
DID YOU KNOW?
For another semester, MCC of Northern Virginia will be serving as a twice-weekly host of the group Liberty's Promise, whose mission statement reads:
"Liberty's Promise supports young immigrants in need while encouraging them to be active and conscientious American citizens. Our 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."
We are proud to offer our space to the young immigrants in our community. |
| SPECIAL EASTER OFFERING |
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 On Easter Sunday, March 23, MCC NOVA will join MCC churches around the globe in the collection of a special offering designated for MCC's life-changing, life-saving Global Justice Ministries.
Everyday, more people contact MCC wanting--needing--more help and support than we can respond to. LGBT people in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, where the forces of religious fundamentalism aggressively promote hate and discrimination.
You can help. Please consider making an extra contribution to the special Easter Sunday offering in support of MCC's Global Justice Ministries.
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| HOLY WEEK AT MCC NOVA |
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March 20, tbd Holy Thursday Service
March 21, 7:00 pm Good Friday "Service of Shadows with Images of a Global Passion"
Presented by the Music Ministries.
March 23, 11:00 am Easter Sunday Service |
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DiMENSions MEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, March 12, 7:30 pm
Ken Williamson will moderate the next DiMENSions meeting on Wednesday, March 12, at 7:30 pm, at 4105 Morin St., Alexandria 22312 (Frank Vance's home). Over dinner together, our men's Bible study group provides 90 minutes of fellowship with the Lord and with each other. Please join us as we share our experiences and grow together along our various spiritual journeys. For further information or travel assistance, contact Frank Vance at 703.577.6806 or Kyle White at 703.200.9503.
Honor a Beloved One with Easter Lilies
Easter lilies will be available for purchase again this year. Order forms are available on the information table. Lilies will be displayed in the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday (March 23), after which they may be taken home. To order, please return the form and payment (cash, check), along with dedications to Deb Ronemus or place it in the offering basket. Order deadline is March 16.
DRUMMING CIRCLE
Saturday, March 22, 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 Helps the Homeless
Sunday, March 30
This winter, 2,000 people in Fairfax, one third of them children, are homeless. Fairfax Area Christian Emergency & Transitional Services (FACETS) provides the homeless with financial and basic needs assistance, counseling and outreach, educational enrichment programs, and transitional supportive housing. FACETS also works with impoverished and low-income families to prevent homelessness. On Sunday afternoon, March 30, MCC NOVA will volunteer at a FACETS' Hypothermia Prevention site, preparing and providing dinner. Join us! Contact Pat Monahan (pmmonahan@cox.net) or Judith Raleigh (judkat@hotmail.com).
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| SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT |
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Sabbatical: Renewal Time for Everyone!
As you may have heard by now, our pastor, Rev. Kharma Amos, will be taking a pastoral sabbatical for three months, starting after Sunday worship July 28, 2008. This means that she will be away from the church for a period of spiritual growth and renewal.
Following the recommendations and blessing of MCC worldwide, MCC NOVA has included the provision of a pastoral sabbatical after every five years of service, since first developing our terms of employment with our pastor. This also follows the practice of many denominations that recognize the value of "time set apart" for pastors.
With the hope that Rev. Kharma's sabbatical will be a time of growth, reflection and spiritual renewal not just for her, but for the entire congregation, the Board of Directors has approved the formation of a Sabbatical Committee. Tasks of this committee will include:
a. Meet with Rev. Kharma to identify a theme that both she and the congregation will use for focus.
b. Encourage open l ines of communication between members and friends of the congregation, Ministry Leaders, and members of the Board of Directors.
c. Ensure that Sunday worship services nurture, stimulate and provide spiritual growth and inspiration for both individuals and the community as a whole.
d. Encourage continuation of established church programs so that individuals find grounding and support in the familiar.
e. Design and plan two theme-based special events to be held during the sabbatical.
f. Help to create sabbatical send-off and re-union worship services.
Although this experience is a new one for both Rev. Kharma and MCC NOVA, we are confident that God's Spirit will guide us through this very important period in the life of our church. May the sabbatical time be a time of refreshment, discovery and deepening - not only for Rev. Kharma but for each one of us!
In the very near future, there will be announcements of a gathering at church for community discussion about the sabbatical process. In the meantime, if you have thoughts or questions that you'd like to share, please seek out a member of the Sabbatical Committee.
Faithfully,
The Sabbatical Committee:
Sarah Fershee, Chair
Tracey Kennedy, Vice Moderator, Board of Directors
Cathryn Krebs
Ben Masters
Frank Vance |
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ON THE HORIZON--SAVE THE DATE! |
REGISTRATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT CHURCH
BEGINNING SUNDAY, MARCH 9
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. 
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.
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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!
MCC NOVA's 2009 service project team will travel to Costa Rica February 14 - 22, 2009! We currently have a team of 19 people who have committed to making the trip. 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 contact Judith Raleigh.
Costa Rica Fun Facts
Population: roughly 4 million
Language: Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. English is widely understood.
Religion: 80% of the population -Roman Catholic
Customs & Courtesies:
Polite and respectful greetings are a social norm.
Hand gestures are common and important to everyday conversation. In fact, Costa Ricans often use their hands to express an idea, either with or without verbal communication. To indicate "no," one vigorously waves the index finger (palm out, finger up.)
Eating: Most people eat three meals a day, with midmorning and afternoon coffee breaks or snacks.
Diet: Costa Ricans eat rice and beans in various combinations for nearly every meal. Typical at breakfast is gallo pinto (mixture of rice and black beans). A common lunchtime meal is called casado and consists of beans, salad or eggs, meat, and plantains. Favorite dishes include olla de carne, a beef stew with potatoes, onions, and many vegetables. Also common are lengua en salsa (beef tongue served in a sauce), mondongo (intestine soup), empanadas (turnovers), arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), and gallos (tortillas with meat and vegetable fillings). Bread, tortillas, and fruits are also staple items. Ticos of all ages enjoy coffee. Adults may take two or three coffee breaks a day.
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 ü
Foot Ministry to Street People TBD
Global Outreach February 14-22, 2009
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| SPOTLIGHT ON MINISTRY |
 SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING:
Jane Bennett for organizing the painting party this weekend, to all of those who gave of their time and talents to repaint the sanctuary and fellowship hall, to Gail Van Buren for her generous financial donation to get us started, and to Alice Mason and Jane/Jeanne Bailey for providing the workers with lunch and breakfast, respectively. We are blessed to have such a generous,
energetic, and dedicated congregation.
The Hospitality Team - the folks who quietly and consistently provide goodies and treats following worship!
Our communion ministers, who meet members of our community each week to offer prayers of blessing. Thank you for this consistent ministry of grace. |
| MCC WORLDWIDE |
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Welcome to the 6th biennial 2008 MCC Conference for People of African Descent, our Friends and Allies! Since 1998, the PAD Conference has been a landmark MCC event and it continues to be an occasion to bring together people of African descent, our friends and allies. To add to the excitement of our gathering this year, we will also celebrate the 10th year of the PAD Conference.
The conference theme is "On the Move - Stepping Out on Faith," a testament to our commitment to building bridges of support and understanding among people of all races, to address issues related racism and homophobia, and to create together a place where we all are at home.
To facilitate us moving in this direction, three stellar speakers will grace the Conference with their wisdom and insight to compel us forward on our journey. Our guest speakers are Rev. Bishop Carlton Pearson, Rev. Deborah Johnson, and Keynote Banquet Speaker, Rev. Dr. Renee McCoy.
Whether this will be your first time attending or you have attended every conference, you will find refreshment, be inspired, learn, and have great fun! This is our pledge to you.
See you in St. Louis!
For more information, click on the image above.
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| COMMUNITY NOTES |
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PEER SUPPORT GROUPS
LESBIAN SERVICES PROGRAM AT WHITMAN-WALKER CLINIC
Women Coming Out of Marriage
This confidential support group is for women who are or have been married to men and may be contemplating or are in relationships with women. The group does not promote one path over another and whether you choose to leave your marriage or not is for you to decide. The group seeks to give you the space to figure out which path is right for you. Group meets every Monday night at an undisclosed DC location. Registration is required. For more information, contact Dawn Boutelle at 202-797-3586 or dboutelle@wwc.org.
Coming Out Group
This 10-week peer led discussion group for women exploring their interest in other women will meet on Tuesdays from 7:00 until 8:30pm beginning in March. To register, please contact Dawn Boutelle, 202-797-3586 or dboutelle@wwc.org.
Other Groups
Didn't see a group that interests you? We have others! Check out http://www.wwc.org/common/support_groups.html. There you will find a list of all our groups. Still don't see a group that interests you? E-mail Dawn (dboutelle@wwc.org) with what you would like to see!
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.
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: | |
