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THIS SATURDAY!
April 5, 7:00 pm
DiMENSions MEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, April 9, 7:30 pm
At 7:30 PM on Wednesday, April 9, the Rev. Fernando Frontan, originally from Uruguay and now living in Mexico, will moderate a very special DiMENSions meeting at 7516 Chrisland Cove, Falls Church 22042 (Scott Brna & Chris Fink'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 for this awesome opportunity to share our experiences with our guest moderator, who will lend his international insight to the Bible and modern men. For further information or travel assistance, contact Chris Fink at 571.827.5888 or Kyle White at 703.200.9503.
Sunday, April 13, 2:00-3:30 pm
The next nursing home visit is planned for Sunday, April 13, 2 - 3:30pm. There is time to have a bite to eat first with the Lunch Bunch Ministry. For anyone interested in participating, but that has not gone through orientation, we will pair you with someone in our ministry that has, so please join us! Any questions, please call or email Grace Borell: 301-514-3772 or AgentGrace@mris.com.
RETREAT PAYMENT DEADLINE
Sunday, April 13
If you are registered for the Spiritual Retreat, payment is due no later than Sunday, April 13. Please see Marvin Garcia for more information.
SAVE THE DATE!
Community Conversation
Sunday, April 20, after service
An exciting time in our life as a church is coming up soon: Rev. Kharma Amos will be on sabbatical during August, September, and October 2008! A sabbatical is a time for study, reflection, and renewal -- a time to deepen spiritually. Since we've never done this before, we will take some time after service on April 20th to understand what a time of sabbatical is and is not, to discuss how life at MCC NOVA will go on, and to share our concerns and insights. Don't worry: there will be food! We will meet for an hour, from 12:30pm- 1:30pm. If anyone has any questions, please catch members of the Sabbatical Committee after service: Sarah Fershee, Tracey Kennedy, Cathryn Krebs, Frank Vance, and Ben Masters. See you all on the 20th!
NOVAM "IMAGINE" DINNER AND DANCING
Saturday, April 26, 2008 6:30 until ?
IMAGINE is the signature annual fundraising event of Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry (NOVAM) and the largest AIDS fundraiser in Northern Virginia. With the help of more than 100 event volunteers, IMAGINE brings the entire metropolitan area together in a caring response to the AIDS crisis.
IMAGINE consists of two parts. On Saturday, April 26, 2008 NOVAM party hosts will hold dinner parties in their homes and communities, inviting their friends to attend and make contributions to NOVAM. Later that evening (8:00pm), party hosts and their guests will meet at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town Alexandria for dessert, drinks, dancing, and a silent/live auction. Funds raised through IMAGINE support NOVAM programs and operations.
This year, MCC NOVA partiers will meet up at 6:30 pm at Glory Days Grill at 3059 Nutley Street in Fairfax for dinner (remember a portion of your dinner bill will be returned to NOVA to support the Costa Rica trip) before moving on to the Torpedo Factory party. A suggested minimum donation of $15.00 per ticket to the NOVAM party is requested. For tickets or more information, please contact Ken Williamson krwilliamson@gmail.com or Judith Raleigh judkat@hotmail.com.
SAVE THE DATE!
2008 MCC REGION 3 CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY LEADER'S SUMMIT
Saturday, May 3, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
MCC Baltimore
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| MCC NOVA WELCOMES REV. FERNANDO FRONTAN |
SAVE THESE DATES!
 Rev. Fernando Frontan will be our special guest from April 7 - 14. MCC NOVA has been developing a relationship with Rev. Frontan, originally from Uruguay and now serving as the Pastor of Casa de Luz MCC in Monterrey, Mexico, for more than four years. We have long hoped that Rev. Frontan would be able to come and work with us, and now those hopes are realized! During the week he is with us, Fernando will be leading a number of different workshops and gatherings, and he will be preaching on April 13. Please plan to attend as many of these as possible, and spread the word widely. Each event will be bilingual (Spanish/English), so this is a perfect time to invite your Spanish-speaking friends and family to join us. Click here for a complete bio of Rev. Fernando Frontan.
Tuesday, April 8, 7:00 - 9:00 pm - Latino/a Gathering
Rev. Fernando Frontan will be hosting a casual gathering for Latino/a people. Please spread the word to your Spanish-speaking friends who may be interested in LGBT issues and/or church and spirituality. A major focus of the conversation will be inclusivity as it relates to diversity in language, culture, and perspective.
Wednesday, April 9, 7:30 pm - DiMENsions
Rev. Frontan will be leading the DiMENsions Bible study.
Thursday, April 10, 7:00 - 9:00 pm - Global Justice Workshop
Rev. Frontan is a long time activist with a passion for Global Justice. A major force for LGBT equality in Uruguay and a member of MCC's Global Justice Team, Fernando has a wealth of experience doing social justice work in a number of different environments. He will lead us in a discussion about how we can engage in non-patronizing justice work that moves well beyond superficial acts of charity. Everyone is encouraged to attend this exciting conversation, but especially anyone who is attending our Costa Rica Service Project trip in 2009. The culture of Costa Rica is much like the culture of Uruguay, and Fernando will help provide us some important insights about our work there.
Saturday, April 12, 10:00 - 12:00 - Liturgical Arts Workshop
Have you ever thought our sanctuary was somewhat "dull" in the aesthetic sense? Have you ever longed for artistic stimulation that might complement our worship? Join us for a hands-on workshop about the role of liturgical arts in worship. Rev. Frontan has a great deal of experience of making art work for worship. The churches he has worked with in Uruguay and in Monterrey use creativity to inspire spiritual vibrancy. Come and help us discover how we can do the same.
Saturday, April 12, 3:00 - 5:00 pm - Couples Workshop
Whether you are dating, considering dating, or in a long term relationship, you will benefit from this workshop designed to help couples develop healthy relationships, improve communication, and foster trust.
Sunday, April 13, 11:00 am - Worship
Rev. Frontan will be preaching at our regular 11:00 am worship. The entire service will be bilingual (Spanish/English). Come, let us worship together in a spirit of celebration. You don't want to miss this. Bring a friend.
¡Salven Estas Fechas!
Rev. Fernando Frontan va ser nuestro invitado especial desde Abril 7 - 14. MCC NOVA ha estado desarrollando una relación con el Rev. Frontan, originalmente de Uruguay y ahora sirviendo como Pastor de Casa de Luz MCC en Monterrey, México, por los últimos cuatro años. Hemos esperado que el Rev. Frontan podría venir a trabajar con nosotros, y ahora esas esperanzas se han realizado! Durante la semana que estará con nosotros, Fernando va liderar diferentes programas y reuniones, y va pastorear Abril 13. Por favor traten de atender cuantos encuentros posibles, y pasen la palabra extensamente. Cada evento va ser bilingüe (Español/Ingles), así que es el momento perfecto pare invitar sus amistades y familia Hispana. Haga clic aqui para leer la biografía completa del Rev. Fernando Frontan.
Martes, Abril 8, 7:00 - 9:00pm - Reunión de Latinos/Latinas
Rev. Fernando Frontan va presentar una reunión informal para la gente latina. Porfavor pasen la palabra a sus amistades y familia cual este interesada en temas de GLBT, en la iglesia, y/o espiritualidad.
Miercoles, Abril 9, 7:30 pm - DiMENsiones
Rev. Frontan va liderar el estudio de Biblio "DiMENsiones." Por favor de llamar la oficina de la iglesia 703-691-0930 para más información.
Jueves, Abril 10, 7:00 - 9:00pm - Programa de Justicia Mundial
Rev. Frontan ha sido un activista apasionado por Justicia Mundial por mucho tiempo. Una fuerza mayor por la igualdad de GLBT en Uruguay y miembro del grupo de Justicia Mundial de MCC, Fernando tiene experiencia trabajando en área de justicia social en diferentes ambientes. El nos llevara en una discusión de cómo podemos dedicarnos, sin ser condescendiente, en trabajo para la justicia que esta mas allá de las acciones de la caridad superficiales. Cada uno es animado en atender esta conversación, pero especialmente cualquiera que vaya a ir al proyecto de Costa Rica en 2009. La cultura de Costa Rica es mucho como la cultura de Uruguay, y Fernando ayudara en aclarar muchos puntos importantes de nuestro trabajo ahí.
Sabado, Abril 12, 10:00am - 12:00pm - Programa de Artes Litúrgicos
¿Alguna vez has pensando que nuestro santuario le falta "algo" en el sentido estético? ¿Has querido estimulación artística que complemente nuestra veneración? Reúnanse a un programa practico del papel de los artes litúrgicos durante veneración. Rev. Frontan tiene mucha experiencia en haciendo arte para la iglesia. Las iglesias con cuales a trabajado en Uruguay y en Monterrey usan creatividad para inspirar una pasión espiritual. Vengan y descubran como podemos hacer lo mismo.
Sabado, Abril 12, 3:00 - 5:00pm - Programa Para Parejas
Si estas considerando de empezar una relación nueva, o estas en una relación hace poco o mucho tiempo, los beneficios de este programa ayudan a parejas formar una relación sana, mejorar comunicación, y fomentar confianza. Por favor de llamar la oficina de la iglesia 703-691-0930 para más información.
Domingo, Abril 13, 11:00am - Sermón
Rev. Frontan va pastorear a la hora normal - 11:00am. El servicio entero va ser bilingüe (Español/Ingles). Vengan, vamos a adorar juntos en espíritu de celebración. No quieren perder la oportunidad. ¡Traigan una amiga o amigo!
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| FROM THE HEARTS OF THE COMMUNITY |
Super Delegate - NOT!
This article is not about a super delegate, but a lay delegate. Let me start by introducing myself. My name is Gail Minnick and at our Congregational meeting in December, I was elected to serve as your lay delegate for the next 3 years. So what does that mean?
According to the lay delegate manual, "As the elected Lay Delegate, you are the official representative of your congregation at all levels. Lay delegates have the responsibility to attend and to effectively represent the congregation at every regional conference and general conference. It is your responsibility to see that the information flow between the fellowship, region and local congregation is both timely and accurate throughout your term of office."
That's a mouthful! And I will do my very best to fulfill this responsibility.
In order to represent you effectively, I will insure that relevant information is made available to you and from time to time hold forums where we can get together and dialog about the issues facing our denomination. And as a result of the conferences I attend, I will provide feedback to you and the Board of Directors.
And closer to home, I will participate in our membership classes and cover information about our denomination, its history and structure. I am planning to provide an article in our newsletter on a quarterly basis to keep you informed and provide highlights on items that might prove interesting to you as part of the NOVA community. This is the first one.
I also encourage you to review the website of our denomination (www.MCCchurch.org). It is loaded with really good information about what is happening in and around the fellowship on a national and international basis. There is a plethora of resources at your fingertips.
And don't forget to sign up for the denominational and regional newsletters. You can do this by sending an email. For the regional newsletter, contact jenniferglass@mccchurch.net and for the fellowship newsletter send an email to Communications@MCCchurch.net. The newsletters are a good way to be kept informed as events happen.
Some of the most exciting events that we can participate in are regional and general conferences. For your information, the next regional conference will be in Pittsburg, PA from July 16th - 19th 2009; and the next general conference will be in the June/July time frame in 2010 in Acapulco, Mexico. Don't forget the sunscreen! As we get closer to the dates, more information will be available. I hope you will consider going--it is a wonderful experience.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask (703-648-9327 or gailminick@msn.com). If I do not know the answer, I promise that I will find you an answer.
Thank you for the honor of serving you and our community. |
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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.
COSTA RICA FUN FACTS
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.
Costa Rica is a land of courtesy, domestic enterprise, hospitality, and gentleness. Aggressiveness, brusqueness, and violence are shunned. Ticos say they are lovers of peace and conciliation. Costa Ricans avoid confrontation when possible; they may even say they will do something when they really don't intend to do it, just so they won't have to disagree. People value privacy and quiet behavior but will vigorously defend personal honor. A strong work ethic is prevalent among most segments of society, and rural people especially accept hard labor as a necessary part of life.
Our Daily Bread Food Drive On-Going
AIDSWalk Washington ü
Homeless Shelter Dinner ü
Pride Planning On-going
Ministry to Animals TBD
Foot Ministry to Street People TBD
Global Outreach February 14-22, 2009
DID YOU KNOW?
That MCC NOVA hosts Civics Class for immigrants organized through Liberty's Promise?
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 NOVA is proud to partner with Liberty's Promise. |
| SPOTLIGHT ON MINISTRY |
 SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING:
· Jenny for her consistent dedication to cleaning our facility.
· Children's Ministry for their leadership in worship today, and for the work they do every week to teach and inspire our children.
· Our 27th Anniversary Award recipients for their tremendous service in the past year: Ben Masters (spirit), Alice Mason (community), Pat Monahan (action), and Gail Schulte (inside & "out").
· To all those who created and attended our special events during Holy Week. Thank you for making it a richly meaningful experience for our community. |
| COMMUNITY NOTES |
MOSAIC HARMONY SPRING CONCERT
Please mark your calendars now for Mosaic Harmony's 15th Anniversary Spring Celebration Concert. We promise that "Let It Shine" will help bring spring sooner with the warmth and musical excitement that Mosaic Harmony delivers every time we sing. We've dusted off some old favorites and learned several new songs to share with you this year. For maximum flexibility, we will be providing two Saturday evening concerts this year, April 26th and May 3rd at 7:00 p.m. at the McLeanHigh School Auditorium, 1633 Davidson Road, McLean, Virginia 22101.
Mosaic Harmony is an inter-faith, interracial community choir which draws on the rich heritage of African-American spiritual music to demonstrate and encourage unity in the midst of diversity. More than 70 members strong, we bring together people of diverse cultures, religions, ages, and backgrounds to celebrate the unity of humanity and contribute to "Service through Song". We represent 17 faith traditions and perform everything from traditional spirituals to new songs composed by our popular and dynamic director, David North.
Tickets for our "Let It Shine" Spring concerts are available now; only $20.00 in advance, and $25.00 at the door, adults 60+ and students $15 in advance, $20 at the door, children under 12 are free. So select your date and order by visiting www.mosaicharmony.com, call 301-816-9220, or, see our own Kala Payne. Concerts usually sell out, so please purchase your tickets as soon as possible. If you are interested in finding out more about us or in purchasing space in the concert program for "Let It Shine", email information@mosaicharmony.com.
Come sing with us and Let it Shine! Hope to see you there!
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
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
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SHOP AT THE MCC NOVA SPIRIT-WEAR STORE!
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