| NEWS FROM YOUR LAY DELEGATE |
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I have lots of "dates" that you might be interested in. Some "dates" may take you to far away, warm places; but more about that later.
I have found that at times it is easy to forget about the wider influence that our denomination has. It seems so easy to focus on MCC NOVA and the important role we play in Northern Virginia. In addition to that, we have a very active and involved denomination on a world level. But how do we stay connected to that? How can we increase our understanding of what we are about as a movement? As your lay delegate, part of my role is to keep you informed on what is happening within our denomination and to help grow the connection between you and MCC.
One way that sense of community can happen, is through attending the various conferences, seminars and workshops that are offered. I have attended several regional and general conferences and can speak first hand as to the many benefits on an individual basis. First, you get to meet some really great people with amazing stories just as other people find our stories amazing. I find that sharing our sense of community and history and dreams with one another can be a life affirming process. Meeting folks from around the world helps me feel a part of something larger, something bigger than Northern Virginia. And many of the worship experiences that are offered are incredible. Whether it is the contemporary services or the traditional ones or even the meditative variations, the Spirit is alive and vibrant. Worshiping with 1,000 is quite different that worship with 100. It is like watching the game on TV versus being in the stadium. And of course, there are the business meetings, which I love, but also many workshops for individual and group information and growth.
In case you have not guessed, I am hoping that you will consider attending our denominational general conference in Acapulco, Mexico in 2010. If that may seem out of reach, why not consider attending our local regional conference in Pittsburgh, PA in 2009. There are many other offerings for your consideration, some of which are very close to home. For example, there is a seminar being offered in Boyds, MD on "Affirming Our Spiritual / Theological Diversity OR Spiritual Journeys Go in Different Directions And That's OK, No Reason To Get All Bent Out Of Shape If Yours Is Different Than Mine and Mine is Different Than Yours!" Wow, that's a mouthful!
And finally, one of the best parts is the fun that is enjoyed. I would be happy to share some of those experiences with you but I seem to running out of room (ha!). So why not consider going? Let's get a crowd to meet in Mexico!
As promised, back to "dates". Click on the link below to check out some events that you might want to note on your calendar. The bolded ones are highly recommended. If you are not sure, need more information or just want to talk about the possibilities, please catch me on Sunday or call me on 703-969-3008. Gail Minnick.
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| SABBATICAL NEWS |
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SEND-OFF SUNDAY
Sunday, July 27 will be Rev. Kharma's last Sunday with us before she head's off on sabbatical for the months of August, September, and October. Please join us as we wish her well on this important journey.
The Sabbatical Committee has prepared a Sabbatical Guide that includes an overview of sabbatical, a list of frequently-asked-questions, and a list of resources. Hard copies can be found on the information table at the church and the electronic version can be accessed by clicking here.
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NEWS & EVENTS |
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FOOD DELIVERY TO THE HOMELESS--JOIN A TEAM
MCC NOVA will be delivering food to Fairfax homeless the first Sunday of every month through the end of the year. If you'd like to shop, prepare, or deliver food, please contact Pat Monahan at pmmonahan@cox.net to join a team and/or get on the schedule. For the August 3 delivery, please let Pat know by July 6.
SOFTBALL GAME THIS SUNDAY!
July 6, 2:00 pm
Hey Batta Batta! Our big softball game is set this for Sunday at 2:00 pm. After service, please be sure to grab a bite somewhere or maybe even join the lunch bunch before heading over to the field. Water and soda and peanuts, will be available just for the fun of it. We have secured the field at Daniels Run Elementary School, 3705 Old lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030. From the church it will take you no more than 5 minutes to get there. Go out to Lee Highway, turn left, and about a quarter of a mile up on the right hand side is the school across from the Catholic Church.
Bring your gloves, balls, bats, sun screen, and hat. Perhaps a lawn chair might be useful. The one thing we are in need of is bases. If anyone has bases, please contact Gail Minnick! Any questions, please contact Gail. See you at the ol' ballgame!
SOUND--The NOT So Silent Ministry
Tuesday, July 8, 6:30 pm
 Do you enjoy listening to Choir / InCluesion on Sunday mornings? How about hearing Kharma preach? Ever downloaded or listened to one Kharma's sermons online or received a CD copy of the service? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you have been ministered to by the MCC NOVA Sound Team.
The Sound Team is currently looking for new members to serve once every 4-6 weeks. What? You say you're not technically inclined? No Worries. If you enjoy listening to music, and can turn on a computer, we can train you. In fact, the Sound Team will be holding a training session on Tuesday, July 8th at 6:30pm. So come on out, enjoy the free pizza, and learn how you can be a part of this vital (and not so SILENT) ministry.
DiMENsions MEN's BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, July 9, 7:30 pm
"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them." - Matthew 18:20
At 7:30 pm on Wednesday, July 9, Ken Williamson will moderate DiMENSions at 7516 Chrisland Cove, Falls Church 22042 (the home of Scott Brna & Chris Fink). Over dinner together, our men's Bible study group provides 90 minutes of fellowship with Our Savior and with each other. Please join us as we share our experiences and grow along our spiritual paths with the Lord, regardless of your church affiliation or beliefs. For further information or travel assistance, contact Chris at 571.235.5780 or Ken at 202.277.7337.
New! PIE-N-THE-EYE IS BACK!
Sunday, July 27
Vote for your favorite recipient to "receive" a Pie for Jesus. Well, at least for MCC NOVA.
Nominations for Pie "N" the Eye--Vote by adding money the jar of your favorite nominee. On Sunday, July 27, the "votes" will be counted and 7 folks will be eligible to get a pie-- the top 3 vote getters, the bottom 3 vote getters and one more lucky winner will be "luck of the draw". All the remaining participants names will be placed into a drawing and ONE LUCKY WINNER will be drawn.
The privilege of delivering the Pie "N" the Eye, will be auctioned on July 27th. Notice it did not say "throwing". This event raised about $1800 last year. Our goal this year is $2000, so vote for your favorite nominee, VOTE often, VOTE generously. Stay tuned for running vote count.
Save the Date! MCC NOVA YARD SALE
Saturday, August 2
On Saturday, August 2nd we will be having a yard sale to benefit MCC NOVA. We need people with items to donate, and time to donate to transport, organize, price, set-up and sell. Unless a volunteer emerges with a location and large garage with better street visibility, the sale will be held at Ginny and Gail's in Herndon.
At least six volunteers are needed to help with Sales, beginning at 7:00 am and ending at Noon, on Saturday, August 2nd--ideally three teams that can cover three hours each, from 7 to 10, from 9 to 12, and from 11 until 2 (close-up and cleanup). Volunteers are also needed to make Yard Sale signs, to direct people to the right street on the right day, and perhaps someone who lives in the Herndon area who can place the signs on nearby streets and intersections on Friday night, Aug 1 after dark. Help is also needed to sort and price items in the evenings during the final week-probably two people each night, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 6 pm until 9 pm.
Donations that are small and easily transportable can be brought to church, or you can bring to Ginny and Gail's home beginning July 19th. If you have large items to donate, please contact Ginny as soon as possible to arrange for pickup (on Thursday or Friday, July 31 and Aug 1 due to limited storage space).
So, what do you say? Can you help with this worthwhile project? Please contact Ginny Reed at 703-648-9327 (home) or 703-969-8883 (cell). Thanks for all you do.
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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.
Our Daily Bread Food Drive On-Going
AIDSWalk Washington October 4, 2008
Homeless Shelter Dinner ü
Pride Planning ü
Foot Ministry to Homeless 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 |
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SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING:
To those who helped Rev. Tim move his "stuff" into his new place. We're grateful to you for your generosity and brawn.
To Kathleen, Jeanne, Vanessa, Steve, and Tracey for their work on the Spiritual Formation Survey that is currently being conducted. Thanks to all of you who have given us feedback about worship, educational programming, retreats, and children's ministry. We are always eager and open to your feedback, as it helps us improve the resources for spiritual growth and support we offer.
To Judith and Ken for their leadership of our Pride efforts. Thanks to the 52 of you (woohoo!) who showed up to march with us in the parade and to all of those who staffed our booth at the festival.
To everyone who pitched to work with FACETS to prepare and deliver food to the homeless.
To Vanessa for her leadership of the Sound Team and for all of those who volunteer to run sound on Sundays. Not only do you help us hear one another, but the sound recordings of worship are an important ministry to those who cannot be physically present with us, as well as those who listen via our website. We are grateful.
To the hospitality ministries -- all of the greeters, ushers, fellowship hour donors, and lunch bunch conveners and participants. We are so grateful for your intentional efforts to make everyone who attends MCC NOVA know for certain they are welcome. Keep up the good work. It makes such a difference.
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| COMMUNITY NOTES |
FREE TO GOOD HOME
Full size washer/dryer in good, working condition. Current owners decided to go stackable and would like to donate their side-by-side washer and dryer to someone who can put them to good use. If you are interested, you'd need to be able to arrange to pick them up in Middleburg. For more information, call Mary at 540-687-3111. Best time to call after 2 pm.
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. Western Fairfax -- Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road Oakton, MD 22124
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
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