| SABBATICAL NEWS |
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As we near the half-way point of the Sabbatical journey that both Rev. Kharma and we as a congregation have embarked on, the Sabbatical Committee would like to thank each and everyone one of you for your presence, support and ongoing enthusiasm. We have been blessed with continued excellence in worship each Sunday, including great music, and amazing preaching from both laity and clergy, in-house and out. Our ministry activities continue unabated and in abundance. In short, we have much to be thankful for, and proud of, as well.
And we have much to look forward to. This Fall is chock full of opportunities and activities. This Sunday, we welcome our "Bishop," the Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman as our guest speaker, and on subsequent Sundays, more from other guests, some familiar and some new. Our World Religions class begins September 9, and there are a number of other learning and discussion opportunities being planned. Washington AIDSWalk, MCC's 40th Anniversary Celebration, and our annual Ministry Fair will all take place the first weekend in October. If you'd like a chance to meet with others from our own MCC Region 3, there are sub-regional gatherings planned throughout the Fall in a variety of locations. Our on-going ministries will continue full-steam ahead and we will also have the opportunity to begin new conversations around the future of our website and as promised, the future of our physical facility. All this and more, as we prepare to welcome Rev. Kharma home from Sabbatical on November 2.
Once again, thanks to all of you for your presence and support. Because of you, MCC NOVA continues to thrive in 'Spirit, Community, Action -- Inside & Out.' |
| AND THE SURVEY SAYS! |
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The results of the Worship and Spiritual Development Survey are in! A huge "thank you" to everyone who participated in the survey - we received some very thoughtful comments as well as the specific feedback we requested. The survey responses have been collected and reviewed, and a summary of those findings is presented here. The detailed results - including all comments and suggestions - are being provided to the Ministry Leaders for each area for further focus and action.
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NEWS & EVENTS |
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SEPTEMBER FOOD PREP & DELIVERY FOR FAIRFAX HOMELESS
Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7
Join our team as we provide a meal for the homeless of Fairfax County. If you can help prepare food on Saturday, September 6 at 4:00 pm or deliver food on Sunday morning, September 7 at 7:15 am, please contact Pat Monahan at pmmonahan@cox.net.
WORLD RELIGIONS CLASS
Tuesdays, September 9 - October 21, 7:00 pm
Human beings everywhere hunger for that which provides meaning and for a connection with something greater than our individual selves. We can learn much from other religions that can enrich our own spirituality and practice or can teach us understanding and acceptance of other traditions.
We will explore some of the great religious traditions of the world for seven weeks on Tuesday evenings from September 9 through October 21 at 7:00 p.m. at MCC NOVA. Virginia Miles will lead the series. She is a Wesley Theological Seminary graduate and a former pastor of the Open Door MCC.
A sign up sheet is located near the front door or you may sign up with Emma in the church office at info@mccnova.com.
NURSING HOME MINISTRY
Sunday, September 14
The group resumes 2nd Sunday of the month visits to Fairfax Nursing Center beginning September 14. To participate or get more information on this ministry, please contact Grace Borell (301) 514-3772 or Pat Monahan (703) 684-7947.
DiMENSions MENS BIBLE STUDY
Tuesday, September 16, 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
*** New Meeting Day Effective Immediately: THIRD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH ***
On Tuesday, September 16, At 7:30 pm, DiMENSions will gather at 6133 Willston Drive, Unit 1, Falls Church 22044 (Kyle White's home). Over dinner together, our informal Bible study group for those identifying as men 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, please contact Kyle White at KyleChas@aol.com or 703.200.9503.
Saturday, September 20, 7:00 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. Everyone is welcome. The more the merrier.
PLUG IN! MEMBERSHIP/INQUIRER'S CLASS
Sunday, September 21, following service
 Have you noticed? MCC NOVA is a vibrant place. It has an energy that, once experienced, makes people want to return. All are welcome at NOVA, even if only as observers around the edges. But the very best way to experience NOVA's energy is plug into it -- and the best way to plug in is membership. NOVA believes in "every member ministry." That is the belief that every single person has gifts to offer and is encouraged to offer them. When you're greeted at the door, handed a bulletin, guided from your seat to the communion line, those are ministries in action. When you enjoy music during the service, the readings, a prayer during communion, those are also ministries at work. There are "invisible" ministries, too: teams of people work on the administrative, communication, and congregational care needs of NOVA. A group is planning a visit to Costa Rica to put social action to work. New teams form as new ideas pop up. The joyfulness many feel at NOVA is literally the energy of people who feel connected to their church and its work. Membership, besides bringing a vote at congregational meetings, is for many, a statement of alignment with NOVA's community and work. The decision to become a member says, "This is the energy I want to plug into." Are you considering membership? Or would you simply enjoy a chance to learn more about the church, its history, its denomination --- and be served lunch at the same time? After worship on September 21st, we'll gather for an "Inquirer's / Membership Class." Open to everyone, it's a time for questions, discussion, and learning what makes MCC NOVA the special place it is. Whether you've been around NOVA a short while or a long one, you are welcome! A sign up sheet is located near the front door. See you there! Jean Gralley, Lay Delegate.
OUT for WORK PRESENTS:
THE FOURTH ANNUAL NATIONAL GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL,
TRANSGENDER & ALLY
COLLEGE STUDENT CAREER CONFERENCE
September 26-28, 2008 -- Washington, DC
MCCNOVA invites you to join lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and ally undergraduate and graduate students, college faculty/staff members, professionals, and LGBT advocated from across the country for the only non-industry specific career conference for our community. MCCNOVA is a conference partner this year and has secured a table of 10 participants to attend the two day conference.
Individuals can register directly under the MCCNOVA partnership online by clicking here. You will need to enter the promo code "partner". You can also access registration and complete conference agenda from the OUT for Work website, www.outforwork.org. If you have any questions or issues registering please contact Riley@outforwork.com.
OUT for Work is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, preparing, and empowering LGBT college students and their allies for the workplace
AIDSWALK WASHINGTON
Saturday, October 4
 On October 4th, 2008, we will join thousands of other people in the 22nd annual AIDS Walk Washington to help fight against HIV/AIDS. This event is a 5K fundraising walk/run, benefiting and produced by Whitman-Walker Clinic.
Last year, under the leadership of Ken Williamson, MCC NOVA raised in excess of $6,000--more money than any other Faith-based group. This year, with Team Captain Chris Fink at the helm, our fundraising goal is $7,000. Won't you join our team today and help us exceed this year's goal. You can help in the following ways:
Click on this link to go to MCC NOVA's Team Page: AIDS Walk Washington
1) Make a donation online or download a donation form from the website if you prefer to mail your donation.
2) Register as a walker/runner and join us on October 4th
3) Sponsor one of our other team members and help them reach their personal goal
4) Forward this email to everyone you know asking them to support Whitman Walker as well
Whitman-Walker Clinic is a nonprofit, community-based organization founded in 1973 that provides and facilitates affordable, accessible health services to the Washington metropolitan area. You can find out more about the Clinic at www.wwc.org. Your contribution will help Whitman-Walker Clinic provide critical services to those living with HIV/AIDS.. All contributions are 100 percent tax deductible.
If you have any questions about AIDS Walk Washington or Whitman-Walker Clinic, please don't hesitate to contact Chris Fink or visit www.aidswalkwashington.org for more information. Thank you so much for your support and generosity.
SAVE THE DATE!
2008 ANNUAL BASKET AUCTIONSaturday, December 6, 2008
 This is the perfect time and place to start (or finish) buying your Christmas presents. Also, please begin thinking about the basket(s) you want to donate to this fabulous fundraiser. More information to come - just remember to save the date. Any questions see Jane Bennett or Cathryn Krebs. |
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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 Meals On-going
Foot Ministry to Homeless TBD
Global Outreach (Costa Rica) 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. |
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 Special Thanks to the Following:
To Ben Masters and Gail Schulte for sharing two wonderful messages with our congregation during this Sabbatical time.
To Cindy Childs on the anniversary of her second year as office volunteer extraordinaire. Your behind the scenes weekly work is deeply appreciated!
To Cathy, Frank and Bobby for leading the six-week, Sunday morning Bible study.
To Pat Monahan and her crew of Chanda, Emma A., Charlena, Arlene, and Matt for preparing a delivering a meal to the homeless in Fairfax County through FACETS.
To Ginny Reed for organizing last Saturday's yard sale! Thanks also to the many folks who helped sort, price, sell, and clean up and to those who donated items.
To Terry and De for organizing donations to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. Thanks also to everyone who donated items. |
| NEWS & EVENTS FROM MCC |
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ATTEND MCC REGION 3 SUBREGIONAL GATHERINGS
Central: November 14 / 15
Location: Open Door MCC Boyd's, MD
Plenary: 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!
Rev. Dr. Mona West
Southern: October 24 / 25
Location: St. John's MCC, Raleigh, NC
Plenary: Practical Strategies For Stewardship and Spiritual Formation
At The Congregational Level
Rev. Jeff Miner
Cost: $25 per person
For more information, contact jenniferglass@mccchurch.net
 MCC MEN'S RETREAT ALL MEN ARE BROTHERS February 21-24, 2009
Adam's Mark (Sheraton) Hotel
Dallas, TX
Conference Registration $90
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| HOW DO I GET IN HERE? |
 To place a ministry-related announcement in our weekly e-update or monthly e-Newsletter or for more information about placing a community announcement, please contact Tracey Kennedy at mccnovacom@earthlink.net. For church bulletin announcements, please contact Emma in the church office at info@mccnova.com
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| COMMUNITY NOTES |
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 SEEKS 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
TO SUPPORT MCC NOVA DIRECTLY, YOU CAN MAKE
A SECURE, TAX-DEDUCTIBLE  CONTRIBUTION BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK: | |
Can you believe that it is September already and fall is upon us? It was such a great summer in so many ways and the time flies whether we want it to or not.
