November 2008
 
 
the e-Newsletter of MCC NOVA
spirit.   community.   action.    inside & "out"
 
 
Rev. Dr.  Kharma Amos, Senior Pastor
Rev. Tim Agar, Associate Pastor 

Service at 11:00 am

 
In This Issue
From the Laptop of Rev. Kharma
Read Ahead
From the Hearts of the Community
FYI
This Week @ MCC NOVA
Coming Up!
Micah Ministries
Spotlight on Ministry
News & Events from MCC
How Do I Get In Here?
Support MCC NOVA
Company Logo Block
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
FROM THE LAPTOP OF REV. KHARMA
 
 

threetwelvelogoLet me begin by telling you how incredibly excited I am to be back with you here at MCC NOVA.  While my sabbatical time was wonderful and deeply meaningful, I missed you all a whole lot.  I am so proud of the work that you have done, the love that you have shared, and the life that you have been living in the past three months.  I've only begun to hear your stories, but I can tell by the powerful presence of the Spirit in this place that God is doing some amazing things in (y)our midst.  I can't wait to see what's next.  I also want to thank you again for the gift of time and space you gave me, and for the generous welcome back you extended to both me and Kala.  We are glad to be home continuing the excellent adventure with you.

And now, on to the laptop article--     click here

READ AHEAD
 November 9
 
1st Reading:
 
2nd Reading:
 
by A. Powell Davies 
 
Reflection:
"A Song of Restoration" 
 Rev. Kharma Amos, preaching
FROM THE HEARTS OF THE COMMUNITY
 
LGBT People: Finding Spiritual Meaning and Purpose in our Lives
By Paulette Armstrong

 
I can't do this alone . . .
 
Thereare many times in our lives when we are faced with tasks and challenges which seem impossible. We want to call upon our family, our partners or our friends to help us. Unfortunately, no one can help us. They do not have the resources, the strength, the solution, the courage etc. We are alone and unable to take on one more problem. 
                                                                                                     Continue reading
FYI
 
ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN RESULTS

Thank you to everyone who made this year's annual giving campaign a SUCCESS.  We were blessed to receive 99 pledges for $211,942!  That is incredible!  "Incredible" because even in these uncertain times, people rallied to support collectively our community here at MCC NOVA. To read more about our giving campaign results click here.

 
REV. TIM ACCEPTS TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT
AT NEW COVENANT MCC AS TRANSITIONAL PASTOR 
 
Some of you may have heard that I have accepted another half-time position at New Covenant MCC in Laurel, Maryland as their new Transitional Pastor.  This 12-15 month assignment will involve providing a consistent source of pastoral leadership and support for the congregation there, while they go through the process of searching for and finding a new permanent pastor to replace their founding pastor, Rev. Lance Mullins who left in late August.
 
Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman was pleased to be able to take advantage of my availability and desire for additional pastoral work, while filling the need to provide a consistent source of support for the folks in Laurel.  I reiterated to Rev. Arlene and the members of the New Covenant Board that I was not interested in leaving MCC NOVA as I am committed to this congregation as my new spiritual home.  I want to grow with NOVA and spend my early years in ordained ministry with this community.   My contract with New Covenant prevents me from being considered for the permanent pastor position.
 
My time will be divided between the two churches, but I don't anticipate many conflicts with NOVA worship on Sundays at 11 a.m. and New Covenant's Sundays at 6:30 p.m.  If you have any questions or concerns about this, I would warmly invite you to give me a call and I would be happy to speak with you further.  I also want to thank so many of you who have been so supportive during my job search.  It has meant a great deal to me.
 
Blessings, Rev. Tim
THIS WEEK @ MCC NOVA
 
THIS FRIDAY!  BINGO AT MCC NOVA! bingo
 
Join us Friday, November 7 at 7:00 pm for another exciting evening of Bingo MCC NOVA-style, featuring the fabulous 'Sister Bertha BetterThanYou!"  Tickets are $10 each. For more information, please see Ken or Daniel.  

 
petmin 'DOGS RAISING MONEY FOR CATS!' 
Saturday, November 8, 10:00 - 11:30 am
3813 Mountain Rd, Haymarket, VA  20169
 
Joyce Walters, Pet Trainer, will be volunteering 60-90 minutes of her time to answer dog questions and offer training tips in our fenced back yard. Bring your dog (on a leash, of course) to Gail's house on Saturday morning November 8 - please arrive by 9:45 am.
 
A donation will be taken to benefit Dewey Cat Rescue (This is a trap - neuter - release effort I have personally seen in action and they are fantastic - they are a 501(c)3 non-profit so checks may be made out to Dewey Cats)
 
We will have hot coffee, tea, and cider, cheese and crackers following the training. Dress warmly and we will work on the covered patio in the event of rain, but do bring raingear.
 
Please RSVP to Gail Van Buren: [email protected] or 703.754.1337.  All are invited. If you cannot attend, but want to send a contribution, just mail it to the above address.
 
 
NURSING HOME MINISTRY

Sunday, November 9
 
The nursing home ministry will make the last visit of the year on Sunday, November 9, 2-3:30pm.  Please join us!  Contact Grace for information or questions:  301-514-3772 or [email protected].  

 
SUNDAY ADULT BIBLE STUDY CONTINUES
 
Through December 21, 9:00 - 10:15 am
 
A Bible study series for adults begins a new series beginning Sunday, October 19 at 9:00 am.  This series will run for 10 weeks and will meet in the upstairs library.  For more information, contact Cathy A, Frank, or Bobby. 

 
FALL LEAVES ARE FALLIN'  -  YARD CREW FORMING NOW!
rake 
Rev. Tim has joined the group traveling to Costa Rica and needs to raise some funds to cover airfare and related costs.  To that end, he has made himself, and hopefully some very loving friends, available to be hired for leaf-raking/blowing/bagging/composting in a yard very near you.  For what he hopes will be a healthy donation to the Costa Rica Trip Fund, you can contact him to schedule a  job.  Ideally, you will have the needed equipment and supplies needed to complete the job with  Rev. Tim and friends supplying the people- power.  Call Rev. Tim's cell at 415-812-5344.
COMING UP!
  

NOVA CARE TEAM ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF FALL TRAINING
Beginning Thursday, November 13, 7:00 pm
 
On Thursday, November 13th, at 7:00 p.m., MCC NOVA's Care Team will host the first in a series of special evenings of topic interest to members of the congregation who may be interested in exploring what it means to be a part of the Care Team here at NOVA.  This first evening is designed to provide an orientation and overview to the many areas of focus that comprise this important and vital ministry.  The evening will be held in the library upstairs and if you have questions you are invited to contact Ginny Reed, Care Ministries Coordinator or Rev. Tim.
 
 
21st ANNUAL HELP THE HOMELESS WALKATHON

homelessSaturday, November 22
 
MCC NOVA will participate in the 21st Annual Help the Homeless Walkathon on the National Mall to raise awareness of the 12,000 homeless living in the Washington, D.C  area. If you register before the event, the cost is $25 for adults and $15 for youth.  For more information, please contact Pat Monahan at
(703) 684-7947 or [email protected] or click here.
 
 
DiMENSions MEN's BIBLE STUDY

Tuesday, November 25, 7:30 pm

 

"Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever.  Amen!" -  Revelations 7:12.
 
DiMENSions will gather at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, November 256133 Willston Drive, Unit 1, Falls Church 22044 (Kyle White's home).  Over a shared dinner, our informal Bible study group for those identifying as men provides 90 minutes of fellowship with Our Savior and with one another.  Please join us as we bond as men in the Body of Christ, give thanks to Our Lord, and grow along our spiritual paths, regardless of your church membership or beliefs.  For further information or travel assistance, please contact Kyle White at [email protected] or 703.200.9503.
 
 
BOOK READING AND SIGNING by Syndia Payne
Sunday, November 30, after service
 syndia2
Our own Syndia Payne will read from her new book Bare My Soul: Mystoryan autobiographical account of her life and her journey from childhood sexual abuse to a place of self-forgiveness, self-love, and self-acceptance.   Join us on Sunday, November 30 after the worship service.  Books are $10 each and may be pre-ordered (and prepaid) from Syndia using the sign-up sheet on the information table.  Deadline for purchases is November 16.  Syndia has generously offered to donate a portion of each book sold to MCC NOVA.
 
SAVE THE DATE!

MCC NOVA's ANNUAL BASKET AUCTION!giftbasket

Saturday, December 6 

 

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 and sign up on the sheet at church.  More information to come - just remember to save the date. Any questions see Jane Bennett or Cathryn Krebs.

 

SAVE THE DATE!

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, December 7
 
MCC NOVA's Annual Congregational Meeting will be held after Worship on Sunday, December 7. As part of our normal business meeting we will review and will vote on the 2009 budget, hold elections, and conduct other business of the church.  We will have two openings on the Board of Directors to fill, and invite members to prayerfully consider if you wish to serve your church and community by serving on the Board of Directors.  If you would like to stand for election, please submit a Letter of Intent to Ginny Reed ([email protected]) and Tracey Kennedy ([email protected]) no later than November 16, 2008.  Everyone is welcome to attend.
 
 

SAVE THE DATE!

MCC NOVA MUSIC MINISTRIES Presents

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MUSICAL PROGRAM 

Saturday, December 13, 7:00 pm

 

Join us for an evening of celebration!

MICAH MINISTRIES

 

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 COMBATS POVERTY
newBreakfast Delivery, Walkathon, Meals on Wheels, Hypothermia Shelters
________________________________
 
Early one Sunday morning, we served breakfast to a young immigrant who had found herself suddenly homeless after separating from her husband. She knew MCC NOVA. Emma had just written her a check for food and she was very grateful. Your generous weekly donations aid people in crisis like this young woman.
 
MCC NOVA helps in other ways:
  • The first Sunday of each month, MCC NOVA delivers breakfast to Fairfax homeless. Typically, we prepare the food on Saturday afternoon. If you have an hour or two to spare, you can help.
  • On Saturday, November 22, MCC NOVA will participate in the 21st Annual Help the Homeless Walkathon on the National Mall to raise awareness of the 12,000 homeless living in the Washington, D.C  area. If you register before the event, the cost is $25 for adults and $15 for youth
  • Meals on Wheels helps the elderly and the disabled remain at home while they recover from surgery or short-term medical problems and helps those with long-term chronic illnesses avoid or delay institutionalization. Drivers are needed mid-day on weekdays. The time commitment is up to you.
  • In the winter, local churches take turns hosting the homeless to prevent hypothermia. While MCC NOVA is not equipped to host these individuals, we have sent volunteers to assist the other churches.
     
    If you are interested in any of these programs, please contact Pat Monahan at (703) 684-7947 or [email protected].

     
Our Daily Bread Food Drive         On-going
AIDSWalk Washington               October 4, 2008
Homeless Shelter Meals             On-going

Foot Ministry to Homeless          TBD 
Nursing Home Ministry                Ongoing
Help the Homeless Walkathon     November 22, 2008
Global Outreach  (Costa Rica)     February 14-22, 2009

DID YOU KNOW?

threetwelvelogoThat MCC NOVA recently contributed

  • $500 to help Harbor MCC of Galveston, TX replace their hymnals after their church was destroyed by Hurricane Ike?
  • $500 to the Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund?
  • $500 to the Mother of Peace Orphanage for children of HIV/AIDS victims in Zimbabwe?
  • $500 to assist an MCC Clergy person in South Africa with expenses related to a serious illness?

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 Special Thanks to the Following: 
 
 To Cindy Allan for sharing the message with us during sabbatical.

 

To Ginny Miles for broadening our perspectives through the recent World Religions Class.

 

To Rev. Tim for sharing the message with us during two Sabbatical Sundays.
 
For the efforts of the Annual Giving Campaign Team:  Gail Minnick, Cathryn Krebs, Chanda Brown, Chris Fink, Gail Schulte, Joani Bedore, Kate Felts, Cathy A., Jeff Young, Ed Kenney, Deb Buckner, Ken Williamson, and Rev. Tim Agar. Thank you for reminding us of all the ways to share our blessings.

 

To Jean Gralley for inspiring us with her message.

NEWS & EVENTS FROM MCC
 
MCCLOGO
  MCC REGION 3 SUBREGIONAL GATHERING

 
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
 
Cost:  $25 per person

 For more information, contact [email protected]
 
HOW DO I GET IN HERE?
 
opendoorTo 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 [email protected].  For church bulletin announcements, please contact Emma in the church office at [email protected]

COMMUNITY NOTES
 
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 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.

 
SUPPORT MCC NOVA!
igive 

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.
 

nova brand

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
DonateNowCONTRIBUTION BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK:
MCC Northern Virginia