| FROM THE LAPTOP OF REV. TIM |
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 20th Annual World AIDS Day Commemorated at NOVA
This Sunday, December 7th, we will observe this year's commemoration of World AIDS Day here at NOVA in conjunction with our second Sunday of Advent. Joshua Love, director of MCC's Global HIV/AIDS Ministry wrote: "AIDS IS NOT OVER. This one simple statement of fact must surely awaken a response in the hearts and spirits of people of faith. AIDS is not over and World AIDS Day has come again.
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"Coming Home" is the theme of our celebration as we journey through the season of Advent this year. We'll be reflecting on what it means to experience being at home in ourselves, in our community, in our world, and in the fullness of our lives as we change and grow in the Spirit. The season of Advent is a time of preparation as we wait for the gift of Christ's incarnation, which we celebrate at Christmas. It is a progressive journey that we mark each day and each week. Once again this year, we'll be continuing our tradition of including "Contemporary Witnesses" in our worship, in addition to scripture readings. During this time in our service, we'll hear heartfelt testimony from members of our community who will share some of their reflections and experiences about coming home ... to self, to community, to the world, to new birth. We'll also be queering the tradition of the Advent wreath in a new way this year, by transforming the entire sanctuary of our community into a living wreath, week by week, until we finally light our individual candles on Christmas Eve, signifying the central light of Christ that lives in each of us. We invite you to join us, and to come home to MCC NOVA for the spiritual journey of Advent. You're also invited to bring an ornament that represents your place in our community sometime during the season and hang it on our wreath.
Worship at 11:00 am:
Sunday, November 30 Coming Home to Self
Sunday, December 7 Coming Home to Community
Sunday, December 14 Coming Home to the World
Sunday, December 21 Coming Home Again to Self
Don't miss these additional opportunities to gather:
Saturday, December 13, 7 pm Musical Celebration
Wednesday, December 24, 7pm Christmas Eve Worship
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| THIS WEEK @ MCC NOVA |
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THIS SATURDAY!
MCC NOVA's ANNUAL BASKET AUCTION!
Saturday, December 6,
Preview at 7:00 pm, auction begins at 7:30 pm.
It's time! Bring your friends and family to this wonderful annual event and prepare to be dazzled by array of wonderful gift baskets. And be prepared to shop! Doors open at 7 pm for basket preview and the auction begins at 7:30. Please bring a dessert to share. For more information, contact Jane ( girlybob@aol.com) or Cathryn ( cathkrebs@cox.net). See you there!
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 members will vote on the 2009 budget, hold elections, and conduct other business of the church. Everyone is welcome to attend.
FOOD PREP & DELIVERY--FAIRFAX HOMELESS SHELTER
Saturday and Sunday, December 6 & 7
Join our team as we provide a meal for the homeless of Fairfax County. MCC NOVA will deliver food to the homeless on Sunday morning, December 7 at 7:30. Food will be prepared on Saturday December 6 at 4:00 pm (upstairs). Needed are people to shop, prepare the food, and deliver the food. If you are interested in participating, please contact Pat Monahan (703) 684-7947 or pmmonahan@cox.net. If you're not sure this far in advance, but would like to be on the mailing list, let Pat know.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR CHILDREN AFFECTED HIV/AIDS
Now through December 7
MCC NOVA is partnering with NOVAM to sponsor five local children who are personally affected by AIDS and here is how you can help. Through December 7, we will have a small Christmas tree in the Fellowship Hall on which you will find tags describing the wishes and needs of these children. Please take one, two, three or more tags and help us bring some joy to a deserving child this Christmas by purchasing the items listed on these tags. Join MCC NOVA in our effort to do the generous thing this holiday season. Thanks so much!
COMMUNITY FOOD AND CLOTHING DRIVE
Now until January
Calling all to join us in our efforts to support our homeless community through a clothing and food drive that will run through this holiday season. There will be boxes in the Fellowship Hall beginning this Sunday. They will be removed after the New Year and all collected will be donated to our local homeless community. So here is how it works...consider donating either food and/or cloths in our effot to bring some relief to the homeless in our area. The clothes (coats, shirts, shoes, etc.) can either be new or lightly used. The food should be non-perishables with all food item expiration dates of no earlier than January 2009 (no expired donations). We do the rest. Thanks!
NOVAM ORNAMENTS
 It's that time of year again for our annual NOVAM Ornament drive! Ornaments are $15 for 1, $14 for each bought in a group of 3 or more, and $10 for ornaments from past years. Ornaments will be on sale through Advent, and all proceeds will go to help NOVAM care for members of our community living with HIV and AIDS. The ornament for 2008 is pictured here. If paying by check, please make payable to "MCC NOVA." If you have any questions, feel free to email Ben Masters at letusbebread@gmail.com. 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.
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COMING UP! |
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MCC NOVA's Care Team Presents:
AN EVENING ON WHOLENESS/BROKENESS and GRIEF and LOSS
with PHIL CARPENTER
Thursday, December 11, 7:00 pm
The Care Team will host a special evening presentation exploring the ideas of wholeness and brokenness and dealing with grief and loss. Beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, this event is free and open to everyone.
Philip F. Carpenter, M.Div. currently serves as the Director of Family Services and Community Outreach with Capital Hospice. He brings a great deal of experience to addressing these issues and their relevance for our lives. It will be a wonderful opportunity to look at these issues especially if you have experienced change, disruption, or any kind of loss in your life. Dealing with these experiences can be especially difficult during the holidays.
Following the presentation their will be an additional opportunity for Care Team members and any individuals who are interested in becoming a part of the Care Team to spend an additional hour with Phil. If you have questions about the Care Team here at NoVA or are interested in getting more involved, please contact Rev. Tim timgagar@yahoo.com or Ginny Reed vhreed@msn.com for additional info.
 MCC NOVA MUSIC MINISTRIES Presents
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MUSICAL PROGRAM
Saturday, December 13, 7:00 pm
Join us for an evening of celebration!
KHARMA & KALA'S EXCELLENT SOUTH AFRICAN ADVENTURE
Sunday, December 14, immediately after worship
Rev. Kharma and Kala will be showing a brief presentation about the South African portion of the sabbatical. Approximately 20 minutes in length, the PowerPoint will capture some highlights of their journey: photos, music, and a few stories of adventure. All are welcome to stick around for the show.
HOLIDAY GRIEF PEER SUPPORT GROUP
Facilitated by Jean Taczak
Fridays, December 19 - January 9, 7:00 pm
Have you lost a friend, partner, family member or even a beloved pet this past year? Coping during the holidays can be challenging. Join NoVA friends and family for a four-week peer support group early on Friday evenings beginning December 19th and running thru January 9th. Watch for a sign-up list in the church entrance soon.
DiMENSion's MEN'S BIBLE STUDY
HOLIDAY GATHERING
Friday, December 19, 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.
Please join us as we pass the right hand of fellowship for the 2008 Men of MCC Christmas Party to celebrate the redeeming birth of Our Lord. The festivities are open to all who identify as men, regardless of sexuality, church affiliation or beliefs. Please note that unlike regular DiMENSions meetings at which unannounced "drop-ins" are encouraged, we require an accurate guest count prior to this event due to meal and activity planning considerations. Accordingly, please consider this party "by invitation only" even though any male and his male guests will be welcomed. Any man can request addition to the invitation list by emailing KyleChas@aol.com. The location of the event will be included in the evite.
Stuffed turkey will be provided, and in your response to the evite, please announce what side dish, beverages, or dessert you will bring. In that way, we can all coordinate by seeing what other guests are providing. On a strictly optional basis, you may also bring one gift (valued at $25.00 or less) in order to participate in a "white elephant gift exchange." We plan to finish our evening with a brief prayer at 9:30.
MCC NOVA DRUMMING CIRCLE
Saturday, December 20, 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.
SAVE THE DATES!
Wednesdays, January 7- 28, 2009
This four-week spiritual formation series will explore the emerging field of Queer Theology and the relevance it may have for us. In other words, "Queer Theology: What is it? Why should we care?" You're invited to join us as we discuss these questions on Wednesday evenings January 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm in the upstairs church library.
I. "Let's Start from the Very Beginning ..." Why do we use that word?"
II. Liberation Theologies ... history, core values, strategies of engagement
III. Core Values of a Queer Liberation Theology
IV. Queering the Bible, a hands/minds/bodies-on application session
NOTE: This series will be facilitated by Rev. Kharma and will incorporate some of the materials used in her doctoral thesis. Session One will cover this in more detail, but please note that for this purpose, "Queer" does not equal lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). This discussion is open to all people, regardless of how you do or don't identify yourself. To sign up, email info@mccnova.com.
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| FYI |
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COMPUTER REPAIR
 Is your computer running slow? Do you have a virus or Spyware? Feeling frustrated with the prospect of finding a solution? I am raising money for airfare to the Costa Rica Service Trip, this coming February. I have extensive experience in major computer repairs and minor preventive maintenance as well. I can do data recovery from a failed hard drive, I can do hardware upgrades. I can reinstall the operating system. I can diagnose hardware issues and software issues. I can help with most of your technical problems. In my efforts to raise this money I am charging the ridiculously low fee of $20 per hour. This means if I come to your home and fix the problem in 15 minutes, you hand me $5 and that's it!!! Help me help you, for more information contact me, Irene Konow @ irenekonow@cox.net or 703-496-0119.
FALL LEAVES ARE FALLIN' - YARD CREW FORMING NOW!
 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.
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MICAH MINISTRIES |
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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 COMBATS POVERTY
Breakfast Delivery, Walkathon, Meals on Wheels, Hypothermia Shelters
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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 pmmonahan@cox.net. Our Daily Bread Food Drive On-going
AIDSWalk Washington October 4, 2008
Homeless Shelter Meals On-going
Nursing Home Ministry Ongoing
Help the Homeless Walkathon November 22, 2008
NOVAM Angel Tree December, 2008
Holiday Food & Clothing Drive December, 2008 DID YOU KNOW?
 That MCC NOVA recently contributed
- $500 to assist MCC Baton Rouge repair their hurricane-damaged roof.
- $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. |
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 Special Thanks to the Following:
To Rev. Stephanie Burns for "worship wrangling" during the sabbatical period.
To Ken, Daniel, Byron, Jeff, Lisa, Holly, Deb, Pepe, Yvonne, Terry, and Gail for their fabulous work on the BINGO fundraiser.
To Cathy, Frank, and Bobby for their leadership of the Sunday morning Adult Bible Study group.
To Rev. Tim, Pat M, Matt & Grace H., Erin R., and Gail S., who walked in the Help the Homeless Walk.
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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 |
DC DIFFERENT DRUMMERS CONCERT
December 1, 8:00 pm
DCDD's "Songs For Life" at Harman Center for the Performing Arts (610 F Street NW , Washington DC [nearest METRO: Gallery Place/Chinatown], benefiting Metro TeenAIDS, Whitman Walker Clinic, and Us Helping Us. DCDD's inaugural World AIDS Day event features its Capitol Pride Symphonic Band, DC Swing, and other ensembles.
3.12 CONCERT
December 5 7:30 pm
3.12 will perform, singing "healing music for wounded souls", Friday, December 5, at 7:30 pm, at New Covenant MCC (14301 Laurel Bowie Road, Laurel, Maryland).
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! |
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SHOP AT THE MCC NOVA SPIRIT-WEAR STORE!
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TO SUPPORT MCC NOVA DIRECTLY, YOU CAN MAKE
A SECURE, TAX-DEDUCTIBLE  CONTRIBUTION BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK: | |
My Grandma Ruth has a serious gift of hospitality. I, on the other hand, do not. Given the fact that I inherited something like 90% of my genes directly from my grandmother (including some I'd like to give back), this seems a little unfair. However, since complaining won't help anything, I think I'll choose to reframe the issue. Just because hospitality isn't my gift doesn't mean I can't be hospitable.
