January 2009
 
 
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 Laptop of Rev. Tim
This Week @ MCC NOVA
Coming Up!
Micah Ministries
Spotlight on Ministry
Community Notes
Support MCC NOVA
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Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
FROM THE LAPTOP OF REV. KHARMA
 
threetwelvelogo
facebook
 
 
 
 
Spiritual Lesson #1:
What are you doing right now?
 
I firmly believe that the God who inspired the authors of the Bible is still in the business of inspiring us and giving us opportunities - here, there, and everywhere - for spiritual insights, knowledge, and growth.  I'd like to begin the year by sharing with you one of the recent places I've discovered some spiritual wisdom:  FACEBOOK.  Who knew?
READ AHEAD
January 11
 
 1st Reading:
Mark 1:4-11 
 
2nd Reading:
 
 From "A River Far Away and Long Ago"
by Mary Oliver
 
Reflection:
"Splish, Splash"
Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, preaching
 
FROM THE LAPTOP OF REV. TIM
 
The Gift We Bring
 
tim1The Feast of Epiphany was an opportunity for me to reflect on the meaning of the gifts the Magi brought and presented to the Holy Family.  It was an opportunity for me to think about what gift I bring and offer to God.  I also found myself thinking about the gift the shepherds brought, the first to hear of the birth of the Messiah.  Were the shepherd's gifts less significant, worthy or welcome than the gifts that the wealthy wise ones brought from afar? 
 
THIS WEEK @ MCC NOVA
 
QUEER THEOLOGY: AN INTRODUCTION 
Continues, Wednesdays through January 28 

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.  
  
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 [email protected].


Update! GRIEF/LOSS PEER SUPPORT
 
Grieving the loss of a loved one is an individual process. Everyone's grief is different. Grieving is especially difficult in the first year. However, we face the grief at different times all throughout our lives, months/years later. If you have a need to talk to someone in a healthy, safe, confidential space, please contact Jean Taczak at [email protected] or
703-262-0126 home or 571-228-3536 cell or talk with Reverend Tim or Reverend
Kharma.  Jean will meet with you individually at an agreed upon place.
 
 
HYPOTHERMIA PREVENTION PROGRAM
FAIRFAX AREA CHRISTIAN EMERGENCY TRANSITION SERVICES (FACETS)

Area churches, this winter, will house Fairfax homeless people to prevent them from freezing to death. Churches provide meals  and beds for their guests.

Although MCC NOVA cannot share our facility to host homeless guests, we will provide volunteers to another church for 2 weeks:  March 1 to March 7. Volunteers may prepare, deliver, and/or serve meals to the guests.  We also spend time playing games and chatting with the guests.  How you serve is up to you. If you have an hour to spare, during either week, we'll find a spot for you!  Please contact Pat Monahan at <[email protected]> or at (703) 684-7947 if you are available.
 

A NOTE FROM THE HOSPITALITY TEAM
 
The Hospitality Team is looking for friendly and cheerful folks with a welcoming spirit. Think about how you feel when you walk through the doors and someone says "Good morning - welcome - how are you?"  Do you enjoy the "goodies" to snack on each Sunday? Do you feel welcomed again as you receive a bulletin from one of the ushers and another "Good Morning" followed by a hug or handshake? If these things apply - how would you like to pass along this good will to others? We need people to greet, bring in the snacks and to usher.
 
The most urgent need is to build up the usher teams. There are 4 teams with each team having a team leader. The teams rotate - each team ushering for a month at a time - 3 times a year. For starters you would hand out the bulletins, take up the collection, and then bring up the elements to the altar. Then as your comfort level increases you may be called upon to call the rows or direct people to the acolytes and servers during communion. As time goes on, your team leader will show you some of the other behind-the-scenes duties that the ushers perform.
 
There is a sign-up sheet in the sacristy if you wish to help with greeting or bringing in things for the table. If you would also be interested in joining one of the usher teams, or would want more information on any of these ministries please contact Yvonne Hansche at [email protected],
HM 703 791-5864, or WK 703 695-2039.

 
COMMUNITY FOOD AND CLOTHING DRIVE
Sunday, January 11, Last Sunday!
 
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 are boxes in the Fellowship Hall .  They will be removed this Sunday and all collected will be donated to our local homeless community.   Please 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).  .   Thanks!

 
COMING UP!
 
MEMBERSHIP/INQUIRER'S CLASS
Sunday, January 25, 2009  12:30 pm
 
The next MCC NOVA Membership / Inquirers' Class will be held at 12:30 on January 25, 2009, and will include a pizza lunch. This class is for anyone who is interested in finding out more about MCC worldwide, about our congregation of MCC NOVA, or about the spiritual community we are trying to build here. Whether or not you are interested in becoming a member, come and find out what membership is all about! Please sign up on the sign-up sheet located on the Welcome Table. If you have any questions, please Rev. Kharma or Rev. Tim.

 
DiMENSions MEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Tuesday, January 27, 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.
 
Frank Vance will host DiMENSions at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, January 27, at his home at 4105 Morin St, Alexandria 22312.  As we begin the fourth year of monthly Bible study meetings for those identifying as men, please join us as we bond together in the Body of Christ and grow along our spiritual paths, regardless of your beliefs or church affiliation.  Over a shared meal, we extend the right hand of fellowship with one another and with Our Savior for 90 minutes.  Please contact Frank Vance at [email protected] or 703.577.6806 for further information.

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
Breakfast 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.
  • 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

Nursing Home Ministry                Ongoing
Help the Homeless Walkathon     November 22, 2008
NOVAM Angel Tree                     December, 2008
Holiday Food & Clothing Drive      December, 2008
Global Outreach  (Costa Rica)     February 14-22, 2009

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. 

 
spotlight Special Thanks to the Following: 
 
To Robin McClary and Gail Schulte who joined Rev. Tim's raking crew.  Together we were able to raise $920.00 toward Rev. Tim's Costa Rica Fund and to Jeanne Bailey who facilitated a donation from a generous colleague as well as to those who hired the crew and made donations to the effort.
To Jane, Jeanne, Cathryn, Kathleen, Fred, Kurt, Brad, Holly, Lisa, Yvonne, Jeff, Tim, and Kris for their work on the Basket Auction.   Thanks to all who supported this event with your generous donations of baskets and by bidding on baskets!
 
Tto the anonymous donor who purchased our new chairs for overflow seating.  We are grateful for your generosity!
 
To Ben Masters and all who assisted withthe NOVAM ornament sales.
 
To all who, through their sharing and giving, helped to make this a brighter holiday for others.

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
 
Especially During Tough Economic Times...
2-1-1 CONNECTS THOSE IN NEED TO HELP IN THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA REGION
 
It seems no one in Northern Virginia is free from the impacts of the economic downturn, the credit crisis, home foreclosures and layoffs.  Faced with those disasters, more people than ever are seeking information about health and human services and other assistance programs, but don't know where to call.  Now, there is one convenient number which is answered seven days a week, around the clock:  2-1-1.  The call is free and confidential and operates throughout Northern Virginia and all other parts of the state 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Callers to 2-1-1 may request referrals to services for abuse and neglect, HIV/AIDS, disabilities, domestic violence, health care, housing, mental health, senior citizens, and shelters, among others.  For more information about CrisisLink and
2-1-1, check out crisislink.org or contact Carol Loftur-Thun at 703.527.6603.
 
 
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.

 
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