| FROM THE LAPTOP OF REV. TIM |
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MCC NoVA Begins Exploration of Youth/Young Adult Ministry
 MCC NOVA has been exploring the possibility of starting a youth/young adult ministry/outreach. We have 7 teenagers in our community now and a good number of young adults in their early 20's. A number of adults have stepped forward who have indicated an interest in exploring this area of ministry and I am actively working with several others to explore what this might look like.
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During FEBRUARY, in observance of Black History Month, MCC NOVA will feature a weekly reflection about a figure from history and his/her contributions, as well as contemporary readings in worship throughout the month that highlight the contribution of black authors. Special thanks to Syndia Payne.
Black History Month 2009:Volume 1
Sojourner Truth
"And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman"
Sojourner Truth
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| THIS WEEK @ MCC NOVA |
 NATIONAL MARRIAGE EQUALITY DAY
COUPLES NEEDED FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY ACTION People of Faith for Equality in Virginia is planning a Marriage Equality Action at the Arlington County Courthouse at noon on February 12 and is seeking couples interested in applying for marriage licenses and taking part in a prayer vigil. Please note that this action is intended to attract press coverage. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Rev. Tim at timgagar@yahoo.com.
 REGISTER NOW!
SPIRITUAL RETREAT
May 15 - 17, 2009
Sevenoaks Pathwork Center Madison, VA MOVING MOUNTAINSTransforming obstacles into opportunities in our lives and our community Co-Facilitated by:
Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos
& Rev. Tim Agar
We'll gather once again at the beautiful retreat center of Sevenoaks, nestled in the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Madison, VA (Approximately 2 hours from MCC NOVA). Sevenoaks offers comfortable meeting, worship, and lodging accommodations; an array of excellent meals; hiking trails, including a rolling river; and stunning natural views to stir your spirit. The schedule includes time for personal reflection, small and large group discussions, worship, play time, and free time to spend as you desire.
Registration Cost: $180 per person
(payment plan options available)
Registration Deadline: March 1, 2009.
Note: This is a Gay-, Lesbian-, Bi-, Straight-, and Trans-friendly adult event. No children or pets can be accommodated. Limited scholarships may be available. Maximum Number of Registrants = 55. A waiting list will be developed if this is exceeded. For more information, contact Sarah Fershee at SarahFershee@aol.com.
DEADLINE! MCC YOUTH MISSION TO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
 February 16
February 16 is the deadline for those youth and young adults wishing to apply for this summer's return trip to the Dominican Republic - MCC Youth Ministry Project 2009. If you are between the ages of 16 and 25, you may want to consider participating in this amazing experience. Funds are available to support those interested in attending so it is more important to get your application in and we will figure out the logistics of finances at a later date. The trip is scheduled from June 20-28, 2009 and space is limited to 15 youth and young adults. Rev. Tim has applications and remember, the deadline is fast approaching if you are interested. Read about the 2008 trip at http://mccyouthproject.blogspot.com
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 jtaczak@att.net 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 <pmmonahan@cox.net> 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 yhansche@aol.com, HM 703 791-5864, or WK 703 695-2039. |
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COMING UP! |
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DiMENSions MEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Tuesday, February 24, 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.
Our own Rev. Tim Agar will host DiMENSions, our men's Bible study group for those identifying as men, at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, February 24, at his home at 4264 Allison Circle, Fairfax 22030. Please join us as we bond together as men 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 Lord for 90 minutes. Please contact the Rev. Tim at timgagar@yahoo.com for further information.
MCC NOVA YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY PLANNING MEETING
Saturday, February 28, Time and Location TBA
Join us for our first get-together with the youth and young adults of MCC NOVA to brainstorm about what they might like to see if we were to develop a ministry focused on their age group. Over pizza and soda, we will discuss what ideas the youth and young adults here at MCC NOVA may have that will help us continue to develop such a specialized outreach. Please assist us in ensuring that everyone who is interested and falls in this age group is able to come. We will try and pick a location that is central and will be easy for everyone to get to. We will also provide rides for those otherwise unable to attend. See Rev. Tim for more information.
FEED THE HOMELESS TEAM HOSTS
TIGER WOODS GOLF WARM-UP
Saturday, March 7, 7:00 pm  MCC NOVA's Feed the Homeless Team, part of our Micah Ministry, is hosting a "get over the winter blues" golf outing/fundraiser on Saturday March 7 from 7:00 to 9:30 pm at the Top Golf`Center in Alexandria. Play golf from a heated/covered driving range where your score is derived from a computerized scoring system or enjoy miniature golf on an interesting and fun 18 hole course. Whether you're a Tiger Woods/Lorena Ochoa clone or someone who just likes to limber up the muscles and enjoy the outdoors this will be a great opportunity to have fun, meet some members of our church family, and raise money for the church as it continues to support our monthly feed the homeless ministry. No need to bring clubs or golf balls. Costs start at $5 for mini golf; $20 for driving range. Please stop by our table after church each Sunday in February to sign up or to learn more about this fun and worthwhile event. Contact either Matt Huggins (703) 372-3908 or Pat Monahan (703) 684-7947.
SAVE THE DATE! NOVA's A.A.R.P. (All Ages (Over 50) Ready to Play)
Saturday, March 14, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Okay, so the name might be a little silly, but the idea is to come together and have some fun with our friends here at NoVA who happen to share our common interests, challenges and all right - general age! Mark your calendars now for the first gathering of NoVA's A.A.R.P. for an Anniversary Game Day on Saturday, March 14th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. here at MCC NOVA. A host committee for this first event is forming now to plan this fun-filled get-together. Save the date and watch for more info.
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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.
INTRODUCING TEAM COSTA RICA!
Meet the Team!  Ben Masters, Chris Fink, Errol Waits, Gail Minnick, Ginny Reed, Irene Konow, Jane Bennett, Judith Raleigh, Kala Payne, Karen Clark, Kate Felts, Kharma Amos, Kurt Jaeger, Margaret Rood, Michele Loyd, Pat Monahan, Scott Brna, Tim Agar & Tracey Kennedy. We will be in Costa Rica February 14 - 21. Watch for more information about our assignment from Global Volunteers in the e-updates and at mccnova.com.
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:
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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?
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 Special Thanks to the Following:
To Vanessa for her dedicated leadership of the Sound Team for the past year.
To Cindy for her work each week as an office volunteer.
To Pat for coordinating the recent food and clothing drive, and for all of those who donated items for this effort.
To Jean Taczak for her continuing peer grief support work.
To Jenny Banks for consistently keeping our facility so neat and clean.
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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 |
McLEAN COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Thursday, February 26, 7:30-9:30 pm
Interfaith dialogue on: "Economy Down, Stress Up: Questions for Our Community"
Join us in dialogue to: share your stories; learn from the experience of others; explore differences; and find common ground. Location: McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA. RSVP required by 2/23/09. Registration and light refreshments at 7:00 pm. For more information or to RSVP, call 703-324-3453 or CILUSER@fairfaxcounty.gov
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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| 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: | |
