June  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
This Sunday!
This Week @ MCC NOVA
A Message from the Board of Directors
A Message from Your Lay Delegate Team
Coming Up!
Micah Ministries
Spotlight on Ministry
FYI
How Do I Get In Here?
Community Notes
Support MCC NOVA
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
FROM THE LAPTOP OF REV. KHARMA
 
threetwelvelogo
 Why Celebrate LGBT Pride?
 
What's the point?  This is a question I'm often asked.  What's the point of LGBT Pride?  And isn't Pride one of the so-called "Seven Deadly Sins" anyway?  Why do we have to do this again?  This year, the answer that springs to mind most readily is that we have to do it again for the ones who have never done it before.  It's not for us ("us" being those of us who have been there and/or done that), so much as it is for those who cannot yet stand up or speak out - the ones who listen eagerly for any hint of a whisper that might contradict the messages of blame, condemnation, and shame they hear about their sexuality, their gender identity, their truest selves.  It's also for those who have almost, but never quite, taken that empowering step of publicly standing up for themselves and/or in solidarity with their friends, and who still need to experience the lingering sense of liberation that brings. 
 
Continue reading...

THIS SUNDAY!
   MCC of Northern Virginia
proudly welcomes
  
REV. DELORES BERRY
  June 7 at 11:00 am worship
 
dberry2 
Delores will bless us with a number of songs,
and a sermon/reflection entitled:
"God is God" and/or "Does God Know I'm Here?"

Rev. Delores Berry is a gospel singer and evangelist with over 30 years of distinctive service to MCC churches worldwide.  She has traveled around the world spreading the good news of God's inclusive love for all people.  Delores is the first recipient of MCC's Rosa Parks Award, as well as numerous other honors.

We will receive a second offering in support of the ministry of Rev. Delores Berry.

FROM THE LAPTOP OF REV. TIM

threetwelvelogo Trans-formation: NOVA Begins Transgender Ministry/Outreach
 
On Sunday, May 3rd over half of the MCC NoVA community had the opportunity to hear the amazing stories of courage and power that were presented by the members of the Transgender panel and discussion "The Transgender Journey - Our Stories, Our Lives."  Though I wasn't able to personally attend, I have heard and witnessed the effects of the powerful seeds that were planted that day and that have already begun to grow.

Continue reading...

THIS WEEK @ MCC NOVA
 
THIRD ANNUAL NoVA INTERFAITH PRIDE SERVICE:
Claiming the Promise: A Celebration of Marriage Equality
Friday, June 5, 7:00 pm.
Clarendon Presbyterian Church, Arlington
 
Please join People of Faith for Equality Virginia as we kick off Capital Pride with the third annual Northern Virginia Interfaith Pride Service.  CLICK HERE for more details. 
 
 
BIBLESPEAK
Sunday, June 7, 9:00-10:00 am
 
Bible Speak, formerly known as Bible Study, will begin meeting again on Sunday June 7th. The time we share together will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with the opportunity to continue the conversation until 10:30 if you'd like.  Fresh coffee and some healthy and "not so healthy foods" will be provided.     
 
Why the name change?  We, the ministry, felt the word "study" did not reflect the spirit of our past gatherings.  Each meeting is started by brief spiritual and historical commentary on the selected reading followed by a question or statement to begin a dialogue.  The idea is to share your interpretations, experiences, questions, and life applications in relation to the Bible.
 
Beginning June 7th we will have a look at Galatians which is a letter from the Apostle Paul to Gentile Christians.  The letter explains the relevance of the Mosaic Law in early Christianity. Our attention to Galatians will continue each Sunday with the last being on July 26th.  After that time Bible Speak will have a spiritual interlude with Psalms for a time before moving on to a selection from the Old Testament.

Please bring any questions or comments you have to Frank Vance, Cathy Alexander, Jeff Young or Bobby Hopson.  Beginning Sunday May 17th there will be a sign up sheet posted on the bulletin board.
 
 
MINISTRY TEAM MEETING--COMMUNITY
Sunday, June 7, after worship
 
It's the time in our schedule when we need to pull together our ministry leaders (and others interested) to address the "Community" aspect of our vision statement. (Care, Usher, Hospitality, Lunch bunch). This focused leadership meeting will evaluate our progress, talk about ideas for future improvements, and support one another in our efforts to support and nurture a specific focus of our vision - in this case, community. Please see Rev. Kharma for more information.
 
 
CONGRATULATIONS!
 
MCC NOVA congratulates Rev. Dr. Stephanie Burns on her graduation from Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education (Richmond, VA) where she just received her Doctor of Ministry degree.  We're proud of you.

  
facebookBECOME A FAN OF MCC NOVA! 
CLICK HERE to see our new FaceBook page.  Become a fan and get instant updates.
 

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.
A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
IMPORTANT CHURCH FINANCE UPDATE
 
MCC NOVA is blessed in so many ways--not the least of which is the generosity of our community!   Each of your gifts--time, talent, financial--contributes to  life-changing Spirit, Community, and Action, Inside & Out!
 
As we near mid-year, the Board of Directors wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the current status of our finances and to ask a favor.  MCC NOVA, like most churches, cycles through leaner times through out any given year, and with the current economic reality, it is no surprise that we are in the midst of one of those times.  During the first four months of 2009, our expenses exceeded income by about $9,000 (compared to $5,400  during the same period in 2008).  And, though our income is $8,000 over what it was this time last year, our pledges are currently underpaid by around $7,000. Rest assured that the Board continues to be very attentive to this issue in terms of keeping expenditures under control (we are well under budgeted expense levels) and identifying fundraising opportunities.
 
This is where you come in. If you have not pledged, would you consider doing so?  If you are already a pledger and need to adjust your pledge to accomodate your circumstances, could you please let us know so that we can adjust our income figures for planning purposes?  And, if at all possible, would you consider giving a little extra to help us reduce this deficit?
 
As we continue to grow and plan for our future, please know that your gifts--no matter how large or small--are so vital and so very appreciated. If you have questions about the church's finances or would like to know how you can help, please contact any Board member (monthly financial statements are also available). Let's continue to move forward together.  Thank you for your continued faithfulness and generosity.
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR LAY DELEGATE TEAM
 
YOU ARE A PART OF SOMETHING LARGER...
 
Sometimes it is easy to forget that we are a part of something larger. It seems so simple to focus on MCC NOVA and the important role we play in Northern Virginia. We do good stuff! But we also have a very active and involved denomination on a regional and global level.  But how do we stay connected to that?  How can we increase our understanding of what we are about as a movement?
 
One way that sense of community can happen, is through attending the conferences, seminars and workshops that are offered.  Our Regional Conference is rapidly approaching and this would be a good opportunity to connect on a broader basis. The conference will be held from July 16th through July 19th in Pittsburgh, PA, a short drive from here.
 
Conferences always have outstanding worship and music to inspire and bless us plus there are countless opportunities to renew friendship and meet new people from around our region. This year the conference is offering over 25 workshops including topics such as global justice, theology, families, children, technology, diversity and ecology, just to name a few. Come for the entire conference or even just a part. It is time well spent.
 
This year there will also be some very important issues facing the denomination regarding our structure and our future. In preparation for that discussion, we will be hosting a congregational forum on June 21st immediately following service. We invite you to come hear what is happening and to also share your thoughts and ideas about the following:
 
Our current Elder, Rev. Arlene Ackerman, is stepping down
Two Elders will oversee Region 3
Our region is now subdivided into "clusters." Nova will host our cluster conference in October
 
We look forward to seeing you at the forum June 21st!  Also consider joining us at Regional Conference in Pittsburgh. The early bird registration deadline is June 16th. If you have any questions, please let us know. We are here to serve.
 
Peace,
 
Jean Gralley, Gail Minnick
MCC NOVA's Lay Delegate Team
COMING UP
 
cappride2CAPITAL PRIDE PARADE & FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 13 & Sunday, June 14
 
I recall so vividly the experience of my first day on the job a year ago this coming June 14th...the date of this year's Capital Pride Festival.  Last year however, it was the Capital Pride Parade and our first time marching together with the single contingent of other D.C. area MCC churches.  We had six different groups march with us last year and in the approximately 150 marchers that did brave the rain, 52 of those folks were from MCC NoVA, representing the largest single group in the entire MCC contingent.
 
On Saturday, June 13th, we will again have the opportunity to show our colors and spirit as we join a total of eight local MCC churches in this year's celebration.  We have a meeting tonight (June 4th) to finalize details for the parade as far as our order in the parade and where and when to line up, so those details aren't available yet, but we'll have them for you this coming Sunday at worship.  Please plan to join us again or for the first time if you have never marched in a Pride Parade before.  It is a powerful experience to walk the length of the parade route to cheering, supportive fans of MCC and of all those who are willing to walk in the Pride Parade celebrating who God has created and called us to be in the world.
 
Pride Parade participants get a free t-shirt like last year, but we need to have you sign up or contact us to let us know you plan to march so we can make sure we have enough and the right size t-shirt for you.  There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex here at church or you can e-mail Ken Williamson [email protected] or Rev. Tim at [email protected]   We look forward to celebrating with you at Capital Pride 2009.
 
Jeanne Bailey has agreed to drive her truck in the parade, so we do have limited space available for 'other-abled' folks who want to come.  We will also have water and first aid available, so it should be a safe and fun evening.
 
Parade 
 
When:  Saturday June 13th
What time:  Step off at 6:30 pm
Distance:  approximately 2 miles
Location:  Washington DC (meeting point forthcoming)

Festival

When:  Sunday, June 14th
What Time: 11 am - 6 pm
Location:  Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd & 7th Sts., NW
 
 
NURSING HOME MINISTRY RESUMES
Beginning June 14
 
Nursing Home Ministry resumes monthly visits to Fairfax Nursing Center this month.  Please join us, we would love to have you come along!  Summer dates are June 14, July 12 and August 9 - second Sundays of the month.  Visiting time is 2 - 3:30 p.m.  For more information, contact Grace Borell at [email protected] or 301-514-3772 or Pat Monahan at [email protected] or 703-927-0093.
  
 
SAVE THE DATE!
CONGREGATIONAL FORUM
Sunday, June 21, after worship
 
Join our Lay Delegates Gail Minnick and Jean Gralley for a discussion of issues and activities related to the upcoming MCC Region 3 & 5 Conference in Pittsburgh this July 16-19. See note above from Lay Delegate Team for details.
 
 
DiMENsions MEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Tuesday, June 23, 7:30 pm
 
Rev. Tim Agar will host DiMENSions at his new digs at 11723 Indian Ridge Rd., Reston 20191 on Tuesday, June 23, at 7:30 pm.  The DiMENSions Bible study group provides 90 minutes of sharing and learning with one another as we break bread and pass the right hand of Christian fellowship.  All who identify as a man are encouraged to attend as we learn and grow along our spiritual paths with Jesus Christ, as we meet in the Dulles area for the first time.  For further information, contact Rev. Tim at 415-812-5344 or through the church office. 

 
SAVE THE DATE!softball
SOFTBALL IS BACK!
Sunday, June 28, 2:00-4:00 pm
Daniels Run Elementary
 
Here comes the PITCH.  Come one and all to the second annual MCC NOVA summer SOFTBALL game.  No experience necessary and there are several positions open; namely, players, cheerleaders, bat girls and boys, pinch runners, first aid help, photographers, water girls, soda boys, UMPIRES so no matter what your skill set or your BATTING AVERAGE, there is a spot on the TEAM made just for you!  The GAME will be on Sunday, June 28 starting at 2:00pm.  What a great way to celebrate community and get into the SWING of summer fun.  ICE COLD BEVERAGES (water and soda) and PEANUTS will be provided.  Please join the lunch bunch ahead of time or grab yourself a snack before coming to the game.  We will be playing at Daniels Run Elementary school which is about two minutes from the church at 3705 Old Lee Highway in Fairfax.  In order to secure enough refreshments, a good headcount is needed.  So please fill in your name on the sign up sheet.   If you have any questions, please TOUCH BASE with De Raynes.   Don't miss OUT on the fun. 

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
________________________________
 
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.
  • The Nursing Home Ministry visits Fairfax Nursing Center once per month to provide companionship to residents
  • In the winter, local churches take turns hosting the homeless to prevent hypothermia. While MCC NOVA is not equipped to host these individuals, we send 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].
AIDSWalk Washington               October  2009
Homeless Shelter Meals             On-going
Nursing Home Ministry                Ongoing
Help the Homeless Walkathon     November 2009
NOVAM Angel Tree                    December, 2009
Holiday Food & Clothing Drive      December, 2009
Global Outreach  (Costa Rica)     February 14-22, 2009
 
spotlight Special Thanks to the Following: 
 
To De for coordinating the Pet Ministry meeting, and to all who have opened their hearts and imaginations to the future potential of this ministry.
 
To Sarah and Kurt for their Coordination of the Spiritual Retreat; to Daniel, Cathy, Kathleen, Kurt, and ALL the singers for their musical leadership; and to all who opened their calendars and their hearts to the Spirit during our weekend together. 
 
To Ken and Daniel for organizing, and for all of those who participated in MCC NOVA's Got Talent! 

FYI
 
region
 
MCC REGIONS 3 & 5 CONFERENCE
July 15-17, Pittsburgh, PA
 
Regional Conference for churches in Regions 3 (that's us) and 5 is right around the corner.The earlybird registration deadline is June 16.  For more information registration, accomodations, and schedules, CLICK HERE.
 
 
 
 
gen conf
MCC GENERAL CONFERENCE ACAPULCO 2010
REGISTRATION INFO 
 
Planning on attending MCC General Conference in Acapulco in 2010?   For more information, please click here.

 
 
 
 
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]

 
ANNOUNCEMENTS DURING WORSHIP
 
It is probably not news to anyone that we have too many verbal announcements during worship on Sundays.  Though many of these announcements are important to the life of our community, the pastoral staff try to limit these as much as possible.  Below is the criteria that we generally follow and we include this as a reminder to request your assistance in helping us manage and minimize verbal announcements during worship.
 
1)    Announcements need to be reviewed and approved in advance.  Ideally this means contacting the church office during the week to discuss any proposed announcement.
2)    Announcements are judged on these criteria in deciding whether or not to include them verbally as part of worship, 1) Relevant to the whole community? 2) Time sensitive - is event coming up soon? 3) Priority given other announcements that "need" to be made? 4) Other, more effective methods for communicating subject matter - are there too many details for verbal announcement? 5) New ministry or program requiring focused attention?
 
Also, just to remind everyone that our weekly e-update, Catch the Rainbow (CTR-Sunday Bulletin) and a monthly electronic newsletter, are all more effective means of communicating news and staying update with what is happening in the community.  CTR contents can be forwarded to [email protected] and newsletter contents can be forwarded to [email protected]  Hopefully we can continue to minimize Sunday morning announcements during worship that often feel like an intrusion into the sacred space of worship.  Thank you for your support in this regard.

COMMUNITY NOTES
 
JUNE 12 DTV TRANSITION DATE!
 
The DTV Transition date is June 12, 2009.  After that, TV channels can no longer be viewed on an [older] "analog" television using a rabbit-ears or rooftop antenna unless it is also hooked up to a "digital-to-analog converter box."  (Analog TVs will also work w/ cable or satellite service.)
 
Become DTV-Prepared, if at all possible, before June 12.  If you  have not already requested free $40 coupons from the federal govern-ment, do so right away: call 1-888-388-2009.  Coupons can be ordered through July 31 but not after.  Or, buy a converter box without a coupon.
 
Do you have any DTV questions?  Call Fairfax County's Department of Cable Communications and Consumer Protection at 703-324-5900.

 
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, and join our Speakers Bureau.  We also need volunteers with cars, language skills, and 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.  
6.  Alexandria, beginning Tuesday, May 12 
    The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m.
    Location:   Hope United Church of Christ, an open and affirming congregation
    6130 Old Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22310, For directions, visit www.hopeucc.org
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nova brand

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