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Spirit. Community. Action. Inside & "Out" |
December 2009 |
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From the Laptop of Rev. Kharma
Behind the Scenes
Sometimes before I get ready to unlock the church door on Sunday mornings, I pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and ask myself, "How am I entering this space today?" or "What am I carrying with me right now that I might need to acknowledge - or maybe even put down - before I can enter this space and really be present with the people who will arrive?" Every time I remember to do this, I am better for it. Sometimes I have to admit that I'm feeling tired or weary, angry at the person who cut me off on my drive to church, worried about a friend or loved one who shared with me some problem or concern, or (on rarer occasions) tender because my feelings have recently been hurt. It's a helpful exercise for me to examine what it is I am bringing with me, because if I don't, I fail to note the ways in which my unseen reality (emotions, concerns, thoughts, preoccupations, mood, etc.) affects the interactions I have with other people.
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DIFFERENT
 Saturday, December 12, 4:00 pm
Come meet Andi and spend the afternoon with the Music Ministry as we explore what it means to be truly inclusive and as we learn the difference between accepting and excepting...
Featuring InCluesion and the MCC NOVA choir.
Children are especially welcome!
Written by Sarah Fershee, and Ken Williamson, and Daniel Scearce.
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A Note From Rev. Tim
Thursday, November 26th was a day I will long remember here at NOVA because I can remember thinking throughout the day, what an absolutely amazing community this is and how proud I am to be a part of it. From the very beginning when Jeff Young and I had our first meeting back in late September, we already were excited about the possibilities such an event held in store and we were not disappointed. Continue reading
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 MCC NOVA Celebrates the Season of Giving
NOVAM ADOPT-A-FAMILY HOLIDAY DRIVE
Sunday, November 29 for two weeks only through Sunday, December 6
Gift cards to department stores (Target/Kmart/Wal-mart) or grocery stores (Giant/Safeway) in any denomination are being collected and will be distributed by NOVAM to families impacted by HIV/AIDS. It is hoped that this changed will allow more people to participate in this program. Contact T.J. Morris tjlovesusa@gmail.com
HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVESunday, November 29 - Sunday, December 26 Dry and canned goods with special emphasis on canned meats as well as toiletries are needed. This will be used to restock local food shelves in January that have been depleted over the holidays. Contact Jeff Young, <movieguy1982@aol.com HOLIDAY CLOTHING DRIVESunday, November 29 - Sunday, December 26 All clean clothes are welcome. Winter coats are badly needed. This donation will be taken to DC area shelters to supply the needs of those living on the streets during the winter months. Contact Pat Monihan, pmmonahan@cox.net NOVAM ORNAMENT DRIVEBegins Sunday, November 29 - Sunday, December 20 2009 Ornaments are $15.00 each or 3 for $14.00. Ornaments for 2006, 2007 and 2008 are all available at $10.00 each. These make wonderful collectibles and gifts. Contact Doug Hatch, <beyondthecurve@msn.com
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 Supporting the Vision:
Pledge Drive 2009
We have officially concluded our 2009 Pledge Drive. Thank you to everyone who committed to "Supporting the Vision." Your generosity represents spirits lifted, justice served and lives transformed.
To date, we have received pledges from 85 people for more than $215,000, and while ahead of last year's drive, it is below what is needed to sustain the growth we are experiencing. So, if you have not yet pledged, it is NEVER TOO LATE. Remember, MCC NOVA is YOU and your financial support keeps our doors open to SPIRIT, COMMUNITY, ACTION: INSIDE & 'OUT.'
Want more information about what your pledge supports? CLICK HERE.
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| Upcoming Events |
THIS SUNDAY!
BUDGET FORUM
Sunday, December 6, after worship
Please plan to join us after worship on Sunday, December 6
to discuss the financial status of MCC NOVA and the proposed budget for 2010. This is extremely important as it will be your only opportunity to provide input prior to a vote on the budget at the Congregational Meeting on December 13. We need to hear your voice during this critical time in the life of our congregation.
Congregational meeting that packets of materials, including reports will be available on the literature table as of December 6 for advanced pick up. Please review materials in advance of meeting, if at all possible.
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, December 13, after worship
Please join us for our annual congregrational meeting (and potluck), at which we will vote on a budget for 2010, as well as cast ballots to fill three vacancies on the Board of Directors. This will also be a Potluck, so please bring a dish to share. All are welcome. Congregational meeting that packets of materials, including reports will be available on the literature table as of December 6 for advanced pick up. Please review materials in advance of meeting, if at all possible.
A HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA 
"All are welcome: no exceptions, no kidding" is how the new picture book "Yonderfel's Castle" begins. Written and illustrated by Jean Gralley, excerpts will be read in service Dec 20th. If you'd like to give a book to a child this Christmas, please contact Jean at jgralley@gmail.com Proceeds from sales will benefit MCC Nova.
MCC GENERAL CONFERENCE ACAPULCO 2010 REGISTRATION INFO
Planning on attending MCC General Conference in Acapulco in 2010? For more information, please click here. |
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December 6
First Reading
Luke 3:1-6
Contemporary
Witness
Ken Williamson
Reflection
"Transforming the Terrain"
Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, preaching
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 Special Thanks to:
Dave, Doug, Jeff, John, and Tim for their leadership of the Community Thanksgiving and to the 50 + people from our community who volunteered and/or contributed food. We are blessed by your extraordinary generosity.
Errol, Kala, Errol, Tracey, Chris, Ginny, Cindy, Stephanie, and Ken for their personal testimonies about their spiritual practices of generosity in giving. Thank you so much for sharing, and for contributing so much to our pledge campaign.
Ginny and Elethia for co-facilitating the Living the Questions 2.0 class and to all who attended and participated in our discussions.
Emma Chattin and NOVA's "Trans-formation" Ministry & Outreach for the deeply moving and meaningful service held on Nov. 20th commemorating the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Jeff Young, NOVA's Food Ministry Coordinator along with Doug Hatch and Dave Patton and everyone who donated and help sort food for our Fall Food Drive. We delivered 607 lbs. of food to their Vienna Pantry.
Pat Monahan, NOVA's Homeless Ministry Coordinator along with Marvin and Brandon Garcia along with Charlie Tucker, who walked in the annual Homeless Walk in DC on Nov. 21st.
Cathy Alexander (Music), John McLaughlin (Food) and to the many from NOVA who participated in the MCC Cluster gathering on Nov. 21st. NOVA's community spirit and hospitality were really bright!!! |
PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Saturday, December 5, 2009
8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Please Join us at the FVFD
For a fun and exciting Pancake Breakfast with Santa Location: Fire Station # 3 4081 University Drive Fairfax, VA 22030 Costs are: Adults $5.00, Children 3-12 $3.00, Children under 3 Free All proceeds benefit the FVFD 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 |
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: |
 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 |
| Contact Information |
MCC NOVA
703-691-0930
mccnova.com |
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