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Spirit. Community. Action. Inside & "Out" | June 2010 |
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JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH!
Save these dates!
MCC NOVA to HOST N. VIRGINIA PRIDE INTERFAITH SERVICE
Thursday, June 10, 7:00 pm
Northern Virginia's 4th annual Interfaith Pride service. Please join People of Faith for Equality in Virginia (NoVA Chapter) and members of Local Faith Communities from Loudoun County to Arlington and everywhere in between!
We are aware that the experience of coming out in religious community can be difficult, and sometimes even traumatic. However, an increasing number of religious traditions are embracing the full complexity of human sexuality and gender identity as sacred. Please join us as we celebrate Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender persons and how our faith has informed our decision to come out, or made it possible for us to embrace our whole and most authentic selves
CAPITAL PRIDE PARADE
Saturday, June 12
With over 150 contingents expected, and tens of thousands lining the parade route, the 2010 parade will be led again by the Celebrity Grand Marshall and Capital Pride Heroes. Come out and march with area MCCer's! The parade will step off at 6:30 pm. Stay tuned for sign-up and location information.
Sunday, June 13
Over 250,000 people attend the annual street festival along Pennsylvania Ave. from across the country, and around the globe. Join the fun! Help staff the MCC booth or stop by to say 'hi'! The festival runs from 11 am to 6 pm.
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| Upcoming Events |
THIS SUNDAY! BLESSING OF THE GRADUATES
MCC NOVA will be holding a Blessing of the Graduates during our worship service on June 6th. We want to recognize our seniors graduating from high schools as well as those who are graduating with bachelor's, master's, or other advanced degrees. If you are graduating and would like to be included in this brief blessing during worship, please send us your name and the information about your graduation (degree, school, course of study, special honors, etc.). We will be printing names and some of this information in the worship program. Additionally, if someone you love is graduating and you want to include them in our prayers, please send us their names. You can email information to info@mccnova.com.
IMPORTANT CONGREGATIONAL FORUM
Sunday, June 6, after worship
Your Lay Delegates, Gail Minnick and Jean Gralley, are hosting a congregational forum to exchange information with you. We want to share what is happening in the denomination regarding the restructure and we would like to hear your thoughts and opinions about the new structure. If you are not familiar with what is happening, you can go to the website at www.structurereview.mccchurch.org and take a peek ahead of time. The "Structure Overview" document is particularly helpful. But it you do not get a chance to review the material, that's ok. We will have handouts! Your input is important. Help us to represent you at General Conference by attending the forum and talking about the changes.
HAVE A COMMUNITY-BASED EXPERIENCE OF DISCOVERY AND GROWTH THIS SUMMER!
This summer, you have the opportunity to be a part of a three-week series of community-based experiences "on location" throughout Northern Virginia. These opportunities will be offered at different times/days of the week to accommodate diverse schedules. This is a chance for you to connect with a group of people near you, or at a time that fits best within your schedule, for a communal experience of spiritual discovery and growth. The return on your personal investment for these weeks spent reflecting with friends could be unprecedented and life-changing! More details are coming soon, but if your interest is piqued and you think you want to sign up, please send your name and email address to info@mccnova.com.
 RAINBOW WRAPS
Many thanks to all the wonderful volunteers (you know who you are!) who are knitting or crocheting Rainbow Wraps for our Care Team ministry. These will be distributed to those who are ill or hospitalized and need a bit of "good cheer" - a handmade prayer shawl created by an MCC NOVA family member. Bring your completed projects to church when they are completed and place them in the basket; feel free to take some skeins of yarn so you can start a new project. Anyone who is interested may participate. You can use the yarn in the basket or use your own brightly colored yarn. E-mail Cathryn at cathkrebs@cox.net if you have any questions.
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 MCC NOVA 30TH ANNIVERSARY UPDATE!
LOGO Contest!
Mark your calendars! MCC NOVA's 30th Anniversary celebration will be Friday, March 11, 2011 - Sunday, March 13, 2011 - stay tuned for more information about the exciting events and activities planned for the weekend. In the mean time, the Anniversary Steering Committee (Mark Fox, Doug Hatch, and Rev. Stephanie Burns) is pleased to announce that next year's theme will be "MARCHING FORWARD: Celebrating 30 years of MCC NOVA's Ministry" and we want you to contribute! Submissions are now being accepted for the MCC NOVA 30th anniversary LOGO Contest. Get those creative juices flowing and submit your design by Sunday, July 11th. Starting Sunday, July 18th, you will be able to cast your vote for your favorite design. The official logo will be announced on Sunday, August 15th. The winning designer will receive a free 30th anniversary t-shirt. Submissions can be made via email to revsburns@msn.com or by submitting a paper copy to the envelope on the church bulletin board. Please include your name and contact information.
SAVE THE DATE!BATTER UP! ALL-CHURCH PICNIC AND SOFTBALL GAME!
Sunday, July 11, after worship
Come one and all to the third annual MCC NOVA summer SOFTBALL game AND CHURCH PICNIC. That's right--for those of us who prefer not to share our athletic 'skills' in public of if you'd rather just relax and spectate, we're throwing in an ALL-CHURCH PICNIC.
If you want to play ball, no experience necessary and there are several positions open;, players of ALL ages, 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!
Sign up sheets will be available soon for those who want to play ball or contribute to the potluck/cookout celebration. We will be playing at Ratcliffe Park off Main Street in Fairfax City behind the World Gym and the Fairfax Museum which is across the street from TJ MAXX and Noodles and Company. We have secured the pavilion and the softball field. For more information please see Pepe Miller or De Raynes. DO YOU HAVE THE GIFT OF HOSPITALITY? Like to bake? Or shop? Or make coffee? NOVA's hospitality team is looking for a few folks to help with the hospitality table? All you have to do is bring a few goodies, set up the coffee (instructions provided), and clean up afterward. And you don't have to do it alone. Grab your friends, family or ministry team and sign up on the sheet in the Sacristy or contact Yvonne Hansche at yhansche@aol.com. Continuing...
MCC NOVA HELPS THE HOMELESS
"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat". Mother Theresa
The first Sunday of each month, MCC NOVA delivers breakfast to Fairfax homeless. We shop on Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 and prepare the food from 4:00 to 5:00. We deliver the food on Sunday morning from 7:30 to 9:00. If you can help. please contact Pat Monahan at 703-684-7947 or
pmmonahan@cox.net
QUILT RAFFLE BY DANIEL
Friends at MCC, I am VERY excited about attending my first General conference. I have made 3 quilts to raffle for my travel expenses to General conference this summer. Raffle tickets are $5.00 each for a chance to win a quilt designed, pieced and quilted by me. Part of the proceeds will go to MCC NOVA. I will be available after service in the fellowship area for you to get your ticket! Thank you so much for your support. Daniel Scearce
 OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL ADVENTURE THIS SUMMER
Class offerings this year include: Queering the Bible, Reiki and Christianity, Art and Spirituality, Theologies and Practices for the Emerging Church, Personality Type and Church Leadership, Spiritual Autobiography, Reading and Writing in Midrash, Living with Loss and Learning to Grieve, and many more. You can design a program to fit your specific interests and learning objectives.
Rates are available for commuters, or for those who can spend the week on the seminary campus in resident housing (singles or couples). This is a wonderful opportunity. For more information, visit: http://www.livingtheadventure.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=4&Itemid=5. Please contact Rev. Kharma for more information.
BECOME A FAN OF MCC NOVA!
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| A WORD ABOUT CHURCH FINANCES
On behalf of the Board of Directors of MCC NOVA, thanks to each and every one of you for your gifts of time, talent and financial support. Our ministry to the world and to one another continues to benefit from your commitment. This and future articles are intended to help keep the congregation as informed as possible as we work together to appropriately support our ministries and outreaches. In addition, as requested by members at the annual congregational meeting, we have begun distributing quarterly giving records-if you did not receive your first quarter giving record, please let us know.
As you know, our church faced some financial hardship during the past year and the Board, in consultation with the congregation, made some difficult choices related to staff salaries and benefits, as well as other vital budget items. These actions, along with increased giving during January and February gave us a sound basis on which to begin 2010. Unfortunately, giving slipped in March and April and our income is now down almost 10 percent from a year ago. It is critical that we reverse this trend in order to avoid further cuts. On a positive note, spending is under control and remains closely in line with budget.
The ability of our church to continue to grow and maintain ministries both inside our own walls and out in the greater community is dependent on the commitment and generosity of our congregation. We ask that you please remember MCC NOVA as you make your summer plans, and as always if your situation changes and you need to adjust your pledge, please provide this information to Chris Fink, our treasurer. |
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JUNE 6
Second Reading:
Reflection:
"Proud of What?" Week 1:
Self-Discovery & Authenticity
Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, preaching |
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 SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Deb Ronemus, Sue Henneman and Sherry Doud for their energy and efforts to strip, wax and buff our floors. We are grateful for the beautiful image of our community your efforts reflect back to us.
The Children's Ministry for the work they do every week to nurture the faith of our children. Thanks to Michele and Cathryn for their Leadership, and to ALL of the teachers, assistants, and helpers. We are so grateful for your ministry.
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NEWS FROM ABSENT FRIENDS
The Congregational Care Team here at MCC NoVA wants to nurture those who are here by trying to establish a mechanism for letting others in the MCC NoVA extended family know what is happening in the lives of some of our absent friends. Starting this month, this section appears in the monthly e-news. It is intended to be a vehicle whereby folks who have been away for a time can let us know how they are, their new address or tell us about their new church or job. They might share with us news of their wedding or the passing of a loved one, the joy of being in a new relationship or just a hand-written note to say they are doing well and they just wanted to send along a note that they were thinking about us too. Submissions for 'News from Absent Friends' can be sent to info@mccnova.com or via the mail to MCC NoVA Care Team, 10383 Democracy Lane, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Alice Mason and Buddy Mercer are settling into their new home in Harrisonburg. I dropped in on them the Wednesday (5/19) after they had moved with a couple cups of coffee and they were still surrounded by lots of boxes. Their new address is 1130 Highlands Place, #102, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. They are just down the hall from Sarah Sparks, who is in Unit #106. Let them hear from you if you get a chance.
I recently connected with Joyce Rozelle and Lorna Williams on Facebook. Joyce writes: "Thanks for the nice note you sent today. We appreciate your thoughtfullness. We are fine and in good health. We keep busy and are happy. Take care of yourself and best wishes to you."
Received a card dated May 8 from Kay Rodgers, 2114 Golf Course Dr., Reston, VA 20191. In a note to MCC NoVA, Kay's writes, "Hi All, I really miss being at church. My schedule is a mess so it'll probably be mostly in July and August that I'll be in church again. I hope I can sneak a Sunday in here and there before then, but it looks doubtful. Shalom & God's Blessings, Kay"
Marvin Garcia sent greetings from half way around the world, "Greetings from Georgia in the Caucusus region of Eurasia" and in response to a question I asked about how it felt for a gay father to have his son graduating he said, "a gay father's pride as my son graduates and begins the next phase of his blessed journey." Let's keep Marvin in our prayers for safe travels home and Brandon as he graduates on June 22nd.
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THE GLOBAL FIGHT FOR LGBT RIGHTS A Conversation Between Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire and Bishop Christopher Senyonjo of Uganda
June 8, 2010, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Antigay legislation in Uganda has prompted a global outcry and heightened attention to the dangers facing gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in Africa. As one of the most courageous defenders of LGBT human rights, Anglican Bishop Christopher Senyonjo of Uganda has spoken out against anti-gay hate legislation in his country and advocated for LGBT rights. Bishop Senyonjo is a chaplain to Integrity Uganda, a chapter of Integrity USA, which is a witness of LGBT people in the Episcopal Church. As a result of his actions, Bishop Senyonjo has been denounced, threatened, and barred from performing religious duties in his church.
Bishop Gene Robinson is the first openly gay Bishop in the Episcopal Church. He was elected to the Diocese of New Hampshire in 2003 and has worked nationally and internationally for full human rights for all LGBT people. Bishop Robinson worked on HIV prevention and treatment in Uganda in the 1990s and has been a tireless defender of social justice issues.
Please join us for a lively, illuminating conversation between Bishops Robinson and Senyonjo about what is happening in Africa around LGBT issues, including antigay legislation; religious forces that are fueling hatred; and efforts to push back against that hatred and create a beloved community for all people, gay and straight.
For more information, call 202-682-1611
Center for American Progress
1333 H St. NW, 10th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Map & Directions
Nearest Metro: Blue/Orange Line to McPherson Square or Red Line to Metro Center
More:
http://www.americanprogress.org/events/2010/06/LGBTglobal.html
AIDS WALK UPDATE
AIDS Walk Washington is less than five months away. Now's the perfect time to sign up and get started! If you haven't already, please register today. You can sign up as an individual or you can form a team.
All proceeds from AIDS Walk go to HIV/AIDS services at Whitman-Walker Clinic, including medical care, mental health care and legal support. Your hard work can help keep people with HIV/AIDS healthy and alive.
Thank you again for all of your hard work and generosity. The people we serve each day are a testament to your commitment to Whitman-Walker Clinic
LATINO PRIDE
Friday, June 11
The 4th Annual Latino Pride celebration will take place Friday June 11 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Charles Sumner School, 1201 17th Street, NW. The event will feature several performers, Latino food and refreshments, and a panel discussion on Immigration. Latino Pride is organized by the Latino GLBT History Project and sponsored by: Verizon, The Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, Charles Sumner School, and The DC Center. The Latino GLBT History Project works to to investigate, collect, preserve and educate about the history, culture, heritage, arts, social and rich contributions of the Latino/Hispanic GLBT community in metropolitan Washington, DC.
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME!
PFLAG-DC to Host LGBT Night Out at the Nationals
Tuesday, June 22
Team DC has purchased 50 tickets at $15 a piece. If you and your friends would like to sit with us call the office and reserve your tickets. We are not making any money from this -- we are simply trying to get back the money we have spent on the tickets -- again just $15 prepaid. As a side note, Rev. Tim and other members of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington will perform the National Anthem that night. Contact PFLAG-DC at pflagdc.com for more information.
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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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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