newslogo
collage5
Spirit. Community. Action. Inside & "Out"
            July 2010    
kharma2009 From the Laptop of Rev. Kharma

 

 Finding Jesus...in Acapulco
 

This laptop article is written on location in Acapulco, Mexico where I and twelve other members and friends of MCC NOVA are attending MCC's General Conference.  Tim, Gail, Jane, Stephanie, Kala, Ginny, Jeanne, Tracey, Daniel, Cathy, LaMar, Y'Lon, and I are here with over one thousand other MCCers from around the world.  We are doing some important business, having inspiring and vibrant worship, learning from a variety of workshops, networking with old and new friends, and trying to find a few moments to enjoy our gorgeous surroundings.  What I want to share with you is a little bit about my experience so far ... of finding Jesus here in Acapulco. 

Continue reading...

                         DELORES RED HAT
 
 Sunday, July 4
 
Don't Miss the 
 
Spiritual Fireworks!
 
Join us for worship on Sunday, July 4 at 11 am as we welcome
 
   Rev. Delores Berry! 
 
 
 RETREAT 2010September 10 - 12, 2010
Sevenoaks Pathwork Center in Madison, VA

Facilitated by special guest, Bob Flynn

Are we as good of a coach--mentor/friend to ourselves as we are to others? Are we as kind to ourselves as Spirit would be? Does our self-talk encourage us to get the most out of life and experience true joy?

In this world of abundance, most of us let our fears keep us from fully experiencing the banquet. Those fears almost always come from denying the "truth" about our life and our experiences.

 

We'll look at the "deadly fears" that keep us from being all we are meant to be. These fears are not "deadly" because they kill our body, but because they strangle our connection to our higher selves, to our Higher Power, and to the "family" we choose.

 

This will be an opportunity to consider if we, personally, approach change and growth as a threat or an opportunity. In large and small group discussions, personal and quiet time, worship and play time, we can reflect on our insights and practice "self-management tools" we can apply, back in the real world, as we help ourselves live the abundant life God offers us.

 

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 views to stir your spirit.

 

Registration Cost: $180 per person

(payment plan options available)

 

Registration Deadline: August 1, 2010

(registration forms available at the church or [email protected])

 

bob flynnBob Flynn has worked as a facilitator for over 30 years with clients nationally and internationally. In his role as facilitator of sales, management, change management, team and communication curriculums, customer service, Mr. Flynn demonstrates a unique ability to translate today's theories into practical, real-world applications. As a consultant/strategist he takes a contemporary approach based on recent research and solid experience to create immediate and long-term solutions. Bob is a gay man with a daughter who just graduated from college. They make their home in Minneapolis, MN.

 

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 the church office at [email protected].

Upcoming Events
  

 

Spiritual typE Discovery Groups

 A Community-Based Experience


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!
 
Choose the Group that works best for you based on Proximity (nearness to your home or work) or Schedule (day and week that work best).  Groups will be limited to 8 (additional groups may be added, if necessary).
 
HERNDON GROUP                                    FALLS CHURCH GROUP
SUNDAYS 1:00 - 3:00 pm                           MONDAYS 7:30- 9 pm 
July 18, August 1, August 8                        July 12, 19, 26
(Lunch Included)
 

CHANTILLY GROUP                                 FAIRFAX GROUP
TUESDAYS 8:00 - 9:30 pm                        WEDNESDAYS 7-8:30  pm

July 13, 20, 27                                          July 14, 21, 28
 
RESTON (OAK HILL) GROUP                    ALEXANDRIA GROUP
THURSDAYS 7:00 - 8:30 PM                     FRIDAYS 7:30 - 9:00 pm
July 15, August 5, August 12                     July 30, August 6, August 13
 
WOODBRIDGE GROUP
SATURDAYS 6:00 - 7:30 PM
July 24, July 31, August 7

 

sign-up sheets located at the church or contact [email protected]

 

 

 

MOVIE NIGHT BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

Friday, July 2, 7:30 pm--POSTPONED!

 

Kick your 4th of July holiday weekend off with a BANG!  Due to popular demand, we are having another movie night at Frank's House on Friday Night, July 2.  The first feature is a documentary entitled, "For the Bible Tells Me So," which tells the story of how members of our community are trying to change the thinking of fundamentalist Christians on the gay issue.  The second feature will be audience choice!  C'mon EVERYONE and join us for a fun time of food and fellowship.  Pizza will be served and we will be taking up a collection for that.  Frank will provide diet soda.  Contact frank at [email protected] for more information.

 

 

softballBATTER UP!  ALL-CHURCH PICNIC & 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. 

 

 

NEW!

LETTING GO OF STEREOTYPES:

A CONVERSATION ON RACISM

Sunday, July 18
 
On July 18th please join us for a riveting conversation on changing our views of Racism.  After church service there will be a potluck until 1:45pm, and from 2pm to 4pm there will be an interactive workshop on discrimination focusing on Racism.  This is a time when you can have those tough questions answered and share your experiences with others.  Optional Q & A session afterwards.  
 
 

MINISTY LEADER MEETING

Sunday, July 25, after service... 

 

 

 Continuing...

 

 

wrapsRAINBOW 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 [email protected] if you have any questions.

      
   

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 [email protected] or by submitting a paper copy to the envelope on the church bulletin board.  Please include your name and contact information. 

 

 

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 [email protected].

  

 

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
[email protected] 
   

 

ELECTRONIC BILL-PAY ANYONE?
 

How many of you pay some or all of your bills with electronic bill pay?  Did you know you can set up MCC NOVA as a "Payee" just like any other credit card or utility and make your regular offering this way?  This would help MCC NOVA avoid some of the dips in our routine giving that result in a "summer slump" typically associated with people being on vacation and not here physically to be able to make their regular contributions.  Take one more thing off your list before heading off to a summer of fun in the sun and thank you for helping us manage our community's finances.

 

 

LTSOPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL ADVENTURE THIS SUMMER
 

 

Are you interested in an affordable option for intentional spiritual growth and renewal?  Do you have a week or two that you can invest in your spiritual development and have a heck of a lot of fun in the process?  Think about it. We are within driving distance (2 - 3 hours) of one of the country's most accessible seminaries for continuing education for laity and clergy of all ages.  Lancaster Theological Seminary has a close relationship with Metropolitan Community Churches and offers some of the finest programs for adult education available.  Summer academy offers a daily mix of worship, workshops, classes, and spiritual fellowship in an environment of ecumenical engagement and nurture for the whole person (body, mind, and spirit!).  
 
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! 
facebook  
 

In This Issue
From the Laptop of Rev. Kharma
Spotlight on Ministry
Community Notes
Article Headline
Read Ahead

July 4
 
 
Psalm 139: 1-3
 
Second Reading:
 
John 10: 11-16
 
Reflection in Word and Song:
 
 "If You Don't Know Me By Now, Then When?"
 or
"I'm the Good One"
 
  Rev. Delores Berry,
 
preaching
Quick Links
 
spotlightSPECIAL THANKS TO:
 
Gail Minnick and Jane Bennett for representing MCC NOVA at the General Conference last week as our lay delegates.   
 
The Choir (Jane, Marilyn, Chanda, Kala, Elethia, Jeanne, Jeff, Terry, Byron, Kurt, John), InCluesion (Kala, Kelly, Cathy, Kathleen, Pepe, Donna, Gail, Yvonne, Jeff), Darius (piano), and Daniel (director, piano) for the wonderful music they provide for our worship experience.
 
Our Administrative Volunteers, Cindy & Elethia, for generously offering their assistance to the weekly tasks of office work.  We appreciate your behind the scenes service in so many ways! 
 postit com   
 

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 

 

 
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 NOVAigive
 
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 groundspringCONTRIBUTION BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK:
 

opendoor 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 [email protected].  For church bulletin announcements, please contact Emma in the church office at [email protected]

Contact Information
MCC NOVA
703-691-0930
mccnova.com