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

 

R-E-T-R-E-A-T, Take Care, MCC

 

First, a little exercise in imagination.  Think Aretha Franklin.  Note a few word changes: 

 

 What you want (hoo) baby I got it

 What you need (hoo) you know I got it

  (Hoo) All I'm asking (hoo) is for a little retreat

        (Just a little bit) when you leave home

        (Just a little bit) hey baby  

                                                   (Just a little bit)

                                                   When you leave home (Just a little bit)

 

   R-E-T-R-E-A-T find out what it means to me

   R-E-T-R-E-A-T, Take Care, MCC

   (sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me)  

 

Consider this background music for my plug of the upcoming Spiritual Retreat.  We've extended the registration deadline to August 8 to give you a little more time to consider this opportunity.  Let me tell you a few reasons why I hope you'll join us.

 

Most of us are busy people with long "to do" lists and a calendar full of appointments.  Many of us are self-proclaimed "multi-taskers" who are often wearing multiple hats and juggling several activities at once.  We don't slow down often enough, much less stop, to really take in and appreciate the blessings of life.  The Spiritual Retreat is an opportunity for you to slow down, get out of the routines of life, step away from the blackberry, and breathe.

 

   Continue reading...

 
 From the Hearts of the Community
 

Working with the Homeless at the Lamb Center

by Jazzie Pendarvis

 

"The Lamb Center is a partnership of local congregations loving and serving the poor and homeless; a safe place where lost souls make hard decisions that set them free for new life; a table that feeds not only the downcast and brokenhearted but also those who came along side".

 

I just wanted to share some experiences I have had working with the homeless. First of all, I really and truly enjoyed helping out at the Lamb Center. It was a great experience working with different walks of life and hearing their stories. I have met doctors and lawyers there. You name it. I think I have talked with just about every professional that there is out there and the sad part about it is that at one time they were all just like everyday down to earth people.

 

And, then the economy went bad. I am sorry to say that this is what it really amounted to. Some people lost just about every thing they had and this is truly the reason the Lamb Center is there for people to recover and get back on their feet. For an example, they really helped me out when I lost my job and in return I volunteered there and did whatever was asked of me. And, that was the best feeling that I think I have ever had helping out the homeless.

 

To volunteer at the Lamb Center, located at 3220 Old Lee Highway Fairfax, Virginia, 22030, check out the website: http://www.thelambcenter.org/howtohelp.php or call (703) 691- 3178.

 

If you are interested in additional ways of helping the homeless, MCC NOVA offers several options:

 

- Monthly food delivery;

- Food and clothes drives;

- Walkathon on the National Mall; and

- Community Thanksgiving.

 

If you would like to help at MCC NOVA, please contact Pat Monahan at (703) 684-7947 or [email protected].

 
From the Laptop of Rev. Tim                         tim1
 
 Mentoring - A New Model for MCC NoVA's Youth Ministry

There are times in ministry when we have to stop and rethink how we do things.  Over the past year we at MCC NOVA on the Youth Ministry Team have struggled to be able to achieve a critical mass of young people for get-togethers on a regular basis.  That is not to say that we did not see some success in a number of outings we had, especially last winter.  A bowling outing and a trip to a haunted house were a couple of events we sponsored that were fairly well-attended.  But as spring rolled around we had a harder time finding times and events that seemed to work for our busy young people.

 
It's not too late to register for the 2010 Spiritual Retreat  Deadline Extended to August 8!
 
 
 
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?

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 8, 2010

(click here for registration forms or contact the church at [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].

Happenings
  

 

RELOCATION UPDATE 

The Building and Capital Development Teams met with our consultant Tom Melzoni this week to begin relocation planning.  Both teams have several action items to complete in the next couple of months before Tom joins us again to begin the congregational assessment of our readiness to proceed.  Stay tuned for further developments. 
 
 
SAVE THE DATE!
BASKET AUCTION TIME!
Saturday, November 6, 2010, 7:00 pm
 
Please save the date and start inviting your friends and family. This is the perfect opportunity to purchase gifts for your family, friends, pets, and yourselves.
 
As we have done in the past, we ask for your generous donations of prepared baskets for the auction, so start going through your houses and grab those new and/or gently used items to create a wonderful basket to auction off for a great cause--MCC NOVA!
 
Some ideas for baskets include: pet baskets, sports baskets, kids basket, romantic basket, computer stuff basket, kitchen basket.
 
Be creative and put together a unique basket of your choosing. More information will be coming so please save this date and get ready for a grand night of fun, food, and fellowship!  If you have any questions, please see Jane Bennett ([email protected]) or Cathryn Krebs ([email protected]).
 
 

split ticketDID YOU KNOW?  REV. KHARMA'S IN A BOOK

 

Our own Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos has authored a chapter in the new book Split Ticket: Independent Faith in a Time of Partisan Politics.  The book is published by Chalice Press and is available for purchase on Amazon.com.  You won't want to miss Rev. Kharma's chapter, entitled "Too Political for My (Clerical) Shirt."  Check out the links below for previews, reviews and ordering information.

 

 

 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! Voting Ends This Sunday
 

The winning logo for MCC NOVA's upcoming 30th Anniversary celebration will be announced on Sunday, August 15th. The winning designer will receive a free 30th anniversary t-shirt and have their work featured on official anniversary merchandise.  Don't forget to mark your calendars for MCC NOVA's 30th Anniversary celebration Friday, March 11, 2011 - Sunday, March 13, 2011 - stay tuned for more information about the exciting events and activities planned for the weekend. 
 

 

Want to Help Out?  Urgent Volunteer Needs

 
CLEANSING SPIRITS MINISTRY
 
The volunteer crew that cleans the church each week, is in need of more volunteers to serve our community. If you can help out in this ministry, please contact Elethia by phone, 703 638-9751, or by email,  [email protected]. or in person on a Sunday morning. 
 
 

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] 
   

  

 BECOME A FAN OF MCC NOVA! 
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 gandjrotated

Lay Delegate Report

General Conference

June 28, 2010 - July 2, 2010

 

What a wonderful conference we had in Acapulco, Mexico!  We accomplished much business and also came away inspired as to the future direction of our denomination.  First, we would like to thank you for your support in sending us to General Conference XXIV.  It is important that our voice be heard and that we hear and bring back to you what is happening.  A special "thank you" goes to Jane Bennett for stepping in as lay delegate to fill in for Jean Gralley who could not attend.  Overall, there were 176 clergy and 201 lay delegates present and at least 600 other folks who came to participate.  Why not consider attending the next General Conference and come experience an amazing event.  It will be held July 1 - July 5 2013 in Chicago!  Mark your calendars.

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In This Issue
From the Laptop of Rev. Kharma
From the Hearts of the Community
From the Laptop of Rev. Tim
Spiritual Retreat 2010
Lay Delegate Report
Read Ahead
Spotlight on Ministry
News From Absent Friends
Community Notes
Read Ahead

August 8
 
 Note: Children's Sunday School will not be held during August but will resume September 5.
 
 
 
Second Reading: 
 
Reflection:
 
 "You Did That on Purpose"
 
  Rev. Tim Agar,
preaching
Quick Links
 
spotlightSPECIAL THANKS TO:
 

To all who attended the first meeting with our consultant, Tom Melzoni, this past Wednesday.  And special thanks to Kharma- our beloved pastor who is away meeting her new nephew and visiting family - for her leadership, spirit and grace.

 
To Bob Flynn, the leader of our upcoming spiritual retreat for visiting us this past Sunday to promote the retreat. We look forward to being with you in September to learn how to better help ourselves to the feast of life.
 
To the hosts and facilitators of our Spiritual Type Discovery Groups: Scott, Chris, Kelly, Pepe, Jeanne, Jane, Gail, Ginny, Frank, Cindy, Elethia, Daniel, and Byron.
 
To De and Pepe for organizing our Softball Game and All-Church Picnic; thanks to all who donated food, supplies, energy and laughter to make this a grand celebration of community! 
 
 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 past June, 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 [email protected] or via the mail to MCC NoVA Care Team, 10383 Democracy Lane, Fairfax, VA  22030.

 

sheri teshakRev. Tim had the chance on his return trip from Minnesota in mid-July to swing through Davenport, IA and pay a visit to Sheri Teshak and her partner Laura Garro, members of MCC NoVA, who had moved from Virginia last summer to relocate closer to family while Sheri continues to receive treatments for cancer that she has been fighting in various forms for a number of years.

 
Laura and Sheri are pictured here on the deck with their backyard behind them.  Sheri was a member of MCC NoVA's Care Team Ministry for a number of years and the members of the Care Team chipped in to buy them this fancy new infra-red grill as a farewell/house-warming present.     
 
 
Continue reading...
 postit com   
 
FALL GAYSPIRITS MEN'S RETREAT
 
There are not enough opportunities for gay men to come together and be with other gay men in a setting that is both safe and nurturing.  GaySpirits Retreats are just such an opportunity providing local and inexpensive opportunities for gay men to explore their spirituality and create a healing environment together.  The next GaySpirits Retreat will be on Friday and Saturday, September 24 and 25.  It will be held at All Souls Unitarian Church, 1500 Harvard St., (16th & Harvard) NW.  Follow the link below to see a flier with all the details and registration information.  Several men from MCC NoVA have already attended previous weekends and the feedback has been very positive. Click here for more information.

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
 

 

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.

 
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