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Spirit. Community. Action. Inside & "Out" | October 2010 |
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 From the Laptop of Rev. Kharma
Stop the Bullying...
Enough is Enough!
I'm terribly saddened by the suicides of four young men last month, all of them victims of bullying and/or harassment based on their perceived sexual orientation. Two of these young men-Seth Walsh of California and Asher Brown of Minnesota-were only 13 years old and had endured relentless bullying at school. Seth hung himself from a tree in his yard and Asher shot himself in the head. Billy Lucas of Indiana was only 15 years old, and after being called a "fag" over and over again, he hung himself in his grandmother's barn. And, of course, the news has been full of reports about the talented and upcoming musician, Tyler Clementi, a college freshman who jumped from the George Washington Bridge after a roommate threatened to post a video on the internet of him in a private romantic encounter with another man. My heart breaks as I consider the pain they must have been in to take such drastic measures, the pain their families and friends must be feeling now as they deal with this tragic loss, and the pain of all of the other young people whose stories include experiences of being bullied for being different, regardless of the nature of that difference.
(Please see the notice below about a vigil next week
to mourn these deaths)
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| From the Hearts of the Community
by Pat Monahan
"We must cultivate our own garden"
Candide
Voltaire
Janet, a 70-year old homeless woman temporarily residing at Breezeway Motel on Lee Highway, dreams of living on the Jersey Shore again as she struggles to survive on half of her deceased husband's salary.
On top of an air conditioning unit behind the motel office, Janet has cultivated a garden, with plants, seashells, pebbles, crystals, and statues from her world travels. Last week, she also decorated a window ledge for Halloween.
Janet created the garden for the homeless children who live at Breezeway. She wants them to see the world, like she has.
Sunday, Jean Taczak and I chatted with Janet after delivering food to the homeless at Breezeway Motel. Her language was peppered with expletives as we joked about the nuns in our all-girls schools. She liked the sound of MCC NOVA. Janet talked about architecture, cell phones & climate changes, Rastafarians, and African drumming. She also informed us that recent immigrants have tent camps in the Reston woods and frequently move sites.
When we left, Janet gave us seashells.
Like Janet, at MCC NOVA, we're cultivating our own garden. And, you can help. If you only have two hours to spare over the next few months, we'll find a spot for you. :-) Here's what we're doing:
1. Fall Food Drive - Sunday, 10/31 thru Sunday, 11/21 to stock food shelves at FACETS and Our Daily Bread
Contact: Jeanne Bailey
jbailey@fairfaxwater.org
2. Help the Homeless Walkathon - National Mall - November 20, 2010
www.helpthehomelessdc.org Walk or Donate. Team: MCC NOVA
3. Holiday Clothing Drive - Sunday, 11/28 thru Sunday, 12/19 to benefit those served by the Community for Creative Non-Violence in DC
Contact: Jeanne Bailey
jbailey@fairfaxwater.org
4. Holiday Ornament Sales - Sunday, 11/28 thru Sunday, 12/19 to benefit NOVAM
Contact: Jeanne Bailey
jbailey@fairfaxwater.org
5. Holiday Gift Card Drive - Sunday, 11/28 thru Sunday, 12/19 to benefit children & families served by NOVAM
Contact: TBA
6. Hypothermia Prevention Shelters with FACETS and Neighboring Churches (December thru February)
Contact: Pat Monahan
pmmonahan@cox.net
7. Feed the Homeless (1st Sunday of every Month and 4 p.m. of Saturday preceding)
Contact: Pat Monahan
pmmonahan@cox.net
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From the Laptop of Rev. Tim 
MCC NOVA's Call to Action...
Our Light Under a Basket
"No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house." (Luke 11:33)
At a meeting of some of the folks involved with our Micah Ministries here last weekend, it was mentioned that we need to do more to let folks know about the many areas of social justice that people are or can be involved with here at MCC NOVA.
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Fall Spiritual Formation Opportunities
Contemporary Applications of the Bible
October 3 - November 21
Sundays 9:00 - 10:30 am - Church Library
Leader: DeWayne Davis, Clergy Intern
The social world we now inhabit at the start of the second decade of the 21st century feels bigger and far more complex than we ever imagined, instigating a deep-seated anxiety and discomfort we are often unable to articulate. As people of faith, we take seriously a call to discipleship that helps make sense of our surroundings, yet we wonder if we have a word for the world regarding the challenges we face in our society. War, poverty, inequality, injustice, xenophobia, economic recession, and ecological disaster have all converged in a faster paced, globalized world. What can we say to the fear and anxiety that has resulted from these challenges? Do our sacred Scriptures provide guidance and resources for understanding both our context and our response to that context? Is there a way forward beyond the division and recrimination that these challenges bring out within humankind?
CLICK HERE FOR A SESSION OUTLINE AND MORE INFORMATION.
Holy Conversations: What's Theology Got to Do with It?
October 6 - November 17
Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:30 pm - Church Library
Leader: Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos
Put simply, "theology" is "God talk." Since our beginning, MCC has been talking about God as we have claimed that one can be LGBTIQA... and Christian. As MCC enters into its fifth decade, the need for theological discussion, both within and outside of the church, has never been greater. While language can never fully capture the mystery of God, careful thinking and speaking about God can increase our understanding.
Creative Encounters
Sundays, beginning in Mid-October
Sink your hands into clay, paint, scissors and glue for a totally unique spiritual formation series: learning by participating in creative arts! Guests artists will speak about their process, then guide participants in their own hands-on expressive and meditative activities. The series will include creative writing, collage "treasure mapping," mandala meditation, and four sessions of working with clay projects which will be glazed and fired. Insight and discovery guaranteed. The 7 week series will begin in mid-October .
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Happenings |
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THIS SATURDAY!
B-I-N-G-O !
Saturday, October 9, 7:00 pm
Come One, Come All! Bingo is back at MCC NOVA this Saturday, October 9 at 7:00 with CASH PRIZES and more. Tickets are $15 for 10 Bingo games and additional sets of 10-game cards are available for $10. Doors open at 7:00 pm and the first game will be called at 7:30. Refreshments will be available. Come join the fun! Everyone is welcome to play!
CONGRATULATIONS TEAM MCC NOVA!
Congratulations to the 18 MCC NOVA members and friends who raised over $9,700 in the AIDSwalk Washington 5K walk/run last Saturday to benefit Whitman-Walker Clinic. Team MCC NOVA was captained by Gail Schulte and Vickie Bowman. Thanks to everyone who participated and supported this great effort. Way to go, TEAM!
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR RECENT VICTIMS OF ANTI-GAY BIAS AND BULLYING, THEIR FAMILIES AND OUR COMMUNITIES
Monday, October 11th (National Coming Out Day), 6:00-7:00pm
(gathering/dialog time 6:00-6:25pm; program starts at 6:25pm)
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA 22124 Also sponsored by: Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia and Equality Fairfax
We are less than one full month into the new school year and there is an epidemic of tragic proportions happening with our LGBT youth all across our country. We wish to gather as a community to remember and pray for those suffering, and to grieve the loss to suicide of: Justin Aaberg, 15, MN; Asher Brown, 13, TX; Tyler Clementi, 18, NJ; Billy Lucas, 15, IN; Seth Walsh, 13, CA; Tyler Wilson, 11, OH.
Each of these students was bullied, harassed and discriminated against because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. In some cases, parents reported the bullying to school administrators, who did nothing. In other cases, parents were unaware of the pain their child was suffering every day in school. In some cases, teachers were afraid to help. In every case, families are left agonizing over these losses, and members of the LGBT community are reminded of their own painful experiences, and the scars they still bear.
October 11th is National Coming Out Day. We want to take some time and gather as a community to remember those who have died and to send a message of love, support and invitation to be in dialogue to young people and parents who are struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity. We also want to offer support to the education professionals working with these youth every day that they may have or soon win the support they need to protect these vulnerable youth.
Please join us for this memorial event and to learn what you can do to save others' lives.
** This is an outdoor event; please dress appropriately for the weather. Some chairs will be available. In the event of rain, please bring an umbrella.
 SECOND ANNUAL PET BLESSING CEREMONY
COME CELEBRATE THE FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS WITH YOUR PET
Sunday, October 24th, 2:00 p.m., Van Dyck Park, Fairfax
Do you have a goldfish, hamster, cat or dog? Please come join us for the Second Annual Pet Blessing on Sunday, October 24th, 2:00 p.m. to be held at Van Dyck Park in Fairfax, just blocks from the church next to the Fairfax Police Station on Old Lee Hwy. This celebration is conducted to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and his love for all creatures and to acknowledge the important nurturing relationships we have with our animal friends. All pets/animals are welcome to attend this ceremony and receive a blessing. It's also a great opportunity to come out and frolic at the park. If your pet is unable to attend in person don't fret because collars and photo's can also be blessed on behalf of your pet. The ceremony will be followed with treats for both pets and people! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Betsy Harman at 703-869-3554 or e-mail: lizabeth.harman@gmail.com
RELOCATION UPDATE
The Building and Capital Development Teams met in August with our consultant Tom Melzoni to begin our work with him. We will begin with a congregational assessment, which Tom hopes to conduct this Fall. In preparation for this, the Building Team, at Tom's direction, has identified a commercial realtor to assist us in looking for comparable so that we have some realistic options to discuss with the congregation. A subset of the Building Team also met with local developer who has been helpful to us in the past to discuss possibilities. The Capital Development Team has begun investigating alternative financing options so that we have a better idea of the various scenarios we may be facing and has met with a banker referred to us by a developer.
MICAH MINISTRY to PARTICIPATE in POVERTY SUMMITT
Saturday, October 30, Springfield
Anyone interested in learning more about poverty in our local Northern Virginia area and who may have an interest in being involved in MCC NOVA's response as part of our ongoing Micah (Social Justice) Ministry is invited to join Tim in attending this informative event. To register or for more information click on this link and please contact Tim to let him know you plan to attend.
SAVE THE DATE! BASKET AUCTION TIME!Saturday, November 6, 2010, 7:00 pm
Sign right up for the Sixth Annual Basket Auction and Dessert Social to be held here at MCC NOVA on Saturday, November 6th, at 7 P.M. Invite 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!
Here are a few theme ideas for your baskets: Pets, Kids, Auto Care, Movie Night, CDs, Kitchen Gadgets, Socks, Travel, Music, Meditation, Books, Computer Gadgets, Tea or Coffee, Sports, Romance, Dinner, and Holidays (Thanksgiving, and Christmas are right around the corner).
Start bringing your prepared baskets in now; we need them by Sunday 10/31. Money tight this year? Think about auctioning off your talents/services. Think about this even if money is not tight.
HELP THE HOMELESS WALKATHON
Saturday, November 20
MCC NOVA will participate in the 2010 Help the Homeless Walkathon on the National Mall, November 20, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. To walk or donate, please use the following site: www.helpthehomelessdc.org. Register with team MCC NOVA. 100% of your walker registration fee and any additional funds you raise will support beneficiary organizations in the fight to prevent and end homelessness. Contact: Pat Monahan, pmmonahan@cox.net. |
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, iamelethia@yahoo.com. 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 yhansche@aol.com.
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
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MCC NOVA's 30th Anniversary Celebration
March 11-13, 2011
Ronald Reagan is inaugurated to his first term as President on the same day the Iranian Hostages are released.
The Oakland Raiders defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-10 in Super Bowl XV The first IBM PC was introduced. Lady Diana Spencer married Charles, Prince of Whales. And MCC of Northern Virginia was born...
Join us for our celebration weekend as we remember, honor and commemorate the past thirty years and look forward to the future we are building TODAY! |
Lay-Ups:
A Message from Your Lay Delegates
"Be all you can be" could have been the theme for a summit hosted for several local MCC churches at in Washington DC last week.
MCC Elders Lillie Brock and Ken Martin presented information to us about the different stages of church size and what size predicted as to a church's programming, communications, relationship with its pastor and its mission in the world. The aim was to identify what a church looks like when it's at its best in its current stage and what it would need in order to grow to the next.
On the second day of the conference, each of the 15 churches attending was led through self-evaluating exercises. Best of all, each church group met privately with one of the Elders for a 45-minute church assessment, based on data submitted and processed earlier.
Our NOVA group, consisting of clergy, staff, a board member and lay delegate, found the information of the presentations and personal assessment extremely valuable. We're encouraged that we're on the right track here at NOVA, especially with our Capital Campaign.
We came away from this "size summit" with tools, insights, and ideas for mapping our trajectory into the larger, stronger, more effective church we can become.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Gralley
Lay delegate
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Second Reading:
"The Journey to Grateful"
Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos,
preaching |
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 Special Thanks:
To all of the volunteers who support our life and ministry: those who share of their time, their creative energies and ideas, their money, their in-kind donations, their gifts and talents, their hearts and minds. Ours is a community supported by many loving and hard-working hands. We are grateful.
To everyone who attended MCC NOVA's Spiritual Retreat, to Bob Flynn for facilitating our program, to the musicians (Cathy, Kala, Kathleen, Kurt, Donna), to Y'lon and Kurt for the creative exercise, to Tim for the beautiful altar space, to Frank for photography, and to all who opened their hearts to the movement of the Spirit in our midst.
To the Care Team for their sponsorship of Home-coming Sunday. Thanks to all who brought food, set up and/or cleaned up, took photographs, painted faces, and participated in a wonderful time of fellowship and celebration.
To Gail Schulte and Vickie Bowman for their leadership in this year's AIDS Walk held yesterday to benefit Whitman-Walker Clinics and more than two-dozen other HIV/AIDS service organizations in the greater Metro DC area; to those who walked or ran; and especially to all those who showed their support through their contributions. Together we were able to raise $9700.
To Tracey, Jean, Tim, Stephanie, DeWayne, and Jane for attending the MCC Size Summit last week at MCC DC. |
| 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 info@mccnova.com or via the mail to MCC NoVA Care Team, 10383 Democracy Lane, Fairfax, VA 22030.
De Raynes asked that these messages be passed along to everyone...
Hi - Believe it or not, I have sold my house in Fairfax, where I lived for 27 years.... and in one giant whirlwind of a September, I am now living in Delaware. I just wanted to make sure you have all my correct contact info so that you can be in touch and VISIT.
My new address is: 17774 Seashore Drive, Lewes, DE 19958
Home Phone 302-703-2756, Cell 703-963-3893
My personal email is this one deraynes@aol.com
My work email is ncate@aahperd.org
I am retired, but independently contracting back to my previous job to keep up with one of my projects, ... thus the work address. But I am a lady of leisure and looking forward to traveling, visiting, playing, having YOU visit me, and enjoying life at the beach.
Please let everyone know that
1. I will miss my church family more than anyone can ever know
1. I would love to see them anytime they are coming to the beach
2. I expect them to call and drop by or we can meet at a restaurant
I love the family at MCC NoVA and I love my ministers. Thanks to you and Kharma for making my church experience come alive. It was what I had been searching for all my life. I WILL be back to visit.
Hope to hear from you and get your updated contact info if anything has changed. ~De
~De
Buddy (Alta) Mercer sent a card addressed to the MCC Congregation dated 9/16/10:
Hey Everyone, A package arrived for me a few days ago. There was a beautiful shawl inside. The rest of the box was filled with prayers and good wishes from you. Thank you so very much. Hugs and love ~Buddy
Update: Buddy came through double heart by-pass and valve repair surgery at INOVA Fairfax on Tuesday of this week. She is recovering there for a few days. Alice wanted me to let you know that Buddy made it a point to pack her prayer shawl to bring it along to the hospital. Alice had it to give to her when her condition was upgraded and she was transferred from ICU to a regular patient care room. Get well cards can be sent to their home: Buddy Mercer, 1130 Highlands Place, Apt. #102, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Incluesion members received a nice note from Ken Williamson that he gave me permission to share with you. In an e-mail message dated 9/30/10 from KRWilliamson@gmail.com he wrote:
My friends, I wanted to take a moment and simply say thank you!! As you have probably heard, I have accepted a Music Director position at Washington Plaza Baptist Church. This has always been a dream of mine and God could not have made this opportunity any clearer for me. While my 'official' membership may have changed, your place in my heart and in my journey has not. I am forever grateful for all the things I have learned in our time together. I can now throw sheet music to the wind and actually work off a chord chart. (thank you all for your incredible patience with my learning curve). I was just thinking of you all. At choir rehearsal this week, I pulled a song in the key of G and instantly thought of the 'Key of Kala'. I have already spoken with Daniel about some opportunities to work together and I look forward to the day that I can bring Inclusion over for a concert or special music. Forever grateful, Ken
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Community Notes
 FLY! (Fairfax LGBTQ Youth )
FLY! is affiliated with Metro DC PFLAG and is specifically for LGBTQ teens and allies, grades 7-12. FLY! is a great place for LGBTQ youth to meet their peers, express themselves in a safe, affirming environment, share their experiences, fears, and concerns, mentor others, make friends, and have fun. The group (including adult facilitators) meets twice each month: on the First Tuesday, 7:30-9:00 PM, and on the Third Sunday, 3:00-4:30 PM. The meeting place is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA 22124. The key person to contact is Carol Lewis at wf.pflag@gmail.com. Click here 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, 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
7. FLY! (Fairfax LGBTQ Youth) meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30-9:00 pm and on the third Thursday 3:00-4:30 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA 22124. For more information, contact Carol Lewis at wf.pflag@gmail.com
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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 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:
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 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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