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News from MCC NOVA

Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, Senior Pastor

 

Read Ahead

 

February 6, 2011


First Reading

 

Luke 10: 25-37

 

Second Reading

 

From Naomi Shihab Nye in "Shoulders" from Red Suitcase

 

 

Reflection

 

"Handle with Care"

 

Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos,

preaching

 

Forget Your Pledge?

 It's never too late to turn in your pledge card for 2011.  MCC NOVA depends on your pledge to help plan for the coming year.

  

Pledge Card 

 

Thank you!

 

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February 2011 
From the Laptop of Rev. Kharma...

 

kharma2009SHARING OUR CARING  

 

Thanks to Facebook, I've given more "Happy Birthday!" wishes this year than ever before.  Why?  Because Facebook has a handy little feature that alerts me every day if one of my "friends" is having a birthday.  It's a very simple thing, really, but it gives me an opportunity I probably would not have otherwise had or taken advantage of to share a kindness with a person who has been a gift in my life.  Without this reminder and the two entire minutes it takes to be mindful of someone I care about and sincerely wish them well, I would doubtlessly have rushed through the things on my to-do list oblivious to the fact that they were celebrating the gift of their life for another year.

 

The reason I mention this is...

 

Continue reading...

 

MCC NOVA Water Justice Initiative 

 

waterWater Justice: Greening Our Church

 

Did you know that Americans buy half a billion bottles of water each week?

 

Are you aware that bottled water costs about 2000 times more than tap water, and is not necessarily better tasting or healthier to drink?

 

Do you know where recycled plastic bottles go? Probably not where you think.

 

Bottled water is one of those issues that quickly grabs our attention. The more we know, the better equipped and more likely we are to take action.  

 

That is why the MCC NOVA Water Justice initiative begins this month with a focus on education and awareness around the water that we drink. There are several ways that you can participate:

 

Group activity-Join the Micah Ministry team after service on February 6 to explore ways to provide safe, clean, enjoyable drinking water at MCC NOVA without harming the earth.

 

Inner work-Make a commitment to notice the blessing of water and say a prayer of gratitude as you drink a glass of tap water each day.

 

Study up-Learn more about the quality of the water that is on tap in your area. If you live in Northern Virginia, information for adults and kids is available on the Fairfax Water website http://www.fairfaxwater.org. Another good starting point is the "Story of Bottled Water" on the Story of Stuff website http://www.storyofstuff.org/bottledwater/ which is the source of the facts quoted at the beginning of this article.

 

From the Hearts of the Community 

 

Singing for God

by Terry Luzadder

 

I joined my first MCC Choir over 20 years ago and have been singing since.  Ever since a little boy, I have enjoyed praising God though song.  Singing is the way I pray and talk to God. As a boy I used to sing "Jesus Loves Me" after a particularly brutal beating, to ask God for forgiveness and to assure myself it was true.

 

Music is my ministry and being in the choir at MCC NOVA is my connection to the congregation.  This is how I met our Music Minister Daniel Scearce.  We both sang tenor at MCC Washington in the Victory Choir and became good friends.  I lost touch with Daniel when he left and God brought us back together.  Our music ministry here at MCC NOVA is very important to me.  It is my second family.  We take care of each other, pray for each other and when we sing - well sometimes I get chicken flesh (goose bumps) because the Spirit is singing with us.

 

Every 4th Sunday the music ministry is getting together for a joint rehearsal.  This is open to all the people in the congregation, whether you are a member of the music ministry or not.  If you care about praising God through song but do not wish to make a commitment, this is for you.  You do not need to read music.  I sing by ear (and you have seen my ears).  Come sing with us, rejoice in the praise of the God who protects, cares for us, and carries us on the wings of love and song.

 

Come and make a joyful noise for God.  Every 4th Sunday after church.   Be all that you can be, every note counts.

 

 

A Call for Worship Participants

by Mark Fox 

 

We gather every Sunday to worship as one family. As a child growing up in church I always looked forward to Sundays for the donuts, for the opportunity to see good friends, and for the opportunity to dedicate some time being present with God. I always wanted to participate and remember a talent show where I was not tall enough to reach the podium. My Mom held me up to the microphone and I sang Tender Shepherd. As a young man struggling with my sexuality I continued to go to church but never felt fully engaged because I was hiding my true self. When I found MCC NOVA shortly after coming out I was transported back to my childhood where church was a place I could truly be myself. I chose to get involved very shortly after attending a service. It fulfills my spiritual needs and I hope all who participate in worship have similar feelings.

 

We need your help. We are looking for ushers, greeters, readers, communion ministers, acolytes, and people willing to do community prayer. Bringing forth the gift of time and energy by participating in Sunday service helps MCC NOVA fulfill its mission. We all bring special gifts to the MCC NOVA family. If you are interested in participating in any way in service please stop and talk to me. As unique beings we bring special talents and not everyone is prepared to speak in front of a congregation however there are many ways each of us can help. 

 

Rev. Stephanie Burns and I are available to respond to any question you might have regarding participating in any aspect of worship. If need be I will even follow in my mother's footsteps and will hold you up to the podium or assist in any other way needed to welcome you as a member of our worship team. Thanks for your consideration. 

    

A Note from the CARE Team
   

From CARE to A Caring Community

 

Since 2000, MCC NOVA has had a CARE Team - a group of members and friends who committed themselves to be there when you needed support.  Whether it was a home- or a hospital-visit; a telephone call; a written note; a hot meal; providing transportation; knitting a CARE shawl - we were there for you.

 

As MCC NOVA begins this New Year, we are making a revolutionary strategic change in how we approach Congregational Care.  We want to shift from a caring team to A Caring Community.  We are launching "Sharing Our Caring" with a focus on engaging our whole community in extending love and support to those who need us.  The mission of the Care Team will evolve from providing care to equipping, facilitating, and empowering the congregation to care for one another.   Over the next two months we will be communicating more about this.  For now, we would like you to remember those times when you either received or gave assistance to someone in need, and ask that you remember the love that you experienced as a result of that act.  To assist us in making this transition, please a few minutes of your time to fill out the CARE survey at this SURVEY LINK. Thank you for your input!

 

If you have any questions about how you can be involved now in this, please see Rev. Kharma or any member of the old CARE Team.

 

Reminder: Care Cards Available

 

The Care Team has placed a box of blank cards on the table near the entrance of the sanctuary where the prayer book is kept.  We invite you to pick up a card or two on Sunday and write a quick note to someone you are missing or who is in special need of encouragement.  
1.  Write your personal note, 
2.  Seal the envelope and put the recipient's name on the envelope.  
3.  Place the card in the offering basket.
4.  We will address and mail your card.

 


What's Happening at MCC NOVA
 

MCC NOVA ASSESSMENT SURVEY - LAST CHANCE!

 

MCC NOVA is near completion of its formal Assessment ofReadiness to move forward with building expansion/capital campaign. Thanks to all of you who participated in the individual interviews and focus group with our consultant, Tom Melzoni of Generis. The final component of the assessment is an online survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CFDHMVB to collect your opinions and feedback.  The survey will conclude at midnight,  February 7.  Please take a few minutes of your time to answer a few questions and provide Tom with the information he needs to provide us the best counsel for our future plans.

 

 

REGISTRATION DUE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6!  

winter retreatSometimes the chill of winter can remind us of a chill in our own spirits; the frozen world around us can alert us to aspects of our own lives that may seem immobilized. Yet even mid-winter holds the promise of Spring. Just as the seeds buried deep in the earth yield new life again, so too, the seeds of our faith can be nurturedtoward full bloom.

 

Join us for a day of spiritual retreat as we pause to reflect together on questions such as these:  What in us may need to melt away in order for new growth to occur?  What fears might be blocking us from the abundant life to which God calls us?  What seeds might we want to plant now in order to tend more intentionally to our spiritual growth and move toward the life we long for?   

 

When:          Saturday, February 12, 2011
                  10 am - 4 pm 

Where:       Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia
                  10383 Democracy Lane, Fairfax VA

Cost:           $10 per person to cover lunch 

 

Click here for a registration form or contact the church at [email protected]. Please register by February 6.  Payment can be made on the day of the retreat.

 

 

LET JUSTICE ROLL LIKE WATER... 

Sunday, February 6, after worship

 

waterMCC NOVA has chosen this year to focus on water as the organizing principle for justice work.  Using action and education, we will embark on a journey of improving our stewardship of the gift of water through sustainable use of such a precious resource.  Join DeWayne Davis on February 6 at 12:30pm to discuss the first action item on the list of potential water justice activities discussed at the first meeting-the elimination of water bottles.  Bottled water makes a huge impact on human life-the resources used to pump, bottle, and ship it have troubling environmental impacts. We will develop and consider a list of potential options ready for further action by the congregation to respond to our use of bottled water.

     

 

A NOTE FROM THE MUSIC MINISTRY

 

DANIELI hope you have all enjoyed this winter seasons musical selections form the choir and Incluesion.  It is our goal to put together music that will inspire and uplift you.  If you are sitting out in the congregation, and you would like to join our musical family, or just explore the idea that you might like to some day participate, I would love to discuss it with you.  We have a lot of fun and we would love to have you, whether you are a bass, alto, tenor, soprano or even a bi-sectional you are welcome!!!  Joyously, Daniel.

 

 

HYPOTHERMIA PREVENTION PROGRAM:2 MORE WEEKS!

   

From Sunday, 2/27 through Sunday, 3/6, MCC NOVA will be sending volunteers to Holy Trinity Lutheran in Falls Church. Holy Trinity is hosting area homeless that week. As volunteers, we cook, clean, walk the grounds, and most importantly, hang-out with the guests. Currently, volunteers are needed for the following shifts:

 

Evening hospitality (5 to 11 pm)
Overnight Supervision (11 pm to 7 am)
Morning Clean-Up (7 to 8 am)

 

We are also sending volunteers to Fairfax Baptist, 10830 Main St, Fairfax, from Wednesday, 3/9 - Tuesday, 3/15 for the following shifts:

 

Evening Hospitality (5-10:30 pm)

Overnight (10:30 pm -4:00 am)

Morning (4:00-8:00 a.m)

 

If you cannot take an entire shift, we can split them. Please contact Pat Monahan at [email protected] or (703) 684-7947 to sign-up.  Thank you!

 

 

MCC NOVA to HOST VIRTUAL BOOK STUDY

in SECOND LIFE

 

From Thursday, February 17 through May 26, MCC NOVA will host an online virtual study of Karen Armstrong's new book 12 Steps to a Compassionate Life (published in December of 2010).   Join Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos and Rev. BK Hipsher (Virtual Chaplain of the MCC in Second Life) for a 15-week study.  In this book, Karen Armstrong steps away from her typical role as a religious historian into the place of a spiritual teacher offering concrete tools for developing a spiritual practice of compassion that can change us and make the world a better place.  

 

In addition to MCC NOVA's other Spiritual Formation programs, this study will explore the benefit of virtual technology to enhance the connection and growth of our local congregation, as well as other MCC residents of Second Life.  We hope this will appeal to the regular participants in our spiritual formation programming, and also to those who may not be able to physically attend evening classes.

 

What's Second Life?

Second Life (SL) is a Virtual World in which you create an avatar that represents you.  Your avatar will then join others at the Sunshine Cathedral MCC in Second Life, which is graciously hosting our virtual study.  You can listen to the audio presentation, chat with others by text and voice, and do all of this from the comfort of your own home.  For more information, visit www.secondlife.com

 

If you're interested in exploring this model of interaction with us, but new to Second Life, never fear.  We'll be doing a promo of the Second Life interface immediately following worship on Sunday, February 13th at 12:30 pm here at MCC NOVA.  We'll also offer assistance if you need help setting up your avatar and learning the basics of SL. 

 

The book can be purchased independently, and is available for Kindle for less than $10.  The software for Second Life is available for free download. Please let us know if you have questions or want to sign up (email [email protected]  Also, click here for more information. 

 

  

FEED THE HOMELESS     

First Sunday of each month 

 

MCC NOVA delivers breakfast to Fairfax homeless. We prepare the food Saturday  from 4:00 to 5:00. We deliver the food on Sunday morning from 7:30 to 9:00. Contact: Pat Monahan, [email protected].

 

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING  

Tuesday, February 15, 6:30 pm  

Upstairs Library

Everyone is welcome!

  

   

COUNTERS NEEDED  

 

The Board of Directors is seeking volunteers to assist with the Sunday offering count.  This important task will take approximately 30 minutes of your time immediately following Sunday worship, once every 4 to 6 weeks. Primary responsibility is assisting a Board member with the count, documentation of donations, and preparation of the bank deposit for monies collected each Sunday.  Training will be provided.  If you are interested, please contact Krystal Kimrey at [email protected] or 703.732.2932 or another Board member.

 

 

bingo2CALLING ALL BINGO VOLUNTEERS

 

It is time to beginning planning our 2011 Bingo events.  If you are interested in assisting and would be willing to work on a planning committee, please contact Elaine Gamble [email protected].

30th Anniversary Update

 

 

30th Anniv. Logo 

 

 

Friday, March 11, 2011, 7 pm

 at MCC of Northern Virginia

A Celebration of NOVA - Starring You!

 Join us for a Family Friendly evening

 celebrating our rich diverse talents.

To join the stage - please contact Mark Fox [email protected]

  

 

Saturday, March 12, 6:30 pm

MCC NOVA'S 30TH Anniversary

 Mardi Gras Dinner Celebration 

TICKETS ARE GOING FAST!

 Cost:  $65 per person includes full dinner, cash bar, and entertainment.  Reserved Tables available for $1,000: includes dinner for 10 and one set of autographed CDs per table from Gaye & Roddy.  Tickets may be purchased after church (cash or check) or by credit card online by following the event link at www.mccnova.com

gaye&roddy

  

 

Sunday, March 13, 2011, 11 am

 at Providence Elementary School

Marching Forward!

A Worship Celebration of 30 years and Beyond!

 Special Guest:  Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Chair of the MCC Moderator's Global Justice Team

Senior Pastor of MCC New York.

Pat B

 

 

BE A GEM! BECOME A 30th ANNIVERSARY SPONSOR

Individual Sponsors

 

Thank you in advance for your generosity in helping us to celebrate 30 years of Ministry at MCC of Northern VA and supporting the future life and ministry of our community.

Ruby  $50 - Name in the Program

Emerald $100 - Name in the Program & Commemorative Ornament

Amethyst $250 - Name in the Program & Commemorative Ornament

Sapphire $500 - Name in the Program & Commemorative Ornament

Pearl $1,000 - Name in the Program, Commemorative Ornament and Two Tickets to Dinner Gala, Saturday, March 12, 2011.

 

To become an anniversary sponsor, please contact Rev. Stephanie Burns, [email protected] or to use a credit card please follow the event link on our website:  www.mccnova.com or

CLICK HERE

  

  

GET YOUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY GEAR TODAY! 

 http://www.cafepress.com/MCCNOVA_30Years

 

SHIRT 

 

 

CALLING FOR PHOTOS! 

  We are putting together a slide show commemorating MCC NOVA's last 30 years of ministry.  If you have photos or digital pictures from MCC NOVA events, Holy unions, Weddings, Baptisms and others of our family and friends from the past 30 years - Please send to Rev. Stephanie Burns ([email protected]).  Please label photos that you would like returned and indicates names and dates.

  

 

WE NEED YOUR HELP! 

We have a number of opportunities for people to help throughout the weekend:

  

Decoration of Banquet Room at PJ Skidoos

Transportation of special guests

Set up of off-site worship space Sunday Morning

Refreshments for Sunday reception following worship

Volunteers for Friday evening talent show

Assistance in putting together commemorative program

 

If you are interested in helping out, please contact the Anniversary Coordinators, Rev. Stephanie Burns, [email protected] and Mark Fox, [email protected]

 

 

Special Thanks to... 

 

spotlight

 

To TransFormations, MCC NOVA's transgender ministry, for their leadership of worship on the fifth Sunday.  Congratulations on the one year anniversary of Second Fridays, our monthly gender support group.

 

To Emma for staffing the Assessment Interview Day last Saturday for Tom Melzoni, and to all who made the time to come and talk with Tom, attend the focus group last Sunday, and complete the internet survey.  Thanks to all who brought food and set up and cleaned up after the potluck.  We are grateful for the many helping hands extended.

 

To the 2011 Board of Directors: Tracey Kennedy-Vice Moderator, Krystal Kimrey-Clerk, Ginny Reed-Treasurer, Lou Brown-At Large, and Marilyn Villanueva-At-Large.  We are grateful to you for your service to our community.

 

 

Community Notes

pad2011 MCC People of African Descent Conference

May 19-21, 2011

The Fairmont Hotel, Washington, DC

 

The 2011 MCC PAD Conference theme LOVING OURSELVES INTO LIBERATION reflects our commitment to continue our rise from victimhood to victory and to lift others as we climb. To inform and empower us to reach higher heights, workshops and keynote speakers will focus on physical, political, and spiritual health and wholeness. Worship will inspire us to celebrate the fullness of who we are and to embrace the fullness of who God has liberated us to be. For more information,CLICK HERE. 

 

 

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 [email protected] 

How Do I Get in Here? 
opendoor