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Read Ahead
May 8, 2011
First Reading
Luke 24:13-35
Second Reading
A poem from Kabir, the 15th century Indian poet
Reflection
"Scenic Views on the Journey"
Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos,
preaching
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Our building expansion readiness assessment results from our consultant Tom Melzoni can be viewed via the link below.
Assessment
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Forget Your Pledge?
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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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| Links | |
Support MCC NOVA! Make a tax-deductible donation. Do your shopping at iGive.com and a portion of your purchase benefits MCC NOVA Shop at the MCC NOVA Spirit-Wear Store |
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| From the Laptop of Rev. Kharma... | | |
Pastoral Reflections on the Death of Osama bin Laden
(previously published May 3, 2010)
Today, I woke up like most of you to learn the news that Osama bin Laden had been killed. I admit feeling a complicated sense of relief that he is no longer able to mobilize people for hatred and mass murder. However, that is not all I feel. As I have watched the news today and noted the reactions of some to this event, I also feel a sense of unease-and even disgust--about what I perceive to be a celebration of retributive violence.
I have a suspicion that what I am about to say may be unpopular, but I still feel compelled to say it. This is one celebration I cannot join. I cannot cheer over the death of another human being, no matter the atrocities he committed. I, like most citizens of the United States and the world, deeply grieve the catastrophic loss of life and security that so many people (of varying religious, cultural, and national affiliation) suffered on September 11, 2001. However, more than a decade of war and the killing of bin Laden do nothing to assuage that grief.
Continue reading... |
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A Reflection by Clergy Intern DeWayne Davis | | 
Time Sure Flies When...
You're So Blessed!
During the Advent season, MCC NOVA chose the theme, "Interrupted By God," to describe those surprising, grace-filled, and transformative moments of life when the course of our lives is interrupted positively, our assumptions are overturned, and our attention is shifted in unexpected ways by God's activity. As I reflected on the last eight months of my time as clergy intern at MCC NOVA, it occurred to me that I am living in the midst of just such an interruption-a moment where everything I thought I knew about myself and all the plans I made for my path to ordination have given way to being a part of a different community in a way I did not expect. A faithful, compassionate community took me in and taught me to take some time to see beyond the plans and processes of ordination and church life and see God moving freely and powerfully in our life together-through the joys and sorrows, the uncertainties and inconsistencies-as we bear witness to the unconditional love of God for all people.
Continue reading... |
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NEWS & NOTES from the CONGREGATIONAL CARE TEAM 
Several months ago, the Congregational Care Team announced our plans to include our entire congregation in our efforts to create a caring community here at MCC NOVA. This included a survey so that you can tell us what types of activities you might be willing to help with (e.g. sending cards, calling those in need, making meals, etc.). Thanks to those of you who already completed that survey. For those who may not have had a chance, it's not too late. Please follow this link. It should take fewer than 10 minutes.
Remember that we always have a box of cards on the prayer table as you enter the sanctuary. We encourage you to make it a regular discipline to take a card or two whenever you are here for worship or other events, think about someone in the community you may not have seen for a while or whom you know is experiencing a difficult time, write them a brief note to let them know they are in your thoughts, and then simply put their name on the envelope. We will do the rest to address and mail the card. You can place the cards in the offering plates or deliver them to the church office.
As we head into summer, with all of its associated vacations, it's even more difficult than usual to maintain our connections with members of our community. We want to be intentional about nurturing the bonds we share and reaching out especially to those in need. Speaking of which, if you have a special need for care or prayer, please let us know. The best way to do so is to email or phone the church office at info@mccnova.com or 703-691-0930. |
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From the Hearts of the Community | | |
Why I Am Excited to be Part
of the Music Ministry at MCC NOVA
by Kala Payne
Music is in my genes - I can't help it! I remember as a young child following my dad and his band around. He was the lead vocal in a country band and also played guitar, and I was proud to follow in his footsteps. He was always singing - around the house, in the car - and so I started singing, too. Later I taught myself to play his guitar. So, music was a big part of my life from an early age.
Through my teens and early adulthood, I used music as a way to deal with the hard things in my life. If I was sad or mad or upset, playing a Joni Mitchell tune on my guitar was a sure way to lift my spirits. And, that's kind of funny, since most of her early tunes were a little morose! I even wrote a song for her, recorded it on a cassette tape, and sent it to her record label. (I never heard from her, by the way!!)
I left God behind during a period in my life and never thought much about it until, by chance, I attended an MCC church in the late '70's at the urging of one of my musical partners. I was immediately impressed by the music I heard, a little rag tag Christian band. Much to my surprise, I began to feel God tugging at my shirt sleeve. I became part of that band within 3 weeks of the first time I attended MCC. And, as they say, the rest is history!
Music still remains the easiest way to lift my spirits. And, since that first visit to MCC, music remains to be the easiest way I can connect to God. It is a way for me to pray in a way that is most meaningful. I love being part of InCluesion - it allows me to use my voice and instrument at the same time, to be able to experiment with different arrangements, to go off the page vocally, and to collaborate with some fun folks! I love being part of the NOVA choir - it allows me to be part of a larger collection of voices, it challenges me to be a better vocalist with more difficult pieces of music. And, working with Daniel and Darius is always a lot of fun!
So, there you have it! If music is a way that helps you connect to God, I would encourage you to get involved with our music ministry - the more, the merrier! And, I might even teach you a Joni Mitchell tune or two! |
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What's Happening at MCC NOVA | | |
WATER JUSTICE NEWS:
Kudos on Creek Cleanup Project
You're the best. That pretty much sums up what the event organizers had to say about the large MCC NOVA contingent that helped pick up debris from Accotink Creek early on Saturday morning, April 23. Paul Lasata, who led the event, sent the MCC NOVA volunteers a note, saying, "Thank you so much [for participating] in the Potomac Watershed Cleanup with Friends of Accotink Creek. Your turnout and hard work helped make last Saturday one of our most successful cleanups ever." Kudos to all who enthusiastically fished out disintegrating plastic bags, discarded clothes, candy wrappers, flattened beer cans, cigarette butts-even an abandoned couch-from this beautiful if hard-used tributary of the Potomac River. You made us proud.
Facts @ E-waste
About 50 million cell phones are replaced worldwide per month, and only 10% are recycled. If we recycled just a million cell phones, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to taking 1,368 cars off the road for a year.
Source: www.dosomething.org
ELDER CARE SUPPORT GROUP STARTING
Sunday, May 15, 2011 1:00-2:30 pm
Location: MCC NOVA Library
Join us for this new support ministry at MCC NOVA - for anyone who is caring, supporting or dealing with an aging parent or loved one. This new ministry will give us the opportunity to share resources and information as well as provide a safe space to share feelings and concerns. If you are concerned about living situations, health concerns, finances, independence issues or any other challenges in supporting our aging loved ones - this ministry is for you. Bring your lunch for a time of safe sharing and support with no judgment. For more information contact Rev. Stephanie Burns at revsburns@msn.com.
 FUNDRAISER FOR MCC NOVA
Featuring a Concert by MOSAIC HARMONY
Saturday, June 12, 7 pm
Bishop Ireton High School
201 Cambridge Rd, Alexandria
Mosaic Harmony draws on the rich heritage of African-American inspirational music to "unify the world, one song at a time." Mosaic Harmony brings together people of diverse cultures, religions, ages, and backgrounds to celebrate humanity. The choir represents more than17 faith traditions and performs everything from traditional spirituals to new songs composed by its popular and dynamic director, David North. MCC NOVA will receive 50% of all of the ticket sales that are sold through the church!
Adults are $20; children under 12 are FREE!
See Kala for tickets, or e-mail Turtlekala@aol.com
Visit Mosaic Harmony at www.mosaicharmony.org
URGENT NEED 
We're in urgent need of volunteers who can help in a pinch or on a semi-regular basis to clean the church in preparation for Sunday worship. Training provided. Your help is greatly appreciated! Please contact Elethia at iamelethia@yahoo.com or 703-638-9751.
SAVE THE DATE!
BINGO!
Saturday, June 4
Bingo returns on Saturday, June 4. if you'd like to volunteer, please contact Kathleen Feeney feenykaf@netscape.net. Watch this space for more information.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 pm
Upstairs Library
Everyone is welcome!
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS
Do you have good proofreeading skills? can you spot an extra letter, dropped (or misspelled) capitol a paragraph aqway? Do you enjoy Data Entry? Filing? Assembly of programs? If so, you may have what it takes to be an Office Vilunteer -- for short term and lang term projects! If interested, please e/mail info@mccnova.com with your times of availability. :)
Continuing...
VIRTUAL BOOK STUDY in SECOND LIFE
Thursdays through June 2
MCC NOVA is hosting an online virtual study of Karen Armstrong's new book 12 Steps to a Compassionate Life (published in December of 2010) on Thursdays through May 26. 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.
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 at www.secondlife.com.
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, pmmonahan@cox.net.
DONATE TO HELP FEED THE HOMELESS
We are looking for donations of the following goods:
Muffins, granola bars, yogurt, fruit, juice, bottled water, spoons, napkins, plastic bags.
If you would like to contribute, please contact Pat Monahan, pmmonahan@cox.net.
Did You Know...?
...On the 4th Sunday of each month the Music Ministry has a joint rehearsal for one hour following worship. You're welcome to come and listen or to sing with us in a no obligation/no commitment trial. Contact Daniel or just show up!
...Sermons are posted on the MCC NOVA each week so that you (or those you'd like to share with or who are absent) can listen online. Visit www.mccnova.com.
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| Special Thanks... | | |
To Gail and Vickie for their coordination of our efforts to IMAGINE! a world without AIDS and support Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry.
To everyone who helped with the Accotink CleanUp project.
To all who helped set-up and prepare for our Easter worship at Providence Elementary.
To Darius Smith and "Standing Room Only" (SRO) from Howard University for their wonderful musical offerings in worship and concert.
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| Community Notes | | |
THIS WEEKEND!
MCC EASTERN U.S. REGION NETWORK GATHERING
May 6 & 7
@ MCC Richmond
Join your Eastern US Network siblings and our special guest MCC Moderator Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson on Friday evening, May 6, and Saturday, May 7, in Richmond, Virginia. Our theme is BUILDING AND SUSTAINING CONNECTIONS.
We will open Friday evening with worship, music and fellowship at MCC Richmond, our host church for this powerful weekend. Saturday's program will include a plenary session with Nancy - hearing from her about where we are as a movement and the exciting developments around the globe, as well as updating us on the priorities of the new Governing Board, the Elders and the Senior Leadership Team - and several workshops throughout the day (focused on the use of technology in our local churches, within the network and across the fellowship). Lunch will be provided. We will conclude the day with a "Town Hall" that will allow for sharing, prayer and communion, expected to end around 4pm. Registration fee is $20.. Please RSVP to MCCRVA@MCCRichmond.org.
Can't Be There?
Join us for the Saturday morning portion remotely. Use the login information below to join the 9 am presentation. In addition, you can join us from 9:45 to 10:15 at the MCC in Second Life if you'd like to be part of the presentation on Virtual Church/Study in Second Life.
Login information for 9 am presentation:
To enter the Adobe Connect Room, follow this link:
http://connectpro65389412.na5.acrobat.com/easternus/
To join the audio portion, call in using the following information:
(605) 475-4000
Access Code: 446680#
 2011 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. This conference is for everyone, regardless of race. Allies welcome. 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 wf.pflag@gmail.com |
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