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Read Ahead
July 10
First Reading
Genesis 28: 10-19a
Second Reading
From Mary Oliver in "Hallelujah" from Evidence
Reflection
"Ups & Downs"
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
| |  GETTING TO KNOW OUR NEIGHBORS
The great liberation theologian Gustavo Gutierrez wrote, "Love of neighbor is an essential component of Christian life. But as long as I apply that term only to people who cross my path, and come asking me for help, my world will remain pretty much the same. ... On the other hand, my world will change greatly if I go out to meet other people on their path and consider them as my neighbor." For those of you who will not click the link to read this entire article, let me get right to the point: I want you to come with me to visit our neighbors at the Institute of Islamic and Turkish Studies on July 16, and I hope it will be a world changing experience for all of us.
If you want to know why, you'll have to click here.
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Water Justice Ministry
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WATER JUSTICE: RIDING THE RIPPLE EFFECT
 One pebble dropped into a pond creates a ripple of kinetic energy, circling out in wider arcs. Just so with MCC NOVA's Water Justice Initiative, which led a series of activities in June that emanated from our church building out to our community and our world.
- Our building: With the purchase of a water filter for the hospitality area tap, MCC NOVA is now able to provide clean, safe drinking water for all to enjoy while doing away with bottled water and its attendant pollution problems. (NOTE: While in the process of choosing and purchasing environmentally friendly glasses, we will be using the supplies already in stock; no new plastic/Styrofoam cups will be purchased, only surplus used.)
- Our community: Jeanne Bailey arranged for a large contingent from MCC NOVA to tour the Fairfax Water Treatment facility, raising awareness of how water from the Potomac River is turned into a clean and potable resource for our region.
- Our world: MCC NOVA hosted the Rollapalooza Dance Fest, raising more than $1000 to purchase Hippo Water Rollers-innovative equipment that will make access to water easier for villagers in rural South Africa.
Thanks to all who through their efforts and enthusiasm made June a splendid month for water justice at MCC NOVA.
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What's Happening at MCC NOVA
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YOU'RE INVITED (WE'RE ALL INVITED)
To GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR...
Saturday, July 16 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm (Note corrected time)
Institute of Islamic and Turkish Studies Ezher Camii
10359 Democracy Ln. Fairfax, VA 22030
 You may not know, but there is another worshipping community meeting in the same condominium complex as MCC NOVA. The mosque just down the block has generously invited us to join them for a time of information sharing and social fellowship. Imam Bilal Ankaya and his community have been extraordinarily hospitable to us, and we have had several conversations about our need to build bridges across our differences and learn more about one another so that we can more authentically love our neighbors (a core value of both of our faith traditions). Please join us as we visit their site, tour their facility, and learn a little more about this community and their faith. Later, we will reciprocate this invitation by inviting the members of IITS to MCC NOVA for a similar exchange of information and hospitality.
Unfortunately, both of our communities have experience dealing with prejudices and inaccurate stereotypes. Learning to challenge these prejudices and dismantle stereotypes is a vital aspect of our work for peace and justice. Please join us for this wonderful opportunity for us to express our solidarity and learn more about our neighbors. Please RSVP to Rev. Kharma or the church office (info@mccnova.com) if you plan to attend.
ELDER CARE SUPPORT GROUP
Sunday, July 17, 12:30 pm.
MCC NOVA Library (upstairs)
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.
INQUIRER'S / MEMBERSHIP CLASS
July 24, 12:30 pm
The next MCC NOVA Membership / Inquirers' Class will be held Sunday, July 24 at 12:30 PM, and will include a pizza lunch. This class is for anyone who is interested in finding out more about MCC Worldwide, about our congregation of MCC NOVA, or about the spiritual community we are trying to build here. Whether or not you are interested in becoming a member, come and find out what we're all about! Signup sheet on Lit Table or please email info@mccnova.com to sign up.
MENTORING OPPORTUNITY Adolescent and Family Growth Center seeks caring adults who are willing to make a difference in a foster teen's life. We are looking for trusted adults who are able to commit to a minimum of one year to provide fun activities and enrich the life of a foster teen. Foster teens often do not have a trusted person, outside of the treatment team, who is invested in making their lives more positive. The goal of the mentoring program is to enhance the teen's life through the mentoring relationship by providing consistency and developing trust between the mentor and mentee. Here are questions to ask yourself as you consider becoming a mentor: * Are you a good listener? * Do you like working with teenagers/young adults? * Are you dependable? * Are you willing to commit yourself to a long-term relationship? * Are you able to attend trainings? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be a good candidate to become a mentor. For more information about the program, contact Maleka Walters at 703-425-9200 or mwalters@afgcinc.com. Pastor's Note: Maleka and I met to discuss AFGC and their need for mentors. She is fully aware of the mission and ministry of MCC NOVA, including our affirmative outreach to the LGBTQIA community. In fact, there may be some ways that youth who are struggling around issues of identity might benefit especially from a mentor relationship with an open-minded, secure adult who might serve as a role model. Matches are made very carefully between mentors and mentees based on a number of things, including proximity, scheduling, particular gifts, and the needs of the youth. If you think you might be interested in positively impacting the life of a young person, please contact Maleka to find out more information. This is a wonderful way to live out our own mission of Spirit, Community, and Action - Inside & "Out"! 
SUMMER BOOK GROUP OPPORTUNITY Wednesdays, July 23 - Sept 7, 7:30-9:00 pm via conference call MCC NOVA has been invited to participate in an exciting book study to be led by Rev. Tom Bohache of MCC Christ the Liberator in New Jersey. The group will be reading and discussing the new book Radical Love: An Introduction to Queer Theology by Patrick S. Cheng, MCC clergy and professor at Episcopal Divinity School. Radical Love was just published this year by Seabury Press and is available from Amazon.com in print form ($13.60 plus shipping) or as an e-book on Kindle ($9.99). If you order through MCC CTL's website (www.mccctl.com), they will receive a portion of the proceeds. The group will be meeting via conference call. For more information about the book and access via conference call CLICK HERE. SAVE THE DATE! ANNUAL MCC NOVA SPIRITUAL RETREAT October 21-23, 2011 Look for further details coming soon.
TIDY VOLUNTEERS 
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.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Tuesday, July 12, 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...
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...?
...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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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. |
| Special Thanks... | |
 To Pepe, Lisa, and Sue for their coordination of the church picnic and softball game. Thanks to all who contributed and came out to play!
To the team of folks who planned, promoted, and lead the Rollapalooza Dance this weekend: Pat, Gail S., Gail VB, Vanessa, Ken, Jeff, Carol, and Tracey.
To Jeanne Bailey for taking us on a Tour of the Fairfax County Water Treatment Facility and helping us understand more about the blessing we often take for granted of having all the safe, clean, drinking water we need, as well as the reality of so many around the world who do not enjoy this privilege.
To Irene for her leadership of our Pride efforts and for all who participated in the interfaith worship, parade, and festival!
To Kathleen, Elaine, and their entire crew for planning and hosting BINGO and to all who contributed to the FUN and the FUND-raising.
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Resources
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NEW BILINGUAL GUIDE FROM HRC
In an effort to foster a dialogue with Latino/a families and churches on sexual orientation, gender identity and the Bible, HRC, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and UNID@S have released a new bilingual guide, A La Familia: A Conversation About Our Families, the Bible, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. For more information, click here.
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| Community Notes | | |
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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