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Read Ahead
October 9
First Reading
Luke 4: 14-21
Second Reading
From Charles Blustein Ortman in "We Do Not Come for Ether"
Reflection
"Who We Are,
What We Do,
Why We Bother"
Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos,
preaching
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From the Laptop of Rev. Kharma
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We're in the Midst of a Revelation!
About a year ago, while leading a retreat for a congregation in Berkeley, I learned a new chant that's been playing on continuous loop in my head lately. It's from the Chocmat Halev Community, and it goes a little something like this:
It's time to change, time to rearrange, time to open up!
The gates are open. Are you gonna walk through?
It's time to change, time to rearrange, time to open up!
The gates are open. Are you gonna walk through?
We're in the midst of a revelation.
We're in the midst of a revelation.
We're in the midst of a revelation.
We're in the midst of a revelation ...
Of course, it makes sense to me why this particular repetitive tune might be on the playlist of my iBrain. This certainly is a time of change for me, for MCC NOVA, and for the world around us that is transitioning into a beautiful new season. And while change and transitions can be scary because they take us into a time of uncertainty when we're not sure of everything we (thought we) were sure about before; they can also be incredibly exciting times when we learn something new about ourselves and get energized for the next phase of life's adventure. This latter perspective on change is one that I'd like to encourage all of us to lean into. This is an exciting time-a time to change, time to rearrange, time to open up to all that the Spirit is revealing to us.
Continue reading...
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Transition News & Resources
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As Rev. Kharma's ministry with MCC NOVA comes to a close and as we move forward with plans for transition and for celebrating her time with us, we will keep you updated on news, events and opportunities to help.
SAVE THE DATE!
A CELEBRATION OF REV. KHARMA'S MINISTRY
Saturday, November 5, 7:00 pm
MCC of Northern VA
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"Finding Yourself in the In-Between," A transition resource from the Alban Institute.
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WHEN THE PASTOR DEPARTS:
Clarification of Roles and Boundaries
So that both Rev. Kharma and the congregation can move toward our respective futures with clarity regarding healthy boundaries upon her departure, she and the Board of Directors have agreed to the terms contained in this letter. This practice is in keeping with MCC's clergy code of ethics as well as professional clergy ethics in most mainline denominations.
We are confident that each of you will understand and respect these boundaries as we all move into the next phase of our lives. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact a member of the Board of Directors.
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Click on the link below to see the letter from Rev. Kharma to the congregation regarding her resignation. In addition, you may also wish to read the official announcement of Rev. Kharma's new position in MCC.
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What's Happening at MCC NOVA
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THIS SUNDAY
MINISTRY LEADER MEETING
Sunday, October 9 after worship
Ministry Leaders and/or representatives of their ministries should plan to attend this meeting. We will discuss important issues related to transition.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Tuesday, October 11, 7 pm
Join us at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 11 as DeWayne Davis and Cathy Alexander reflect on their recent seminary immersion trip to Guatemala.
25th ANNUAL AIDSWALK
Saturday, October 29
 DID YOU KNOW that one in every 20 adults in DC is HIV-positive? Please help to Stomp-Out AIDS by participation in the 25th annual AIDS Walk in Washington, DC. This event is a 5K fundraising walk & timed run benefiting & produced by the Whitman-Walker Clinic. If you are unable to walk or run, there is also a "Sleep Walker" registration. Last year, MCC NOVA raised close to $10,000. This year, we hope to exceed $10,000. Won't you help us reach this goal? For further information or help in registering, please contact Vickie Bowman (vmbowman@cox.net) or Gail Schulte. Register or Donate Today at www.aidswalkwashington.org (be sure to add MCC NOVA as your team!).
CALLING ALL SAINTS!!
We will be compiling a digital presentation as part of our observation of All Saint's / All Soul's Day on October 30 and would love to include your photos of loved ones you would like to remember/honor. Please submit digital photos by email to info@mccnova.com before October 23. Please include in your email message the relevant names, dates, and relationship details (e.g. mother, friend, etc.).  Click on the link above to learn how you can help encourage Virginia to stop discriminating against LGBT parents/families who want to adopt. www.faith4equalityva.org UPCOMING MCC NOVA PROJECTS FOR THE HOMELESS
Monthly Food Delivery
On the first Sunday of every month, MCC NOVA delivers food to Fairfax homeless. We need shoppers, food preparers, and deliverers. We also accept donations: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.
Hypothermia Shelters
This winter, local churches will shelter the homeless. MCC NOVA plans to send volunteers to the host churches.
Walkathon
On Saturday, November 19, 2011, on the National Mall, MCC NOVA will walk in a 5K for the homeless. See Pat Monahan for more information. http://www.helpthehomelessdc.org
Food and Clothes Drive
In the fall, we collect supplies for the Community for Creative Non-Violence (a shelter in D.C.) and for OurDaily Bread in Fairfax. (Note: We are seeking leaders/organizers for this year. If you have other ideas about how we can help the homeless, let us know.)
HOSPITALITY: EVERYONE'S MINISTRY
DID YOU KNOW that Sunday refreshments are graciously provided by a handful of NOVA members? Have you felt compelled to participate in this ministry but were afraid that you might bring the "wrong" thing in or that you won't bring enough in, or that it would be too costly, or that you did not have time to clean up afterwards, or that making coffee is just not your thing or that this sentence is too long?
I used to think all these things. So we have made some changes. First - there is no wrong thing to bring in. It can be homemade goodies, cheese and crackers, donuts, candy, fruit - whatever you are comfortable bringing in. And I have never witnessed us not having enough refreshments - it's usually quite the opposite! Second, the board has approved reimbursements up to $15 so save those receipts (see Vickie for details). Coffee? Coffee can be made by anyone who wants coffee and is no longer relegated to the folks providing refreshments (instructions in the cabinet over the sink). Paper plates, napkins, and plastic ware are always provided. Water? Fill the pitchers from the filtered tap at the sink.
So - now that the Hospitality Ministry has been deconstructed - we hope that you would prayerfully consider volunteering. It is our gathering place after each service - either to reacquaint or meet new people. If you would like to help us out, Vickie will have a sign-up sheet after the service and can answer any further questions. Let's all lend a hand to keep this important ministry going.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Tuesday, October 25, 6:30 pm
Upstairs Library
Everyone is welcome!
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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| Special Thanks... | |  To Vickie for her coordination of our hospitality ministries and for all of you for being so generous.
To Stephanie and Mark for their work as worship coordinators. Thanks to all of you who participate in our worship leadership. To all of those who have given their time to serve with the Help the Homeless team in one way or another, including: Alice Mason, Andrew Campbell, Arlene Puryear, Carol Owen, Carolyn Dozier, Chanda Brown, Colleen Koranek, Elethia, Emma Atolagbe, Fr. Jason Lody (Saint Anthony's), Gail Minnick, Gail Schulte, Gail Van Buren, George Tucker, Ginny Miles, Ginny Reed, Irene Konow, Jamie Pendarvis, Jane Bennett, Jazzie Pendarvis, Jean Gralley, Jeanne Bailey, Jean Taczak, Jeff Young, Jim Tarvid, Judith Raleigh, Kate Felts, Kay Rodgers, Lisa Musinski, Loi Luong, Marvin Garcia, Matt Huggins, Melony Trowbridge, Noreen Adams, Pat Monahan, Sarah Schultz, Susan Hack, Susie Carlson, and Vanessa Lambert. |
| 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 |
| How Do I Get in Here? | | 
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