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News from MCC NOVA

Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, Senior Pastor

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Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour on Saturday night!

 

Read Ahead

 

November 6     


First Reading

 

Romans 12:1-8     

 

Second Reading

 

From Oscar Romero, Bishop of El Salvador, assassinated in 1980 for his work with the poor and oppressed.  

 

Reflection

 

"Show Your Work"

 

Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos,

preaching

 

 

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November 2011 

From the Laptop of Rev. Kharma 

kharma2009

 

A Final Epistle 

 

To all the faithful in Northern Virginia (and throughout the DC area) who are called to be Saints: Grace and Peace to you in the spirit of Christ and in the name of the God who is the source of life and strength for all.

 

I do not even know where to begin as I write this final laptop article as your Senior Pastor. However, I do know that you can never go wrong with gratitude, especially when it is as profound and sincere as that which I have for you. It has been my deepest joy to serve with you these past nine years. I was telling a colleague the other day that I feel like I've had a nine-year honeymoon period here. And, that is true! That doesn't mean there haven't been bumps on the road as we have journeyed together, but they have been few and-given the perspective afforded by time and compared with the many more numerous instances of easy travel-now seem insignificant and unworthy of mention.   I want to thank you for taking a chance on me so long ago, when I was a recent seminary graduate eager to begin ministry in her first parish setting. I also want to thank you for the graciousness with which you have allowed me to learn and grow into what it means to be a pastor. I have felt constantly supported by so many of you throughout the years, and your encouragement has helped form me into the person I am today, as well as the one I am becoming as I take a new direction in ministry. I cannot imagine a better group of people to work with and learn from than you have been and your impact on my life and ministry will be enduring. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your good humor, creativity, passion, vision, faithfulness, generosity, compassion, integrity, patience, and true commitment to Spirit, Community, and Action - Inside & "Out"!

 

Continue reading...  

 

Transition News & Resources 


changes  

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.    

  

  

 

A CELEBRATION OF REV. KHARMA'S MINISTRY

Saturday, November 5, 7:00 pm

MCC of Northern VA 

  

 REV. KHARMA'S FINAL WORSHIP SERVICE
Sunday, November 6, 11:00 am
MCC of Northern Virginia 

  

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CONGREGATIONAL FORUM & POTLUCK

Sunday, November 20, after worship

 

Please join us for a congregational forum to discuss the pastoral transition process and plans.  Bring your questions. We'll also share a Thanksgiving potluck.  Sign-up sheets will be available soon.   

  

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WHO YOU GONNA CALL? 

 

During the transition period, the following contacts have been established, and may be subject to change upon the arrival of an Interim Pastor.  More information and additional contacts will follow. 

 

Worship Coordinator - Stephanie Burns  [email protected] 

Benevolence/CSA requests - contact church office 703-691-0930 

Congregational Care concerns - contact church office

Personnel Director - Tracey Kennedy  [email protected] 

Sunday Announcements -Tracey Kennedy or designee   

 

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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.     

 

 

Giving Campaign 2012
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NOW MORE THAN EVER 

 

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO TURN IN YOUR PLEDGE CARD! 

 

If you have not received a pledge card, please download one below or pick one up at the church. Thank you! 

  

MCC NOVA depends on your generous support to be the church God has called us to be and to do the work God has called us to do.  Thank you so much for your generosity in the past year.  Your gifts have made it possible for us to minister to and within our congregation, and-quite literally-around the world, as part of the wider global ministry of MCC. 

 

This year, as our community enters into a period of transition, we have adopted as our stewardship theme "Spirit ~ Community ~ Action:  Now More Than Ever."  As we work through the changes ahead, the work of the church continues, and we invite you to prayerfully reflect on how you can support the life and work of our community in the coming year.   Won't you consider making a pledge of support so we can do even more together in 2012?

 

On behalf of the Board of Directors and our entire community of MCC NOVA,  thank you in advance for your consideration.

 

Pledge Card 

      


cross cultureAN INVITATION TO STAND IN SOLIDARITY
WITH OUR MUSLIM NEIGHBORS

 

This past week, I met again with our neighbors from the Institute of Islamic and Turkish Studies (www.iitstudies.org). Their Imam, Bilal Ankaya, and another member of the community came to our office bearing gifts to say goodbye to me as I finish serving as Pastor of MCC NOVA, and to reiterate their desire to build relationships with our community in the future. I was once again humbled by their graciousness and sincerity.

 

One of the things we talked about in this meeting was a recent report released by the Center for American Progress called Fear, Inc.: The Roots of the Islamophobia Network in America (http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2011/08/islamophobia.html).   This report outlines the work of a small group of very vocal and influential conservatives who produce anti-Muslim propaganda. Their goal is to "rouse public fears by consistently vilifying the Islamic faith and asserting the existence of an Islamic conspiracy to destroy 'American values.'" The report includes details of several acts of anti-Muslim violence that have been encouraged by this group. Bilal shared with me about the concerns people in his own community have that they or their mosque may be victims of violence or persecution fueled by Islamophobia.

 


What's Happening at MCC NOVA

 

DELORES RED HATSAVE THE DATE  

REV. DELORES BERRY
Sunday, November 13, 11:00 am 
  

Join us in worship on Sunday, November 13 for our special guest, MCC Evangelist/Gospel Singer Rev. Delores Berry. If you've never heard Rev. Berry before or if you've heard her many times, you don't want to miss this!  We will collect a love offering to support Rev. Berry's traveling ministry. 

   

  

homeless

HELP THE HOMELESS WALKATHON 

Saturday, November 19  

 

Join MCC NOVA's Homeless outreach ministry for the a 5 K walk on the National Mall to help the homeless. We walk for nearly 12,000 people in the Washington, DC area--40% of which are families, one in four is a child. For more information see Pat Monahan or go to http://www.helpthehomeless.org 

 

 

candleTRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
Sunday, November 20, 7:00 pm

Transgender Day of Remembrance--November 20, 2011--provides an occasion for individuals around the world to join together to remember and honor the victims of transgender violence and raise up their cause and their lives.

 

MCC of Northern Virginia is marking this day with the Third Annual Northern Virginia Interfaith Transgender Day of Remembrance Service. The memorial service begins at 7:00 pm here at MCC NOVA and will feature the music of Mosaic Harmony.

 

Attendees are invited to bring a canned good and/or article of clothing for donation to Transgender Health Empowerment in Washington, D.C.  All are welcome! 

 

 

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, [email protected].   

 

Hypothermia Shelters
This winter, local churches will shelter the homeless.  MCC NOVA plans to send volunteers to the host churches.

 

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.)

 

 

ELDER CARE SUPPORT GROUP

Sunday, December 11, 12:30

 

The Elder Care Support Group which normally meets on the 3rd Sunday of every other month, has been postponed until Sunday, December 11 due to scheduling conflicts.    


For anyone who is caring, supporting or dealing with an aging parent or loved one, this  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 [email protected] 

  

 

HOSPITALITY

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, November 15, 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.

 

Coming Up 
  

HOLY CONVERSATIONS:   

WHAT'S THEOLOGY GOT TO DO WITH IT?
January 11 through February 15, 2012
Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:30 pm - Church Library
Leader: Virginia Miles 

  

 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.

 
Metropolitan Community Churches have always been ecumenical in nature, drawing together people from diverse theological backgrounds. We believe that our theological diversity is one of our greatest strengths. In a world increasingly divided by claims of theological orthodoxy and religious fundamentalism, our ability to intentionally engage our differences within a context of unity is one of the God-given gifts we have to offer the world. In a world increasingly bereft of hope due to indifference and secularism,MCC bears witness to the life transforming nature of God's inclusive love.
 
"Holy Conversations" is a program released by MCC's Theologies Team that is intended to help facilitate and promote healthy theological dialogue in local congregations on a host of different topics. These conversations hope to build bridges across our theological differences that empower all people to do theology, and to use theological reflection as a relevant, positive, and practical resource for living and growing spiritually.
 
Each session will include background readings, testimonies, and scriptural references; engage participants in personal reflection and group sharing; and conclude with a shared ritual. These are some of the questions we'll explore: What do you believe? What have your experiences been? How do we make sense of what God is up to if we have different answers to these questions? Come and engage in a conversation that is holy!

Session Outline:

January 11 - Ministry

 

January 18 - Sexuality & Spirituality

January 25 - Ecumenical/Interreligious Issues

February 1 - Trans-formations & Trans Experiences

February 8 - Communion

February 15 - Who is Jesus?

 
Special Thanks... 
spotlight  
To the member ministers of MCC NOVA-the hundreds of people through the years whose lives, hearts, and work has helped to create this beloved community, and all of those who will minister in and through this congregation in the future.

 

To DeWayne, Elethia, Marvin, Kharma, and Sarah for their work on the 2011 Spiritual Retreat Planning Team; to them as well as Joani and Carolyn for their leadership as workshop facilitators; to Kala for musical planning; to Kathleen for hosting the variety show; to Frank as photographer; to Pepe as fire-tender; and to all who attended and volunteered to act, sing, perform kitchen duty, etc. Thank you for the work you all did to unleash the power of our relationships.

To DeWayne and Cathy for the presentation they gave this past week about their cultural immersion experience in Guatemala. Thanks to all who attended.  

 

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 [email protected] 

How Do I Get in Here? 
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