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Read Ahead
March 4
First Reading
Mark 8: 31-38
Second Reading
from
Discipleship
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Reflection
Certainty of Death...Big Chance of Success
DeWayne Davis,
preaching
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A Lenten Message
| |  from MCC Moderator, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
One of the wonderful gifts of being MCC is that we "tap into" the rich traditions of Christianity, while also re-imagining them. . .One of these traditions is the "liturgical seasons" - many of us are preparing for Lent.
Lent is the original Christian "penitential" season - a season of turning to God with all our hearts. Some of us grew up in churches that paid no attention to such traditions. Others of us grew up with many visceral reminders of Lent - more church services (masses) to go to; giving up something we liked or treasured. It was associated with sacrifice, being reminded of our "sinful" nature, of our mortality - something that would intensify until the glorious Easter Day would arrive.
In preparing for Lent, I have been thinking about our MCC emphasis on leadership, especially in the last several years - there has been a global focus on our new Governing Board, taken to heart by our Senior Leadership Staff - it has resulted in a proliferation of church summits, training opportunities, leadership mentoring retreats, Young Adult opportunities, a Lay leadership certificate program . . .all of these signal our belief that nurturing trustworthy, capable leaders is key to MCC living into our calling and destiny. All of these are bearing fruit among us every day.
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Transition News & Resources
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Rev. Brooks will be visiting the weekend of Saturday, March 31 through Sunday, April 1. On Saturday, there will opportunities for Ministry leaders/teams to meet one-on-one with Rev. Onetta. Watch for appointment sign-up sheets. On Sunday, Rev. Onetta will preach at our 11 am service, which will be followed by a potluck and an informal discussion/meet-and-greet. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Watch for potluck signup.
TRANSITION CONTACTS
During the transition period, the following contacts have been established, and may be subject to change upon the arrival of an Interim Pastor.
Worship Coordinator - Stephanie Burns revsburns@msn.com
Benevolence/CSA requests - contact church office 703-691-0930
Congregational Care concerns - contact church office
Personnel Director - Tracey Kennedy crkscrw@msn.com
Sunday Announcements -Tracey Kennedy or designee
Church Staff:
Director of Music, Daniel Scearce
Office Manager, Emma Chattin
Volunteer Staff Clergy, Rev. Dr. Stephanie Burns
Board of Directors:
Tracey Kennedy, Vice Moderator
Marilyn Villanueva, Clerk
Ginny Reed, Treasurer,
Ginny Miles, Assistant Treasurer
Lou Brown, At-Large
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"Finding Yourself in the In-Between," A transition resource from the Alban Institute.
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LENT AT MCC NOVA
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Palm Sunday, April 1
Rev. Onetta Brooks, preaching
Good Friday, April 6
Easter Sunday, April 8
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What's Happening at MCC NOVA
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TRAVELING LIGHT--A LENTEN DAY RETREAT
Saturday, March 3, 10 am-4 pm
ELDER CARE SUPPORT GROUP
March 18, after worship. Upstairs 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.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Tuesday, March 20 , 6:30 pm
Upstairs Library
Everyone is welcome!
MUSIC NOTES
 Ever considered singing in the choir? Well, this is the perfect time! We need people willing to give your time and talent to rehearsal and performance. We practice Sundays after church at 12:30, so you don't even have to come out another day in the week. So, if you have ever thought about singing with us, or have sung with us in the past, please join us as we make a JOYFUL noise!
On another note. A heartfelt "thank you" to all of you who faitfully listen to us. If you have a particular song you would like the choir to sing or a favorite hymn, plrase let me know and I will do my best to incorporate it. You can communicate it via email to danscearce@aol.com or just find me after church.
UPDATE!
HOLY CONVERSATIONS:
WHAT'S THEOLOGY GOT TO DO WITH IT?
Wednesdays through March 21, 2012
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Church Library
Leader: Virginia Miles
By popular demand, the second half of the Holy Conversation series has been added, beginning Wednesday, February 29 through Wednesday, March 21.
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.
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 Pat Monahan, Susie Carlson, Gail Schulte, Brittany Waters, and Gail Minnick of the Homeless Ministry Group for preparing and serving food for a shift during the week of January 1-8 at St. Andrew's Hypothermia Prevention Outreach! Your presence helped to provide nourishment for some of the most vulnerable men and women in the Fairfax Community.
To Ginny Miles for leading Holy Conversations and thanks to all those who attend to become part of the conversation!
To Vickie Bowman for organizing and coordinating our time of Hospitality following worship!
To our Choir and Music Ministry for filling our space with music and song.
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| Community Notes | | |
EQUALITY VIRGINIA
NINTH ANNUAL COMMONWEALTH DINNER
Saturday, April 14,
Greater Richmond Convention Center
Richmond, VA
On Saturday April 14, enjoy an amazing evening at the 9th Annual Commonwealth Dinner. This event is the largest black-tie gala for Virginia's GLBT community. David McFarland, The Trevor Project's Interim Executive Director/CEO and the leading national voice for the prevention of bullying and suicide amongst youth, will be speaking, as well as featured guest, actress Dot-Marie Jones: Coach Beiste on GLEE!
More ways you can get involved:
- Host a table - invite your friends to purchase a ticket and join you.
- Donate to the Silent Auction - let guests experience your business and raise funds for EV
- Volunteer - the dinner would not be successful without help from a score of volunteers each year.
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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