Enter We Now the Season of New Life!

As I write this, I am poised on the precipice of vacation … literally waiting, in fact, for the airplane that will take me home to visit my family for the first time in several years. But, before I actually take the plunge to unplug the laptop, there is one more thing I have to do — and that is to share with you my genuine excitement about the season of new life that I believe we are entering at MCC NOVA.

Of course, as a pastor-type, I’m supposed to say things like this. I’m trained, after all, to delve into the rich metaphors of our liturgical seasons and cycle and pull out pithy bits of wisdom. But, believe it or not, I am actually convinced this bit is true. We are entering a season of myriad opportunities for new life, for each of us individually and for all of us collectively as a spiritual community.

We have just celebrated Holy Week, one of the highest-holy times in Christian tradition. A whole bunch of people joined their hands and hearts together to lead us in a wonderfully rich time of worship and ritual. From Palm Sunday, when the Children’s Ministry made their debut as worship leaders … to Holy Thursday, when the Care and Welcome Teams joined together to host a meal and foot-washing ritual … to Good Friday, when members of Micah (Social Justice) Ministry and Sacred Places planned a thoughtful exploration of how the events of Christ’s passion intersect with our contemporary experiences … to Easter Sunday, when the Music Ministries (InCluesion and the Choir) led us in not just one, but two, spirited musical/dramatic celebrations of resurrection. I was touched throughout the week as I watched so many of you stretching your spirits to bring new meaning to these central observances of our faith heritage. I began to sit down and write thank you notes to everyone who was involved in some way — and I realized that I could not do so without causing myself a (perhaps fatal) hand cramp! What wonderfully good news this realization was for me.

But this celebration of Holy Week was not simply an isolated thing, something, after which we move back into business as usual. Rather, I believe it was a timely kick off for the next stages of our journey together, as we continue to discover what it really means to live with resurrection faith. And, just in case that sounds a little too vague or nebulous, let me tell you about just a few of the concrete things that I’m excited about.

I’m excited that our Children’s Ministry has grown so much that we will be dividing into two classes to better meet the children’s needs. I’m grateful beyond expression for the many people who have invested themselves in helping to nurture our children as they are grounded in the unconditional love of God and given tools to help them grow on their own journeys of spirit.

I’m excited about the new adult education and enrichment series that you’ll read about in this newsletter. Living the Questions is a progressive, ecumenical, Christian education program that seems to have been custom-designed for faith communities just like ours. In preparing for this class, I have more than once said to myself, “Gosh, I wish I’d had an opportunity for this type of learning before I went to seminary!” I really believe those of you who participate in this small group study, if you really plunge in and try to get the most out of it, will be blessed in life-changing ways. And, I believe the positive results of that life and faith transformation will spread throughout our congregation in ways we can only imagine.

I’m excited about the opportunity we have this month for spiritual renewal as we join New Covenant MCC in welcoming my friend, Rev. Travis Norvell, to lead us in a weekend revival focused on “Trusting the Spirit.” Rev. Lance Mullins (Pastor of New Covenant MCC) and I had the pleasure of getting to know Travis through our participation in the inaugural class of the First Parish Project, the two year colleague and continuing education program for young clergy that just came to its conclusion. Travis is a witty, insightful, and extremely gifted pastor; and I know that we will be blessed by his presence with us, as we will be by this opportunity to enjoy the richness of ecumenical celebration. Please mark your calendars now to participate in this weekend’s events.

I’m excited about the upcoming Spiritual Retreat and the wonderful work that our Spiritual Retreat Ministry has been doing to prepare for that. This is the third year that we’ve had an annual retreat, and each time I am more convinced that this intentional time of getting away and nurturing not only our individual spiritual growth, but also the relationships we share as a community, are invaluable. I hope you will join me now in praying for this event and in preparing your own hearts to receive some gift of growth.

And, I’m also excited about a number of (what seem like very large and scary) things that we have ahead of us. As we discussed at our congregational meeting and are now beginning to see more frequently, we are running out of space in our current worship space with our current worship schedule. We probably need to be doing two things before the end of the year — i.e., starting a capital campaign to begin planning for a physical relocation/expansion in 3-5 years and carefully planning to add an additional worship service to manage our growth in the mean time. Both of these tasks are monumental, but also pregnant with possibility. Again, I covet your prayers for our church leaders and entire faith community as we discern together the leading of the Spirit in these matters.

With all this excitement I’m professing, you may be wondering if your pastor is soon to be transformed into an uncontrollable (though entertaining) Chihuahua on a hot plate. I assure you this is not the case. This excitement is not the sort of energy capable of spinning a hamster wheel for days on end; it is the slow, electric energy that fills me with tangible hope and convinces me that we are, at this juncture, exactly where we need to be on our spiritual journey. And that confidence is, for now, enough. This is indeed a season of new life, and I invite all of us to enter it intentionally and prayerfully as we take these next steps together.

Blessings in this Season,

Rev. Kharma

2. Congratulations to Our 24^th Anniversary Award Winners!

Each year, in observance of our church’s anniversary, Vision awards are presented in recognition of extraordinary contributions to the life and spirit of our faith community. This year’s recipients, recognized during service on March 13 are:

Vision of Faith: Doug Hansen, in recognition of his faithfulness and strength and his willingness to share with members and friends of the Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 2:1

Vision of Justice: Cindy Allan, in recognition of her valuable contributions to equality for the GLBT community and her willingness to stretch herself and help MCC NOVA stretch to encompass the needs of our greater community. “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Amos 5:24

Vision of Hope: Winston Lindsley, in recognition of his tremendous strength, courage and perseverance to overcome a life-threatening illness and his unfailing willingness to help others who have similar experiences. “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we act with great boldness." 2 Corinthians 3:12

Vision of Service: Lisa and Sharon Dravvorn, in recognition of their tireless work and dedication to the children and families of Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia. “Jesus said, ‘Let the little Children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Matthew 19:14

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From the Hearts of the Community

--Your Thoughts Here

At MCC NOVA, we believe that being in spiritual community is a source of blessing ... and that one of biggest blessings is the opportunity to share our spiritual journeys with others ... and to become a part of the spiritual journeys of others. In the sharing of our experiences and insights with one another, we often find opportunities for spiritual discovery and growth. In this new section of our newsletter, we are inviting members and friends of MCC NOVA to submit their original articles, thoughts, poems, reflections, etc. to share with the community. If you have something that you would like to contribute to our newsletter, please contact Rev. Kharma. ▼

3. MCC NOVA News and Upcoming Events

An invitation to journey …

v Are you interested in nurturing your own personal spiritual growth?

v Would you like to thoughtfully explore Christian Spirituality with some
of today’s leading progressive theologians?

v Does the idea of an open-minded study, which honors the value of questions
without trying to give you the “right” answers, appeal to you?

If so, you’re invited to a 12-week small group study called Living the Questions, an unapologetically progressive alternative for Christian invitation, initiation, and spiritual formation. Join us at MCC NOVA on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 – 9:00 from April 13 through June 29 for this exciting opportunity for education and enrichment. Our time together will include light refreshments, a DVD interaction with some of today’s leading theological thinkers, and plenty of focused opportunities for small group discussion.

Register Now! This course is limited to the first 12 people who register. You must be able to commit to attending at least 10 of the 12 weeks. There will also be a brief orientation session on Wed., April 6 at 6:30. Please see Rev. Kharma if you have any questions or call the church office at 703.691.0930 to register.

For more information about this course, and for a list of theological contributors, visit:

www.livingthequestions.com

v New Children’s Sunday School Format Begins APRIL 3!

As coordinators of the Children’s Ministry, Lisa and Sharon Dravvorn have been jokingly telling Rev. Kharma, “Build it (meaning a Sunday School Program) and they will come.” Well, the Sunday school room of our dreams has come true. Our Sunday school room is filled with an average of 12 to 18 smiling, active children each Sunday which range in age from 2 - 13! Thanks be to God!

The Sunday School Program is PROUD to announce that we will have a Sunday School 1 (ages 2- 6) AND a Sunday School 2 (ages 7-13) Program! In the best interest of the children and to try to meet more individual needs, the program truly needs to be separated. Our one room school house has worked well however, now it is time to separate!

Sharon and Lisa will continue to coordinate the Sunday School 1 Program. The younger children will continue to meet in the current Sunday school room.

We are thrilled to announce that Sarah Fershee will become the coordinator for the Sunday School 2 Program! Way to go, Sarah! The older children will meet in the Library upstairs during service.

Our new Sunday School 1 and 2 Program will begin April 3!

This is an exciting time in the life of our Children’s Ministry Program. A BIG THANK YOU is extended to all of the teachers who willingly dedicate one Sunday a month to the children of our church! Without your time and talents, our Children’s Ministry Program wouldn’t be possible! ▼

v Social Opportunity—National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade!

How long has it been since you saw a parade? Too long? Well, wait no more. We’re planning to meet on Saturday, April 9, 2005 at the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade-Washington’s largest annual spectator event. The Parade steps off at 10:00 AM and marches along historic Constitution Ave between 7th and 17th St, NW. There are marching bands, dance and drumming teams, horses, clowns, antique cars, and Queens - Cherry Blossom Queens, that is. We will meet at the corner of Constitution Ave & 9th St NW at 10:00 AM for the parade and afterwards eat lunch together at Andale Restaurant at the corner of 7th St NW & D St NW. All are welcome and you can come for whatever part suits your fancy-just the parade, just lunch, or both. To RSVP or ask questions, call Melissa at 703-517-5966. ▼

v Spring Self Growth Classes: “Building Healthy Self-Esteem”

The second of our series of Spring Workshops will be held Saturday, April 9th, 9:00 – noon at MCC NOVA, 10383 Democracy Lane in Fairfax. In this workshop, you will learn skills to appreciate yourself and become your own best friend!

Please join us! Cost of each workshop is $35 Preregistration is required and may be made by phone at 703.405.2582 through Tuesday, April 5. Presenters: Diane Puckett, LPC, LMFT and Loretta Schulz, LPC. ▼

v MCC NOVA SPRING SPIRITUAL RETREAT

Living Waters: Catch the Wave!

This is the theme of MCC Nova's spring retreat - a time to step away from routine and make space for God to come in fresh ways in the midst of supportive community. As we settle into the charming campus surrounded by Virginia's rural hills, we will be offered a variety of opportunities: small and large groups, free time, worship, playtime, even a fire circle and of course drumming! Registration forms are available on the information table and are due by April 17!

Dates: May 6-8 (Friday dinner through Sunday brunch)

Place: Sevenoaks Pathwork Center in Madison, VA www.sevenoakspathwork.org

Cost: $160.00 (some scholarships available)

Designed specifically for adults.

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v SPRING REVIVAL

Saturday, April 23^rd at 11 am — “Trusting the Spirit when it seems Crazy”

Join members of MCC of Northern Virginia and New Covenant MCC at Oaklands Presbyterian Church in Laurel, MD for a Potluck Prayer Brunch. New Covenant MCC members will be supplying warm foods and pastries and MCC NOVA members are asked to bring fruit, juices, and beverages. A love offering will be taken.

The church address is printed below. For driving directions, visit: www.newcovenantmcc.org/directions.htm.

Sunday, April 24^th

11 am. Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia

10383 Democracy Lane, Fairfax, VA 22030

www.mccnova.com

6:30 pm. New Covenant Metropolitan Community Church

Meeting at Oaklands Presbyterian Church

14301 Laurel Bowie Road (MD 197), Laurel, MD 20708

www.newcovenantmcc.org

The Rev. G. Travis Norvell grew up on a dirt road with more cows than people, more dogs than cows and more chickens than anything right outside of St. Albans, WV. He comes from a long line of Scottish Baptists who started "frontier" churches in the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia. Due to the religious nurturing of his home church and the Baptist blood in his roots he publicly proclaimed his call to ministry at the age of 16. He graduated from Marshall University with a BA in History and from Colgate Rochester Divinity School with an M.Div. He was ordained by the Lake Avenue Memorial Baptist Church, a welcoming and affirming, ecumenical American Baptist Church in Rochester, NY or as Travis says the closest church to the kingdom in Baptist life. He has pastored a church in WV and is currently the pastor of Lime Rock Baptist Church in Lincoln, RI. He is married to Lori K. Norvell and has two children, Seneca and Glen. He views his life as somewhat of a gathering of Johnny Cash, David Letterman and Langston Hughes.

v A Note from the CARE Team

Dear MCC Friends and Members-- As a member of the Congregation CARE team, let me tell you how happy we are to have you as a part of our church family. Like the vows which some people exchange say, "in sickness and in health," we are here to support you. Whatever your needs are, no matter what situation you find yourself in, we are here to lend a listening ear, a caring heart, a helping hand. You will find our names listed on the back page of Catch the Rainbow. Please feel free to contact Judith, our team leader, or any one of us whenever you have a need. We are here for YOU! Ginny▼

v From Your Board of Directors…

Celebration! The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the receipt of a very generous gift from one of our members. The gift is in the form of 250 shares of stock valued at $9,115 on the day of transfer. We are extremely grateful for this donation and intend to use it as part of the foundation for our next Capital Campaign project to insure that we have a church home that is able to grow and meet our future needs.

We appreciate all of the gifts that are donated to MCC NOVA. Time, talent, attention, commitment, and yes, financial blessings are all apart of our stewardship. We encourage you to continue to support our community as generously as you can. You might also want to consider giving in unconventional ways through payroll deductions, stocks, bequests, one-time gifts, etc. In many cases these gifts are also a tax deduction for you.

Appreciated stocks and bonds are an outstanding gift to the church. That's because they're simple gifts and can offer you a greater tax benefit than an equivalent in cash.

Using appreciated assets entitles you to a charitable deduction for the fair-market value of the donated asset, and you can avoid paying capital-gain tax you would otherwise pay upon the sale of the appreciated securities. This tax deduction may be up to 30% of your adjusted gross income, and any amount over this limit may be carried forward for five years.

For example, Bob Cash and Betty Goodstock decide to donate to MCC NOVA. Mr. Cash made his gift in cash by sending a $10,000 check. Because he submits itemized tax returns and is in the 28% tax bracket, Mr. Cash can look forward to saving $2,800 in taxes. In other words, his gift to charity will cost him only $7,200.

By contrast, Betty Goodstock invested $5,000 in a hot stock that has grown to a value of $10,000 in 16 months. When she made a direct gift of her shares of stock to charity, she entirely bypassed the capital-gain tax. Mrs. Goodstock receives an income-tax deduction for a gift of $10,000, which saves her $2,800 in taxes. (She, too, is in the 28% tax bracket.) In addition, she has also saved $750 in capital-gain tax, since her $5,000 profit from her appreciated stock would have been taxed at a 15% rate. It only cost Betty $6,450 to make her $10,000 donation

The transfer of ownership to a charity is easy. Simply ask your financial institution to transfer the assets to an account in the name of your favorite charity, like MCC NOVA! If you should have any questions, please contact the Treasurer, Gail Minnick. ▼

v Save Ye the Date: 2005 NOVAM Imagine Dinner

HEAR YE, HEAR YE! Come Saturday, April 30^th^,we shall put forth a festival such as ye lads and lasses, and other lovelies, have not yet beheld! It tis indeed, a dinner celebration for our friends at Northern Virginia AIDS Ministries (NOVAM), who reside in the fair village of Falls Church.

We shall summon the astounding talents of the members of MCC NOVA to set forth before the fair hamlet of Northern Virginia a most strange and wondrous evening of feasting and frolicking!

At the humble urging of our friends at NOVAM, we have agreed to prepare a sumptuous Medieval repast for one and for many, asking only that the glad participants give of their generosity to such a noble cause. Hence, we are again supporting our friends at NOVAM with another rousing version of our own IMAGINE DINNER!! Following our own time of revelry, all who are willing can join fellow revelers at the nearby village of Olde Towne Alexandria, to continue the high and happy activities at the grand location of ye Olde Torpedo Factory, wherein there will be many opportunities to donate more of your coins toward amazing products set out for silent auction. All this coupled with dancing, drinking and all manner of merriment! T’is a most needy cause that we gather to support this night!

Please reach into your souls and find what gifts of talent you may hide there, and contact one Jenny Banks who will, forthwith, set you to task, as we venture into preparation for this marvelous celebration! ▼

v SAVE THE DATE!

Capital Pride Parade and Festival!

June 11 & 12

Planning is about to begin for MCC NOVA’s participation in 2005 Capital Pride Parade and Festival. If you’d like to help, please see Cindy A. or email her at cindalee8@yahoo.com.

v SAVE THE DATE!

MCC Churches
a FUTURE and a HOPE
World Jubilee & General Conference
Calgary, Alberta, Canada | July 21-26, 2005

Join us in the Canadian Rockies for this celebration of ministry to and with the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and gay-affirming communities from around the world. More than a thousand participants, from at least 20 countries, will gather next July for dynamic worship, fellowship, and learning opportunities. This conference also marks a historic moment in the life of Metropolitan Community Churches as we prepare for the retirement of our Founder and Moderator, Rev. Troy Perry. We gather in gratitude for his more than thirty-years of ministry to our community and look forward with excitement to all that the future holds for us as we elect a new Moderator. Be a part of this important transition of leadership.

For more information, visit www.mccconferences.org

NOTE: Some scholarships to cover registration costs are available. To obtain a copy of the application form, contact Heather Huff, Conference Administrator, at HeatherHuff@MCCchurch.org, or by phone at (310) 360-8680, x219 and return it no later than April 15.▼

4. Important On-Going Activities

Sacred Places: Sunday, April 3 at 6 pm. Sacred Places is an evening meditative service designed to encourage individuals to explore sacredness &spirituality in ways that may be new to them. It is specifically designed to facilitate meditation on a selected topic. Our Creator has blessed us with many gifts. This is a time to reflect on them and all of their blessings. Join us for a time of meditation and reflection. The topic for April is “Budda’s Birthday”. This year, all the different schools of Buddhists around the world will celebrate ‘Wesak’ or ‘Buddha’s Birthday’, on April 24, 2005. It is celebrated in many places, and in many ways. Come spend some time with Buddha, and listen to how his teachings continue to resonate with us. Let us start you on the path to enlightenment. For more information contact Ginny Reed (703 648-9327).

Choir Practice: Tuesdays at 7:15 pm. Join in the Song! You need not be a member of our church to sing in our choir. All are welcome to join in this ministry of musical praise and celebration. If you are interested on singing with the choir, please join us. For more information contact Daniel Scearce at 703.491.5798 or DanScearce@aol.com.

InCluesion: Wednesdays, 7 to 9 pm. InCluesion, the band formerly known as "Clueless" has come a long way in developing a different style of music ministry, ranging from folk to contemporary Christian. It is comprised of a variety of singers and musicians who wholeheartedly endorse the command to "make a joyful noise!" If you have a musical inclination you would like to share, or just want to come check out what the group is all about, drop by or call Gail Minnick at (703) 648-9327. Although most current members do, you need not play an instrument to come and sing with us. We hope to see you - and hear you! - soon.

Prayer, Praise & Abundance: Each Sunday at 9:30 am. The group gets together each Sunday morning for a time of PP&A – Prayer, Praise, and Abundance! If you have a specific prayer need this week, or would like to offer praise for blessings and abundance - drop in! Come and experience the power of prayer. For more information contact Jeanne Bailey at 703 352-5426.

COMMUNION: SPECIAL NEEDS?
If you have any special needs to fully participate in our celebration of Holy Communion, please contact Rev. Kharma to discuss.

v Spotlight on Ministry

Each week in Catch the Rainbow, we take time to say ‘Thank You’ to ministers in our congregation by focusing our “Spotlight on Ministry” that is being done by so many people in so many ways. The following were recognized this month:

v Special thanks to Sharon & Lisa Dravvorn for their leadership of the Children’s Ministry & for all of those who have served as teachers & assistants: Sheri, Scott, Kelli, Sarah, Chris, Marvin, Doug, Cathryn, Michele, and Jeremy. Your ministry is invaluable to our community, and especially to our children.

v A Sizable Thank You to the Ministry Leaders and Ministry Groups who organized our Holy Week services: Children's Ministry, Congregational Care Team & Welcome Team, Micah (Social Justice) Ministry & Sacred Places, The Music Ministries; and a thank you to all who attended and participated, helping to make these services wonderful community moments of worship and praise.

v Special thanks to Kathy Felts and crew for an incredible job cleaning and buffing the floors.

v Special thanks to Jane Bennett and MCC NOVA’s 2004 Anniversary Award Recipients (Ginny Reed, Jenny Banks, and Kim Habermann) for planning our anniversary observation this year.

6. Community Notes, Etc.

§ Want to Learn More About the Ministry and Churches of MCC Region 3?

This includes churches in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, District of Columbia, Virginia and Puerto Rico currently. Want to share what is happening in your church? Hear about resources for ministry? Send an email to Ajoy1@aol.com and ask to be added to the MCC Region 3 E-Newsletter List. Everyone is welcome to join. ▼

§ SEEKING ENTHUSIASTIC MINISTER OF MUSIC

We are currently in the process of seeking a new minister of music to lead us into the future. If you know of qualified individuals, please contact the church office so that we can send them a full job description and invitation to apply. Also, if you are aware of appropriate locations to post this opening, please contact us for a job posting. For more information, see Rev. Kharma. ▼

§ NoVA Rainbow Freedom Chorus: Come Out! Rehearse! Sing!

Founded a year a go to sing for the June ’04 Stand Up for Equality rally against Virginia’s House Bill 751, the NoVA Rainbow Freedom Chorus has been making a meaningful contribution to Equality Fairfax outreach efforts. So far the Chorus has been singing for the Protest Rally, an Interfaith Pride service in DC and two “Our Stores, Our Lives” Equality Fairfax outreach events. Along the way the Chorus has given folks who enjoy choral singing with a fulfilling way both to comfort and empower LGBT folks and our allies as we survive within and wo

The e-Newsletter of MCC NOVA │ April 2005

Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia

Website: www.mccnova.com email: info@mccnova.com

Enter We Now the Season of New Life!

v MCC NOVA SPRING SPIRITUAL RETREAT

Living Waters: Catch the Wave!

v Save Ye the Date: 2005 NOVAM Imagine Dinner