Your Thoughts Here…
From the Hearts of the Community --
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. ▼
2. Special Notices
Memories Wanted
Sheri Abrams is preparing a memory box for Andrew so that he can collect some memories of his mother, Sarah Hogan. Sheri is asking the members/friends of MCC NOVA who knew Sarah to write down their memories - short/long and of any sort - to keep for Andrew. You can submit memories to Sheri directly, or leave them at the church office and we'll pass them along▼.
- MCC NOVA News and Upcoming Events
ASH WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, February 9, 7:30 pm – Join us as we celebrate the beginning of Lent with a special Ash Wednesday Service. More details will be available soon. |
RESCHEDULED! FEBRUARY 20, 2005 (approx. 12:30 - 3:00)
"Shifting the Weight and Sharing the Load; Body Work for the Body of Christ"
Immediately following worship, we will be having a potluck lunch followed by an afternoon workshop led by Rev. Dr. Delmer Chilton. Delmer will be joining us for worship and then leading us in a strategic discussion of some key issues affecting our next stage of growth as a spiritual community. As churches grow and stretch, as ours is, there are some intentional things we can do to increase our overall health as we redistribute the work and make room for new members to become integral and active in our corporate body. This workshop/discussion is a must for all ministry leaders, and for any of you who are interested in finding your place at MCC NOVA.
Rev. Dr. Delmer Chilton is a Lutheran Pastor of many years' experience. He is currently the Director of the First Parish Project (a Lily Endowment program for beginning clergy under the age of 35, of which Rev. Kharma is a participant), a Pastor, and the Coordinator for Spiritual Formation Ministries at the Hinton Rural Life Center in Hayesville, NC. Delmer's considerable experience with churches includes serving as the Pastor of Methodist and Lutheran Churches in GA, TN, and NC; receiving training as a Certified Community Building Workshop Facilitator from M. Scott Peck; and serving on a number of ELCA Synod Committees dealing with World Missions, Multi-Cultural Ministry, and Church Planting. He's also a great storyteller.▼
v A NOTE FROM OUR TREASURER…
Blessings are all around us! At our recent Congregational meeting, I told you that MCC NOVA was about $6,000 in the red as of the end of November. That was true based on the informational reports that I was reviewing at the time. After that meeting and during our end-of-year financial review, we noticed that the system was not properly identifying "donor restricted" gifts as income.
As a result of that finding, we updated the system to recognize around $3,000 in additional income. And in order to more accurately state our "Statement of Financial Position" we added the newly acquired sound system and its depreciation to the system. With both of these changes, we ended the year with a positive balance of $5,540.
If you are interested in more detail surrounding these adjustments, please give me a call on 703-648-9327. As a reminder, if you want to know more about our finances on an ongoing basis, please feel free to attend one of our Board meetings. By the way, I am still seeking your input on the best way to communicate MCC NOVA's financial information to you. ▼
v AND A NOTE FROM OUR INTERIM MUSIC DIRECTOR
Well here we are. The rush of the holidays is finally over, and its time to start thinking about what we want to do to begin this New Year. On the right foot, so to speak. I know there are always those good ol’ stand-bys, like go the gym more, loose a few unwanted winter pounds, sing a song for special music during worship, quit smoking, join the choir, be a nicer more understanding partner, play the piano at church, (maybe just the hymns)… Hmmmm. I think you all may be hitting on something. Lots of us are making MUSICAL resolutions!!! And the great thing is, all these ideas couldn’t be at a better time, because it just so happens we find ourselves at a time when we as a church have a musical need.
As I’m sure you are aware, our beloved music director has gone on to continue his musical calling away from MCC Nova. Though missed he is, and will be, the “show” as the saying goes, “must go on”. I have taken on the responsibilities as the music director in the interim, but I really do need and ask for your help. Just as in the past when we’ve been asked to stretch beyond what we think we can do, I am sure again, we will continue to amaze ourselves as we go maybe just a little beyond our comfort zone.
Those of you who have just been waiting for the right time to participate in the music ministry, or maybe come back after a needed rest, now is the perfect time. Maybe you can’t make an every week commitment. That is fine too. There is a place for you. Please get in touch with me either by phone (703.491.5798), email (DanScearce@aol.com), or after service on Sundays, and let’s talk about your gifts, and where we can fit them in.
Let’s think outside the box, and let our creativity flow. I am so excited about having a time of “who knew”. You know what I mean? That’s when we hear everyone during fellowship time saying, “Who knew” Jean played the piano so well? Or, “Who knew” there were so many music styles? And, “Who knew” (insert your name here) had such a lovely voice? So, for your New Years resolution, limber up those vocal chords, drag that instrument out of the closet, and I will meet you at choir rehearsal. ▼
v FROM THE CARE TEAM
Hello, I’d like to introduce myself as the new care team leader. I appreciate the confidence the care team has shown in my abilities, and I look forward to the New Year at MCC NOVA. If I haven’t yet personally introduced myself to you, I look forward to getting to know each of you. If you would like to talk, walk, karate chop, or just sit, please let me or any member of the care team know. We are here for you, so please don’t hesitate to ask. Happy New Year—let’s have a great 2005! Judith. ▼
v FREE FOOD…
Mama used to say 'there's no such thing as a free lunch.' But you can give freely of yourself! The Worship Planning Team truly desires to have as many different people participate in our communal worship as possible. Each week, a schedule is put together of people to lead the call to worship, read scripture, lead prayers of the community, assist with communion by holding the elements or offering prayers of blessing. We would love to include you! If you'd like more information or training on any particular aspect of worship participation, please see Rev. Kharma, call the church office at 703 691 0930 or sign up directly on the Worship Participants List located on the clipboard in the Sacristy. ▼
v Communications Team Needs Your Help
Are you a techno-wiz? Do you love designing and/or maintaining websites? Do you write or do graphic design? Does email list maintenance trip your trigger? If so, the Communications Team needs you! We are looking for folks to help with the e-Newsletter, both technically and content-wise; our intrepid webmaster Heather J. has decided to step down after dedicating 8 years to maintaining NOVA's presence in cyberspace (Thank You Heather!) so we’re looking for someone with those particular talents and passions. We'd also like help updating our directory, as well as with designing spiffy display graphic designs for those occasions when the church places ads in programs and other publications. And of course, we always welcome written contributions. If any of these areas are of interest to you, please plan to stay after worship today for a short meeting. In the meantime, if you have questions please contact Tracey Kennedy at crkscrw@msn.com. ▼
v NEWS FROM MICAH MINISTRIES
Contribute Mind, Body, and Spirit-Summer 2005 Service Project: There's so much need in this world, it's hard to know how to give or where to start. This year, consider throwing your time and talent into a service project in Beard's Fork, West Virginia. Join us next August for an intensive week of building, home repair, and education projects in this impoverished mining town. Volunteers of all ages can be very useful on all of these projects, regardless of skill and background. Watch this space for more details and Cindy A. for details and an application (cindalee8@yahoo.com). ▼
v EQUALITY VIRGINIA LOBBY DAY REVIEW
According to Equality Virginia, over 250 gay and lesbian and allied activists from across Virginia attended the daylong set of events on January 13 in Richmond, for the first Lobby Day in recent years. The day included a full schedule of visiting elected representatives to talk about important legislative issues for the GLBT community, a press conference with voices from our community, followed by Equality Virginia's annual Legislative Reception. It was a great success on many levels.
Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virignia was proud to participate in Lobby Day this year. At least 7 of us were present to lobby our elected representatives, and Rev. Kharma was honored to be among those who addressed the press during the press conference. Her remarks to the press, which were picked up by several newspapers across the state, are included below.
You can still speak out for Equality and participate in the legislative process by learning about the relevant issues and contacting your representatives. There are many bills being considered in this session that directly affect LGBT folks and our families, including those concerned with Health Care, Job Discrimination, and Marriage. Visit the Equality Virginia website for more specific information and to Take Action ( www.equalityvirginia.org ).
COMPLETE REMARKS OF REV. KHARMA
Equality Virginia Lobby Day Press Conference
Richmond - January 13, 2005
I’m here today as a pastor and as a person of faith. As such, I take very seriously the sacred calling to work for justice for all people — and that includes gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender persons, and our families, friends, and allies.
It is unfortunate that the lines separating church and state on the issue of marriage have become so blurred. Very simply put: It is the privilege and responsibility of the state only to protect and uphold the legal obligations and benefits afforded to individuals who enter a civil marriage contract; while it is the privilege and responsibility of religious communities alone to determine whether and how to ritually or sacramentally bless individuals and relationships.
So much of the rhetoric being used about protecting the so-called “sanctity of marriage” seeks to obscure this clear separation of responsibility, and to play — intentionally, unfairly, and unnecessarily — on people’s religious fears.
In our discussions about marriage, we need to be very clear about the separation between church and state. Even if the government were to grant civil marriage equality (by whatever name), no church or religious community could ever be forced or required to recognize or bless any relationship that went against its beliefs.
If the civil institution of marriage is in need of protection, it is in need of protection from the corrosive effects of dishonesty, lack of commitment, and other factors that lead to divorce in a majority of marriages. Legislation that forbids same-sex couples from forming and protecting families in unions rooted in the same moral values of mutual love and commitment that are the foundation of so-called “traditional marriage” will do absolutely nothing to protect such traditional marriages from the real corrosive forces at work.
The freedom to enjoy life and liberty, and to pursue happiness and safety is, according to the constitution of Virginia, a natural and inherent right of all people. That freedom does not come in limited supply; your share is not diminished if I live mine to its fullest potential.
One of our greatest strengths as a people lies in our ability, in the midst of our great diversity, to work together for the common good. Fear-based hate and discrimination are never for the common good.
To codify discrimination against same-sex couples by amending the constitution would be an act of violence against the very freedom the constitution claims to protect.
The notion of “equality and justice for all” has always been a radical notion, but it is a worthy notion, the dream of which is deeply woven into the fabric of our society. We must continue to work together until equality is a reality for all people.▼
SAVE THE DATE! SPIRITUAL RETREAT
Save the date now! May 6-8, 2005. The next MCC NOVA Spiritual Retreat will take place at Sevenoaks Pathwork Center in Madison, Virginia, website http://www.pathworkmid-atlantic.org/. This takes into account the desires clearly expressed in the retreat survey that we hold the retreat in the Spring and try a different retreat facility. This may be the best retreat ever! You won't want to miss it!▼
SAVE THE DATE!
MCC Churches |
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: Early registration discounts through April 1.▼
4. Important On-Going Activities
Sacred Places: Sunday, February 6 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 February will be “Divine Rhythms.” We will discuss rhythms in creation and God’s voice. There will be drumming during the ceremony. Bring your drum if you wish to participate in the drumming itself. All are welcome whether or not you wish to use a drum. For more information contact Ginny Reed (703 648-9327).
Board of Directors: Thurs, Feb 10 at 6 pm. Our next meeting will be held in the upstairs boardroom/library. Meetings of the Board of Directors are always open to all.
Children's Ministry: Each Sunday. Children of all ages are invited to convene in the Children's Room for a special time together. Children are released at the beginning of the sermon and rejoin our corporate worship in time to receive communion with their families. Teachers and Teaching Assistants are working with children during this time to create meaningful and age-appropriate learning opportunities through exciting lessons and hands-on activities. Some wonderful guest presenters are scheduled in the coming weeks. If you know of children who would benefit from this exciting ministry, please extend an invitation to them. For more information about the children's ministry orto volunteer to teach or assist, please contact Sharon or Lisa Dravvorn.
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.
Congregational Care Team: Need someone to talk to? Would you like a visitor when ill? Or are you just looking for someone to be present with you? The Congregational Care Team is here for you. We are a ministry of Prayer &Presence for our community. If you have a need, or just need someone to listen, please contact any of the Congregational Care Team members listed in Catch the Rainbow or call the church office at 703-691-0930. We are here for each of you, please call.
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.
Ministry Leaders Meeting: the next MLT Meeting is soon to be announced, pending the rescheduling of our Workshop w/ Rev. Dr. Delmer Chilton.
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.
5. 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 the Finance Team for their extra work to close out 2004, and to all of you for the tremendous gifts you continue to invest in our spiritual community.
v Special thanks to the Music Ministries (Guy, the Choir, InCluesion) for their efforts in preparing for our Evening of Lights celebration, and to Matt and his cast of actors/actresses for the fabulous dramatic presentation. And a Very Special Thanks to Guy for three plus wonderful years of dedicated service as MCC NOVA’s Director of Music Ministries. We will miss you and send you to your next call with our blessings.
v Special Thanks to Sharon & Margaret for organizing our NOVAM Adopt-A-Family tree and to all of you who helped donate or wrap gifts. Thanks to Leslie for coordinating the NOVAM Christmas Ornament Sales and to Tracey for coordinating the poinsettia sale.
v Special Thanks to Daniel Scearce for his musical leadership and best wishes for abundant blessings as he officially begins as MCC NOVA’s new Interim Music Director.
v Thanks to Ginny, Cindy, and Gail for their extra work to staff the office and tend to administrative matters while Emma is away.
Spotlight on…Heather James
After more than eight years, MCC NOVA's webmaster Heather James has decided to hand over the cyber-reins. Heather took on website duties shortly after she and her partner Rev. Emma Chattin began attending NOVA. In fact their first visit to NOVA was on the church's inaugural service in its current space in December 1997. Heather, an electronics/web design whiz by profession has been almost solely responsible for the website's design and maintenance, as well as performing other computer-related tasks around the church office, everything from keeping our software updated to building components. As Heather prepares to step down, she is helping with
networking upgrades that will allow us better internet access, networking capabilities, as well as improved email and web hosting capabilities. Heather has plenty of other interests to keep her busy including gardening, tinkering with her home electronics systems—including a formidable music collection-- and refurbishing her 1970 Triumph 500 T100-C motorcycle, not to mention her new role as clergy spouse! Heather and Emma live in Fairfax with their two cats Dolly Lama Diva and Teddy. Many thanks Heather, for your many years of dedication to this ministry!▼
6. Community Notes, Etc.
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.
Rainbow Freedom Chorus Rehearsals
The newly formed Rainbow Freedom Chorus -- a group of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and allied singers from Northern Virginia -- will begin Fall rehearsals Monday nights from 7:15 - 9:00 pm in the MCC NOVA sanctuary. All who are interested are welcome to attend and join in the music making -- just show up and start singing! For more information or to schedule an audition (don't worry; not a big deal), contact the chorus director, Rev. Jeremy McCleod, at chorus@equalityfairfax.org.
Area PFLAG Gatherings (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
- Manassas --Bull Run Unitarian Universalist Church, 9350 Main St. Every 4th Monday at 7 pm.
- Reston --Washington-Plaza church, 1615 Washington Plaza (Lake Ann). Every 1st Tuesday, 7:30-9:30
... AND FINALLY, AREMINDER: The very latest news and information about MCC NOVA, as well as our ongoing calendar of activities and opportunities, can be found on our website at www.mccnova.com.
Please feel free to forward this to others who might be interested. If you received this from someone else, and want to be on our email list, please send an email to MCCNOVACOM@earthlink.net with SUBSCRIBE in the subject or body of the email. We welcome your feedback so that we can make sure we are meeting the needs of our community.
If you received this email in error or no longer wish to be on this list, please reply to this address with PLEASE REMOVE ME FROM THIS LIST in the subject or body of the email.
~ MCCNOVA ~
Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia
Stretching, Connecting, Celebrating...People on a Spiritual Journey
10383Democracy Lane, Fairfax, VA 22030-2505
(703)691-0930 http:\\www.mccnova.com
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