The e-Newsletter of MCC NOVA | January 2006
Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia
Website: www.mccnova.com Email: info@mccnova.com
SUNDAY SERVICES at 9 am & 11 am |
Happy New Year! |
INDEX: 1. From the Laptop of Rev. Kharma 2. From the Hearts of the Community 3. MCC NOVA News and Upcoming Events 4. SPOTLIGHT ON MINISTRY 5. Important On-going Activities 6. Community Notes, Etc.
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1. FROM THE LAPTOP OF REV. KHARMA
I hope you'll indulge me for a moment, as I depart from “From the Laptop” tradition in order to share some personal information with you. As some of you know, I have spent several of the last few months trying to discern what God is calling me to do next in terms of my personal and professional development. At the end of our recent process of discernment of call and commitment to ministry (Yes, I do participate in these things along with you!), I made the decision to apply to Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts as a candidate in their Doctor of Ministry Program. I am pleased to announce that I was accepted and will begin classes this month - January, 2006!
I want to tell you how much I appreciate your ongoing support of my ministry, and especially the ways in which we are engaged in mutual ministry together. I hope that you will celebrate this new adventure with me, as well as the stretching opportunities I believe it will provide for all of us. I also wanted to share some specifics about this program and how it will affect me/us, in case this raises any questions for you.
First things first: No, this doesn't mean I'm leaving MCC NOVA. Quite the contrary! This is a distance-learning program, which requires limited time away. Specifically, I will be away at EDS for two intensive weeks in January and two intensive weeks in June in both 2006 and 2007. I will then have a rather weighty final thesis project to complete by the end of 2008. Generally, this will only mean that I am away one Sunday between these two weeks. In January, I have a special “new student orientation” (imagine!) that will require me to miss two Sundays.
The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program provides an opportunity for persons engaged in active ministry to combine advanced study in the classical discipline of theological inquiry with active reflection on the experience of ministry. The program is designed for working, professional clergy and aims to help ministers enhance their effectiveness in ministry through focused theological reflection.
Episcopal Divinity School (www.eds.edu) is one of several seminaries that fully embraces the ministry of Metropolitan Community Churches. Central to EDS’s educational programs is their emphasis on antiracist and multicultural learning. One of the Doctoral of Ministry primary focus areas is in Feminist and Liberation Theologies. I am looking forward to taking full advantage of the vast resources EDS has to offer to combine a study of queer theology with its application in the lived experience of the local church. The exact nature of my thesis project will become clearer after my initial D.Min. Colloquium course in January.
I very much believe that this will be a benefit not only to me, personally, but also to our work together. I know that my experiences as pastor of MCC NOVA will form the foundation for my reflection, and I look forward to continuing to dialogue with you as these years fly by. If you have other questions about the program, please feel free to contact me directly. Again, I want to thank you for your support. You are an amazing group of people and I am honored to be your pastor.
Abundant blessings on the new year to each and every one of you!
Sincerely, Rev. Kharma Amos
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2. From the Hearts of the CommunityAt 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.
~Your Thoughts Here~
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday, January 1, New Years Day 11 am only Please note: Children's church will not be held during regular services January 1st.
Our two service times (9 am and 11 am) will resume on January 8
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NEW SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES COMING FRIDAY, JANUARY 6!!
We will begin the new year with a series of exciting new social opportunities. On the First Friday of each month, there will be a fun social event planned, generally at the church, for all who are interested. Details about each event will be coming in advance, but mark your calendars now! Each First Friday will have an event host, beginning with some of our ministry leaders. If you are interested in hosting or have an idea for a fun activity, please contact Rev. Kharma.
Since we are now worshipping at two different times, finding opportunities for all of us to come together and build relationships is crucial! We hope that you will take advantage of First Fridays, as well as the fellowship time at 10:00 between our worship services, to get to know your friends at MCC NOVA. If you have any questions, please let us know.
The first FIRST FRIDAY will be a GAME NIGHT on Friday, January 6th at 7:00 pm. The evening will include a variety of table games, a group game, door prizes, refreshments and, most important of all, an opportunity to build relationships among friends at MCC NOVA in a fun setting. All ages are welcome! For more information, see the fliers on the literature table. |
Take a day to Stand Up for Equality! Wednesday, January 25th
Equality Virginia and the Stand Up for Equality Coalition is sponsoring Equality Lobby Day on Wednesday, January 25th, 2005. Activities begin at 9:30am with orientation, then teams of Equality Lobbyists will visit legislators to share stories and make our case for equality. A full day of activities will culminate at the Legislative Reception beginning at 5:30pm. Dozens of legislators are expected to attend. Aside from the delicious hors d'oeurves and beverages, this is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with people from around the state.
300 people participated in Equality Lobby Day last year. That turnout put the GLBT community and allies on the politcal map in Virginia. Even more people are needed this year to show our movement is gaining support and commitment.
Please arrange to be in Richmond on January 25th to participate. No experience or skill is needed; just your presence. If your own elected representatives are supportive, please attend to thank them and to bolster others in our community whose representatives might not be as supportive. This is a state-wide effort and we're all in it together.
We hope you'll take a day to Stand Up for Equality!
Please RSVP to info@equalityvirginia.org.
If you would like to carpool with other MCC NOVA folks, please contact Rev. Kharma.
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MCC MEN in MINISTRY CONFERENCE
An Invitation From Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski
Dear Colleagues in Ministry:
I am writing to the men of MCC, present and past, in current or former positions of leadership or members, laity and clergy alike, with a special invitation.
Did you know its been more than 20 years since there was an MCC denominational gathering specifically for men to nurture our relationship with each other and to address topics of particular concern to us?
In recent years we haven't much raised men’s issues, and I hope you'll agree with me that it’s time to do so again -- in part to deal with our past and, just as importantly, to focus on our futures.
Taking a cue from our sisters who will be meeting the same weekend in Florida, I am inviting you to come to Atlanta, Georgia (USA) during February 2-4, 2006 for the MCC Men in Ministry Conference.
Our theme will be “Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Spirits.”
We will hear from past and present MCC leaders, including Steve Pieters, Edgard Danielsen Morales, Chris Glaser, Wes Mullins and Jonathan Jones, among others. Our meetings will be hosted by First MCC Atlanta and we are negotiating reasonable hotel rates at adjacent hotels.
Check out www.MCCconferences.org for more information or to register now -- and also be sure to check for hotel information as it becomes available.
I hope you'll join us for what I know will be a pivotal time in all of our lives. MCC is really entering a new phase in its history -- I am hoping its most dynamic period ever. Our work together in February is a vital part of that.
Sincerely,
Special Offer: In order to support involvement in this conference, MCC NOVA is willing to provide a scholarship for the registration fee of $90 for the first five men who are interested in attending this conference. Please see Rev. Kharma for details.
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LGBT Family Visibility Action: 2006 White House Easter Egg Roll
On April 17th, 2006, when the White House lawn is opened to families for the Annual Easter Egg Roll, imagine if the first 1,000 families onto the lawn were LGBT families. The media will be there (they’re always there for the egg roll) and millions of Americans – many for the first time – will meet our families. They’ll see our kids laughing, having fun, rolling hard-boiled eggs down a hill with a spoon, and once they do, there will be no going back.
This is not a protest – it’s a get together with our fellow citizens on a grand scale. This is an amazing opportunity to reach homes in blue states and red states with positive images of our families participating in this great American family tradition.
This event will be like nothing anyone has ever seen before. The White House lawn – the Bush White House lawn – will, quite unexpectedly, be filled with gay and lesbian families. This is something people will be talking about for a long time, an event that will make history!
It’s time to claim our place at the table. Come to our nation’s capital and let America see who we really are.
We know how hard it is just to get our family out the door in the morning, so we realize how much this asks of all of you, but this will make a difference in the lives of LGBT families and since it’s basically going to be the biggest LGBT family party ever, you and your kids will have a great time. We need you to make this happen!
To sign up, get more info, or help out, go to: http://www.familypride.org/eggroll Please sign up so we can plan accurately and keep you informed!
The success of this action depends on keeping it under the radar of the media and the administration -- Please be discreet!!! Please do NOT put a link to this website anywhere other than in an e-mail.
Sponsored by the
NOTE: If you do not have children, but would like to support this event, people are needed to stand in line for tickets and handle other logistical considerations during the weekend of the egg roll. Please contact Rev. Kharma for more information.
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WEBSITE CHANGES Our website at www.mccnova.com is undergoing an EXTREME MAKEOVER! While we’re working on it, check out the updated calendar and other features. |
Sound Team Needs You!The Sound Team is looking for a few volunteers to monitor and adjust the sound system during worship services. One vital service we provide is to record the service so copies can be provided for those who can not be physically there with us on Sunday. Currently, volunteering would entail one Sunday per month ... and with more volunteers it would be one Sunday every 2-3 months. Please do not be intimidated ... we will provide training and a checklist of process steps. It truly isn't as complicated as it might look with all the knobs, buttons and lights on sound equipment. Initial training should only take 20-30 minutes, but will be on-going as you feel necessary. If you ever thought about volunteering on this team, now is the perfect time! You can contact Micki Jones at 703-244-0833 or by email at majones77@earthlink.net for more information.
¿Habla Español?
If you answered this question, "Si," then we need you. As you may have heard, MCC NOVA has entered into a partnership with the MCC in Montevideo, Uruguay (ICM Uruguay). Already, we are being blessed as we get to know this congregation. You have read some letters that have been exchanged by Rev. Kharma and Fernando Frontan, the church's clergy candidate. Those of us who were at conference met their lay delegate and Fernando's partner, Andres, and were blessed to be able to spend some time with him. And we are now exploring how to allow our relationship to develop in ways that are mutually beneficial. As part of this, we're looking for people who speak/write Spanish to help on a couple of projects. If you are able and interested, please contact the church office as soon as possible.
1. Translators. We're looking for a couple more people who can translate from Spanish to English and vice versa to help with our ongoing correspondence with Fernando and the church in Uruguay.
2. Dialogue Partners. There are some folks from ICM Uruguay who are eager to get to know people from MCC NOVA and begin personally corresponding. If you would like to start a dialogue and begin a relationship with one of our sisters or brothers in Uruguay, there is an opportunity here for you. This would work easiest if you speak Spanish, but could also work for English-speakers if we have enough translators to help.
25th ANNIVERSARY PLANNING
Did you know that MCC NOVA will celebrate its 25th Anniversary in March of next year? We're planning now for a fabulous celebration!! If you are interested in being on the Anniversary Committee and helping to shape the events during our anniversary weekend, please contact Jane at girlybob@aol.com or by phone at 703.352.5426.
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4. 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: Ø Special thanks to Jenny for organizing the FACETS Thanksgiving Collection (we sponsored two families), to Yvonne for all of her help with preparations, and to all of you who donated so generously.Ø Special thanks to the 2005 Board of Directors — Kim Habermann, Cindy Giese, Miguel Gomez, Gail Minnick, and Leslie White — for their preparations for our annual congregational meeting. Special thanks to the Ministry Leaders for providing food for our potluck lunch, and to all of you who contributed food. Ø Special thanks to Daniel Scearce and the MCC NOVA Music Ministries for a wonderful Christmas musical experience. Kudos to the Choir, InCluesion, and all who collaborated to share their musical gifts. Thanks to Gail S. and all who helped coordinate the food for that event. Ø Special thanks to Cindy Allan for organizing our holiday giving project through Our Daily Bread. Thanks to all of you for the incredible generosity you demonstrated in providing presents for the families we sponsored.
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5. IMPORTANT ON-GOING ACTIVITIES
Ø 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. For more information contact Daniel at 703 491-5798. Ø INCLUESION PRACTICE: Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. InCluesion is a band that provides different styles of music for worship, ranging from folk to praise to Contemporary Christian. If you are interested in joining this ministry, please contact Gail Minnick at (703) 648-9327, or just drop in on one of our rehearsals and check us out. You need not play an instrument to sing with us and make a joyful noise! We hope to see you soon! Ø COMMUNION: SPECIAL NEEDS? If you have any special needs to fully participate in our celebration of Holy Communion, please contact Rev. Kharma to discuss.
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6. COMMUNITY NOTES
Ø GOSPEL CONCERTS—MOSAIC HARMONY
The Gospel choir, Mosaic Harmony (which includes our own Kala Payne), will be performing twice in January.
Ø Save the date! Equality Virginia's Third Annual Commonwealth Dinner Saturday, April 8th, 2006, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Come be a part of Virginia's largest gala celebration in support of the Commonwealth's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens. The theme of this year's dinner is "The Courage of Our Convictions." Courage and conviction are two qualities that the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender citizens of Virginia and their friends and allies have demonstrated over and over during the past two years. They're qualities that will continue to serve us as we face the challenges ahead. To help us celebrate, we have a fantastic line-up of award recipients and entertainers, including: · Former U.S. Senator Charles Robb: Equality Commonwealth Award · Arlington Gay & Lesbian Alliance: Equality Community Award · Jane Woods, Secretary of Health & Human Resources: Equality Public Servant Award Emceeing the event will be May-Lily Lee, host of Virginia Currents. Musical entertainment will be provided by award-winning singer songwriter Julie Clark. For more information, to buy tickets, register as a table host, volunteer, advertise, donate to the auction, or sponsor the event go to www.EqualityVirginia.org/Commonwealth_Dinner .
Ø 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.
Ø CAPITAL HOSPICE IS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
Are you interested in making a difference? Adult daytime, evening, and weekend volunteers are needed to…visit hospice patients at home, work in our Van Ness office, join our Speakers Bureau. We also need volunteers with…Cars, Language skills, A strong desire to work with people. Patient Care Volunteer Trainings are held three times a year. Volunteers will learn about Capital Hospice services and programs and techniques in caring for and communicating with hospice patients. To apply, please contact Volunteer Services at 202-244-8300 or visit www.capitalhospice.org
Ø Where will you be next July?
Join 12,000 international participants, 70 countries, 30 sports, band, choral & more at the Chicago Gay Games July 15-22, 2006. No tryouts! For more information, contact Holly McMeekin (571-283-8013 OR holly_mcmeekin@earthlink.net). Flyers will also be available on the information table.
Ø Whitman-Walker Clinic Seeks Volunteers
Whitman-Walker Clinic has volunteer opportunities in a variety of capacities at all of its metro locations --NW, SE, Arlington and Takoma Park. If you can help, please contact WWC Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Jackson" at sjackson@wwc.org or 202-797-3576
Ø Area PFLAG Gatherings (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) 1. Manassas --Bull Run Unitarian Universalist Church, 9350 Main St. Every 4th Monday at 7 pm. 2. Reston --Washington-Plaza church, 1615 Washington Plaza (Lake Ann). Every 1st Tuesday, 7:30-9:30
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... AND FINALLY, A REMINDER: 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.
~ MCC NOVA ~Metropolitan Community Church of Northern VirginiaStretching, Connecting, Celebrating ... People on a Spiritual Journey!10383 Democracy Lane, Fairfax, VA 22030-2505(703) 691-0930 http:\\www.mccnova.com |