The e-Newsletter of MCC NOVA  | November 2005

 

Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia

 

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

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.

 

 

1.    FROM THE LAPTOP OF REV. KHARMA

 

There has never been a more exciting time to be a member

of Metropolitan Community Churches.

 

This is neither an exaggeration nor a joke.  This month marks our bold entry into a new era of ministry in the world, one about which I am completely jazzed.  At the time of this writing, I am still reeling from the historic and awesome Installation of Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson as MCC’s new and second Moderator.  During the events of this past weekend, MCCers from around the world gathered in celebration and in prayer as we step out even further in faith together.  The Board of Elders, the Executive Director and Staff, and the Board of Administration have been hard at work to refine our new strategic plan; and Nancy announced a new ten-year campaign: “Focus on the Human Family.”  (For more information about the installation and this new campaign, which we needed to rename “Unfinished World/Unfinished Calling” after legal complaints from James Dobson’s “Focus on the Family” who thought people would be confused about this <sigh>, visit www.MCCChurch.org)

 

Included in this newsletter is a reflection from Nancy about what she calls a “New Wave” in our unfinished calling.  Her historical analysis of MCC’s first three decades is insightful, and I believe she articulates our future vision with clarity, based on the wisdom that has come from Spirit through our world-wide community.  Please take the time to read her thoughts, which expound upon some of the ideas she shared with us at MCC NOVA on November 2.

 

The top three things on my list of exciting developments in our future is our movement toward …

  1. a more expansive (what we at MCC NOVA call “elastic”) theology
  2. a more passionate commitment to developing interfaith relationships around the world
  3. a broader social justice focus that “reaches beyond the boundaries of race, nation, gender, class, sexual orientation, age or creed.”

 

I get all tingly when I hear these themes being articulated on such a large scale, because they are the very same themes that I believe lie at the heart of who we are called to be as Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia.  Is it a coincidence that the core values and vision statement of our own congregation are so well represented in the latest articulation of the values and mission of MCC worldwide?  Not at all.  Rather, I firmly believe it is confirmation that we are being attentive to Spirit and that God is doing a new thing in and through us.

 

There are some moments in life that we don’t recognize as being monumentally important until they have passed.  Don’t miss this moment in our life as a church, because it definitely is one of those important moments.  Please join me in prayer that God will bless MCC congregations everywhere as we use this time of celebration as a launching pad for bold, exciting, spiritually transforming ministry in the world.

 

Abundant Blessings,



Rev. Kharma

 

An addendum:

I cannot tell you how proud I am of all of you for the work you did to host Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson and our denominational leaders (i.e., most of the Board of Elders and the Chair of the Board of Administration) last week.  I left that gathering bursting at the seams with gratitude for all of your gifts and generosity, and filled with hope about our future work together.  You are amazing, and God is very good.

 

A Message From

The Reverend Nancy L. Wilson

Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches

 


"When we stand up,
     We must know
          That we are standing up
               For everybody.

Each of us needs to know,
     In fact,
          That we are rainbows in the clouds . . .
               For everybody."   
                                      -- Maya Angelou, poet


As I prepare to preach at Washington's National Cathedral in little more than a week, I have been thinking lately that Metropolitan Community Churches may be entering its Third Wave.

The First Wave, the founding wave, was nearly 15 years of  wild, expansive, amazing, sometimes reckless growth. Our first wave was marked by great turbulence, highs and lows, enormous opposition and persecution, theological shouting matches, and finding our identity.

The Second Wave, lasted more than 20 years. It followed on the heels of feminist experiments and bold calls for dealing with our racial and cultural challenges -- and MCC's second wave was dominated by HIV and AIDS.

For a community so young, even tender, it was nothing less than astonishing the way people threw themselves, heroically, into the footpath of this disease: caring for the sick and dying, and comforting partners, friends and families. We buried an inordinate number of members, pastors and lay leaders. The rest of us tried not to be buried by grief and exhaustion. That MCC did not collapse under the weight of it all is a miracle.

Was it just me? Or did many of us feel that moment at General Conference when we could acknowledge, and even hold, the truth of our history and experience? 

When young Amanda Ackerman and the Conference choir sang "You Are the Air I Breathe," something broke and was healed all in one moment. Rev. Jim Mitulski's pastoral articulation of that moment, calling us as men and women to heal and hope and move forward, divided one wave from another, at least for me.

So here we are, on the brink of something -- something palpable -- way beyond mere survival. I think this movement of God's Spirit in our midst may be our Third Wave.

Now, in this new wave... can we talk of theology; talk not just with our heads, but also with our hearts, baring what our souls know to be true without fear?

Now, in this new wave... can we take our place in a world that is on the brink – of what? 

 

Now, in this new wave... can we offer leadership to a world still dying of HIV/AIDS and wounded by crystal meth addiction?

Now, in this new wave... can we come into our fullness as a Beloved Community?

This year, more than any in my memory, has let us know that the world is One. The events of this year have reminded us that we cannot grow by being separate from the world, but only by engaging in the "repair of the world" as full, empowered citizens, and as citizens of heaven!

This Third Wave reminds us that ours is an unfinished world.

And ours is an unfinished calling.

There is so much left to do, MCC. So many who still do not know. People of all ages, races, cultures, languages, genders, who still do not know that God loves them and created them to be "fruitful" and to have abundant life. Jesus lived and died and rose because he wanted us to live abundantly and to give abundantly of ourselves.

We are needed: our hands, our hearts, our creativity. All the lessons we learned and lived in MCC's First Wave and in the Second Wave are still desperately needed in our world today.

 

So, together, let's dare to pray, and dream, and imagine.

Imagine... Metropolitan Community Churches that are both "called" and healthy!

Imagine... if we breathed in the Presence of God as easily as the air we breathe!

Imagine... as we grow stronger and healthier, more confident and clear about our place in the world, the ways in which Metropolitan Community Churches will be a prophetic and spiritual voice to our contemporary world, and a Christian voice for the integration of sexuality and spirituality. 

Imagine... MCC congregations called to partner with all kinds of folks around the globe, to live out the gospel of inclusivity, community, and social and spiritual transformation.

Just imagine.

 

2.    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.  ▼

 

We are always delighted to celebrate when people find their calling, even when that calling is away from our community.  Raymond and Wanda, who have been faithful members of MCC NOVA for over two years, are transferring their membership to another faith community.  We will miss them, but celebrate with them the fact that they have found the best environment in which to grow and serve God.  They share the following letter of gratitude with the community of MCC NOVA, for being an important part of their spiritual journey.  We remain united as brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

To Mcc Nova

From Ray and Wanda

 

We are writing to say thank you for all you have done for us. We greatly appreciate it a whole lot. And know where we go we will take you with us. But the Lord has called us to serve somewhere else. This is part of our calling. I didn't want to leave without saying Thank you and to let you know how much you all mean to us. Without you all, we would not be where we are now. And trust we will make you all proud of us as well. And know that you all are always in our thoughts and prayers.

 

With love

Ray and Wanda Green

 

3.  MCC NOVA News and Upcoming Events

 

THIS SATURDAY!  DON’T MISS IT!

 

Our annual Dessert Social and Basket Auction will be held on Saturday, November 5th.  Mark your calendars now and invite all of your friends.  This is a wonderful evening of fabulous desserts and incredible bargains.  Come and browse the many theme baskets and participate in a fun-filled live auction.  This is the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping, and help support your favorite church.  Preview the baskets beginning at 7 pm, auction starts at 7:30

 

Please note:  All donations are tax deductible - simply submit your receipts for "in kind" credits to be reflected on your giving records.

 

 

Memorial Service for Betty Phillips

 

 

A memorial service for Betty Ann Phillips will be held November 5th at 11:00 am at MCC Washington, DC.  Directions to the church can be found at their website: www.mccdc.com

 

 

NOTE:  SACRED PLACES HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6.

 

 

Don’t Forget To Vote November 8!   Visit www.equalityvirginia.org for a non-partisan voter guide for state elections.

 

 

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My

 

 

Before we all decide to hibernate for the winter, let's spend a Saturday afternoon with our fine furred and feathered friends.  Join us as we spend a day at the National Zoo on Saturday, November 12.  Meet-up times and locations will be announced shortly. Look for a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board this Sunday. For details, contact Sheila at 202-352-5711. 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE COMING SOON - PLAN AHEAD!!

 

MCC NOVA will begin offering a second Sunday worship service at 9:00 am beginning with the first Sunday in Advent, Sunday November 27, 2005.  We will continue worshipping at 11:00 am as usual, but will begin offering this additional worship service as a part of our long term strategic growth plan, in order to make comfortable room for all of those who wish to join and worship with our community.  If you are interested in the early service, or think this may become your primary worshipping time, please contact Rev. Kharma at 703.691.0930 as we are currently planning to staff/support this

 

 

Annual Congregational Meeting

 

 

The annual Congregational meeting of MCC NOVA is coming very soon, Sunday, December 4, 2005. Normal business to be conducted includes the annual budget and elections. This year's election will be for the Board of Directors. This year the three positions open for election are those currently held by Kim Habermann, Miguel Gomez, & Leslie White. If you would like to run for one of these positions, please submit your intention to run to Cindy Giese, Clerk of the BOD. The deadline for these submissions is November 13, 2005.  Copies of all letters will be provided to members of the congregation along with their meeting packets.  If you have questions about the procedures for elections, or the requirements of Board Members, please contact Cindy or Rev. Kharma.

 

JOURNEY RHYTHMS: A Sacred/Community Drumming Circle

 

 
December 17, 7-9 pm.   MCC NOVA presents a sacred/community drumming circle. All are welcome. No experience is required. Circles are scheduled quarterly around the time of the solstice (Dec. 17). Drumming has been used by indigenous people all over the world for thousands of years as a powerful spiritual tool. In recent years, thousands of Community Drumming Circles have come into an existence as a way for people in our time to capture some of the concepts and practices of the ancient tradition and experience the benefits of it. These circles typically borrow some of the concepts and traditions of the ancient traditions, but are more flexible and require no special training or talents to participate. Our circle is based on this concept.  Fliers are available on the literature table; please feel free to take these to post and hand out to others who might be interested.

 

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. 

 

Metropolitan Community Churches
DVD Sets

Troy Perry: Pastor of Hope,

Prophet of Inclusion

An historical DVD of the legacy of Metropolitan Community Churches’ Founder and Moderator, Rev. Elder Troy Perry. Celebrate the visionary leadership that has brought hope and healing to those affected by religious homophobia around the world. Honor the gifts so generously shared, the passion for peace and justice that boldly proclaimed God’s love for all people.

Total time: approx. 13 minutes

 on 1 DVD.

2005 General Conference Sermon Series 10 Preachers on 2 DVDs!

See and hear 10 inspirational and transformational messages! Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry, Rev. Elder Freda Smith, Rev. Kharma Amos and Rev. Lance Mullins, Rt. Rev. Bishop Gene Robinson, Rt. Rev. Bishop Steven Charleston. Rev. Elder Lillie Brock, Rev. Dr. Edgard Danielsen-Morales, Kerry Lobel, Randi Williams and Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson.

Total time: approx. 200 minutes

 on 2 DVDs.

PURCHASE BOTH DVD’S AS A SET AND PAY ONLY US $45.00

Click here to download the order form
Fill out the form and mail/fax to:

MCC Churches
8704 Santa Monica Blvd, 2nd Floor
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Fax: 310-360-8680

 

 

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. 

 

3.  Presentation Preparation.  ICM Uruguay prepared a beautiful PowerPoint presentation that we will soon be sharing with the community, which introduces us to Uruguay, the LGBT community there, and the church itself.  We want to reciprocate by preparing a PowerPoint presentation that introduces them to our community.  This opportunity is available to those who speak Spanish, or those who don't if they are willing to work with a translator.  If this excites your creative juices, call now!

 

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.

 

 

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 Harry Simpson for his many years of dedicated service to God and MCC NoVA.  We will miss you, Harry.

Ø      Special thanks to Sarah Fershee and Ginny Miles for their leadership of our most recent Educational & Enrichment series.  We appreciate your gifts and your insights.

Ø      Thanks to all who represented MCC NOVA at the Installation of MCC’s New Moderator, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson.  We are grateful for your participation in this historic time of celebration for MCCs around the world.

Ø      Thanks to Tracey and Ginny for cooking and coordinating food for the fabulous dinner MCC hosted for the leadership of MCC.  Thanks to Jean for producing such a creative and humorous exposé to introduce us to the real Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson (and —bonus— to embarrass the pastor).  Thanks to Jeanne, Cindy, and Pepe for playing chauffer to the Board of Elders; to Pepe for transporting tables; to Kathy, the Facility Maintenance Team, and Emma for working so hard behind the scenes to install the projector and work out the kinks; to the Music Ministries of MCC NOVA for their musical gifts; to Micki for running sound; to Winston for being our resident videographer; to Daniel for making a beautiful stole and to the Children’s Ministry for decorating and presenting the stole to Nancy; and to all of you who helped move chairs, set-up, clean-up, provide food, clear tables, take photos, and so many other things that helped make this event such a success.  You are a wonderful, welcoming, and generous people!  

 

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.  For more information, see Gail Minnick.

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.

Take Part In This International Prayer Event!

INTERFAITH LEADERS HOST GLOBAL WEEK OF PRAYER FOR RELIGIOUS EQUALITY

NOVEMBER 6-12, 2005

Join Us In Prayer For Religious Equality for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgender Persons

For the first time, Soulforce Inc., Dignity USA, and Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) are co-sponsoring a Global Week of Prayer, November 6-12, 2005, calling all members and allies to prayer as an effort to restore religious equality.
 
The Global Week of Prayer is in response to recent Vatican policies of continued scapegoating of gays rather than dealing directly with the pedophile scandal and the abdication of responsibility within the Church. According to a Sept. 19th Catholic World News Brief, "The text, which was approved by Pope Benedict at the end of August, says that homosexual men should not be admitted to seminaries even if they are celibate, because their condition suggests a serious personality disorder which detracts from their ability to serve as ministers."
 
For Dignity USA, an organization dedicated to equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics, this represents a molten moment in the church’s history.  “We call on all DignityUSA members and all who support our mission to join us in prayer this week. In answering God’s call, LGBT men and women have served your Church well for many centuries. We ask the Spirit to open our Church today to all of God’s children, to all who are embraced by Christ’s love. We bring our hands together in prayer that our Church will follow Christ’s example to love one another. DignityUSA is delighted and proud to pray side by side with Soulforce and MCC,” said Debbie Weill, executive director of DignityUSA.

By focusing efforts via a Global Week of Prayer, the groups will bring attention to what is being called a new "Inquisition” by the Vatican. “By calling people to prayer, we are calling people to action. We are calling people to join their words and intentions in a mighty chorus of justice,” said Rev. Elder Nori Rost, MCC liaison for this event. “We believe that by doing so we can ultimately drown out the clamor of homophobia and bigotry that has too long been the song the Vatican sings." Prayer vigils are planned in Denver, Detroit, St. Louis, Venice, Florida with other locations joining in throughout the world.
 
According to MCC’s new Moderator, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, "Each organization is, as part of their mission, being called to raise our voices in sacred defiance against religious, political or systematic exclusion. Social justice and religious equality are at our core. Through sponsoring events like the Global Week of Prayer, we make real our call to lift up new generations of remarkable, far-reaching spiritual activists."
 
Soulforce is proud to be joined by these two groups; the combined reach makes a strong statement towards ending religious violence against GLBT people. "As activists, we too often use prayer as a last resort, rather than our first strategy, in the face of such bigotry. This is a very exciting moment for us in Soulforce to have MCC and Dignity join us in calling their membership to prayer. We're very hopeful that this will be the beginning of an ongoing collaboration between these three important organizations," says Kara Speltz, Soulforce Catholic Action Chairperson.
 
To learn more about the event and how you can participate, visit the following websites: www.soulforce.org, www.dignityusa.org, or www.MCCchurch.org.

###

 

 ___________________________________________

For The Global Week of Prayer
for Religious Equality for LGBT People


Gracious Creator God:
 
Send your Spirit to guide us in all we do as we dedicate our lives and our work to you, especially during this Global Week of Prayer & Vigils for Religious Equality.

Send that same Spirit to open the hearts and minds of those who would deny your children their rights, their love and even their lives. Deepen our convictions, while at the same time helping us to let go of any arrogance that we have all the answers.

Help us... to step beyond the boundaries of our own fears, without judging those who still struggle with those boundaries.

Fill us... with the understanding that no two paths will be the same and let us celebrate that each person has their own distinct relationship with You.
 
Enable us... to be a reflection of your love in the world. Let it transform us, and all who we come in contact with.

Lead us... as we continue to struggle to become “the change we seek” and to commit our own lives to a simpler, more focused life -- enveloped in and empowered by your love.

We pray this in your many names.
 
AMEN

www.MCCchurch.org

Metropolitan Community Churches

8704 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood CA  90069
Phone: 310-360-8640
Fax: 310-360-8680
Email: info@MCCchurch.org
URL: http://www.MCCchurch.org

 

6.    COMMUNITY NOTES

 

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

 

... 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 Virginia

Stretching, Connecting, Celebrating ... People on a Spiritual Journey!

10383 Democracy Lane, Fairfax, VA   22030-2505 

 (703) 691-0930                 http:\\www.mccnova.com

~end~