The e-Newsletter of MCC NOVA | October 2005
Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia
Website: www.mccnova.com Email: info@mccnova.com |
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INDEX: 1. From the Laptop of Rev. Kharma 2. From the Hearts of the Community 3. MCC NOVA News and Upcoming Events Ø WELCOME OUR NEW MUSICAL STAFF Ø MUSIC NOTES Ø BYE-BYE BIRDIE! Ø ADDITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE COMING SOON! Ø BASKET AUCTION Ø CARE TRAINING Ø WEBSITE CHANGES Ø MCC GENERAL CONFERENCE DVDs AVAILABLE Ø SOUND TEAM NEEDS YOU! Ø HABLA ESPANOL? Ø ANNIVERSARY PLANNING Ø SAFETY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MODERATOR’S INSTALLATION Ø MCC MODERATOR’S INSTALLATION 4. SPOTLIGHT ON MINISTRY 5. Important On-going Activities 6. Community Notes, Etc.
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1. FROM THE LAPTOP OF REV. KHARMA
Can you hear me now? — God
Dear Friends —
I’m excited to have this opportunity to share with you a new development in our ministry at Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia. In the past several years, we’ve been living into our vision of being a “Stretching, Connecting, Celebrating … People on a Spiritual Journey.” As part of that journey, we’ve talked a lot about how we might most faithfully approach our ministry. In response to some of those conversations, we’re initiating a new process this year of intentional discernment of call and commitment to ministry. I know that sounds a little heavy, so let me unpack some of the concepts.
What Exactly is Discernment? Discernment is the work of trying to understand God’s will for our lives. How one goes about hearing God is a question that lies at the heart of the spiritual endeavor. People of faith know that our deepest life connections come through our interactions with God and through God’s presence in the midst of our relationships with one another. But how do we recognize God speaking to us? How do we know what God wants or dreams for us? How do we hear God's voice in the cacophony of modern urban life? — from the Ministry Development Office of the Episcopal Diocese of California
A Word About Calling Sometimes the word “calling” has been reserved to describe the vocational calling of professional or ordained ministers. But, that’s much too narrow a definition. In fact, if our faith tradition says anything at all, it is that God calls each of us to be or to do certain things with our lives. Most of us will never have a “burning bush” experience in which we audibly hear the voice of God commanding us to do something, but all of us are called by God for very specific things. And, if we are able to discover what those callings are, then we will experience profound joy in living them out.
Moving Within and Beyond Ourselves Frederick Beuchner says that an authentic call or vocation is “the place where your deep gladness meets the world’s deep need.” Our quest to discern our callings not only benefits us, in the discovery of joy and meaning in our own lives as we live our passions, but it also benefits the world as that joy intersects with places of real need in the world community. When we answer our calling, we are being faithful to the God who created us to be in relationship with the world, and who longs to use each of us to make it better.
The Journey of Call and Response At MCC NOVA, we know that we are a people who are called to journey with God. That means that if we’re in the same place next year that we are now, we likely haven’t been paying attention. We are meant to stretch and grow in our spiritual lives, not remain stagnant. Our callings are also things that will change, grow, and evolve over time as we journey. Therefore it is important to take time out on a regular basis to listen to God and to evaluate whether or not our activities and ministries are still relevant, vibrant, and alive — sources of joy and meaning. And, we have to find ways to celebrate the conclusion of commitments that we have successfully completed, without feeling guilty about moving forward to answer the next call as it evolves.
An Invitation In the coming weeks, we invite each of you to engage in a personal process of discernment of call in preparation for a commitment to ministry for the coming year. We urge you to take this time to intentionally reflect on what God is calling you to do with your life on this stage of your journey. We invite you to do so broadly, as it relates to the whole of your life, but also specifically as it relates to your involvement as an active part of this spiritual community.
So think about it … pray about it … talk about it …
What is your passion? Your deepest source of joy? Do the activities of your life — work, play, worship, service, family, etc. — allow you to live out of that passion and joy? What needs in our world and community wait for your specific gifts? What is your commitment to your spiritual journey? What would you like for it to be? How might your call be expressed as you share in the community of MCC NOVA?
These are just a few of the questions that we invite you to consider as a part of this process. We really believe that our church’s ability to live out our collective calling is only as effective as each individual member’s ability to live out her/his own calling. We hope this will be a mutual process of spiritual discovery for us, and we invite you to join us in prayerful anticipation of what will happen as we listen more clearly to God.
If you have any questions in the coming weeks, or wish to schedule an individual pastoral appointment to talk about what these questions stir up in you, please call me at 703.691.0930.
I can’t wait to hear what God is saying to you now.
Blessed Discernment,
Rev. Kharma Amos
P.S. There are several opportunities planned, including individual meetings with Ministry Leaders, an educational and enrichment series, and lots of focused reflection in worship. We have also included some individual tools for reflection, including a Spiritual Gifts Inventory, a guide to reflection, and some other suggestions. Take advantage of those that seem helpful to you. If you would like further resources, please contact me.
We will conclude this year’s process on October 23, on Commitment to Ministry Sunday. We invite you to fill out the enclosed commitment card and to mail it or bring it to church on that date, when we will bless our commitments in worship. Of course, we are interested in your ministry commitments at or through MCC NOVA, but we also want to celebrate and bless whatever your life commitments are for the coming year as they flow in response to discerning God’s call for you.
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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. ▼
The following op-ed piece was written by Rev. Kharma after she attended a meeting, along with members of Equality Fairfax and Equality Loudon, at the McLean Bible Church. The meeting was a "Defense of Traditional Marriage" meeting hosted by a number of conservative organizations, including the Concerned Women of America and the Virginia Family Foundation. Leaders of the GLBT community were in attendance at the meeting because we thought it important to hear what is being said about the marriage issue as we prepare for a long struggle against efforts to amend the constitution. State Senator Ken Cuccinelli and Delegate Dick Black both spoke in favor of the proposed amendment and against the "homosexual agenda". If you have questions about the upcoming marriage amendment, please visit www.equalityvirginia.org.
Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid Religious conservatives use the rhetoric of fear to bolster support for a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.
By Rev. Kharma Amos September 20, 2005
It became clear to me this week that we need to prepare ourselves for a long season of fear-mongering from religious conservatives in Virginia. The rhetoric of fear that has been used so successfully in recent years to galvanize citizens for war is being redirected to bolster support for another battle — this one against anyone who supports marriage equality for same sex couples.
At a “Defense of Traditional Marriage” meeting held on Monday, September 19 at the McLean Bible Church, representatives of sponsoring organizations (the Family Foundation, NOVATownHall.com, and Concerned Women of America) spoke with rehearsed unanimity in favor of the proposed constitutional amendment that will likely dominate the upcoming General Assembly legislative session. Their language was all too familiar. The words “terror”, “attack”, and “battle” rang out repeatedly in the small gathering. They claim that “we” (by which they mean religious conservatives) are being attacked not only by terrorists outside our country, but also by social terrorists (by which they mean gays and lesbians) in our own communities. They claim that the “traditional family” (by which they mean one man, one woman, and children) is being intentionally eroded and destabilized by those whose family relationships do not match that “ideal”. They fully intend for the fear invoked by these highly-charged statements to create and mobilize a “vigilant citizenry” who will fight against the “horror” of same-sex marriage with all of their might.
Well, I have to admit: I am afraid. But, not in the ways they intend. I’m not afraid of love. I’m not afraid of people who commit their lives to one another in love. I’m not even afraid of those who wish to legalize that commitment in order to create more stable families in which that love can thrive. What I am afraid of is that people of good will and religious conviction are being manipulated to believe they or their families are in danger simply because there are other families whose configurations are different. I am afraid that fair-minded Virginians might be taken in by this rhetoric of fear and begin to worry that love, affirmation, community support, and equality are in limited supply and that they must secure their own family’s access to such by restricting others’. And, I am afraid (and appalled!) that the core moral values of my faith tradition (e.g. love of God and neighbor; mutuality, kindness, mercy, justice, respect) are being misused to spread fear and inspire hatred.
It is my earnest prayer that the people of Virginia will not let this sort of fear mongering make us become ugly, irrational people. Let’s be clear. If “traditional families” are endangered by anything, they are endangered by the corrosive effects of dishonesty, lack of commitment, and other factors that lead to divorce in so many marriages. They are not — I repeat, NOT — “under attack” by the loving couples I know. It does absolutely nothing to damage, diminish, or erode the marriage of Dan and Sheila, if their neighbors Ken and Dennis or Karla and Debbie find new ways to celebrate, strengthen, and stabilize their own relationships.
The cause and effect relationship between marriage equality for same sex couples and the demise of traditional families simply does not exist. If we want to strengthen and defend families, then let us do so extravagantly in ways that will actually matter for all families. Let’s encourage people to love and care for one another. Let’s give couples and families access to resources that will help them through the ups and downs of life together. Let’s encourage religious communities to support relationships of mutual love and respect. Let’s remind one another about the highest ideals of our faith and empower one another to live them as each of us is called. Let’s not be suckered by the direct and deceitful appeal to our survival instinct into being afraid of differences. Let’s not funnel our energies negatively into being mean and trying to bully everyone else into looking and thinking and acting just like us. Let’s not get distracted from our shared goal of creating a community and a world in which every individual — with equal access and opportunity — can strive for life, love, liberty, meaning, and all of the other things we each desire ... and of which there is enough to go around.
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3. MCC NOVA News and Upcoming Events
WELCOME OUR NEW MUSICAL STAFF
As many of you know, we have been searching for a new Director of Music since the beginning of the year. It is my pleasure to announce to you that this search is now over!! In an effort to be creative with our options and resources, we have decided to split the position into two - a Director of Music and a Keyboard Accompanist. And we are pleased to welcome Daniel Scearce as our new Director of Music, and at least for the time being, Ken Williamson as our new Keyboard Accompanist.
We are excited about the future growth of our Music Ministry and ask for your prayers for our leaders as they seek Spirit's guidance and help us chart a course for the future. If you have any questions about music or wish to become involved with the music ministry in some way, please contact Daniel directly at 703-491-5798.
Music Notes
WOW! It’s hard to believe we are in the last quarter of 2005 already. As you know, I have been serving in the capacity of Interim Music Director since the end of December 2004. I am so excited to be continuing my journey along with you as the Director of Music ministry here at MCC NOVA. I am truly passionate about music. Especially music as it deals with worshiping God. All through the scripture there are references made to music. Music in praise, worship, and dance, and I firmly believe Music is an expression of love from as well as to God. I am blessed to be working with such a tremendously talented group of singers and musicians.
We are just beginning to start work on the holiday season music. If you have thought about being part of the choir, but just have not made that step, let me encourage you to do it NOW! The holiday season is a great time to join! No previous experience required and we would love to have you.
I am pleased to welcome aboard Mr. Ken Williamson as keyboard accompanist. He will be sharing his musical gifts with us, as he plays for the MCC choir, congregation, as well as helping out in MCC’s fabulous band Incluesion. Make sure you stop by and introduce yourself.
As I continue to work for you to put together music for the congregation, as well as special services I really hope you hear something you like, but most of all, that speaks to your spirit. I am always available, so if you have a “favorite” come by and let me know what it is.
Make a Joyful Noise, Daniel Scearce
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Bye-Bye Birdie!
Our Dear Friend, Harry Simpson, is flying the coop and trading Snow for Sun. Harry has retired (Congratulations, Harry!) and is moving to the sunny state of Arizona! We just could not let that rascal leave without a party! Please stop by, have a bite to eat, and wish Harry a fond farewell. And even if you do not know Harry, please come anyway to meet him. He is one of kind!
The party will be on Sunday, October 16th from 2:00 - 6:00 at Gail and Ginny’s house. All we ask is that you RSVP to Ginny or Gail (703-648-9327) by October 8th so we can plan the right amount of food and beverage that we will need. The address is 2982 Franklin Oaks Drive in Herndon, VA! There is plenty of free parking, so don't let that stop you.
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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
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A TISKET, A TASKET ... AN ARRAY OF FABU BASKETS!
It's that time again! 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.
We are still in GREAT need of large empty baskets for the auction, as well as new or like new things for creating a basket. Also, if you'd like to donate a themed basket, please, please, please sign up on the sheet at the church. When you are visiting your favorite restaurant or retail store, please ask them for a donation for this fund raiser. Donations like these are wonderful to include in baskets. In the past the auction has been GREAT fun and a huge fund raiser so we need your help. If you are interested in helping to prepare for this event -- it's a ton of fun! -- just email Jane at girlybob@aol.com or contact her after worship.
Please note: All donations are tax deductible - simply submit your receipts for "in kind" credits to be reflected on your giving records. |
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NEW CARE TRAINING OPEN TO ALL
Care Team Training begins October 3. There are four two-hour sessions, from 6-8 pm on Mondays (Oct. 3, Oct. 24, Oct. 31, and Nov. 7). If you're interested in exploring care, or finding out more, please plan to join us. Subjects include: introduction to care-giving, confidentiality, direct dealing, death & dying, mental health issues, and transgender concerns. These courses are open to all, but mandatory for those who are called to the Care Ministry. At the completion of training sessions, interested individuals will take part in an individual interview process. For more information, call Judith at 703-876-1822.
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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. |
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Metropolitan Community Churches
PURCHASE BOTH DVD’S AS A SET AND PAY ONLY US $45.00 Click here to download the order form Fax: 310-360-8680
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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.
Safety Volunteers Needed for Moderator’s Installation
The installation of UFMCC’s new Moderator will be held at the National Cathedral on October 29th. To help ensure the smooth flow of the activities planed around the event 30-40 safety monitors will be needed. Among other duties, the volunteers will assist by directing guests to the proper entrances, and alerting the Cathedral’s police to potential problems. Please consider donating your time to help make this historic time in the life of the Fellowship a positive and memorable one. For further information, contact Janet Avery at 301-963-0676 or Janet_L_Avery@Yahoo.com
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Don't miss this pivotal moment in MCC history. During October 28-30, MCC's friends and members will gather in Washington, DC (USA) to celebrate the Installation of Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson as Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches. The historic Installation Ceremony will take place at the Washington National Cathedral -- "A House of Prayer for All People" -- on Saturday from 2-4 in the afternoon. And MCC will unveil our bold new 10 year plan: "Focus On The Human Family." For a list of all weekend activities, receptions, transportation options, and hotel discounts -- or to discover ways you can participate -- visit www.MCCchurch.org. today. Join us in Washington, DC. Together, let's make history during October 28-30, 2005.
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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 Jean and Gail for their help in leading our recent Membership Class. Ø Special thanks to the Welcome Team for their continued (and often quiet and behind the scenes) efforts to extend welcome and hospitality to our guests. You are a source of blessing for all of us!! Ø Special thanks to Rev. Dr. Justin Tanis for his leadership of our recent “Embodied Living”. We appreciate your tremendous gifts. Ø Special thanks to all of our Sunday School teachers and assistants for the work they do to help our children learn and grow in faith. Ø Special thanks to all of our Ministry Leaders for the work they’ve been doing behind the scenes to plan last week’s Ministry Fair, and to prepare information for the next several works of our community’s discernment.
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5. IMPORTANT ON-GOING ACTIVITIES
Ø Choir Practice: Tuesdays at 7:15. 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. |
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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 OLUNTEERS
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 End Discrimination Now
Ø LESBIAN SERVICES PROGRAM/WHITMAN WALKER CLINIC: Breast-a-Palooza
Saturday, October 15, 10 am - 3 pm, at 1810 14th St, NW (metro-accessible, ample parking available). We created this day with relaxation and renewal in mind. Do you deserve a day just for you? Has it been too long since you took some time to connect with yourself? Then you need to clear your calendar and join us on October 15. We've got it all -- relaxing massages provided by trained massage therapists, nourishing food, a great film, and open mic spoken word -- brought to you by the Breast Health Initiative team at LSP. Let a trained massage therapist melt away your tension. Chair massage and table slots still available; 10AM-noon. Come to the self-acupressure demo to learn techniques you can use at home or at the office. Laugh, reflect, and connect with the women interviewed in the poignant film "Breasts: A Documentary" (shown in our new and improved LSP theater). Sign up for an open mic slot and impress us all with your (mammary-themed) flow. Or just come and enjoy some of the best spoken word in DC.
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 |
