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. ▼
The Beard's Fork experience was, by all accounts, quite profound. We are still thinking about what it all means...to us and to those we worked with. :)
I'm excited to tell you that my new "little sis" Krystle Maynor took the ACT exam last week, enrolled in a West Virginai Technical College, and actually started school this week! She is taking an English class and a math class. She has also been hired full time at SALS, which means she will be able to pay her way as she goes.
Krystle knows her math teacher because he taught her in high school. Hopefully, this means that she will have a "soft landing" for her first semester in college. I am so proud of her for taking this enormous step forward!
Thanks for all your help and I'll keep you posted on the "ups and downs" as Krystle attends college for the first time. If you would, please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. She'll like knowing that you're "with" her on this journey.
J
3. MCC NOVA News and Upcoming Events
Ø SACRED PLACES--An Evening Meditation
Sunday, September 4, 6 PM Sacred Places is an evening meditative service designed to facilitate meditation on a selected topic and encourage individuals to explore sacredness & spirituality in ways that may be new to them. The topic for this month will be “Sacred Ground.” “Some of us are drawn to mountain tops, some to caves, others to forest clearing. For each person there is a place of alignment. Sanctuary has no further purpose. Being there is reason enough." ("Sanctuary" by Fredric Lehrman from "The Sacred landscape".). Come and explore our topic through readings, music, and meditation. All are welcome. For more information, please contact Ginny Reed @ 703 648 9327.
Ø FROM CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Thanks for the work of MCC NoVA's FABULOUS Sunday School teachers, Sunday School happened during the summer. Our wonderful teachers provided excellent lessons to the children this summer! Thank you!
Secondly, for the past year and a half, Sarah Fershee has been an INCREDIBLE Sunday School teacher and coordinator of the Sunday School 2 Program. After considerable reflection, Sarah has decided to devote her talents to retreat planning. We will miss her expertise and caring ways in Sunday School, but know she has to follow her heart's passion. Good luck in your new endeavors, Sarah!
With that said, there is now have a vacancy in the Sunday School 2 Program. During the month of Sept., Rev. Kharma is encouraging us to reflect on our heart's desire and level of commitment. Do you have a passion for teaching children ages 8-12? Do you like planning fun, religious activities for children? IF so, this IS the exciting job for you! Reflect and see if teaching is where your commitment lies. Please call Lisa Dravvorn (703-897-8897) if you'd like to talk about this further.
Until we have a coordinator for the Sunday School 2 Program, we ask that you be flexible with our program. The Sunday School 1 Program will continue and have a primary focus for children ages 3-7, but all are welcome. You decide where is the best place for your child during church.
Ø Embodied Living: Sexuality & Spirituality
We talk about the importance of integrating these two important elements of our lives, but how do we actually do it?
Join us for a one-day retreat on Saturday, September 17 as we explore these questions in a practical and faithful way.
Among the topics to be covered are:
Sex is Dirty—Save it for the One You Love: The Mixed Messages We’ve Received,
Cool, What Does This Do—Discovering the Joy of Our Bodies;
This is My Body: Awakening Our Senses.
O God, O God, O God: Spiritual Resources for Affirming Sex and the Body;
This Feels So Right, Is It? Applying Our Spiritual Principles to the Sex We Are Actually Having and
I Am Who I Am: Sexual, Gender and Spiritual Self-Determination.
Led by Rev. Dr. Justin Tanis, this day will be ethically-based, sex-positive, and body-affirming; Justin is the former Director of Leadership Development for MCC, the author of Transgendered Ministry, Theology and Communities of Faith, and an experienced workshop leader. People of all genders, sexual orientations, body types, colors, and anything else you can think of are welcome and encouraged to participate. The day will run from 9 am – 5 pm; registration is $25 and will include lunch. Scholarships are available. Please contact the church office to register.
Ø Journey Rhythms--- Sacred/Community Drumming Circle
September 17, 7:00-9:00 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 (Sept. 17, 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. The more the merrier.
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!
Ø WANTED: CAPTAIN CRUNCH
If you are just fascinated with numbers and love to "CRUNCH! CRUNCH! CRUNCH!” then I am looking for you. It is that time again to start working on MCC NOVA's budget for 2006. The budget will be presented for approval in December at our Congregational meeting. That may seem far away, but there IS much to do before that. No experience is necessary, but would certainly be a plus. If you would like to give it a try, please call me on 703-648-9327 or send an email to gailminnick@msn.com.
Did you know that MCC NOVA will celebrate it's 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
Ø Wednesday Evening Educational Enrichment Series
HOW, THEN, SHALL WE LIVE?
September 28, October 5, 12, and 19, 2005--This series, to be held each on four consecutive Wednesday evenings, will be based on the book, How, Then, Shall We Live? By Wayne Muller. The book asks four fundamental questions for contemplation:
1. Who am I?
2. What do I love?
3. How shall I live, knowing I will die?
4. What is my gift to the family of the Earth?
We will address each of these questions during the series, using ideas and stories from the book. As a participant, you will be encouraged to consider these significant questions for yourself, identify more clearly what is most important to you, and begin to imagine how you might live out your future.
Please join us from 7:00 to 8:30 at the church for these stimulating discussions. Since each question builds on the previous one, you should plan to attend all sessions if at all possible so that you can receive the full benefit of the series. The series will be limited to 12 participants, and will be on a first come—first served basis. So sign up now by calling the church number, 703-691-0930.
Reading the book is not required, but you are welcome to read it since it has rich content, much of which we will not be able to cover. If you are interested in purchasing the book, Bantam Books published it in 1996.
For additional questions, see Sarah Fershee or Virginia Miles Co-Facilitators for the series, or call them at 703-648-9598.
Ø 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 will be soliciting donations of large baskets, items to fill baskets, and especially pre-packaged theme baskets ready for auction. There is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board for basket donations and desserts. 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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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:
Ø Special thanks to MCC NOVA’s Bridge-Builders Team (Cindy, Deb, Gail M., Gail S., Ginny, Holly, JB, Kala, Kharma, Kurt, and Margaret) for their work last week on our first Global Volunteers Service Project in Beard’s Fork, West Virginia.. Thanks to all of you for your financial generosity that helped make this trip possible!
Ø Special thanks to MCC’s Board of Directors for their consistent dedication to managing our church’s administration needs. Cindy, Gail, Kim, Leslie, and Miguel – We appreciate you!!
Ø Special thanks to ICM Uruguay for the work they did preparing such a wonderful introduction for us to their context and community. We are grateful for their prayers, their friendship, and the possibilities that await us as we mutually encourage one another in faith.
6. Important On-Going Activities
Ø Choir Practice: Tuesdays at 7:15. For more information contact Daniel at 703 491-5798.
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.
7. Community Notes, Etc.
Ø "An Evening with Tara Brach For the People of Color and Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgender Communities"
Thursday, September 8th, from 7 - 9 pm. A special evening of guided meditation, reflective inquiry, sharing, and Q&A., Seekers Church, 276 Carroll Street, Takoma Park, MD
20912. TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING:
Metro: Seekers church is across the street from the Takoma Metro station on the Red Line.
Parking options:
* The "D" lot at the Metro station costs about 25 cents per half hour (quarters only);
* Cedar Ave (across the street from the church) allows parking after 6:30pm (free);
* On other nearby streets, check parking signs and meters; when not prohibited, parking is generally free after 6:30 or 7:00 pm;
* There are a few parking spots in a small lot behind Seeker's Church.
DANA (DONATION):
There is no fee, but we suggest a donation (dana) of $10 to cover costs and to benefit future IMCW Diversity events. Please give what feels generous and
comfortable for you.
If you have any further questions, please contact myself (rhiannon_patterson@yahoo.com) or Wende McIlwain (202.986.2922 or meditate@imcw.org).
Ø Free NOVA Screening of TransGeneration
Saturday, September 10, 4 pm. WETA (Public Broadcasting for Greater Washington, 2775 South Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22206). Show time is. Please allow time for parking. "TransGeneration" is a 90-minute documentary tracking two male-to-female (MtF) and two female-to-male (MtF) students at four very different colleges during the 2004-2005 school year. They begin their transition from one sex to the other and adapt to their emerging gender expression. The series captures their setbacks and triumphs as they juggle the challenges of campus life, family expectations, their own life-experience, and commitment to sex reassignment. It will be running on the Sundance Channel, starting on Sept. 15 this year.
Following is the schedule for September 10:
3:30 p.m. Doors open for registration (required for live broadcasting facilities) .
3:50 p.m. Introductions before Film Screening
4:00 pm. WETA doors close for this event
(please arrive and sign in before 4 p.m.)
4:00 p.m. Film Screening
5:30 p.m. Brief Panel discussion about the film, gender
identity, and transsexuals
6:00 p.m. Meeting ends…continue the dialogue
[We need to give WETA workers a break by leaving
before 6:15 p.m.]
Ø Interfaith unity walk
September 11, 2005 Starts at 2:00 pm from Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb St, NW, passing by the Islamic Center and ending at Gandhi Memorial. More information is online at www.dcunitywalk.com or 202-362-2222. No signs or protests, please.
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 MAUTNER PROJECT GALA
September 17, 2005, This year is the 15th anniversary of the Mautner Project. The funds raised at the Gala enable the Mautner Project to provide direct services to lesbians with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and their families, to educate lesbians about health issues, to teach health care providers and policy makers about lesbian health issues, to teach health care providers and policy makers abotu lesbian health issues, and to conduct groundbreaking research.
Jean Taczak & Barbara Kraus are table captains for the event. Please contact them if you wish to join them at their table - 703-262-0126.
Location: Hilton Washington & Towers, 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC
Times: 6:00pm Silent Auction and Reception
7:00pm Ballroom opens for seating and dancing
7:30pm Dinner is served
8:00pm Dinner Program begins - this includes awards, honoring those who have died from cancer & other life-threatening illnesses, honoring the survivors,
entertainment, and a Live Auction
Until 1:00am After-dinner dancing
Price: $160/person - $80 is tax-deductible
Attire: Formal/Festive
Over 1,600 people are expected to attend this year. The Gala is for everyone. If singles want to sit with other singles (men and women), that can be arranged.
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 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 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
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