44TH MCCDC ANNIVERSARY
Welcome Home!
Join us Sunday for our annual celebration
SERVICES AT 9AM AND 11AM
THANKS TO EVERYONE!
We have finished our AV Ministry Project and the finishing touches are being made tomorrow. The MCCDC Board of Directors, Trustees , and Staff want to thank everyone for all their work and giving towards this project. Special thanks to Michael Peart and Keith Wilson for their leadership and to our soundboard team for all their work.
“We had found our new spiritual home. For 47 years many thousands more have found their spiritual home with us.”
~ Rev. Elder Don Eastman, MCCDC 44th Anniversary Guest Preacher
For 44 years MCCDC has offered a compelling message to the community: “Welcome Home!” Founded just 3 years after Rev. Elder Troy Perry founded the first MCC in the Los Angeles area, MCCDC has offered an East Coast anchor to a global message of grace and inclusion.
“Welcome Home” is a fitting theme for our 44th Anniversary. Rev. Perry’s first worship service was held in his home. Similarly, the first MCC gathering in DC was in a home—an apartment on Capitol Hill in 1971. In the early days, many who joined MCC had been kicked out of their church homes. Many were disowned not only by their churches, but by their families. Thus, MCC provided the only home they had.
Though the religious and familial cultures in the United States have become more accepting of LGBTQIA peoples, the message of home remains relevant. People still long for the warmth and connectedness of home. People still long to be welcomed, received, and nourished.
This Sunday MCCDC is celebrating 44 years of offering a spiritual home to our community. Our guest preacher is Rev. Elder Don Eastman. He knows the global story of MCC by heart, and he is one who was transformed by the welcome he received in 1974 at the MCC in Des Moines, Iowa.
We will honor those who have been members for 20 or more years. Don’t miss seeing who is added to the list this year! Other special features this Sunday will include the presentation of the Jim McCann Memorial Award for Ministry and Service and the Commissioning of 2015-2016 Pastoral Care Ministers.
As we celebrate our past, we also look to the future. Rev. Elder Eastman is facilitating a Church Forum this Saturday, May 16, from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. The forum will discuss the question “Who are we as a congregation?” This holy conversation on our beliefs and values will lay the foundation for another Church Forum on September 12 that will ask “Where do we want to go as a church?” I invite you to be a part of creating the future of MCCDC and our action plan for the next several years. There is still time to sign up for this Saturday. Just email me today: RevDwayne@mccdc.com
It is going to be a great weekend to recognize MCCDC’s 44 years. See you Saturday and Sunday!
Faithfully,
Rev. Dwayne
MCCDC CHOIR TO SING WITH GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF WASHINGTON, DC
The MCCDC Worship Arts Ministry joins the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington in May 15th and May 16th Spring Concert “Born This Way: Songs and stories from Civil Rights movements”.
May 15, 2015 at 8pm
May 16, 2015 at 3pm (ASL) & 8pm
At the historic Lincoln Theatre – 1215 U Street NW
http://gmcw.org/season-shows/born-this-way/
Please come out to support the MCCDC Worship Arts Ministry, and you can purchase tickets at a 20% discount. Use the code “partnersinharmony”.
MARY’S HOUSE
FOR OLDER ADULTS SPONSORING OLD SCHOOL DANCE PARTY MAY 23
MCCDC’s Alan Dinsmore is receiving the 2nd Annual Celebration of Life Award for his contribution and work in trying to eliminate isolation among LGBT Elders. Congratulations Alan!!!
Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 4:00 pm
Westminster Presbyterian Church
401 I Street SW, Washington, DC 20004
Advance tickets are $35, at the door $40
Tickets and RSVPs at the Welcome Station following the 9:00 and 11:00 services and at the Older Adults Brunch.
JOIN US MAY 23
FOR A DAY OF FESTIVITIES
You are cordially invited to participate in food, fun and connection on May 23rd.
– Clergy/Pastor Breakfast with Rev Elder Nancy Wilson (9:30 – 11:00 AM) (For Clergy and Pastors).
– Network Roundtable with Rev Elder Nancy Wilson (all are invited to attend) (11 AM – 12:30 PM).
– Installation service for Rev Dwayne Johnson (all are invited to attend) (2 PM).
Please RSVP by May 15th using this link http://goo.gl/forms/Xd2ZB3tXeS.
Be blessed and please contact Rev Cathy Alexander at 202-638-7373 or revcathy@mccdc.com if you have questions or would like to assist.
OLDER ADULTS POOL PARTY
2nd Annual Older Adults Pool Party
Saturday, July 11, 2015 from 4:00 to 9:00
Complete Buffet, Good Music, Dancing, and Swimwear Contest
On the first Sunday, $10 tickets and RSVPs at the Welcome Station after the 9:00 and 11:00 services, and at the Older Adult Brunch.
Great social opportunity for your family and friends to meet your MCCDC family.
CONGREGATIONAL FORUM TO DISCUSS “WHO ARE WE AS A CONGREGATION?”
As we move to the next in a series of holy conversations, we will continue in prayerful reflection, creative dreaming and meaningful dialogue for the future of MCCDC.
These conversations will inspire and inform a clear sense of mission and a powerful vision to bring transformation and blessing to many more people in the years ahead. Once again, I invite you to help create the future of MCCDC:
The forum will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 8:30 AM to 2 PM.
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR NIGHT OUT AT THE NATIONALS
This year’s Night OUT takes place on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 when the Washington Nationals take on the Tampa Bay Rays at Nationals Park.
Pre-game activities begin at 5pm, and game time is 7:05pm. Last year we had over 100 people attend the game. Tickets are $25 and will go on sale this Sunday. We have 100 tickets this year.
If you would like to reserve tickets, please click here. You can also purchase tickets online at www.mccdc.com/donate.
MINISTRY CONNECTIONS
Opportunities to serve in ministry are plentiful. If you have a heart to serve and to be a part of something larger than yourself, please consider this your personal invitation to join in ministry. Where needed most:
Children’s Ministry – The Children’s Ministry provides a fun and safe space for children to learn about spiritual values, while valuing each child’s unique talents and abilities.
Hospitality – God’s hospitality extends welcome to the entire community, the Hospitality Ministry provides arms and feet to that welcome. The ministry is responsible for coordinating food and welcome during the social time.
Information Station – These faithful folks coordinate the sharing of information about ministry activities, events and directions. They extend the hospitality of welcome to everyone who has questions or require assistance.
Adult Sunday School – This is a brief yet powerful time to connect with scripture and each other. Participants meet on Sundays from 10:15 – 10:45. All are welcome.
AV Ministry – This Ministry is responsible for the sights and sounds in worship and other services in the sanctuary. If you feel called to investigate learning and participating in providing audio and video support, please pray about connecting.
If you are interested in any of these service ministries, please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL STARTS BACK
Let Us School You (And you can teach us a few things, too)
Adult Sunday School has restarted. It is held Sunday mornings between the two services from 10:15 ’till 10:45, in the lower-level conference room.
First lesson is “Bible Basics, an Overview”
Bring your coffee and cookies. Sessions are short but pack a lot of punch.
It’s a great way to spend a half-hour – learn something new and fellowship, too.
All are welcome and wanted.
INFORMATIONAL/ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING FOR THIS TRANSFORMATIONAL
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE
Steve Jones and Rev Cathy Alexander will have a get-together to provide information and answer questions about the upcoming CLM course. We will meet on Thursday May 21st from 7-8:30 pm. Bring your questions, thoughts, comments and yourself.
If you are interested in becoming a part of this amazing event or receiving more information, please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
ABOUT THE COURSE:
Creating a Life that Matters (CLM) is a three-course curriculum which explores ways to rediscover relationship with the Sacred, with my Self, and with my Passion. These three courses correspond to the spiritual experiences of being changed, gifted and called.
Graduates of CLM will have been challenged to broaden their understanding of all that is Sacred; integrate their self-awareness into being authentic, aware leaders; and live their passion intentionally through the life and work of the church. CLM integrates art, scripture, music, film, journaling, and diverse spiritual resources to augment our exploration of the Christian path.
