BY FAITH: STEWARDS OF FRIENDSHIP
“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” ~Oprah Winfrey
This Sunday at MCCDC will be a celebration of friends and family. The music, message, and prayers will weave together expressions of friendship. To cap it all the Board, Trustees & Staff are hosting a Pancakes & More Breakfast following each service. All in attendance will receive a gift to take home as a memento of this day of celebration. Invite your friends and family to join you for joy and inspiration.
Friendship is woven throughout the Bible, from Ruth and Naomi in the Hebrew Scriptures to the New Testament’s description of the warm friendship Jesus shared with Mary, Martha and Lazarus. In the scripture this Sunday from John 15:15 Jesus says, “I no longer speak of you as subordinates, because a subordinate doesn’t know a superior’s business. Instead, I call you friends.”
MCCDC is the place to be-the place to be in friendship with God and each other. Our hearts are designed for sharing and connection, yet often the call of our hearts gets lost in the demands that pull in so many directions. Even social gatherings can be more about networking and competition than true connection.
Does friendship with God deepen our friendship with others? Or, is friendship with others an open door to a fuller life with God? These are some of the questions I’m pondering heading towards Sunday. In preparation for Sunday, I invite you to read Romans 12:9-18 and John 15:12-17 and to think about the dimensions of friendship in your life.
See you Sunday with your family & friends!
By Faith,
Rev. Elder Dwayne
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:
MCCDC Choir – Consider joining the choir for the Christmas concert which will be held on Dec 4th and 5th. Please see our 11 am Music Director Tyrone Stanley for more information. Our 9 am choir has room for you. Please see our 9 am Music Director Daniel Scearce for more information.
Website Content – Many go to MCCDC’s website to learn more information, hear sermons, see pictures of our community even before stepping foot into our sanctuary. We are in great need of a volunteer to assist in this communications ministry.
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.
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.
THIS SATURDAY:
HEARTSONG RELATIONSHIPS RETREAT
Sometimes relationships with God, self and others can range from joyful to challenging, especially if you are not currently in a relationship. This workshop offers an opportunity to build tools and spiritual practices to be in a mutually fulfilling, healing, healthy and loving relationship.
When our hearts are joyful the entire soul rejoices. Ephesians 4:2-3 states “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
When: Sept 26, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Cost: $50
Please bring your own lunch.
The retreat will be led by Dr. Veronica Franklin.
Please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373 to register or for more information. If you would like to attend yet cannot afford the cost, please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com.
Team MCCDC has formed and all we need is YOU!!! The walk to end HIV will be held on Saturday Oct 24th.
To rejoice in our Anniversary, our goal is to have 45 walkers to raise $10,000. Bob Whitman is our team captain. Go to our page to join the team. http://bit.ly/1OUKFJ2
MINISTRY MEETING TAKES PLACE OCTOBER 7
The Bi-Monthly Ministry Leader meeting will take place on Oct 7 from 7-8:15pm. Please ensure your ministry is represented at this important meeting as we will be reviewing the 2016 budget and other requirements. Please contact Rev Cathy should you have questions or require additional information. RevCathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
MCCDC TO PARTICIPATE IN WESLEY CONFERENCE
Fall Wesley Seminary Reach New Disciples Conference
Saturday, November 14, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Washington, DC
Strong and growing congregations typically have a very high percentage of people who are actively involved in learning, serving, and leading. Yet most churches have a large contingent of less-active members. Research suggests these people long for spiritual growth, but many church activities fail to connect with their needs, interests, and life patterns. At the Increasing Active Engagement Conference you will explore best practices for getting and keeping people involved and engaged. Increasing Active Engagement is ecumenical and designed for both laity and clergy.
- Presentations and Workshops
- Changing Patterns of Congregational Engagement
- Connecting People to their Purpose
- The Art of Asking
- Connecting People through Affinity or Support Groups
- Developing a Year-round Plan for Increasing Engagement
- Keeping People Involved
- Missional Outreach as a Way to Build Engagement
- Ways to Increase Frequency of Worship Attendance
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CONTINUES
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.
Our topic of discussion is an overview to Bible basics.
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.
JOIN THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION TEAM
There is still room for you on the MCCDC 45th Anniversary Celebration Team.If you would like to be a member of this historic team for this historic event, please contact Rev Cathy for more information. revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373. The FIRST organizational meeting will be held on Wed, Oct 7th from 6-7 PM.
FINAL DAYS:
MCCDC TO BE A SPONSOR
AT THE MAUTNER PROJECT 25TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
MCCDC will once again be a sponsor at the Mautner Project 25th Anniversary Gala, Friday, September 25, 8PM at Union Market.
The sponsorship cost $2500 and to help offset that cost, the church has 10 tickets for the event. The tickets cost $250.00.
If you would like to purchase a ticket, please go to www.mccdc.com/donate, send a check to MCCDC to 474 Ridge Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 or contact the church office at 202-638-7373.
COMPLETE YOUR
“45 YEARS: WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH” PLEDGE CARD
We have launched the MCCDC “45 Years: We’ve Come This Far By Faith” Campaign. Please make sure you return your pledge card to the church office or you can put it in the offering plate on Sunday.
As we celebrate the 45th anniversary, let’s come together and help shape the future of MCCDC!!
CHRISTMAS CONCERT DATES ANNOUNCED
SAVE THE DATES!
The 2015 Worship Arts Ministry Christmas concerts will be held on Friday, Dec 4th and Saturday, Dec 5th. You will not want to miss this will be an evening to remember.
Friends and Family Sunday
9AM/11AM Services
Sept 27 will be an opportunity to invite your friends and family to the MCCDC Life giving and life affirming services.
The BoD/Trustees/Staff will serve a mouthwatering pancake breakfast and a special take home gift will be given to all who attend. Looking forward to seeing you there.
THANK YOU MCCDC!
Thank you to Everyone who participated in the Future Planning Congregational Forums. Be on the lookout for more follow up information soon.
BLESSING OF ANIMALS SERVICE
Saturday, October 3, 11AM
Sometimes God sends guardian angels to us who are clothed in fur, feathers or scales. To recognize the special pets and animal companions in our lives, MCCDC will be holding a special Blessing of the Animals service on Saturday Oct 3rd 11 AM. A blessing of the animals is a tradition among many Christian churches and is often conducted in October near the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.
In order to make sure our animals remain safe, please use their leashes or pet carriers. We’ll be sure to have water for your beloved companions.
Please attend with your animal companions-and invite others to attend also.
CALENDAR Highlights
SATURDAY,
SEPTEMBER 26
HEARTSONG RELATIONSHIPS RETREAT
8:30AM-3PM
MCCDC
SUNDAY,
SEPTEMBER 27
FAMILY AND FRIENDS SUNDAY
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
9AM AND 11AM SERVICES
SUNDAY,
SEPTEMBER 27
9AM /11AM
WORSHIP SERVICE
“BY FAITH: STEWARDS OF FRIENDSHIP”
REV. ELDER J. DWAYNE JOHNSON
TUESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 29
BIBLE STUDY: YOUR WORSHIP
7PM
SATURDAY,
OCTOBER 3
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
11AM
WEDNESDAY,
OCTOBER 7
MINISTRY LEADERS MEETING
MCCDC
SATURDAY,
OCTOBER 24
WALK TO END HIV
FREEDOM PLAZA
