COUPLES RETREAT SET FOR OCT. 17
Dr. Veronica Franklin will conduct a couple’s retreat on October 17th. The retreatwill be held from 9 AM to 4 PM. The cost will be $75 per couple. For more information or to register, please contact churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
JOIN OUR MCCDC TEAM! WE HAVE 11 WALKERS AND WE’VE RAISED OVER $3,000
Team MCCDC has formed and all we need is YOU!!! The walk to end HIV will take place Saturday, October 24.
To rejoice in our Anniversary,
our goal is to have 45 walkers and to raise $10,000. Bob Whitman is our team captain. SO FAR WE HAVE 11 WALKERS AND CLOSE TO $3,175 RAISED…
Go to our page to join the team and help us reach our goal. http://bit.ly/1OUKFJ2
JOIN US SUNDAY!
9AM & 11AM
BY FAITH: STEWARDS OF EACH OTHER
. . . we waste so much of life’s energy by deliberating who and what shall be worthy of our love when in the deepest elemental sense, these choices are not in our province, anymore than rain can choose what it shall fall upon . . . . In truth, the more we let love flow through, the more we have to love. – Mark Nepo
We each have a desire to live better lives, to more fully engage the gifts God gives us, to share in everlasting life, as the person in this Sunday’s gospel, Mark 10:17-22, says he wants. But what is everlasting life? And is it something coming later or is it available to us now?
Further, is this life only for us, or is it for everyone? Are the gifts of God for the people, all the people, of God? Yes, of course. But do we have a role to play in making sure these gifts are shared among and by all?
When the person in the reading asks Jesus how he can share in that life, Jesus reminds him of the commandments. And the person says he does those. So Jesus, as so often, ups the ante and tells him, “Go and sell what you have and give it to those in need; you will then have treasure in heaven.” The man walks away, crestfallen and sad because he has much property.
What do we do when Jesus, or even a good friend or teacher or pastor or the Holy Spirit suggests we give up something we really like in order to have something better? And how do we respond if Jesus or someone suggests that we do so in order for others to have something better, too?
Can we act as stewards of our own lives as well as the lives of each other? In fact, is it possible to do one without the other?
I hope to see you at 9AM or 11AM, or even both, as we wrestle with these concerns and share in glorious worship at MCCDC.
Faithfully,
Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline
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:
Facebook Page-Do you love to Facebook? Our MCCDC Facebook team could use your support. We are expanding and needs your skills.
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.
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
CELEBRATING MCC ANNIVERSARY
MCCDC will contribute to the celebration of MCC’s Anniversary.
We will offer honors and remembrances and the funds raised will support MCC Emerging Ministries. Please see a message below from MCC Moderator Rev. Elder. Dr. Nancy Wilson.
WORKING TOGETHER WE WILL SUCCEED!!
Dear Friend,
As we reflect on nearly 50 years of MCC Ministry, I invite you to reflect on how we all participate in building God’s vision for the world. Your generosity allows MCC to impact and transform the lives of those in our communities and beyond.
We are thankful for everything you do for the church, and simply put, without your kindness and generosity we could not be part of the work God has given us to do. It is that time when I ask once again for your prayers and consideration of our Anniversary Sunday. These funds help support the programs and ministries of our church.
We have set a lofty goal of $250,000 to go towards Emerging Ministries and other vital MCC programs. The Anniversary Sunday campaign is one integral component of reaching this goal over the course of the upcoming year. I know that by working hand in hand, we can and will succeed!
As you consider your response, let us pray:
Direct us Lord in all our actions,
and strengthen us with your continual help
that in all our works begun,
continued and ended in Your love,
we may glorify You,
and finally by Your grace live fully,
through Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson
Global Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches
THE BOARD NEEDS YOU!!
The Nominations Committee is looking for motivated and qualified candidates to run for the Board of Directors this year. Two positions will be open due to term expirations in 2015.
What we are looking for are people with the spiritual gifts of leadership, discernment, and compassion. We are also looking for people with experience in strategic planning, financial management/fundraising, policy development, program oversight, or legal matters.
If you feel called and have been an MCCDC member in good standing for the past six months, you are eligible to run.
Please submit a brief bio and a letter of interest to Committee Chair Bob Whitman at bwhit1022@aol.com or the church office at churchoffice@mccdc.com by Sunday, October 25th.
MCC EASTERN NETWORK GATHERING TO TAKE PLACE THIS SATURDAY
Please plan on joining us for the MCC Eastern Network Gathering, October 10, 2015 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM at MCC Baltimore, 401 West Monument St. Baltimore, MD 21201.
8:30 AM Gathering and Registration (Light breakfast)
Focus Areas for the day
Denominational News and Update on the MCC Statement of Faith,
A lively time of Worship,
Clergy time of connecting
Resource sharing for Lay Delegates,
Non Parish based clergy time of connection,
Ministry Leaders resource sharing,
BOD/Treasurers resource sharing
Listening post and Roundtable Discussion led by Youth and Young Adults
Roundtable conversation on race and racial justice with our special guest presenter Dr. Brad R. Braxtonhttp://www.bradbraxton.com/
For more information please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
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 10:15-10:45am, 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.
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 SET FOR DECEMBER 4 AND 5
The 2015 Worship Arts Ministry Christmas concerts will take place on Friday, Dec 4th and Saturday, Dec 5th at 7:30PM You will not want to miss this concert as it will be an evening to remember.
COUPLES RETREAT SET FOR OCT. 17
Dr. Veronica Franklin will conduct a couple’s retreat on October 17th. The retreat will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM. The cost will be $75 per couple. For more information or to register, please contact churchoffice@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
If you are interested in attending, please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
CALENDAR Highlights
SATURDAY,
OCTOBER 10
EASTERN NETWORK GATHERING
BALTIMORE MCC
8:30AM-4PM
SUNDAY,
OCTOBER 11
9AM /11AM
WORSHIP SERVICE
“BY FAITH: STEWARDS OF EACH OTHER”
REV. DR. ROBIN GORSLINE
TUESDAY,
OCTOBER 13
BIBLE STUDY: YOUR WORSHIP
7PM
SATURDAY,
OCTOBER 17
COUPLE’S RETREAT
9AM
MCCDC
SATURDAY,
OCTOBER 24
WALK TO END HIV
FREEDOM PLAZA
SUNDAY,
NOVEMBER 8
CONGREGATIONAL FORUM
12:30PM
SANCTUARY
SUNDAY,
NOVEMBER 22
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
12:30PM
SANCTUARY
