JOIN US SUNDAY! 9AM & 11AM
BY FAITH: STEWARDS OF ETERNITY
“. . .what we celebrate in the saints is not their piety or perfection but the fact that we believe in a God who gets redemptive and holy things done in the world through, of all things, human beings, all of whom are flawed.”
~Nadia Bolz-Weber from “Accidental Saints: Finding God in All the Wrong People”
This Sunday is All Saints Day. MCCDC is joining churches around the world in commemorating this day that took form in the year 835 when Pope Gregory IV called for the day to be universally observed on November 1. Though rooted in the Catholic tradition, All Saints Day has been embraced by Protestants and others as a day to remember that we are surrounded by “a great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) who encourage us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
I believe All Saints Day is also a time to speak life to death. Death is an uncomfortable subject, for which we find euphemisms. Rather than saying someone we loved died, we say our beloved “passed” or “transitioned.” While such words hold valuable meaning if fully explored, the power of our faith invites us to name death directly, fearlessly, and through the lens of eternal life.
Author David Lose writes, “It is from the light of Easter dawn that we confront the reality of death. And it is from the other side of Christ’s resurrection that we gain the courage, not to deny death, but to defy its ability to overshadow and distort our lives, for the Risen Christ has promised us that death does not have the last word.”
Our scriptures for Sunday emphatically call us to look death in the face, and see hope looking back. Isaiah 25:7-8 exults “On this mountain God will remove the mourning veil covering all peoples, the shroud covering all nations, destroying all death forever.” And Revelation 21:3-4 assures that “God will be fully present among the people. The Most High will wipe away every tear from their eyes. And death, mourning, crying and pain will be no more, for the old order has fallen.”
This Sunday, we’ll reflect further on our invitation to live as saints, cheered on by the Great Cloud of Saints, who journey with us through the thin and thick places of life as stewards of eternity. See you Sunday at 9AM and 11AM.
By Faith,
Rev. Elder Dwayne
JOIN US AT MCCDC FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
11TH ANNUAL TOY PARTY
DECEMBER 12
10AM-12NOON AND 1PM-3PM
WE WILL START
COLLECTING TOYS THIS SUNDAY!!
BRING UNWRAPPED TOYS IN THIS SUNDAY!
Let’s get our Toy Drive started off with lots of toys.
When you pick up toys and games for the little ones (infant to 10 years old) during this year’s toy drive, please grab an item for the tweens and teens (ages11 to 18) too.
Gift ideas for 11 to 18year olds include handheld electronic devices (games and tablets), chargers for electronic devices, headphones, video game cartridges, skateboards (castor boards, street surfing wave boards, helmets, knee / elbow pads, etc.,), razor sole skates and gift cards (movies, iTunes, retail, etc.,).
Batteries are needed: AAA, AA, C, and D.
We also could use Christmas Cards for the kids to fill out for their families.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE DECEMBER 24, 7PM
eBLAST OCTOBER 29, 2015
CONGREGATIONAL FORUM
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8
The Congregational Forum will take place on November 8 at 12:30pm. At the meeting, you will hear about the accomplishments in 2015, goals for 2016, candidates for the Board, and the 2016 Budget.
The Congregational Meeting will take place on November 22 where we will approve the 2016 Budget and vote on candidates for the Board of Directors.
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.
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
BOARD CANDIDATES APPROVED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Nominations Committee forwarded their recommendation for four candidates for the two open positions. The recommendation was approved by the Board.
Bios about the candidates will be available in the Congregational Packet this Sunday. The following candidates were approved by the Board of Directors to be presented to the Congregation for election:
- Fenicia L. Ballard
- Quanti E. Davis
- John Merriwether
- Bobbi E. Strang
JOIN US FOR THANKSGIVING
EVE SERVICES AT 7PM
This holiday season we will celebrate our Service of Thanksgiving on Wednesdayevening November 25th at 7pm. Please plan on joining the celebration at MCCDC.
MEMBERSHIP CLASS TO TAKE PLACE
NOVEMBER 15
The next membership class will take place November 15. If you have questions about MCCDC and what membership is about, class will be held on November 15th from 12:30 to 2:30 in the lower level conference room. All are welcome to attend. A light lunch will be served. PLEASE register so that we may have enough food and materials. 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
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!!
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.
CONGREGATIONAL FORUM AND MEETING SET FOR NOV. 8TH AND 22
The Congregational Forum will take place on November 8th at 12:30 and the Congregational Meeting will take place on November 22nd at 12:30.
LANDSCAPING DAY OF SERVICE
SAT., OCT. 31, 9am-1pm
Join other MCC’ers to beautiful our church’s property and nearby streets for the Fall. We’ll rake and collect debris, trim bushes, pull weeds, plant flowers and make our church and neighborhood prettier for the Fall.
We’ll have fun while we work … and it is a great way to connect with other MCCers! If you can, please bring your landscaping tools (rakes, brooms, gloves, clippers, etc.).
We’ll have some light breakfast foods to fuel us. Please RSVP to Greg Snyder, gcsnyder01@aol.com, 202-427-6313.
BLESSINGS TO GO
The Stewardship Team has started a new program called “Blessings To Go.” The program offers blessings to folks as they leave the Sanctuary each Sunday. Look for those wearing the Blessings To Go nametag.
The Stewardship team has formed and there is room for you. Our focus and purpose are to facilitate conversations and awareness of using your time, talent and treasure. Read about the team’s charter and purpose here https://goo.gl/IQc2y7.
If you would like to join the team or more information, please contactrevcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373
OLDER ADULTS MINISTRY POTLUCK
The OAM will meet for the monthly potluck at 12:30PM on Nov 1. The ministry is for Older Adults over 50. Please join us in the lower level conference room. Please contact the church office for more information at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
CALENDAR Highlights
SATURDAY,
OCTOBER 31
LANDSCAPE DAY
9AM-1PM
MCCDC
SATURDAY,
OCTOBER 31
HALLOWEEN PARTY
6PM-9M
MCCDC
SUNDAY,
NOVEMBER 1
9AM /11AM
WORSHIP SERVICE
“BY FAITH: STEWARDS OF ETERNITY”
REV. ELDER J. DWAYNE JOHNSON
TUESDAY,
NOVEMBER 3
BIBLE STUDY: YOUR WORSHIP
7PM
SUNDAY,
NOVEMBER 8
CONGREGATIONAL FORUM
12:30PM
SANCTUARY
SUNDAY,
NOVEMBER 22
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
12:30PM
SANCTUARY
FRIDAY,
DECEMBER 4
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
7:30PM
SATURDAY,
DECEMBER 5
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
7:30PM
SATURDAY,
DECEMBER 12
TOY PARTY
10AM-12NOON
1PM-3PM
MCCDC
