“As we hallow our time with priorities, commitments, tasks, and relationships that acknowledge and bless God’s presence in daily affairs, we will find holiness in time.”
~J. S. Mogabgab
We are only five days into 2017 and the “to do” lists are already overflowing. A thought raced through my mind: “I need more time. I’m already running behind.” A counter thought immediately offered a different approach and asked a vital question: “Dwayne, is your “to do” list centered in a “to be” list?”
Our gospel from Matthew 3: 13-17 for this Sunday begins with a reference to time: “At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River so that John would baptize him” (v 13). Jesus, the one who has been so effectively doing the work of God, enters into an experience that defines him beyond calendar events: “Heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and resting on him” (v16). It is a moment when doing and being are intertwined with eternity.
One of my prayers for the MCCDC community as we enter into 2017 is that we would have many such moments. Like Jesus, such moments may happen at baptism. One of the highpoints in 2017 was the beautiful baptisms on Revival Sunday. Yet those moments when doing and being are intertwined with eternity are not limited to the official sacraments. The Spirit is known to break through and break in at any given moment, transforming time into holy encounter.
I invite you to center your doing with your being. Go ahead and ask the important question, “What do I want to do in 2017?” Then, go deeper with a follow-up question of eternal value: “Who do I want to be in 2017?” Looking at the life and teachings of Jesus is a powerful way to consider both questions.
I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 9 AM and 11 AM . Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us that “God has set eternity in our hearts.” Together, we will reflect on how 2017 is about time. . .and beyond time. See you Sunday!
By Faith, Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
UPCOMING EVENTS JANUARY 2017
BIBLE IN 90 DAYS UPDATE JANUARY 11TH, 7 PM
In January 2017, we will embark on our journey as a church community on reading the entire Bible in 90 days. Have you wanted to read the entire Bible – cover-to-cover?
Click here to see upcoming schedule: 2017-bible-in-90-days-schedule
Please go to this blog page for more instructions and to follow along: Click here to enter the blog
The call in number for our community meeting times will be (641) 715-0632, Access Code: 190766, yet we encourage you to attend in person if you can.
You can order your Bible directly at: Click here to order book or the Bible may be found on Amazon. The cost for a soft-cover copy is $15.
If you have questions, would like to participate, or wish to order a book, please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373. Please call or email to let us know if you plan to participate. All are welcome.
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Please join the Tuesday Night Bible Study from 7-8 PM in the Welcome Hall. A time of community, fun learning and sharing. For more information please contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
NEW FOR 2017, January 29th at 6:30 PM at MCCDC
Ignite is a new monthly Sunday Night Worship. The mission of this new service is to create a worship space that celebrates the diverse tapestry of God’s creation,seeking to explore innovative ways to interact with the Divine who lives in us all. Mark your calendar now and stay posted for more information!
THE OLDER ADULTS MINISTRY POTLUCK, January 08, 2016
12:30 PM, LOWER LEVEL
The Older Adult Ministry Monthly Pot Luck is today at 12:30 PM. All Older Adults 50 and above are welcome to attend.
CHURCH NEWS
MCCDC LIVE STREAMING
MCCDC is going live! We have an opportunity to use of our AV system to reach outside our walls to many people who may not be able to join us in person. To make this happen we must have a subscription service that will provide us the ability to stream our services, concerts and special events, and expand opportunities for participation in our bible studies and other activities remotely. The testing done so far with streaming has generated a lot of excitement, particularly by those who have been unable to visit our church.
You can be a part of making this happen in a number of ways: (1) pray for our reach beyond the walls of our church (2) join others in donating to cover the one-time annual cost of the service and associated AV training for our volunteers; and (3) consider joining the AV ministry.
Click to Donate!
You can contact the church office with questions at 202-638-7373 or churchoffice@mccdc.com.
ELECTRONIC GIVING
With EasyTithe, supporting the church is as simple as clicking a mouse or whipping out your smart phone.
Our new online system allows you to make a financial donation to the church with your credit card or direct debit from your banking account.
You’ll be asked to set up your MCCDC EasyTithe Account. You can set it up to make a one-time/anytime donation or make a recurring donation.
Click to Donate!
You also can give by text 202-999-3841. Please contact the church office with questions at 202-638-7373 or churchoffice@mccdc.com.
YOGA CLASSES
To nourish your physical body in addition to your spiritual body. Yoga is held on Mondays from 7-8 PM. Hope to see you then. If you have questions or desire additional information please contact Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
~ Namaste (“The Spirit in me honors the Spirit in you”)
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Adult Sunday School is held from 10:15 to 10:50. Please bring your coffee or tea to the upstairs conference room for the brief yet powerful time together. For more information contact Rose Herring at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
Parking Lot Update
Since the new condo building is complete, MCCDC congregants and guests can now return to using the 4 parking spots that surround that building. Please contact the church office if you have questions at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373
