“I still have a PULSE. And as long as I have that Pulse I will stand up for MY People, for OUR PEOPLE. . .While I have a PULSE I will carry on-carry on to prove Love will always CONQUER HATE through God’s grace, I pray.” ~From “On a Sunday Morning,” Lynn Sulyma, alt.
A year ago the world was broken. Healing will take a lifetime. The Sunday morning of June 12 held promise as a day of joy. It shifted to a day of lament as 49 of our beloveds lost their lives to gun violence at Pulse in Orlando, Florida. We will always remember, for memory is part of healing and loving.
The pulse of love flows through our hearts, and it is not limited to the confines of this world. The pulse of love reaches the infinite hearts of our 49 LGBTQ siblings and allies to express the love we feel for them. Do hearts in this world expand and touch the hearts in the next? Do those eternal hearts reach back? I believe so. And I find strength in that belief.
This Sunday we will worship and praise God with joy. From the center of joy, we will also recognize the hurting places. The Psalmist sings, “Pour out your hearts to God, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8). Both services will include a special music tribute in memory of Pulse. At 11:00 AM our special music guest is the L.O.V.E. Gospel Choir with founder and director Deidre Mouton Gray. Both services will include poet Lynn Sulyma joining us from New York to offer a reading of “On a Sunday Morning.”
At 9 AM there will be a send-off Prayer of Blessing for members from MCCDC and other MCCs that are marching in the National Equality March. The Prayer of Blessing will be at the start of the service so that marchers can head directly to the march that starts at 10 AM from I(Eye) Street and 17th Street NW. Others will be going to set-up our booth at the Capital Pride Festival. They will also be included in the Prayer. Our worship will radiate from our Sanctuary to throughout the city, as we divide and multiply to share God’s love.
My message at 9 AM and 11 AM, “The Pulse of Love,” will instill courage to advocate for a world that is safe and provides a shared home for people of differing religions and cultures. It will also guide our hearts to experience the fullness of God, in both joy and hurt: “Open your hearts to the Beloved, learn of humility, and be blessed in brokenness, for those are the treasures stored in eternity” (From Psalm 45; Nan Merrill).
By Faith, Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
UPCOMING EVENTS JUNE 2017
Come out and march with MCCDC in the Capital Pride Parade!
We would like to invite all of you to walk in the Parade with MCCDC and our Pride coalition “ChurchesUnitedInPride”. We will also have a small float, so even if you cannot walk the entire Parade, you will be able to join us! Our Pride theme this year is “Unapologetically Loved”.
So come out on Saturday, wear your Pride shirt and let us reach out to the community! We will hand out beads and water bottles and you can also pick up shirts that you ordered at the Parade. If you did not order a shirt or prefer wearing something else, please consider a white T-shirt, tank top or similar.
Date: Saturday, June 10, 2017
Time: Line-up time for our walkers is at 4:00 pm. The Parade will kick-off at 4:30 pm.
Location: We will line up on 22nd Street NW (green section on the map below / (“Church of the Pilgrims” will be on your right hand side). It will be easiest to get there from the North/West (Florida & Massachusetts Ave NW). In case you cannot find us, please ask a Parade Marshall (our official registration ID is “Churches United In Pride” R-06213) but you should be able to see our trailer/float in the green section.
If you would like to decorate the trailer with us, we will meet at the MCCDC parking lot on Saturday morning at 10:30am.
Parade Line-Up Map and Location
Our walkers will line-up on 22nd Street (see red arrow) at 4:00pm!
Click here to see Washington DC Captial Pride Calendar
Don’t Miss the! LOVE GOSPEL CHOIR
Singing at the 11 AM Service at MCCDC on
June 11, 2017
Including a Special Music Tribute in Memory of Pulse
Lifting Our Voices Everywhere Gospel Choir (LOVEGC) is an LGBTQIA community Gospel choir, whose goal is to spread God’s love through Gospel music. LOVECG was founded by Mrs. Diedre Mouton Gray and Mrs. Shannon Mouton Gray to provide a safe, welcoming and affirming environment that celebrates the gifts and talents of all people.
For more information:
Shannon Mounton Gray
LOVEGospelChoir@gmail.com
Send-Off Prayer of Blessing for:
THE NATIONAL EQUALITY MARCH
&
CAPITAL PRIDE FESTIVAL
Plan to join friends at MCCDC for a Send-Off Prayer of Blessing
at the start of the 9 AM Service at MCCDC ,July 11, 2017
Join the YAMs for an Open Mic
Join the YAMs for an Open Mic Night on Friday, June 9th from 7pm – 9pm.
All are welcome! A $5 cover is suggested to help fund the YAMs Retreat in September.
“For more information contact churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
MCCDC SHARE Program
On the First and Second Sunday of each month please see Cecelia Hayden-Smith at the information station to sign up for SHARE.Orders must be picked up here at MCCDC on May 27th between the hours of 10-11 am. Let’s make share one of our great ministries, God gave us a directive to feed his sheep. That means you and me. Please donate.For more information contact churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373
MCC Conference for People of African Descent(PAD)
MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS!
Today I registered for the MCC Conference for People of African Descent, Friends and Advocates (PAD). This is the 9th PAD Conference. Through the years, I have been challenged and inspired at these conferences. I have received tools to help me be a better though imperfect advocate. I have also made friendships that provide mutual nourishment to keep doing the difficult yet joyful work of justice. I would like for at least twenty people from MCCDC to join me from August 3-5 in St. Louis.
See You in St Louis! Rev. Elder Dwayne
Click Here for Registration and Conference Information
Click Here To See PAD Conference Schedule
MCCDC supports the PAD Friends & Advocates conference and we plan on sending a delegation. Please plan on attending. Should you have questions please contact your MCCDC lay delegates or staff at churchoffice@mcccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
MCCDC Ignite Service June 25, 2017, 5 PM
June worship will be Hiking Church at Rock Creek! Meet us at Open City in Adams Morgan at 5 pm June 25 for a late afternoon hike (paved, not strenuous). We will meet up back at Open City for Theology on Tap at Open City to discuss creation and our role within it. RSVP on Facebook for automatic reminders.
CHURCH NEWS
Creating a Life that Matters (CLM)
THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE IS JUNE 11TH.
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.
Steve Jones and Rev Cathy Alexander will facilitate this 18 week discipleship course. The course will be held on Thursdays from June 22nd through November 16th. If you are interested please contact Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
Spiritual Writing Workshop with Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline,
Of What Are You Proud? It’s time for another Spiritual Writing Workshop with Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline,
Writer-Theologian in Residence at MCCDC—Wednesday, June 14, 7:00-8:30
pm. We will meet on Flag Day (did you forget that June 14 is Flag Day?) and during
LGBTQI Pride Month—and both those prompt me to focus our time together on this topic:
Of What Are You Proud?” Maybe it’s pride in our nation or being queer (or whatever
label you use) or maybe its something you have achieved or your kids or grandkids or
your church or your spouse/lover . . . many possibilities. And, if, for some reason, you
are not feeling pride, you can write about that.
Rev. Robin will provide some writing prompts and suggestions for your own writing,
and there will be an opportunity to share what we have written (but not required of any
one). This shorter, midweek format is designed to help busy people to take a break and
experience the gift of conscious reflection on, and expression of, personal spiritual
truths. Snacks will be provided. Please contact Rev. Robin at RevRobin@MCCDC.com.
JOIN YOUR MCCDC FAMILY Night OUT at the Nationals
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
7:10 PM Nationals Park
Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves
Tickets are $30. Payment is due by June 4th. Payments may be made by cash, check, kiosk, text, or online. Also don’t let the price of the ticket keep you from joining the group. Please contact Rev Cathy should you have questions at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
MCCDC Health Fair and Flea Market Sponsor by the Older Adult Ministry
When: June 24, 2017
Time 1-4 PM
Place: MCCDC, 474 Ridge St. NW, Washington, DC 20001
The Health fair will provided FREE screening , testing and exercise tips.
At the flea market you can get sell items you no longer want or used. Tables are free and all profits from the sales go to MCCDC church.
For more information contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
PASTORAL CARE DISCERNMENT FOR 2017
READY TO CARE? Willing to serve?
Do you have a consistent prayer life?
Are you able to honor confidentiality?
Are you on the journey of spiritual maturity?
Are you comfortable visiting hospitals and care facilities?
Are you able to set healthy boundaries?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions maybe
PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY is for you!
Informational and Discernment Retreat
Saturday, June 3rd, 9:30 am to 3 pm
Commissioning for 1 year Term
“These are the words of the Lord God: Now I myself will ask after my sheep
and go in search for them. . .and rescue them, no matter where they were scattered
in dark and cloudy days. . . I will search for the lost,
recover the straggler, bandage the hurt,
strengthen the sick, leave the healthy and strong to play.”
~ Ezekiel 34: 11-12, 16; NEB
New!!! MCCDC Google Plus and Instagam Pages!
Click the links below to visit now !!!
Click Here to see MCCDC Google Plus Page
Click Here to see MCCDC Instagram Page
Join the National Center for Transgender Equality
Join the National Center for Transgender Equality on Friday, June 9th for a Transgender Lobby Day on Capitol Hill!
NCTE works hard in Washington D.C. to fight anti-trans legislation and promote trans inclusive policies, but we need you here too. Your presence and personal stories provide the human experiences that change hearts and minds. When you make your voice heard, your lawmakers take note!
This year, we want legislators to know the trans community and understand that we are a powerful force for progress. We must make it clear that the trans community is strong and organized and stands in solidarity with other communities under attack around the country.
Sign up here to meet with your representatives one-on-one.
Sign up here to meet with your representative one-on-one
When: Thursday, June 8th – Friday, June 9th, 2017
Where: Washington, DC
Who should register?
• Transgender people
• Parents and families of transgender people
• Transgender rights advocates and allies
What to expect
You will connect with a network of advocates and supporters of trans equality while gaining the tools necessary to effectively lobby your representatives in D.C. and your home state.
Join dozens of others who will walk the halls of the U.S. Congress sharing personal stories and encouraging legislators to do the right thing by supporting transgender rights.Limited travel and housing assistance is available. We want legislators to hear your voice.
Click Here For More Information
If you have more questions about this or anything else related to Lobby Day, contact me at kmasen@transequality.org.
Kory
Kory Masen, Lobby Day Organizer
National Center for Transgender Equality
CONNECT WITH NCTE
National Center for Transgender Equality
1400 16th St. NW, Suite 510
Washington D.C. 20036
RECYCLING is COMING!!
Throughout the Bible God teaches that we are stewards of our world. To be better stewards, MCCDC will soon begin recycling. Until we roll out a full-blown recycling program, we are asking everyone to do two things. First, we generate a lot of paper waste like left behind bulletins, newspapers and magazines. Please take these items home with you to recycle. Second, DC outlawed styrofoam in 2014. We appreciate people contributing cups and plates to the church, yet to be in compliance with the regulation we cannot accept styrofoam items any longer. If you want to contribute, please bring paper items—better yet buy ones that contain recycled material already! Thank you so much for your generosity and spirit of service.
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.
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
Yoga will be on break for the summer. Please watch this spot in the fall for the return of the class. If you have questions, please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
~Namaste~
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.
Jonah at Sight and Sound Theater
The Tuesday night Bible Study Ministry is sponsoring a trip to see the stage production of Jonah at Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA. The trip will be on Saturday Aug 19 leaving MCCDC by caravan at 8 AM and returning to MCCDC around 8 PM. This production will also complement the Tuesday Night Bible Study focus on the prophet Jonah in August. For more information please contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at baskerd6109@gmail.com or 202-638-7373.
Click here to find out more information from about the show.
