“Bountiful God, you fill the earth with beauty. You paint breathtaking sunsets. You splash colors into bouquets of flowers. You also plant us in your spiritual soil. We are your seeds. Let us bloom. Let our lives bring light and color into your world. Let us shine for you, play for you, delight in you. Open us to the flowering of praise, the sunshine of song. We praise you bountiful God! Amen.”
~Larry Peacock from “Openings,” alt.
One of the things I like about Jesus is that he doesn’t over-complicate things. I find his clear descriptions a refreshing contrast to the complicated realties of our world. Jesus points to such simple things as water, bread and birds as expressions of the spiritual life. In our scripture for Sunday from Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Jesus describes a seed as a way of thinking about faith and hope.
To Jesus, a seed is not just a seed: a seed is life, hope and transformation. A seed is potential that goes deep into the darkness of the soil for awhile, maybe even appears lost
, before bursting out into something new. In and through the nourishment of darkness, the seed reinvents itself. A seed is a miracle waiting to happen!
Could that also be true of us? Are we on the cusp of a miracle?
In our worship this Sunday we’ll worship our Bountiful God, celebrating the colors of our Sanctuary and each other. We’ll plant ourselves in the joy of God’s good soil, and then anticipate what blooms! See you Sunday at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
By Faith, Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
CHURCH NEWS
TRANS* ACTION
MCCDC is honored to host a Holy Conversation on Transgender Action. TRANS Activist Angel Collie will once again bring his brand of wisdom, knowledge and invitation.Our Holy Conversation on Transgender Action will serve as an introductory workshop that begins with thinking about our own relationship to gender identity and gender expression. Anchored in our own individual positionality to the conversation we will explore terminology, the ways privilege works to benefit some at a great cost to others, and best practices for creating true welcome. Participants will leave with a new understanding of language, resources, and strategies for creating trans celebratory faith communities. Angel will facilitate a workshop and conversation on Saturday July 22nd (lunch provided) and bring the message on Sunday July 23rd. If you would like to attend, please let Rev Cathy know at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
Attention
The SHARE ministry has been paused until further notice. If you would like more information about this ministry or if you would like to volunteer, please contact the church office at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
REVIVAL! REVIVAL! REVIVAL! It’s coming to MCCDC September 15 – 17th. SAVE THE DATES
MCCDC Drama Ministry
Are you creative? Do you like to tell stories? Have you imagined yourself playing different roles or acting on the Big Stage? Well, now’s your chance! Come one, come all and check out the Drama Ministry at MCCDC.
There will be an informational session on Sunday, July 16th, after both the 9:00 and the 11:00 services.No experience is required, but if you’ve got skills please come and join us! Attending the informational meeting in no way obligates you to this ministry. For more information, or to sign up today, please contact Rev. Jules Christian at enjoyingtoday@hotmail.com or 336-419-7579.
Men’s Circle on Sunday, July 16, at 12:30 pm
Calling all MCCDC men and male-centered people! Join us for a Men’s Circle on Sunday, July 16, at 12:30 pm following 11:00 worship, downstairs in the church conference room. This is a special time for socializing, networking, eating, and discussion. Our topic: “Faith of Our Fathers” – what did we learn about faith from our father(s), including from those, men and/or women, who acted as father figures in our lives? These learnings may be positive and helpful to us, or they may not. Either way, or perhaps a mix of the two, they influence our lives and our faith today. We can share, we can learn from, and teach each other.
Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline, Writer-Theologian in Residence, will guide the discussion so that many, if not all, voices are heard, and we can grow in our faith and witness together. He will also provide a vegetarian soup. Others are needed to provide paper goods, beverages, crackers, dessert, and any other items that you may want. If you can volunteer to help with supplies, or if you just plan on joining us, please contact Rev. Robin at RevRobin@mccdc.com or the church office at churchoffice@mccdc.com .
There also will be a sign-up sheet at the Information Station. We will conclude our time by about 2:30 to 2:45, in order to be out of the building before the Unity Fellowship congregation begins its service at 3:00 pm.
Sexuality and Spirituality
You are invited to join Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline, Writer-Theologian in Residence at MCCDC, on Saturday, July 15, for the third in a series of interactive workshops focused on Sexuality and Spirituality. This workshop will focus on “Difference Sex for Different Folks.”
In our time together, we will begin exploring different sexual styles, activities, and spiritualties. Our focus will not be on sexual orientation (which gender or genders/bodies and body types attract you) but on what we, and others, do when engaging sexual feel-ings. These include monogamy and various forms of consensual non-monogamy, kink and BDSM, and masturbation. Rev. Robin is planning the July 15 session as Part 1, with Part 2 to follow on Saturday, September 30.
The prior workshops offered by Rev. Robin involved an introduction to sexuality and spirituality in July, 2016 and creating new conversations around sex and spirit in No-vember, 2016.The workshop begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m. Some basic lunch ele-ments will be provided and participants are asked to consider bringing supplemental items to share.
To register (or to pose questions), please contact Rev. Robin at RevRobin@ MCCDC.com. A signup sheet also will be at the Information Station at church or you may register with the office at ChurchOffice@MCCDC.com or 202-638-7373.
Financial Peace University,July 29th
Financial Peace University Starts at MCCDC on July 29th Please JOIN US! This life-changing class is taught by Dave Ramsey and coordinated by Jacqueline Laughlin at Metropolitan Community Church of Washington D.C. in Washington, DC.
Click Here For More Information and Register for Class
Mark Your Calendars!!!MCCDC and UFCD Partnership Sunday
August 13th is MCCDC and UFCDC Partnership Sunday and Combined Church Cookout sponsored by the MCCDC Older Adult Ministry
MCCDC and Unity Fellowship Church, DC will celebrate our 2nd Anniversary by having a joint worship service and cookout. Worship will begin at noon (NOTE WORSHIP TIME). The cookout will held following the service. For more information contact Robin Anderson at 252robin@gmail.com or contact the church office at:churchoffice@mccdc.com
or 202-638-7373.
Older Adult Ministry Atlantic City Resort Hotel and Casino Bus Trip
October 7, 2017
Departs MCCDC: 7: 00AM
Arrives At Atlantic City: 11 AM
Departs Atlantic City: 7:00 PM
Arrive back at MCCDC 11:00 PM
Cost: $50.00
MUST PAY IN ADVANCE
$25.00 Slots Cash dollars with
$25.00 FOOD VOUCHER
Make checks payable to George Barbari
DEADLINE: October 01, 2017,*NO LAST MINUTE CANCELLATION AND ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS*
Any First time Comers Please provide date of birth & home address with Check!
For more information – Call Ace Barbari Cell 703-303-2934
Theological Study to Liberia
Help Lauren’s Angels travel to Libera by donating to her travel:
Join Lauren’s Angels:
Our Intern, Lauren Bennett is going to Liberia as a part of her MDiv at Wesley Theological Seminary. This immersion trip will be led by Rev. Dr. Asa Lee. Founded in 1820 by American emancipated slaves, students will learn about Liberia’s deep and intertwined history with the US and the American Protestant church; from support in the 19th Century from benevolent Christian missionary societies to contemporary support in the face of Civil War, poverty, and Ebola. The pivotal role of the church in areas of economic development, healthcare and education will be of central interest on this immersion and Liberia’s resilience and perseverance will be instructive and formative to participants in this immersion. When Lauren returns she will host an event to share of her time abroad.
You can help her raise the $3,600 needed for the trip by becoming one of her angels. Angels will receive special updates and readings before and during her immersion. Anyone can become an angel at any level $1 to $1,000!
Thank you for your support through prayer and finances!
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.
