In recent days (indeed in recent hours) we’ve been bombarded by careless and dangerous words. As I write, the sky is clear. The weather outside is beautiful. Yet the spiritual/emotional/political climate is a toxic fog. Another tweet, another tirade, another nod to alt-right white supremacy pushes the United States perilously close to race and culture wars that will bring immeasurable harm.
Today on M St NW I saw one wearing a t-shirt with a message that was jarring in its cynicism: “Life is too short to even care.” Maybe the one wearing the shirt was more numb than cynical. I can’t speak to their motives. For me, the t-shirt reinforces the importance of the work of MCCDC here on the corner of 5th & Ridge Street NW. More than ever, during these careless times, we are called to care.
One response to the moral corruption that has infested the White House is for each of us to be clear about our beliefs. Without equivocation I believe that Black Lives Matter. I believe that immigrants are our neighbors and everyone deserves a safe home, a solid education, a living wage, affordable health care and the freedom to move freely anywhere without being profiled.
Empowered by a compassionate God who cares relentlessly, more than ever I believe MCCDC is called to the task of “working with God to make a positive difference” (from Our Mission 7.17.16). One positive difference is to keep caring—especially during careless times. In this era of rage and fear we really do need each other. And I believe our world needs MCCDC.
A line from the scripture for my message this Sunday says: “The Life-Light blazed out of the fog; the fog couldn’t put it out” (John 1:5; The Message, alt.). I’m grateful for the Life-Light of our faith as a congregation, and I look forward to being with you this Sunday at 9 AM and 11 AM.
By Faith,
Rev Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCC Loses a Prophet and a Healer; Celebrates the Life of Rev. Delores P. Berry
“Rev. Delores could pierce the veil, bringing messages of healing and comfort…”
Rev. Delores P. Berry
February 15, 1951 – August 8, 2017
Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) leaders grieved the death of Delores Berry who transitioned on August 8, 2017. She left behind a host of clergy and so many friends who were grateful to have known her. A memorial service will be held at MCCDC on Saturday September 2nd at 2 PM.
MCCDC Membership Class
If you have questions about MCCDC and what membership is about, class will be held on August 20th 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.
Financial Peace University, Aug 19th, 10 AM
Financial Peace University Starts at MCCDC on Aug 19, 10 AM, 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
You are invited to participate in MCCDC’s Holy Conversation on Mental Health, Mental Illness and Addiction
You are invited to participate in MCCDC’s Holy Conversation on Mental Health, Mental Illness and Addiction: Eradicate guilt and shame
Saturday August 26 – Sunday August 27
Our guest speaker and facilitator is Rev. Sandra (SAM) Morris of MCC Toronto.
The round table time of conversation, instruction and healing will take place on Saturday August 26th from 2-5 PM.
Rev. Sam shares that we are perfectly made, even if it is difficult, challenging and downright debilitating sometimes. My thing is to talk about not changing, rather, learning to love who and where we are. We need to find a safe place in the world, in our families, in our communities and in ourselves, where we love and accept and cherish those ‘unlovable’ parts of ourselves.
Where we find the gifts of our illness, even if rejected, dehumanized, yes….AND…embarrassed, judged, or dismissed. If you would like to participate in the conversation or have questions, please contact Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
Ignite Service, August 27, 2017
MCCDC 474 Ridge Ste NW, Washington, DC, Lower level
Continuing the conversation from worship, Rev. Sandra (Sam) Morris has agreed show a film and lead a discussion afterwards. The film will start after worship at 1:00 and we will provide lunch. We are grateful for Rev. Sam’s offer and look forward to what she will bring!
Strategic Planning and Guiding Kickoff
Saturday, August 26, 9:30 AM,
Recently MCCDC redeveloped our mission and aspirations statement. We are now poised to continue that work to map out the specific path to achieve what God has for us next as a congregation. If you are interested in contributing to this team, please contact Rev. Dwayne at revdwayne@mccdc.com or Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
Spiritual Writing Workshop
Rev. Robin Gorsline has announced a spiritual writing workshop on Wednesday, August 30, at 7 pm in the downstairs conference room at MCCDC. We will focus on the importance of writing in engaging a rich spiritual life, as well as how to continue writing together.
This will be a bit different in that Rev. Robin is taking a leave after this session from offering more such gatherings. He is doing this in response to what he feel is the call of God on his life to devote more energy and time and focus on his own writing in poetry and theology.
In conversation with Rev. Dwayne and Rev. Cathy, he has acknowledged how much he enjoys and values these workshops, especially the amazing gifts shared by participants. He has told them that he is deeply committed to our wonderful community at MCCDC and wants to see it grow and become ever more the movement God calls us to be. However, he has come to realize that in putting together various workshops and programs, and responding to other requests for activities, he loses the momentum and focus God keeps telling me to engage in his own work.
So, the time on August 30 will be a time to focus on the centrality of writing to the spiritual life. Rev. Robin also hopes that one or more participants might be willing to step up and keep this shared work going. Come on August 30, not as an ending but as a new beginning.
Please contact Rev. Robin with any questions at RevRobin@MCCDC.com Light, healthy snacks will be provided (feel free to bring something to share as well).
6TH ANNUAL BACKPACK 4KIDS
In partnership with the community outreach program at NBC4 Washington, we are collecting backpacks and supplies (or financial donations that would allow us to purchase those items).
It only takes $20 to equip one student with a backpack and supplies for the school year. Our goal is to provide 300 kids with backpacks and supplies for the coming year. We are also encouraging our neighbors to help with the backpack program by donating supplies! You can also reach out to folks at work or send donation requests to family and friends!! Help MCCDC help kids in our community!!
Here’s how you can help:
• Donate a new backpack stuffed with school supplies or
• Donate securely online at www.mccdc.com/donate (select the “Donate” tab near the top, and choose “Backpacks 4 Kids” in the dropdown menu). SPONSORING 5 KIDS IS JUST $100!!!
If you would like to donate a backpack, the school supplies needed per backpack include:
• New backpack
• Two packs of loose leaf notebook paper
• Two dozen #2 pencils
• Two packages of cap erasers
• Three spiral composition books
• One yellow highlighter
• Eight plain folders with pockets and brads or loose leaf binder with dividers
• One package of 24 crayons and/or one package of colored pencils
• Small pencil or supply box or zippered supply pouch
• Two composition books
• Paper glue
• Box of Kleenex
• 2 packs of copy – white paper
• 12-inch ruler
• Calculator
We have big blue tubs in the Welcome Hall. Drop-off your donations during the week and before or after the Sunday Services. If you need more information, please contact Knut Panknin at knutpanknin@gmail.com . Our last collection date will be Sunday, August 27th .
CHURCH NEWS
Revival 2017: Ablaze with Praise, Sept 15-17, 2017
Friday, September 15, 2017
6pm — Community Gathering and Meal “Feed the Fire, Spirit and Body”
7pm — Healing Service, “Refuel the Fire with Healing”
Saturday, September 16, 2017
9am — Community Service Project (TBA) “Fired Up for Service”
6pm — Community Gathering and Meal “Feed the Fire, Spirit and Body”
7pm — Service of Praise in Music and Song “Lost in Praise: Fan the Flames”
Sunday, September 17, 2017
9am and 11am Worship Services
Baptisms by Immersion
Washing of Feet
(Hospitality following)
Guest Revivalists:
Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington and Rev. Sam Offer of Unity Fellowship Church of Baltimore
Revivalist for the weekend
Reverend Dr. Jamie Washington, Ph.D, MDiv serves as the Co-Pastor of Unity Fellowship Church of Baltimore with Elder Harris Thomas. He has served as the Minster of Laity Relations for the Unity Fellowship Church Movement and is a part of the National Music Ministry Team. This year marks 40 years of service in Music Ministry. Dr. Washington is the President and Founder of the Washington Consulting Group.Click Here for More Information
Reverend Sam Offer has served in music ministry for more than 40 years and currently serves as Minister of Community Relations and Outreach for Unity Fellowship Church, Baltimore, and is an ordained reverend in the Unity Fellowship Church Movement. He also serves as Vice President and senior consultant with the Washington Consulting Group, a Multicultural Organizational Development Firm located in Baltimore, MD. Click Here for More Information
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.
MCCDC Drama Ministry
As the MCCDC Drama Ministry Team, we nurture and utilize our talents to bring glory to God. We enhance and empower our spiritual community through innovative means of drama, story-telling, music, dance and mime. We contribute our creativity for the out reach and growth of the church. You can contact Jules at enjoyingtoday@hotmail. com or call 336-419-7579
Our first practice will be on Monday, July 31st @ 6:30 PM!
Join Team MCCDC in the Susan G. Komen Race
Join Team MCCDC in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to end breast cancer. The walk will be held on Sept 9th starting at Freedom Plaza. Click Here to Join Team MCCDC
If you have questions please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com.
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 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 Taking a Vacation
Adult Sunday School is taking a Vacation Break for the summer and classes will resume after Labor Day. We look forward to seeing you in September!
