“To be a Christian is to live dangerously, honestly, freely – to step in the name of love as if you may land on nothing, yet to keep on stepping because the something that sustains you no empire can give you and no empire can take away.” ~ Cornel West
This week the attention of our hearts and compassionate selves has again been pulled towards the aftermath of violence. We pray for those whose lives have been directly impacted by the shootings in Las Vegas. We are thankful for those who gave selflessly to help, to protect, to respond, to care. Let us hold in prayer the families who lost loved ones. We also continue to pray for those who are trying their best to recover from hurricanes and earthquakes.
Gracious and present God of creation and love, move with us. Allow each of us to sense Your presence even through any confusion, pain, grief or fear that may be present. Whatever the hardship, whatever the challenge, assist us to fix our hearts on You, oh source of our strength and resilience. Amen and Ashe.
In light of the condition of the world around us and the life within us, we will examine Exodus 20: 1-20. CClick here to read the passage. The first few verses note, “God spoke all these words: I am the LORD your God who brought you out of Egypt, out of enslavement.” The people of Israel were encouraged to start this narrative affirming who God is and what God did. That is a good place to start examining events, relationships, and things we don’t fully understand. Start with God even in the midst of tremendous pain, confusion and heartache. As we move in faith and allow vertical and horizontal relationships to deepen and grow, our opportunity to respond to God’s words and sayings move beyond what we say or what we sign. Our true responses are in our actions that can offer compassion, loving words and passionate acts of humility, justice and mercy.
Join us at 9 AM and 11 AM in person or by LiveStream to continue the conversation. You are welcome here
Peace
Rev Cathy Alexander
“UP COMING EVENTS”
MCCDC SUPPORTS OUR SIBLING CONGREGATION, RESURRECTION MCC HOUSTON, TEXAS
The Sanctuary of Resurrection
MCC was devastated by the flood waters of Hurricane Harvey and has been unable to worship in the Sanctuary since the storm. They are currently worshipping in a smaller, multi-purpose on their property.
Despite the storm, they have continued to serve the community with ministry, food, supplies, and spiritual support.
Through continuing recovery efforts, Resurrection MCC remains a source of hope.
How you can help Resurrection MCC recover from Hurricane Harvey?
THE MCCDC BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS APPROVED A SPECIAL OFFERING THE SERVICES OF OCTOBER 15
You may also give at the drop down menu at the kiosk in the Welcome Hall. Or Click Here to Donate to on MCCDC Website
Hand Dancing Class is coming to MCCDC
Come out and have fun learning Hand Dancing! Classes will be held at MCCDC on Saturday Oct 7, 14, and 21 at 12 PM. The cost is $5 per class. For more information contact Robin Anderson at 252robin@gmail.com.
Blessing of the Animals, Saturday October 7, at 11:30 AM
Sometimes God sends guardian angels to us who are clothed in fur, feathers or scales. To recognize the special pets and animal companions in our lives, MCCDC will be holding a special Blessing of the Animals service on Saturday Oct 7rd 11:30 AM. A blessing of the animals is a tradition among many Christian churches and is often conducted in October near the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.
In order to make sure our animals remain safe, please use their leashes or pet carriers. We’ll be sure to have water for your beloved companions.
Please attend with your animal companions—and invite others to attend also.
Worship and Sanctuary Technical Walk through,Saturday October 7th 9-11
All ministries who use the sound equipment and who support worship in the sanctuary, are invited to attend a technical walk through where we will receive training on use of the equipment for the best sound quality as well as the best movement in the sanctuary. The following ministries are included:
Sound Team
AV
Usher
Sacristy, communion co-celebrant
MCCDC Intercessory Prayer Team (IPT)
Are you a Prayer Warrior? Do you desire to connect and support others through prayer practices? Do you want to make a difference in our church, city, nation and world? MCCDC is forming a new Intercessory Prayer Team (IPT). Here, IPT will come together to have a Spirit-led time of prayer. There will be an informational session on Sunday, October 15th, after both the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship services. We will discuss the nature of the ministry, coordinate possible days and times to meet, and address questions surrounding IPT. For more information, please contact Rev. Jules Christian at enjoyingtoday@hotmail.com or (336) 419-7579.
CHURCH NEWS
MCCDC MEMBERSHIP CLASS
If you have questions about MCCDC and what membership is about, class will be held on October 22nd 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.
Join MCCDC HIV Aids Team, 28 Oct @ 9 AM
Help us reach our goal of raising $3,000!
Register for the event and join the MCCDC team by clicking here.
Walker: $25
Runner: $35
Sleepwalker: $40
Student/Senior Walker: $15
The walk will start at Freedom Plaza. We will meet at 9 AM at the Federal Triangle metro station.
If you would like to be matched with a sponsor for the registration fee, please contact us!
Questions? Need help registering?
silviamiddleton@gmail.com
(803) 760-0858
MCCDC Halloween Potluck Party Oct 28, 2017 ,6 pm to 9 pm
Hosted by The Older Adult Ministry & Young Adult Ministry
A night of fun dancing, prizes, and dance contest.
Pizza will be provided.
Please Bring/ Donate the following items when you arrive at the door:
Drinks: Water, Soda, Juice
Salads: Marconi, Potato, Bean Salad
Deserts: Cookies and Cupcakes
Ice
Help in all areas needed: Setup, Servers, clean up.
Contact: Dale L. Maydun-Baskerville @ email baskerd6109@gmail.com or Juan Garcia @ enmail juan31789@gmail.com
Eastern Network Gathering,October 21 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Eastern Network Gathering to be held at MCC of Northern VA in Fairfax. MCC interim moderator Rev. Elder Rachelle Brown will be present conducting her denominational “listening tour”. All are welcome. Please contact Rev Cathy for additional information.
Lay Delegate Corner
Greetings MCCDC,
On behalf of all your Lay Delegates, I would like to inform you of some changes to the structure of the MCC denomination offices. In the following letter from Rev. Elder Rachelle Brown you will see that we have a new office, some structural changes, and some new and old names on staff. As a denomination we are working hard to make changes that will help us to touch more lives and spread God’s love for all. As you read the letter and move forward with your days ahead, I would like to ask that you keep the MCC staff in your prayers as they all continue the hard work they do for the denomination.
Peace & Blessings, Chocolatté Miller
Please click here to view the letter.
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!
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!
Join our Worship and Arts Ministry!
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Strategic Planning and Guiding Team, October 14, 09:00
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.
Tyrone Washington
Tyrone Washington has been hospitalized or home bound for some time. Please continue to hold him in your prayers
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.
MCCDC Alcohol Use Policy
The Board is considering a motion to allow space use renters to have alcohol on the premises of MCCDC. The policy is being discussed because the church has lost building rental income for weddings, concerts, etc, because we do not allow alcohol to be served in the building. One possible option discussed was for the policy to allow use of alcohol (beer and wine) at events when the space is rented, but not be allowed at church/MCCDC-sponsored events or activities.
Elements of the policy include:
The only alcohol that may be served is beer and wine, no distilled spirits or liquor.
Alcohol may only be served with food and done so in accordance with all applicable District of Columbia laws.
Renters must show proof that a temporary DC Liquor license has been obtained.
Renters will also be responsible for security and a security deposit.
We want to hear from you. Please send your comments or questions to Board@mccdc.com by October 7th.
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.
