This Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent, and the launch of a new worship series with the theme: “Sing a New Song.” We love the traditional songs of Advent and Christmas. Many of these songs are drawn from the scriptures and from the various roles of people in scripture. This Sunday, we will reflect on the songs of shepherds that crescendo into a song of hope. The message will be presented by our Ministry Intern, Lauren Bennett. Though she has preached at churches throughout our denomination and sibling denominations, this is her first message at the 9 AM and 11 AM services at MCCDC! I invite you to join me in celebrating this milestone as we receive the gift of inspiration that Lauren will offer. The scriptures for the day are Psalm 96 and Jeremiah 23: 1-6.
In preparation for Sunday, Lauren has been reflecting on the following prayer by Walter Bruggemann . I invite us to join Lauren in praying this prayer as part of opening our hearts for spiritual insight this coming Sunday:
God of all truth, we give thanks for your faithful utterance of reality.
In your truthfulness, you have called the world “very good.”
In your truthfulness, you have promised,
“I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
In your truthfulness, you have assured,
“This is my beloved Son.”
In your truthfulness, you have voiced, “Fear not, I am with you.”
In your truthfulness, you have guaranteed that
“Nothing shall separate us from your love
in Jesus Christ.”
It is by your truthfulness that we love.
And yet, we live in a world phony down deep
in which we participate at a slant.
Ours in a seduced world,
where we call evil good and good evil,
where we put shadows for light and light for shadows,
where we call bitter sweet and sweet bitter (Isa. 5:20),
where we call war peace and peace war,
so that we rarely see the truth of the matter.
Give us courage to depart the pretend world of euphemism,
to call things by their right name,
to use things for their right use,
to love our neighbor as you love us.
Overwhelm our fearful need to distort,
that we may fall back into your truth-telling about us,
that we may be tellers of truth and practitioners of truth.
We pray in the name of the One whom you have filled
with “grace and truth.” Amen
~ Walter Bruggemann, alt.
I look forward to seeing you at the Christmas Presentation on Saturday at 5 PM and at worship on Sunday at 9 AM and 11 AM.
Faithfully, Rev Elder Dwayne Johnson
“UP COMING EVENTS”
MCCDC Worship Arts Appreciation Dinner, December 01, 7 PM
All are welcome to come join us in recognizing worship arts members for their hard work. Dinner will be provide. This is a no cost event. RSVP to Sonia Grant at (202) 638-7373, or email churchoffice@mccdc.com with number of people who will be in your party by Monday November 27th.
Come Join Us! December 02, 5 PM MCCDC Worship Arts Ministry Christmas Event
Come and let your heart be ABlaze with Christmas Praise! We look forward to seeing you! This is a free event. Contact Sonia Grant at (202) 638-7373, or email churchoffice@mccdc.com with any questions.
Children’s Christmas Toy Drive
HO, HO, HO! It is that time of year and MCCDC is again serving our community by providing toys, books and clothing to children in the DC area. Drop off will be between now and December 10th. The requested ages are 4-15. There will be a sorting and wrapping party on Sunday Dec 10th at 1230. Please invite your friends and family to make a donation of joy in kind or in cash. MCCDC will deliver the toys on Monday Dec 11th. Please contact Rev Cathy with questions or if you would like to sign up to be an elf. 202-638-7373 or revcathy@mccdc.com
CHURCH NEWS
MCCDC Christmas Eve Services
Please join your MCCDC family as we celebrate Christmas eve. There will be three services on Sunday December 24th, 9AM, 11AM and 7PM candle light service.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING,Sunday, December 17 at 12:30 pm.
The Board of Directors is thankful for all who attended our Annual Forum on November 5 and Congregational Meeting on November 19. At the Congregational Meeting on November 19th the congregation elected Jim Garner, Linda Hornsby and Bobbi Strang to the Board of Directors. Reports were also received by vote. The congregation voted to table the proposed sale of the adjacent lot and 2018 Budget.
At the December 17th meeting the Board is proposing to the congregation to approve a short term continuation of the budget at 2017 levels through February 11, when another Congregational Meeting will be held. During this time, the Board will continue to communicate with the congregation on the proposed sale of the adjacent M Street lot and the proposed 2018 budget. Please stay posted for upcoming opportunities to share your concerns, praises, ideas and ways to involve more of our beloved community in the work and ministries of MCCDC. If you have questions, please email Board@mccdc.com
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
MCCDC: Together Rising: Who We Are — May 2017
Stay current on our video postings and help us in our goal of more than 100 subscribers to qualify for a custom MCCDC link that will help us reach more people.”
MCCDC SHARE Angel
Looking for a more meaningful gift this holiday season? Become a SHARE Angel and sponsor a friend, family member, or neighbor for next month’s SHARE box. The SHARE box provides 3 weeks’ worth of healthy, delicious food and will be far more appreciated than another cat sweater.
See SHARE booth in the fellowship hall for more information or contact Sonia Grant at 202-638-7373 or email churchoffice@mccdc.com
Join MCCDC AV ministry
If you have questions, please contact Johanna Hardy at nerd4mit@aol.com
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? Come join the Intercessory Prayer Team! The IPT will meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM to have a Spirit-led time of prayer. We will also host a quarterly prayer event. For more information please contact Rev. Jules Christian at enjoyingtoday@hotmail.com or 336-419-7579.
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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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.
