“God sends angels when necessary—like to the teen-aged girl Mary. Yet God would much rather have you and I deliver the message of love.”
~ Rev. J. Dennis Johnson
This year my home for Christmas is here at MCCDC. On Christmas Day I’ll phone my family and hear their voices across the miles. My youngest nieces, 4-year-old Dakota Su and Willow, will sing a carol into the phone, and it will be one of the most treasured moments of 2017. And at the end of the phone call I’ll be grateful for my MCCDC family and the many gifts we share together all season long.
Today, since I’m not with Dad in person, I spent a few moments enjoying him through his gift of writing. And I came across some of his thoughts on angels. Angels are the topic for the 9AM and 11AM services this Sunday so Dad’s thoughts are serendipitous. He sees angels as beings God sends into the world to deliver God’s message of love, with unique spiritual power to break through the walls of human resistance.
Dad also writes that we have something in common with angels: we too are to be messengers of love: “God’s invitation to each of us is that we will celebrate this grand season by coming alongside those who are broken and beaten down. God invites us to offer open hearts to receive the marginalized. We are called to be available to those who question whether there is any light to show the way, any hope that brings the promise of a better day. We can share the Light we have found and the Hope we embrace because God is here with us!”
I look forward to sharing more thoughts on the “New Song of the Angels” at the 9AM and 11AM services.
I invite you to return for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7PM. The theme is “Sing a New Song” with three movements encompassing music and Scripture on the “Song of Joseph,” “Song of Ordinary People,” and “Song of Mary.” Rev. Cathy Alexander and Ministry Intern Lauren Bennett will join me in delivering brief reflections woven throughout the thematic movements. And, as is our tradition, the service will culminate in candlelight with the song of peace: “Silent Night.”
Do you have friends or family you’ve been thinking about inviting to MCCDC? The services this Sunday are the perfect opportunity. See you Sunday at 9AM, 11AM and 7PM.
Faithfully, Rev Elder Dwayne Johnson
“UP COMING EVENTS”
Toy Transfer and Check Presentation to East River Representatives
Our friends at the East River Family Strengthening Collaborative have invited MCCDC to their children’s appreciation party being held on Saturday Dec 16th from 1-3 PM at the Chateau Remix located at 3439 Benning Rd, NE, Washington 20019. Please rsvp to Rev Cathy so they will know how much food to prepare. This is an opportunity to meet and celebrate with children and families. If you have questions, please contact Rev Cathy with at 202-638-7373 or revcathy@mccdc.com
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.
Creating Change Conference,January 24-28, 2018
Creating change is an opportunity to gather, learn, respond and resist. Volunteer opportunities are available and a free day admission is available for those who volunteer 4 hours. You may volunteer to staff the Elder Suite, the MCC vendor table, the interfaith service and much more. Please see Rev Cathy for more information and how to sign up to support MCCDC and the conference. revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
Please click here to find out about the major conference sponsored by the National LGBTQ Task force
MCCDC 2018 Offering Envelopes
For 2018 we will be using a different system for offering envelopes. New envelopes will not have numbers. Packets will be distributed
starting Sunday December 17th. For your giving envelopes please see Sonia Grant at the information station after service or call 202-638-7373.
2017 End of Year Financial/Giving Statements
End of year financial statements will be available in the welcome hall from Sonia Grant starting January 14. If not picked up they will be mailed out on Jan 30, 2018
WOMEN’S GATHERING December 31, 12:30 pm
We invite all woman to attend the women’s gathering. For information contact the church office at 202-638-7373.
MCCDC Ignite Worship Service, December 31, 7 pm
Please join your MCCDC family as we celebrate News Years Eve. For more information contact Lauren Bennett or Sonia Grant at 202-638-7373 or email churchoffice@mccdc.com
Unity Fellowship Church, DC, Watch Night Watch Service ,December 31, 9:30 pm
All are welcome to join the UFC family as they celebrate News Years Eve. For more information contact Sonia Grant at 202-638-7373 or email churchoffice@mccdc.com
CHURCH NEWS
AhSa-Ti Nu – one of our guest artists this past Sunday – just released a powerful new single “Tent City.
” The message is an important one all year around, but particularly as we approach Christmas.
Nu Dust – Tent City
More than half a million people are homeless in America right now, but that figure is increasing by the day. Acclaimed vocalist and poet, AhSa-Ti Nu and celebrated guitarists and producer Dust Collector recently joined forces to create Nu Dust.
Both came together to collaborate on the EP with the intent to create whatever the energy brought about. Thus, the making of the soon to be released album, Nu Dust.
Come Join MCCDC Bible Study to see the Play Jesus at Sight & Sound Theatres -” Where they Bring the Bible to Life on Stage”
Sight & Sound Theatres
300 Hartman Bridge Road
(Route 896)
Ronks (Strasburg), PA 17572
800-377-1277
When August 18, 2018
Cost $79.00
Money due by Feb. 6 2018
Leave from MCCDC Church at 8 am
Car Pool to and from location
Buffet Lunch is separate
Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville :baskerd6109@gmail.com or 202 638-7373 for payment in CASH OR CHECK ONLY.
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 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.”
Seasons Greetings from The Threshold Singers
Seasons Greetings from our Partner Organization who has a global mission to offer their voices at tender times. We follow a long tradition of singing a cappella at times of living and dying — for hospice patients, those who are healing, and others facing challenges. The singers rehears monthly at MCCDC.
MCCDC SHARE Program
MCCDC Thanks you for your support! The share program is temporary paused until further notice.
Join MCCDC AV ministry
If you have questions, please contact Johanna Hardy at nerd4mit@aol.com
Middle Adults Ministry
Soliciting Interest in a Middle Adults Ministry!
We are looking to judge the interest in forming a group focused on persons between those who affiliate with the Young Adults Ministry and the Older Adults Ministry–the Middle Adults. This would be place for middle adults to share their common experiences, joys, fears and of course, to form deeper friendships and have fun. It would primarily be a social ministry, but it could be a place for much more. It would also be an avenue to welcome middle adult persons coming into our church.
There will be an organizational meeting to explore forming this ministry sometime in January, 2018. Look for future announcement as to its date and time. If you are interested in coordinating the Middle Adult Ministry, or have any questions, please contact Jules Christian at enjoyingtoday@hotmail.com or 336-419-7579 or Greg Snyder at gcsnyder01@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.
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.
