“Life can only be understood backwards, but it can only be lived forwards.”
~ Soren Kierkegaard
Spiritual writer Clifford Rawley, on a trip to China, was journeying on the Yangtze River when he noticed an unusual sight: old shoes floating by. He learned these old shoes were not careless litter, but were part of a ritual of releasing the past and receiving the future. It was explained to him “that when people suffer illness, unemployment, or divorce they let go of the past and its painful memories by putting their old shoes in the river. With new shoes they hope to walk into a better future.”
The poet of Ecclesiastes reminds us that “There is a season for everything and a time for every matter under the heavens” (3:1). For some in the MCCDC community, 2018 is a time for giving birth. For others it is a time for searching. Among us there are those living the range of times: “a time for crying and a time for laughing, a time for mourning and a time for dancing. . .” (3:4-5).
Wherever you find yourself during this time, life can only be lived forward. Living forward, during low times or high times, is a choice. It’s your turn to make the choice to live forward. I believe that the culmination of our daily choices creates the ultimate impact of our lives.
MCCDC is here to partner with you through the seasons. We are also here to strengthen your spiritual tools to empower you to make consistent choices for a stronger future. We are here to support each other. Looking ahead to 2018, what “old shoes” no longer serve you and need to be released? What “new shoes” will help you move forward, even though they may need a “breaking in” time?
I have a spiritual practice to suggest for 2018. Whenever you put on your shoes, take a moment to reflect on where those shoes have taken you. Places of service? Places of joy? Places of pain? Invite the Holy Spirit to direct your thoughts about what message your shoes hold for you.
Then, take a moment to imagine what is ahead. Where will these shoes take you? Who will you meet? What opportunities will open? How will they go with you to places of protest or resistance in the Holy Work of justice and equality? How will you bring more love into the world?
Once your shoes are on, take a moment to feel their warmth, texture and support. Then, as you begin to move, whether on foot or in a wheelchair, offer a prayer of gratitude, petition, or aspiration.
Every time you put on shoes, it is an opportunity for a new beginning! See you this Sunday, the final Sunday of 2017, at 9AM and 11AM.
Faithfully, Rev Elder Dwayne Johnson
“UP COMING EVENTS”
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!
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. Come for a reflective, self-directed evening with the Ignite team.
We will have a labyrinth, communion, and stations around that offer a space for people to reflect, release, and refocus for the year ahead.
The stations will open at 7 and be open until 8:30 in the chapel. 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
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.
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 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
Middle Adult Ministry Information Session
There will be a meeting to discuss the Middle Adult Ministry (The Yelders), on Sunday, January 14th after both the 9:00 and 11:00 services in the Chapel.
This ministry would be a place for those adults, in between the young and older adult ministries, to share common experiences, joys, fears, and of course to form deeper friendships and have fun.
This ministry will be a collaborative effort, but we are currently looking for someone who is willing to coordinate the Middle Adults. If you have any questions or are interested in coordinating, please contact Jules Christian at enjoyingtoday@hotmail.com or 336-419-7579 or Greg Snyder at gcsnyder01@aol.com
MCCDC Intercessory Prayer Team (IPT)
Kick Off The New Year With Prayer!!! The Intercessory Prayer Team is hosting an evening of Prayer and Praise as we celebrate and dedicate this new year of 2018!!!
Friday, January 12th @ 7:oo-8:30 PM. Refreshments to follow In preparation, all who wish can join us in fasting from Monday 1/8/18-Friday1/12/18. (fast as you are led by the spirit and after consulting with your Dr.)For questions 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.
