“We humans are not so fragile as to simply be at the mercy of cause-and-effect traumas. From the standpoint of teleology, we choose our lives and our lifestyles ourselves. We have the power to do that.” ~Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga from “The Courage to be Disliked,” 104-105
Sometimes scripture can raise one’s stress level. For some, that could be true of this Sunday’s scripture from Luke 12: 32-40 where Jesus says, “Sell what you own and give the money to poorer people” (33). This apparent directive sounds scary. Does it mean to put everything up for sale on EBay and give away the proceeds?
Some might say: “If selling everything is what it means to be a disciple, forget it. Jesus is just not being realistic here. In fact, this sounds more like irresponsibility than faith.” If that’s your thought, I can see
your point. At times there is a fine line between faith and irresponsibility.
Luke 12:33 is one of the tough teachings of Jesus. In this same scripture Jesus also says: “Make purses for yourselves that don’t wear out. . .Be dressed and ready. . .Keep your lamps lit. . .Be like workers awaiting the owner’s return. . .Be on guard. . .’ (33, 35,36,40). These tough sayings could seem like dot points for a confining, negative, oppressive, legalistic religion. Where’s the joy? Where’s the rest? Where’s the peace?
With the succession of tough teachings it could be easy to miss the heart of this scripture. Indeed, before the tough teachings Jesus says: “Fear not, little flock, for it pleases your Creator to give you the realm” (32). The tough teachings need to be interpreted through the lens of God’s desire for us to live fearless lives, where we exercise the courage to live who we truly are. It takes courage to refuse to be defined by money, position or the expectations of others.
God’s desires the best for us. As D. J. Lose observes, “God wants us not to be beset by worries, to keep our priorities straight, to not be consumed by greed or love of those things that do not bring real happiness. Rather, God want us to have and enjoy and share the abundant life that comes from authentic community and right relationship with God and each other.”
This Sunday at 9AM and 11AM, we’ll reflect on how God’s call to faith is not so much a demand—as it is an invitation to live our best lives as God’s desire for us.
To prepare for Sunday I invite you to ask yourself these questions: How do I live more fully into God’s joyful desire for me? How do I support myself and others on the journey to divine delight, holy surprise, and eternal opportunity? How do I exercise the courage to look in the mirror and know that the one looking back is truly me?
By Faith,Rev Elder Dwayne
“UP COMING EVENTS”
National Trans Visibility March Benefit Concert
Live August 23, 2019, 7:30-9 pm
Join us on August 23, 2019 live from the Historic Grace Reformer Church in Washington, DC as we kick-off the first National Trans Visibility March activity.
Tickets are $25.00
Click Here for Event Information and to buy Tickets
8TH 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
• Two composition books
• Paper glue
• Box of Kleenex • 2 packs of copy – white paper
• 12-inch ruler
• Calculator
• 8 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
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 the church office at churchoffice@mccdc.com
Timeline:
• Last collection date: Sunday, August 25th
Walk it Out! Join your MCCDC family in the walk to end breast cancer. All are welcome to join the team.
2019 Komen Washington DC MORE THAN PINK Walk
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Freedom Plaza, 1455 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
7:00 AM-Registration and T-shirt Pick-up Opens
8:45 AM-Opening Ceremony
Survivors and Those Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer Strut to the Opening Ceremony (line up at 8:30 in the Hope Village)
9:00 AM-Walk Start
For more information, please contact Rev Cathy Alexander at revcathy@mccdc.com or call (202) 638-7373.
“CHURCH NEWS”
SHARE Food Program
Mark your Calendar for some great food deals!
Place your order NLT August 12, 2019 with Church office at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
Distribution day is Saturday August 24, 2019 at 10 AM
Lauren’s Ordination
Join in the celebration of Lauren Bennett’s ordination with Metropolitan Community Churches!
Come 4 pm on Saturday, August 31st at Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, DC (MCCDC) 474 Ridge Street NW, a reception will follow immediately after the close of the service catered by Sakina Halal Grill (yum!).
Click here for Event details and RSVP/ Registrar for catered head count!
Atlantic City Resort Hotel and Casino Bus Trip 14 Sept 2019
This event is sponsored by the Older Adults Ministry, but anyone is warmly invited to join!
Departs MCCDC promptly at 7AM and returns at 11 PM.
The cost is $50 and must be paid in advance. The deadline for sign up is Sept 1st. For more information please contact Ace Barbari at 703-303-2934.
Join your MCCDC family in the walk to end HIV AIDS Walk All are welcome to join the team.
Click Here to Donate to MCCDC Team or Join the TEAM!!!
Saturday, October 26.
Location: The Walk & 5K to End HIV
will begin and end at Freedom Plaza
(Pennsylvania Avenue and 13th Street, NW)
5K timed run begins promptly. 9:15 am
Walk to End HIV steps off. 9:20 am
Click here for Registration
Fees:
General Walk Registration: $25
Student / Senior (60+) Walk Registration: $15
General Timed Run Registration: $35
Sleep Walker Registration: $40
Event Information
Click here For Detail Event information
T-shirt pick -up on-site the morning of the event beginning at 7:30 AM
For more information please contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville baskerd6109@gmail.com or call 202-638-7373.
Revival! Revival! Revival! MCCDC will celebrate revival on September 20-22.
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MCCDC will celebrate revival on September 20-22. Please mark your calendars. If you would like to join this years’ revival planning team, please contact Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
Stay current on our video postings .
Click here to see more MCCDC Videos
Inspiration Videos, Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC
“Ministry Spotlight”
MCCDC Bible Study
A time of community, fun, learning, and sharing!
Tuesdays, from 7:00 – 8:00 PM in the Welcome Hall
For more information please contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at the churchoffice@mccdc.com or call (202) 638-737.
Click Here to See MCCDC Bible Study Schedule 2019
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Prayer Corner
Please continue to hold in your prayers Keith Richardson who is in a Nursing Home.
Join our Worship and Arts Ministry!
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