“God is in the advent wilderness of this holy season. God knows what I look like in my bathrobe, all alone late at night. And never once has God suggested that the sight is pathetic. Instead, in those empty hours God says, ‘Talk to me. Then be still and know that I am God.'” ~ Anne Marie Drew, alt.
This Sunday at MCCDC we will observe the Second Sunday of Advent. From Matthew 3:1-12 we will hear the voice of John the Baptist calling from the wilderness. It is a voice of love. Yet the love is not cheap. It is loving joy that comes with the cost of being willing to change. John the Baptist’s invitation is edgy, direct, and not sugar coated: “Repent, for the realm of heaven has come near.”
To repent is to turn away from all that stands in the way of love . . . and turn towards change for the sake of love. A contemporary paraphrase of John the Baptist is the oft repeated quote: “The choices you make define who you are.”
Through our choices, wilderness places can be transformed. Today’s wilderness may be the desert of a busy office, or in the midst of a shopping mall, or in the tension of a classroom where disagreement seems to bounce off the walls. Or, wilderness may seem disguised by a favorite chair in a cozy den.
To prepare for Sunday:
PRAYER: God, with your help I seek joy and love in the wilderness places. May my searching be both inward and outward, a turn to wholeness for myself and others. Amen.
ACTION: Reflect on this quote from Henri Nouwen, especially the questions: “Only one thing seems clear to me. Every day should be well lived. What a simple truth! Still, it is worth my attention. Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of anger and resentments? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions! I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and in the life to come.”
I hope to see you Sunday, where indeed we will offer loving joy for our lives as individuals and community.
By Faith
Rev Elder Dwayne Johnson
“UP COMING EVENTS”
Rev. Elder Freda Smith, Sunrise: November 22, 1935 * Sunset: December 3, 2019
When I stand before God at the end of my life,I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and that I could say, “I used everything that you gave me.”
Come Out for Support Co-Sponsored by MCCDC and Bridge & Anchor,
Sunday Dec 8th at 1230
Heart and Hand” will be a comprehensive mental health support group that allows people to discuss designated topics surrounding personal experiences regarding mental health concerns. One goal will be build tools to learn how to deal with mental health and life stresses while gaining support. If you would like to attend, please contact Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373
MCCDC Christmas Concert
CHRISTMAS HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE
We invite you to remember someone you love with a Remembrance. The names of those remembered will be included in our Sunday bulletin. Please attach a check payable to MCCDC to the form and place it in the communication box (next to the front door) or mail it to the church (474 Ridge St, NW Washington DC 20001) (Please be sure to print the names clearly and legibly) or use the kiosk .
Click Here to pay on our web site
The deadline for being included in the bulletin is Tuesday December 18th
Silent Night Christmas Eve service
There will be a Christmas Eve service on December 24th at 7 PM. All are welcome to come out and invite the Christ child in.
“CHURCH NEWS”
LiveStream Equipment Needs!
We also have an aspirational goal of an additional $3,000 to replace and upgrade aging equipment. In-kind donations are also welcome. Our most critical needs are a new Mac Mini ($1,900), two video capture cards ($300) and professional studio headphones so we can better-balance audio levels ($300). If you are able and interested in providing in-kind donations, please see email Johanna at mccdclive@gmail.com to confirm specifications for what is needed.
Volunteer!
Volunteer! No experience is required. We will train you or someone you recommend. (Perhaps a student interested in picking up new skills?) Opportunities include:
o Producing the livestream itself on Sundays and for special events (greatest need)
o Assisting on Sundays by video recording and managing cameras
o Video editing (this requires access to your own computer and video editing software)
Share our message! Inspired by Rev. Dwayne’s spiritual instruction? Moved by a praise & worship song? Post it on Facebook. Send a link to friends and family. They can tune-in to our livestream or watch worship services on demand at livestream.com/mccdc, through our website at mccdc.com, or browse clips on our YouTube Channel.
Click here to visit MCCDC YouTube channel
Email Johanna at mccdclive@gmail.com or talk to any one of the AV team members to volunteer or for more information
Advent Devotionals Again this Year! Time to Submit Yours!
Advent begins Sunday, December 1 this year, and once again we are collecting and publishing daily devotionals from members and friends. You are invited to contribute your wisdom, stories, hopes, dreams, etc. Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, Writer-Theologian in Residence, will be coordinating the collection and editing of submissions.
Our Advent theme this year is “Repeat the Sounding Joy,” based on the 300th anniversary of the composing of “Joy to the World.”
Click here to view a Trailer for Advent produced by Dr. McFee
The words of the hymn are by English writer Isaac Watts, based on Psalm 98 Psalm 96:11–12 and Genesis 3:17–18. The song was first published in 1719 in Watts’ collection The Psalms of David: Imitated in the language of the New Testament.
Watts’ interpretation of Psalm 98 invites us to sing a“new song”–-and it is a powerful cosmic performance of all creation being renewed and freed. Rather than “joy” being yet another word for “happiness,” the depths of joy can be found especially in the midst of suffering, the work of justice, and the presence of compassion–-all part of the coming of Jesus to this world and a message the world still so desperately needs.
As in past years, you are encouraged to offer devotionals/meditations in various forms: stories from your past (or right now), prayers, poems, etc. They can be texts or on video of you speaking or singing (or both or even all three). We are very open to all forms of expression.
Rev. Robin is happy to offer editing guidance on the written texts. Our excellent A/V folks will be helpful with videos—either filming you at church or taking your own video and making sure it plays well online. They also responsible to publish the written texts, too. It works best if you can submit your devotionals to Rev. Robin earlier than you think is necessary—to allow time for editorial feedback and to give the staff ample time to get the messages ready.
Please send any questions to him (or call 240/565-3441) and submit your offering(s) to writer@robinhawleygorsline.com
MCCDC Christmas Toy Drive Donations will be received from now through December 8th
This year MCCDC is again partnering with the East River Family Collaborative.
We have adopted 2 families Tenisha’s Family and the Monia’s Family with a total of 15 children.
Click Here to Purchase a Toy on the Family Christmas List!
Click Here to make a Donation for a Gift Card
Also Mark Your Calendar for Sunday Dec 8th.
There will be a toy wrapping party on Sunday Dec 8th. East River will host the children’s party on Saturday December 14th at The Chateau Remix 3439 Benning Rd NE 12pm to 4pm. All are invited to attend and represent MCCDC. For more information contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
MCCDC Thrift Item Sale, Dec 8, 2019
All items $5.00 and below.
A variety of items to choose from.Check out the table in the Welcome Hall.
Please contact Cecilia Hayden- Smith ( Mamma Cee) with questions at 202-638-7373 or churchoffice@mccdc.com
MCCDC Cake Sale, December 22nd after the 9 am and 11 am service
Come One! Come All!
Buy Mamma Cee’s Assorted
Home Made Cakes!
Made with Love and Care!!!
$20.00 each!
Get them while
they last!
MCCDC Bible Study goes to Sight and Sounds Theater for the Play: QUEEN ESTHER
300 Hartman Bridge Road,Ronks, PA 17572 (800) 377-1277
Click On picture above to see QUEEN ESTHER 2020 Video Clip
When August 15, 2020
Time: Carpool leaves 9 am from MCCDC to Sight and Sounds
Cost: $79.00
SHOW STARTS AT 3 PM
NOTE!!!
INDIVIDUALS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DRIVING OR COORDINATING A RIDE TO AND FROM THEATER LOCATION!!!!
All Money Due No Later Than 28 June 2020!!!
Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville baskerd6109@gmail.com or call 202-638-7373 for question or information.
Event Rental Space at MCCDC
Are you or someone you know planning an upcoming event? Are you looking for a reasonably priced rental space with easy access to public transportation? Look no further.
Call MCCDC today at 202-638-7273 for rates and availability.
Click Here for more Information
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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