“…let us never forget that we are characters in a divine love song.” –Rev. James Burns
When we fully live in the expansiveness of God’s love for us, we are free to live our best lives. In our loud and complex world, there are voices that threaten to reduce us. The voices of fear send many into shells of self-protection. The voices that tell us we’re not good enough, lead some to over-spend on items that promise a sense of self-worth yet fail to deliver. The doom driven headlines attempt, and often succeed, in dimming hope for a better world. Our scriptures for Sunday shine bright with hope.
In contrast to these complex times, our scriptures are grounded in simplicity: vines and grapes. The love ballad from Song of Songs woos: “…let us go out early to the vineyards, and see whether the vines have budded, whether the grape blossoms have opened… There I will give you my love” (7:11-12). The prophet/lyricist Isaiah’s aria invites: “Let me now sing of my friend! It is a love song about a vineyard” (5:1).
In John 15:5, Jesus offers an abundant promise: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce plentiful fruit.” Teaching from the vineyard, Jesus offers hope from a place that may appear serene, yet is a place of abundant vitality. The vineyard pulses with forces of life and love. God cultivates fruitfulness in us as we abide in the True Vine. When Jesus teaches from the vineyard he is teaching us how to grow into radiant strength and the full substance of our maturity. Only mature grapes become fine wine.
What is true individually is also true collectively: MCCDC is a vital part of God’s global vineyard. Is there hope for the Global Vineyard that is our world? Yes, I believe the generous, inclusive, courageous, non-violent faith of beloved communities like MCCDC offers hope for our neighborhoods and our world. Thus we offer experiences on Sundays and throughout the week to help each of us stay connected to the vine of wholeness. The True Vine has roots that go deep and are tenaciously grounded in the rich soil of God’s nourishing love.
This Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00 am, we’ll consider God’s love song from the vineyard and how God desires not only to sing it to us, but also through us. As God’s love sings through us, we are true branches connected to the True Vine. Together, we grow into our true selves.
Peace
Rev.Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Announcements
Ted Shaffer, 1956-2020
During this Sunday’s 11:00 a.m. worship service, we will hold a brief remembrance to celebrate the life of Ted Shaffer, who died of lung cancer on April 22 at the age of 63. Ted’s husband, Larry Harris—a leader in our soundboard ministry—will share memories.
Rev. Vickey Gibbs Homegoing
All are invited to gather as one online global community to celebrate the life and ministry of Resurrection MCC (Houston)’s beloved Assoc. Pastor Rev. Vickey Gibbs. The virtual homegoing service will be held this Sunday, August 9th, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Eastern. You can RSVP on Facebook to get reminders.
The Virtual Homegoing Service will be streamed online and also archived on YouTube for later viewing:
• facebook.com/ResurrectionMCC
• youtube.com/ResurrectionMCCCC
• livestream.com/ResurrectionMCC
Virtual Choir
Come and join the Virtual Voices of MCC Choir! Lift your voice in our virtual rehearsals while singing from the comfort of your home. For more info, email Music Minister Deidre Mouton Gray at msdeedeemusic@gmail.com.
Spiritual Gifts, Get Involved!
Your’re invited to consider sharing your spiritual gifts by making a Scripture Reading Video or sharing a Video Testimony on what MCCDC means to you.
It does not have to be long and the AV team is standing by to help you with the video. Please email me at revdwayne@mccdc.com for more information.
Moving Spirit Dance Ministry
Come dance for God! No experience needed. Email Cathy Batson at cathybatson1@verizon.net for more information. Check out past performances on our YouTube channel, including “I Can Only Imagine” (April 2019) and “Mighty River”(February 2018).
The MCCDC Drama Team Needs You!
No experience required! Just a willing learner. If you have a passion or artistic flare in front of camera come join the MCCDC Drama team! The Drama Ministry meets on Mondays at 6:30 om via Zoom and performs on the Second Sunday of each month. If you are interested, please contact Clara Carter at c4mcarter26@gmail.com.
Electronic Giving
Here is an opportunity to cover the electronic giving transaction fee so that 100% of your donation goes to MCCDC.
Beginning Sunday, May 24, 2020, each time that you make your donation electronically, you will have the option to add $2.00 to help cover the electronic giving transaction fee.
Just Place a check mark next to the statement:
I would like to add $2.00 to help cover the transaction fee so that 100% of my donation supports MCCDC
JOIN REV. DWAYNE IN PRAYER FROM NOON TO 12:30 PM Monday thru Saturday
Phone Number: 646-558-8656, Code: 407 740 6668
Bible Study
A time of community, fun, learning, and sharing!
Tuesdays from 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Via FREE ZOOM Video Conference Call
Click here to see the MCCDC 2020 Bible Study Schedule
Phone Call in number is: 301 715 8592 US,Meeting ID: 434 566 329
Password: Email Dale Madyun-Baskerville at mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com for login invitation
“Ministry Spotlight”
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
Click here to see more MCCDC Videos
LiveStream Volunteer’s Needed!
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
The Soundboard Ministry Needs YOU
Soundboard volunteers are needed for 9 am and 11 am services. No experience needed!
You will be trained on a state of the art soundboard and learn how to set up mics for services.
Ideally, you will train at the 9 am service and continue training at the 11 am service, but we are flexible.
Please contact Michael Cunningham at mjcunningham2013@gmail.com or stop by to talk with any soundboard volunteer.
“CHURCH NEWS”
Coronavirus Hotline DC, MD and VA
Washington DC
After hours, please call the GW Hospital Emergency Department at 202.715.4000
GW Medical CLEVELAND PARK- Phone: 202.525.5287
GW Medical MCPHERSON SQ- Phone: 202.798.0100
1101 15th St NW
GW Medical RHODE ISLAND AVE- Phone: 202.544.7580
Click Here to go to DC Government Corona Virus Web Site
Maryland
Cough, fever, and shortness of breath, are the three symptoms together that raise the concern for coronavirus,
coronavirus hotline at 1-855-600-3453
Click Here to go to Maryland Government Corona Virus Web Site
Virginia
Cough, fever, and shortness of breath, are the three symptoms together that raise the concern for coronavirus,
coronavirus hotline at 1-855-600-3453
Click Here to go Virginia Government Corona Virus Web Site
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
* The family of Deloris Fowler’s sister,* Mrs. Jenifer Keys who transitioned * Jerry Giem’s Son * Jason and Nephew * Travis * Valerie Myers’ son Donald * Michelle Lax * George Kerr* III * Mama Cee’s sister and niece * Rose Williams * Randy Punley * Lynn Sulyma * Esther Smith * Marcus Garnett * Renee Valentine * Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother * Earline * T. Green * Evelyn Jones * Ted Shaffer, husband of Larry Harris * Bob Jones’ son Chuck & wife Karen * Steve Sloane * Glenn Conrad * Arden Shutt * Renee Valentine’s brother ** Kim Battle * Juanita Dara * Jeffrey Luckenbach * Anthony Goode * Keith Richardson
