“Somehow I have to trust that God is at work in me and that the way I am being moved to new inner and outer places is part of a larger movement. . .”
~ Henri Nouwen
The story of Mary is a story of willingness and trust. Scripture describes her as being “much perplexed” when the angel Gabriel comes to her with news that she is a “favored one” and that the presence of God is with her. One line that opens a window into her life is Luke 1:48 where she proclaims with awe to the Almighty: “For you have looked with favor upon your lowly servant. . .”
Why did Mary use the word “lowly” as part of her self-description? Perhaps, in considering her own life, all she could see was insignificance. Nazareth, her home town, was far from the center of power. Why would a powerful God choose a powerless place and powerless person for divine revelation? Many continue to reflect on that question today. Mary, however, while acknowledging her confusion, landed in a place of trust saying, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
Mary trusted that God was at work in her. Mary opened herself to “being moved to new inner and outer places” (Henri Nouwen). At the time, she could not see the bigger picture or the larger movement. Yet she said yes and risked everything. She became part of the unfolding story of salvation that continues to unfold today.
We too are invited into the unfolding story. The story continues to unfold through us each time we say yes to becoming a part of God’s love in the world. How do we find the capacity to say yes? Like Mary, it is recognizing that God looks at us with favor. How would our lives be different if we fully believed that, not just with our heads but with our full bodies?
PAUSE:
Imagine God looking at you with favor. Hold that gaze.
ACTION: Be aware of self-doubt and self-criticism. If you notice you are beating yourself up, return to the spiritual practice described in the PAUSE above.
PRAYER: Loving and gracious God, indeed You are almighty. AND, You look at each of us with divine favor. May Your favoring gaze give us the confidence to overcome blocks and fears that undermine our love for You, others, and ourselves. With renewed confidence and purpose, help us to do what must be done to build a better world and to live The Prayer of Jesus for Your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
By Faith, Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Writing Ministry Meeting
Come Join Our Zoom Meeting 19 December from 10 am – 12 pm
MCCDC Writing Ministry intent to explore seasonal devotions, spiritual writing-prayers, benedictions, and poems.
Email Rev Robin Gorsline writer@robinhawleygorsline.com to request zoom invite.
MCCDC Christmas Eve Service
We invite you and your families to join us for a special worship service via YouTube premiere at 7:00 p.m. EST on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24th.
Just like Sunday morning, simply visit live.mccdc.com to watch on YouTube.
Christmas Tributes
This Christmas, we invite you to remember someone you love with a tribute. Their names will be included in our Sunday worship folder and also displayed at the end of Sunday livestream worship throughout the Advent season. We suggest a donation of $20.00 per tribute. All gifts matter.
Here’s an online form to pay with credit card or electronic debit. You can also print this form and mail it to the church with a check.
Joan Cunningham 1936-2020
It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that MCCDC member Joan Cunningham passed into eternal life this Thursday, at age 84. A retired French teacher, Joan lived with her partner, Cynthia Melman, near the National Zoo. We pray that fond memories bring comfort to all who loved her.
Next Worship Series
After Advent, MCCDC’s next worship series will be “Learning to Move in the Dark,” inspired by Barbara Brown Taylor’s book “Learning to Walk in the Dark.”
During January and February, we’ll host weekly discussions to talk about both the messages in the book and those featured in our Sunday worship services.
Watch this spot for more information or contact Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com.
Kwanzaa Daily Devotionals
Watch for daily video devotionals during the Kwanzaa holiday observance, December 26th through January 1st.
The name Kwanzaa, which is derived from the Swahili phrase
“matunda ya Kwanza,” means “first fruits.” The holiday honors African and African American culture and traditions and is structured around seven Principles focusing on family and community.
A candle is lit each day, introducing a different Principle—Umoja/Unity, Kujichagulia/Self determination, Ujima/Collective Work & Responsibility, Ujamaa/Cooperative Economics, Nia/Purpose, Kuumba/Creativity, and Imani/Faith.
Our daily devotionals follow the process of candle lighting and the reading of a devotional inviting reflection on the Principle for that day of observance. These video devotionals are a joint effort of MCC of Washington DC and Resurrection MCC of Houston, TX. Gratitude to members of both communities who videoed and presented devotionals and to AV ministries. Ministry Intern Dr. Carla Sherrell, drcarla@mccdc.com, is coordinating this effort.
MCC Denominational Events
Click here to explore events presented by our denomination and other MCC churches throughout our country and the world. (To sign up for this info via email, click here and subscribe to “MCC General News_ENG.”)
Join MCCDC’s Bible in 90 Days Journey 2021!
Click Here to Join the MCCDC Slack Community
Click Here to Order B90 Bible:
“Virtual Church Events”
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).
JOIN REV. DWAYNE IN PRAYER FROM NOON TO 12:30 PM Monday thru Saturday
Phone Number: 646-558-8656, Code: 407 740 6668
Intercessory Prayer Team
Meets the 2nd and 4th Thursdays each month at 7 pm
Contact LaMar Jenkins at 202-750-08887
Drama Ministry Practice Via Zoom
The 3rd Mondays each month at 6:30 pm Eastern
Contact Clara Carter at c4mcarter26@gmail.com for information
Bible Study
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm Eastern
Click here to Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/434566329
or Dial: (301) 715-8592 ,Meeting ID: 434 566 329
Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com for more information.
Pastoral Care Meeting
Meet 1st and 3rd Wednesday, each month at 6::30pm
Contact pastoralcare@mccdc.com for more information or interest in joining this vibrant church ministry this Fall
“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.
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
* Jerry Giem’s Son, *Jason and Nephew, Travis * Valeria Myers’ daughter Chantelle * Michelle Lax *George Kerr, III * Mama Cee’s sister and niece * Rose Williams * Randy Punley * Lynn Sulyma * Esther Smith * Marcus Garnett * Renee Valentine * Rose Herring * Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother, Earline * T. Green * Evelyn Jones * Valeria Myers’ son Donald * 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, *Diedre Gray *Elaine Durden-Hunter’s friend Saint Williams * Cathy Batson niece Lisa
