The Holy Spirit plays an important role in the early life of Jesus. Our scripture for Sunday is the story of Jesus’ official Naming Day, a Jewish blessing ceremony on his eighth day. The way the Holy Spirit works on this special day is of great importance: “Now there lived in Jerusalem one named Simeon. He was devout and just, anticipating the consolation of Israel, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he wouldn’t see death until he had seen the Messiah of God. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Simeon came to the Temple, and when the parents brought in the child to perform the customary rituals of the law, Simeon took the child in his arms and praised God…” (Luke 2:25-28)
Mary and Joseph marvel at how the blessing of their child unfolds as they continue to hold in tension the dramatic experiences that they are trying to understand. Noticing that the parents also need a blessing, Simeon ministers to them. He knows they will need wisdom and strength for the many unknowns of their new life together.
This story gives us much to think about as we meet for virtual worship this Sunday, the final Sunday of 2020. After all they had gone through, Mary and Joseph needed a true blessing from God. They needed the presence of the Holy Spirit. They needed the gift of awe. Though there was much they did not understand, they had a growing sense of trust. We too are learning to trust that God is with us in our experiences. Even in the midst of pandemics, we are learning that the blessing we seek is ours.
The scripture also offers direction for the fast approaching New Year. Luke 2: 39-40: “When Mary and Joseph had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the Law of God, they returned to Galilee and their own town of Nazareth. The child grew in size and strength. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was with him.” Like Jesus and his parents, we too will grow in size and strength. Like Jesus and his parents, the wisdom and grace of God is with us.
Let us open ourselves to the presence of the Holy Spirit, trusting that God will supply the strength we need for the many unknowns on the journey ahead. We open ourselves to the gift of awe, as God supplies, Jesus teaches, and the Holy Spirit guides.
By Faith, Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Christmas Eve Service: TONIGHT!!! 7 PM
Please join us for a special Christmas Eve worship service at 7:00 p.m. Eastern tonight. Visit https://youtu.be/LN9qAMymC2g or click below. (The video will also be available “on demand” later.)
Prayers for Rose
Healing God, You are the Divine Physician. You work through the hands and minds of those You have gifted in the medical profession. We pray for our sibling in Christ, Your beloved and our beloved, Rose Williams. As she receives care in the hospital, restore her health. We praise You, O God, that you are greater than c19. In the healing name of Jesus, Amen.
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
