We continue our journey through the Sermon on the Mount, guided by Amy-Jill Levine’s book of the same name, and of course our continuing engagement with God, Jesus, the scriptures and other teachers.
This Sunday, we will reflect on Matthew 5:17-20 in which Jesus tells the disciples that he came not to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them. As is always true, when he speaks to the disciples, Jesus is speaking not only to those around him at the time of his earthly ministry but also to us, to the world in this time and all times.
Today, with deep divisions and pandemics raging around us, we face a world in some important ways not unlike that of Palestine in Jesus’ time with heavy Roman oppression, as well as the world faced by earlier prophets of the Jewish faith (which was of course, Jesus’ faith). History is never completely past, as many wise people remind us, but continues to echo through the days of all times including our own.
As Levine writes, “When Jesus speaks of ‘fulfilling’ the Torah, he signals that he is drawing out its full implications.” What might Jesus be telling us about what he needs us to do and be, what God has shown him throughout his earthly ministry, and how we can apply it to our own lives? God never ceases to speak to us, to urge us to be the holy people of God.
We don’t usually think of Jesus as a prophet, but that is much of how he was viewed by many of his time—a prophet being an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God. One of the reasons some call him Rabbi Jesus is because that is a central role for rabbis down to this very day. I admit, as I listen to Rev. Dwayne and Rev. Cathy, I often think of them as rabbis.
So I hope to explore with you our own personal and communal calls and gifts of prophecy, our own calls to be rabbis as well. And surely, today we need all the wisdom and moral strength to be had to overcome so much that is terribly wrong. What can we contribute to this mission?
That is the question I will explore this Sunday in my message, “Fulfilling the Call of God,” and I hope you will join me and others via livestream at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Let us gather once again to hear and be enriched by the wisdom of scripture and to share—at that time and beyond—the gifts we receive.
Prayer: Holy One, we pray to prepare ourselves for this worship time together, knowing that you will be with us, each and all of us, and to be ready for your power to be released in us and through us. May we come with open and seeking hearts, and when worship ends may we go forth proclaiming “Prepare ye the way of the Lord!” Amen.
In faith and hope,
Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline
MCCDC Writer-Theologian in Residence
Celebrate Mom
As we continue practicing social distancing, many of us still want to celebrate Mother’s Day with our mom and mom-figure, whether blood or chosen. MCCDC wants to celebrate and remember with you, so we invite you to email a headshot of your mom with her name. Feel free to include yourself in the picture too. We will fill the sanctuary seats with cut-outs of moms across our church family.
Please send your pictures to Melvin Moore via email, churchoffice@mccdc.com, by Sunday, May 2.
Older Adult Ministry Meeting
Older Adult Ministry will be holding it monthly meeting via Zoom. May 02, at 1 PM. This month topic is COVID-19.
Guest Speaker is Jackie Lois
Click here to join at zoom link
Call In:
+13017158592,
Meeting ID: 747 759 3852
National Day of Prayer
Please join us on 6th May 2021, 12 PM/Noon Thursday for the Observation of National Day of Prayer during out normal prayer call. We will extend our normal prayer call to lift up our nation during these trouble time.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86579350349
Meeting ID: 865 7935 0349
Call In
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 865 7935 0349
Writers’ Ministry
The MCCDC Writers’ Ministry offered devotionals during Lent, and will do so at other times, fulfilling our mission to offer our church and the world more reflections and spiritual gifts throughout the year.
We also gather monthly to support and inspire each other in our personal writing. Whether you are an experienced writer or want to begin writing, or do more, please consider joining us. Our meetings are usually on Saturday mornings, 10 am – 12 noon, but occasionally we meet on the third Wednesday evening of the month. Our next meeting is Saturday, May 15 at10 a.m.
If you’d like to join this project, please contact Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, Writer-Theologian in Residence, at writer@robinhawleygorsline.com
C19 Vaccine
Public health officials are urging us to help ensure people who are 65 and older know that they are eligible for the C19 vaccine. (Depending on your location, people with certain underlying health conditions are also eligible.) For more information, visit these links—District of Columbia, Maryland & Virginia —for vaccine procedures and answers to frequently-asked questions.
Another Web site reported by News 4 today helps you manage/plan your C19 appointment in one place no matter what state you live in. Click here to go to the web site.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing reimbursement to individuals for funeral expenses incurred as a result of COVID up to $9,000. To apply click here to visit FEMA’s Funeral Assistance website: Funeral Assistance FAQ | FEMA.gov
“Church Ministries & 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).
Singing to God
Join the Virtual Voices of the MCC Choir. Lift your voice in our virtual rehearsals while singing from the comfort of your home. Email Music Minister Diedre Gray at msdeedeemusic@gmail.com
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
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
Writer’s Ministry
The MCCDC Writers’ Ministry mission is to offer to our church and the world more reflections and devotionals throughout the year. If you’d like to join this project, now or in the future, please contact Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, Writer-Theologian in Residence, at writer@robinhawleygorsline.com
“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:
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 *Diedre Gray * Elaine Durden-Hunter’s friend Saint Williams family * Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa * Cynthia Melman * Delores Fowler * Bill Stanclift’s brother James, niece Krista, nephew Paul, and several cousins *Buck Carlson at the loss of your husband
