This Week’s Reflection
“Lord, we pray that the ropes that bind our nation together, though frayed, will never break; that the greatest of our natural resources—the love of our people—will abound, flowing even beyond our shores; that our flinty determination will cause sparks of innovation to fly but never set wildfires of anger that we are not big enough to extinguish. And most of all, that you will be with us, as you have always been. Amen.” ~Joshua DuBois, Former White House Director of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
This year, Independence Day is Sunday. I believe that Independence Day is more than fireworks and cookouts. It is a time to pray for our nation and our world. It is a time to pray locally and globally for generous hearts to overcome nationalism and fear. It is a time to pray for God to bless America—but not just America: God holds the whole world in loving hands, and only God can make our world whole. Perhaps one way to frame the day is to expand the description from Independence Day to Interdependence Day.
It is time to pray and work for holy interdependence. The invitation is to listen to the Inner Voice of Love that calls us to another of our true names: Spiritual Freedom. This gift of Spiritual Freedom is a place in the heart. It is beyond borders and metal detectors, eternally safe. Spiritual Freedom pops the bubble of self-protection and isolation.
I pray our nation would repent from greed, consumerism, celebrity worship, violence and the insidious “isms” that devalue gifts and create walls between peoples. Carl Jung describes “isms” as “the viruses of our day, and responsible for greater disasters than any mediaeval plague…”
I pray our nation would transform into a force for global compassion rather than dominance, joining in a circle of connected humanity. Such transformation is a deeper and wider, all-encompassing freedom.
How did Jesus live with Spiritual Freedom? I will offer thoughts on this question for us to consider in the message this Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. online.
I invite you to prepare by prayerfully reflecting on Mark 6:1-13. Perhaps you will find yourself in the story and recognize your name between the lines: Spiritual Freedom.
By Faith,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Senior Pastor
Re-Entry Update
MCCDC’s c19 Advisory Team has made recommendations for safe re-entry to our sanctuary at Fifth & Ridge. Our Board of Directors has approved those recommendations.
We have not yet determined our re-entry date, given pending work on the church roof and ventilation systems. We’ll share more details at this Sunday’s Congregational Forum (see Zoom link below).
We need your help. We have many volunteer opportunities as we prepare for re-entry. We can work with your schedule. Email Melvin Moore Adams at ChurchOffice@mccdc.com for more information.
Our goal is for everyone to share the same worship experience, whether physically present or participating via livestream.
Remembering Rose
A memorial service for our dearly beloved sister in Christ, Rose Herring, will be held at 11:00 a.m. ET on Saturday, July 17th at Yarborough & Rocke Funeral Home, 1001 N 63rd St in Philadelphia. We’re also planning an MCCDC service in Washington
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
Francine Clark and the family of Rose Herring • The family of Louis Hicks, Sr. • Lilah Blackstone and the family of Terry Blackstone • Bob Jones • Jerry Giem • 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 • Arden Shutt • Buck Carlson • Delores Fowler • Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother, Earline T. Green • Evelyn Jones • Valeria Myers’ son Donald • Bob Jones’ son Chuck & wife Karen • Jerry Giem’s Son, Jason and Nephew, Travis • Steve Sloane • Glenn Conrad • Anthony Goode • Renee Valentine’s brother • Juanita Dara • Jeffrey Luckenbach • Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother health• Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa • Cynthia Melman • Kim Battle • ABilly Jones-Hennin
C19 Vaccine
Have you been vaccinated yet? Everyone 12 years or older — including undocumented immigrants — is now eligible. Visit vaccines.gov to find a location near you and make an appointment.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is providing reimbursements up to $9,000 for funeral expenses incurred as a result of C19. To apply, visit FEMA’s website.
“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
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
