This Week’s Reflection
“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” ~Ryunosuke Satoro
Every day we are bombarded with a lie. This lie has been told so long and so often that in the United States, it has become a part of our consciousness. It is the lie of the self-made person. It is the lie of the lone wolf “success” story. It is the lie of rugged individualism. Sadly, this lie has led to the sacrifice of meaning and relationships. Some have built financial wealth through self-effort and steamrolling over others, and yet have ended up spiritually and emotionally bankrupt. Some are now speaking out about the loneliness pandemic that is partly due to the glorification of “me first” success stories.
True champions rise from beloved community. True champions are connected to community, connect others to community, receive from the community and give back. True champions recognize their gifts and develop their gifts while helping others to do the same. Iyanla Vanzant says, “The way to achieve your own success is to be willing to help somebody else get it first.”
Our scripture for Sunday from Ephesians 4:1-7; 11-16 is an invitation for us to grow together as a community of spiritual champions. We are called to build each other up through the shared characteristics of humility, gentleness and patience and to accept each other with love (Eph. 4:2).
We are also invited to consider how each member of the beloved community has a specific calling to fulfill: “And to some, the gift they were given is that they should be apostles; to some, prophets; to some, evangelists; to some, pastors and teachers. These gifts were given to equip fully the holy ones for the work of service, and to build up the body of Christ” (Eph. 4: 11-12).
I noticed that in the team sports in Tokyo, there are specific parts that each member plays that make the team a team, working together. In gymnastics, for example, one may excel in uneven bars, while another soars with vault. In swimming relays, the participants are ordered according to their strengths and weaknesses in ways that will best position the team for victory.
I invite you to worship with Team MCCDC this Sunday as we continue to discover ways to rise together as Champions of Faith.
By Faith,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Senior Pastor
Older Adult Ministry
Older Adult Ministry will be holding it monthly meeting via Zoom. August 01, at 1 PM. This month topic is Medicare / Medicaid help for Seniors in DC.
Guest Speaker for this months meeting is. Greg McCoy, General Agent.Secure Benefits Alliance
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82495523942
Meeting ID: 824 9552 3942
Call In,
+13017158592,,82495523942# US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 824 9552 3942
Contact Dale L. Madyun-Baskerville at mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com
Volunteers Needed
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.
Announcing Borderfree Worship
We’re delighted to announce that MCCDC will begin “borderfree” worship services on Sunday, August 8th.
What is Borderfree Worship? It is worship that connects the in-person experience with the virtual experience, free of the walls of church and home. It also reaches freely through time zones and borders as we grow through global participation.
You’re invited to continue attending virtually via live stream or join us in person at Fifth & Ridge in Washington, DC. Services will continue at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. EDT every Sunday.
Your health and safety are our top priorities. Therefore, following guidance from the CDC, we will require properly-worn masks and we will maintain physical distancing during worship. We will not ask about anyone’s vaccine status. Segregating or distinguishing between people is not consistent with MCCDC’s history or values.
Our goal is for everyone to share the same worship experience. We’re installing big-screen TVs to help bring the congregation together, regardless of location.
Should you choose to join us in person, we ask that you please check in with the church office each week. For more details and to review a checklist for in-person attendance, visit borderfree.mccdc.com.
We look forward to celebrating God’s abundant love for all people, whether you join us via live stream or in-person. If you have questions, please contact church administrator Melvin Moore Adams at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
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 &Bob Jones’ son Chuck & wife Karen • Jerry Giem & Jerry Giem’s son, Jason and nephew, Travis • Valeria Myers’ Daughter Chantelle & Son Donald• Michelle Lax • George Kerr, III • Dr. Veronica Franklin • Mama Cee’s sister and niece • Rose Williams • Randy Punley • Lynn Sulyma • Esther Smith • Marcus Garnett • Renee Valentine & Renee Valentine’s brother • • Arden Shutt • Buck Carlson • Delores Fowler • Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother, Earline T. Green • Evelyn Jones • Steve Sloane • Glenn Conrad • Anthony Goode • Jeffrey Luckenbach • Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa • Cynthia Melman • Kim Battle • ABilly Jones-Hennin • Bill Campbell • Mark Kelly • Joshua Benkins’ Aunt Ellen and Isaac David Benkins • Amy Stark, on the loss of her cat Rusty.
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 (July 20 to 07 Sept 2021 Bible Study is on SUMMER BREAK)
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!
