This Week’s Reflection
“There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, there are no limits.” ~Michael Phelps
No victory comes easily. Obstacles are to be expected. Jesus faced obstacles. From the glory of his baptism, he immediately faced the obstacle of temptations in the wilderness; there he felt the strain of fatigue, hunger and thirst. Ultimately prevailing through the wilderness, he then faced obstacles that included miscommunication with his friends and mixed motivations from his disciples. In Sunday’s text from John 6:41-51, Jesus faces opposition from some of the Temple authorities.
The early church also faced obstacles. In Sunday’s second text from Ephesians 4:25-5:2, we observe a community struggling with dishonesty, anger, bitterness and other dynamics that put their mission at risk. Both Jesus and the early church ultimately worked through their obstacles to victory and offer much to teach us and inspire us.
During Borderfree Worship (both in-person and virtual), at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday, we’ll reflect on the wisdom and courage of Jesus as he lived his life purpose. And we’ll consider the call upon the early church to embody their aspirations to be imitators of God, to live in love, and to offer a healing community that sustains victorious living.
“When you meet obstacles with gratitude, your perception starts to shift, resistance loses its power, and grace finds a home within you,” Oprah Winfrey said. In the midst of obstacles, what does it feel like when grace finds a home within? It feels like the victory of champions!
By Faith,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Senior Pastor
Borderfree Worship
We’ll begin “borderfree” worship this Sunday, August 8th. You’re invited to continue participating virtually via live stream or join us in person at Fifth & Ridge in Washington, DC.
Learn more at borderfree.mccdc.com and remember to let us know if you’re planning to come in person. Simply visit checkin.mccdc.com (preferred) or contact church administrator Melvin Moore Adams at churchoffice@mccdc.com or (202) 638-7373.
Volunteers Needed: We have many opportunities for you to help create this new “borderfree” worship experience. Reach out to Melvin (info above) for details. We’ll gladly work with your schedule.
What is Borderfree Worship? It 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. Our goal is for everyone to share the same worship experience.
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
j.scales and family in the passing of their father • 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 • JoThe family of Joshua Benkins’ Aunt Ellen who passed and for the health of his Father 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!
