This Week’s Reflection
“Despite our sharp disagreements on the nature of the American dream, many of us on the left, on the right, and in the center have at least this much in common: a shared experience of heartbreak about the condition of our culture, our society, our body politic. That shared heartbreak can build a footbridge of mutual understanding on which we can walk toward each other.” ~Parker Palmer from Healing the Heart of Democracy, 59
Recently, I could not help but overhear a shouting match near the corner of 5th and L Street NW. It seems everyone has something to scream about. Also, near the same location, I heard a parent screaming curses at their young child who was trailing behind a bit and playfully laughing and taking their time. The laughter quickly turned to tears as the child’s spirit was broken. My immediate response was an impulse to intervene and counter the words of the parent with words of affirmation. I wanted the child to know it was ok to laugh and play and be beautiful. And I knew better than to escalate the situation through presumptive intervention. So I prayed in my heart for this child, this parent, this world.
Words have power to harm or heal. Words have the power to create barriers or bridges. The scriptures for the message this Sunday speak of the power of words to bring death or life. In James 3:1-10, the scripture writer warns that words can create evil that spreads like a forest fire. Today, many of the fires raging in our world are fueled by the rhetoric of death cultures. The opposite is also true—“Blessing and cursing come from the same mouth” (James 3:10)—our words have the power to bless.
Words also have the power to protect and guide our purpose. In Mark 8: 27-37, Peter uses his word to try to dissuade Jesus from his purpose. In response, Jesus uses his word to sternly correct Peter: “Get behind me, Satan. You are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts” (Mark 8:33.)
Imagine a world where all words were created by God’s thoughts! At MCCDC, this is the world we seek to co-create with God working around us, in us, and through us.
See you Sunday at Borderfree Worship at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in person, virtually, or later on demand. Together, we seek to grow in our ability to speak, sign and write words that are faithful and healing.
Grace & Peace
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.
Older Adult Ministry REMINDER!!!
Due to Labor Day, our Older Adult Ministry will hold its monthly meeting via Zoom at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 12th. Our guest speaker will be a AARP representative from Washington DC office.
Virtual Breast Cancer Walk
Join MCCDC in the Susan G. Komen “More than Pink” Walk to End Breast Cancer.
While we may not be able to walk side-by-side this year, we can come together virtually to share stories, support one another, and raise money to save lives. Click here to join Team MCCDC (or select “Join an Existing Team” and search for MCCDC). The virtual walk is Sunday , September 12, 2021, Anyone can help with fundraising. See this Q&A or contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com for more information.
Writers’ Ministry
MCCDC’s Writers’ Ministry will gather next on Wednesday, September 22nd at 7:00 p.m. ET. Whether you are an experienced writer or want to begin writing, or do more, please consider joining and contact Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, Writer-Theologian in Residence, at writer@robinhawleygorsline.com.
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, Denise Wright at the passing hof her cousin Marlo Morris.
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
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7078722334
Meeting ID: 707 872 2334
The dial in is 301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 7078722334
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!
