This Week’s Reflection
“Sometimes I sit in public places to watch strangers interact. When persons go out of their way to be kind to others through actions or words, I see an immediate transformation in attitude and demeanor. Smiles replace frowns, and people look at one another rather than past one another.” ~Kathryn Haueisen
Every person we interact with in public is a prayer opportunity. What we carry into our public lives makes either a positive difference or a negative difference. I’ve started making it a spiritual practice to pray for my neighbors as I pass by their doors. I have no way of knowing what they are going through. Yet God knows. I am called to pray beyond my knowing.
Only God can see into the hearts of those around us. Some people approach the day with inner dread, yet pose a smile as they interact with others. It is easy to assume they are happy. Other people are more transparent, showing their feelings on their countenance. Yet we don’t know the depths.
Public interactions are often strained these days, as c19, economic uncertainty and the intense suffering of our siblings from Haiti, Afghanistan, and other locations call for compassionate response. It can all feel overwhelming. The collective context is suffering. The collective call is compassion.
James addresses the complexities of human realities in our scripture for Sunday from James 5:13-16. In quick succession, he asks three questions:
• Are any among you suffering? (James 3:13)
• Are any cheerful? (James 3:13)
• Are any among you sick? (James 3:14)
James asked these questions to early Christians who were facing forced exile from Jerusalem and were dispersed under rule of the Roman Empire. Their resources were stretched and the difficulties were weighing them down. Through it all, James reminds them of how important it is for them to pray for each other and recognize that what one does, for good or ill, touches everyone. What we do, even in isolation, ultimately impacts others.
The insights from James are a call to action, prayer, and a deep awareness of our interconnectedness. See you Sunday at Borderfree Worship at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Eastern… in person, virtually, or later on demand. We’ll reflect on prayer that is powerful, effective and connective.
Percy C. Ainsworth posits that “The end of prayer is not to win concessions from Almighty Power, but to have communion with Almighty Love.” May we experience such communion and thus offer positive spiritual influence, even as we move among strangers in public.
Grace & Peace
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Senior Pastor
MCCDC Leadership Opportunity!
Are you looking for a new way to serve your MCCDC community? Can you envision yourself in a leadership position? And do you have a passion for innovation and hands-on implementation during this challenging time? Then we might have just the right opportunity for you!
The Board of Directors is looking for motivated and qualified candidates to run for seats on the Board of Directors this year. Two positions will be open due to term expirations in 2021. We are looking for a diverse group of people with the spiritual gifts of leadership, discernment, and compassion. We are especially looking for people with practical experience in strategic planning, financial management/fundraising/legacy planning, policy development, program oversight, or legal matters.
If you feel called and have been a member of MCCDC in good standing for the past six months, you are eligible to run. Please submit a brief bio and a letter of interest to the Board
You are also encouraged to talk to Senior Pastor Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson or Board Member Knut Panknin if you have questions or would like to receive more information.
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.
Virtual Walk & 5K to End HIV
On Saturday, October 23, we are participating in the 35th annual Walk & 5K to End HIV benefiting the programs and services of Whitman-Walker Health.
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 for more information, donate or to join Team MCCDC
CASTING CALL
A filmmaker plans to recreate portions of the historic 1963 March on Washington and is looking for background actors or “extras” for this Netflix/Higher Ground movie about gay civil rights leader Bayard Rustin.
Visit RustinExtrasDC on Facebook for more information about the casting call.
Metro Changes
This month, Metro added more buses and trains with new discounts to make it easier for you to return to work, school, church or wherever else you want to be. Visit wmata.com/changes for details.
Metrorail now opens at 7:00 a.m. on Sundays—one hour earlier for those who want to join us in person at Fifth and Ridge. MCCDC is close to the Mt. Vernon Square station on the Green and Yellow lines.
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• Robin Anderson for the healing of her sister Pam• Tina Fulps at the passing of her friend Emily• Dentia Madyun-Baskerville and family at the passing of her Great Nephew Sejon Reed,•Elaine Durden-Hunter ask for ‘prayers of healing for her dog Angel.
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 Resume 14 Sept. 2021
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!
