This Week’s Reflection
“I am living breathing freedom.” ~Hiroko Sakai
When the Spirit sets us free, we are free indeed. I’m excited that this Sunday, we begin a new worship series: “Borderfree Spirit.” The Holy Spirit, who lives and moves beyond borders, invites us to join in a spiritual adventure of discovery and freedom.
For almost two years, we’ve been wearing masks. We don’t know how long this protocol will last. It’s restrictive on one hand, yet it helps us to love each other by keeping each other safe. Can we wear a mask and still be free? Beyond masks, there is a deeper freedom and openness. In upcoming weeks, we’ll look at ways to be free from the inside out. We are free to reveal, to be bold, to transcend, to aspire, to unite, to build, to create and to bear witness. With the Holy Spirit, there is always something deeper going on.
Ephesians 3:17-19 is a prayer that calls us to be strong to grasp the breadth, length, height, and depth of Spirit-filled living. The Holy Spirit, the breath of God’s love, is not bound by limited thinking and is released through openness.
The Spirit helps us to reclaim our true identities beyond labels and assumptions. Our scriptures for Sunday from Hebrews 1:1-4 and Hebrews 2:5-12 invite us to peel off the layers and soar into the glory of lives well lived. Who are we? We are not who others may say we are. The poet testifies in Hebrews 2:6-8: “What are people that you are mindful of them, or mortals that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels. You placed on them a crown of glory and honor, putting all things under their authority.”
The Holy Spirit opens new possibilities for human flourishing, revealing our sacred birthright. With joy, we’ll explore our spiritual freedom at Borderfree Worship at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. and on demand. Due to construction, we’ll be virtual-only until October 24.
In preparation for Sunday, I invite you to join me in this prayer: “God of freedom, we are in awe that you, the Creator of the Universe, think about each of us. Your care reaches into our lives. Help us to fathom the stunning truth that you created us just a little lower than the angels. Help us to imagine who we are and who we can be through you. Help us to crown our lives with glory and honor. Inspire us to live with spiritual authority. Amen.”
Grace & Peace
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Senior Pastor
Sanctuary Closed
The church building will be closed for repairs during much of October. While contractors replace our roof, the ventilation systems will be shut off.
In-person worship will resume on Sunday, October 24th. Until then, please join us virtually via live stream for “borderfree” worship on October 3rd, 10th and 17th. Here’s how to join:
• On our website: live.mccdc.com
• On Facebook: facebook.mccdc.com
• On YouTube: youtube.mccdc.com
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.
C19 Booster Shots
COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are now available for anyone age 65+ who received the Pfizer vaccine more than six months ago. Most pharmacies offer walk-in service. (Guidance for Moderna and J&J recipients is forthcoming from the CDC.)
Booster shots are authorized for people 18-64 with underlying medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, obesity; people 18-64 who work in high-risk settings including healthcare, schools and grocery stores. Additional doses are also recommended for immunocompromised individuals.
Find your vaccine card or access your vaccine record by visiting myir.dc.gov (DC), md.myir.net (Maryland), vdh.virginia.gov (Virginia); call your healthcare provider to discuss your options for a booster, or visit vaccines.gov to find a location near you.
Film Screening
Join MCCDC’s Wayson Jones and ABilly S. Jones-Hennin next Tuesday, October 5th for a screening of the film “Fierceness Served! The ENIKAlley Coffeehouse.”
The film reveals the history and importance of The Coffeehouse, which served as a sanctuary for Black LGBTQIA+ artists and activists in the 1980s—reminiscent of Harlem Renaissance salons.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for the screening and discussion at Busboys and Poets (450 K St NW). Click here for tickets. The event is part of the series “Creating a More Beloved Community.”
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
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.
“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!
