This Week’s Reflection
Do you remember your baptism? Or were you, like me, too young to remember? I imagine however that you remember other baptisms—perhaps your children or grandchildren, a dear friend, or others in a worship service. I certainly remember those of my children and grandchildren, as well as many at which I officiated as a pastor. The blessing and welcome of the water of life and love is central to my spiritual life, and I hope yours.
We will focus this Sunday on the Baptism of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Luke but we will do so in the context of our own day. How does this event, this text, speak to us today in a world deeply torn and endangered by non-benign forces political/social/religious and natural? It may help us to remember that Jesus, who came to the River Jordan in a crowd of seekers, lived in a time also torn and endangered by Roman oppression.
What blessing do we seek for ourselves, our loved ones, our communities, and our world today? What divine words of hope and love do we crave to hear? Are we staying open to hear them? Do we really trust God to lead us into newness of life?
I invite you to join us at 9 and 11 a.m. this Sunday online, and anytime on demand, as we explore and celebrate God’s continuing blessing in our lives.
Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline
Writer-Theologian in Residence
Our church building is closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Our COVID-19 Advisory Team and Board of Directors will re-evaluate community risk after New Year’s.
Gratitude from MCCDC Staff
Dear Beloved Community of MCCDC:
On behalf of the staff of MCCDC we are so grateful for the recent Christmas Love Offering. You are a generous congregation all through the year and it is a joy to minister together with you as we make a positive difference in the lives of our local and global communities.
You are in our daily prayers. We pray for your safety and well-being, and for your loved ones. During times like this we are reminded of how important it is to share the strength of faith and friendship.
Grace & Peace,
Rev. Cathy Alexander and Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
2021 Giving Statements Are Coming Soon.
MCCDC church administrator and assistant treasurer are preparing your giving statement for tax year 2021. Giving statements will be emailed in phases between January 17, 2022, and March 4, 2022.
For those who do not have a working email address on file or who do not have access to email, the 2021 giving statement will be sent out via postal mail. Please contact churchoffice@mccdc.com if you have questions.
Older Adult Ministry, 09 Jan 2022 @ 1 PM
Older Adult Ministry will be holding it monthly meeting via Zoom.
Protect yourself against romance, lottery, and sweepstakes scams. These may come via telephone or email and victimize millions of Americans each year. Our Older Adult Ministry will gather via Zoom on Sunday, January 9th at 1:00 p.m. ET. We’ll watch a video from the AARP about financial fraud and confidence schemes.
• Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
• Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 824 9552 3942
• Dial (301) 715-8592 by phone, using the same Meeting ID
Join us for Bible Study, Tuesdays @ 7:00 p.m.
Our Bible Study Ministry resumes from the holidays break. Tuesday January 11th. at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Would you like to spend more time with the “greatest story ever told” in the new year?
Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville
mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com or go to the Church Calendar
https://mccdc.com/event-calendar/ and get the zoom link to attend.
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
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 • Celecila Hayden-Smith and Esther Smith health. Rose Williams continue healing• Randy Punley • Lynn Sulyma • •Marcus Garnett • Renee Valentine & Renee Valentine’s brother • Arden Shutt • Delores Fowler • Evelyn Jones • Steve Sloane • Glenn Conrad • Anthony Goode • Jeffrey Luckenbach • Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa • Kim Battle • ABilly Jones-Hennin • Bill Campbell • Mark Kelly • Joshua Benkins’ prayers for health of Father Isaac David Benkins • Elaine Durden-Hunter asks for prayers of healing for her dog, Angel • Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother, •Earline T. Green, •Angela Terrell,• Maria Hill •Marvin White’s step mother passed of COVID19• Tim Helm • Micheal Washington
“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 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 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!
