This Week’s Reflection
“When we open ourselves to be filled to the brim with God’s lavish love, that love spills over. It reaches beyond ourselves; like water, it rushes and flows, touching everything in its path.” ~Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia”
The Season of Lent is not usually associated with fullness. Lent evokes such themes as sacrifice and emptiness. Many consider fasting for the season, often giving up favorite foods or activities. The purpose is to draw close to the difficult journey of Jesus, the ways he sacrificed comforts and eventually his life.
For the privileged who can afford to live in the consumer culture of excess, there is a place for learning what it means to sacrifice. Indeed, for those pulled into the false promises of the latest luxury products, less could become more if they just give simplicity a try.
There is value in accumulating less and experiencing more. And there is also value in a spiritual exploration of more actually being more. When it comes to stuff, more is never more. When it comes to Spirit, there is always more.
In our scripture for Sunday, from Luke 4:1-13, we meet Jesus facing his temptations in the desert. The adversary tempts Jesus in his hungry places, seeking to pull him into comfort. Jesus, relying on the power of the word, leans deeper into his purpose. Holding true, Jesus continues to move beyond fear into a life of true fullness.
“Even in the desert, Jesus expands our definitions of a full life,” observes Rev. Sarah Speed. “There is a fuller life we are called to live. Even in the midst of war, struggle, oppressive forces, hardship and grief, God’s promises spill over, like the bounty of first fruits from the ground. Even in the desert, you are called to the riverside to be washed by grace.”
This Sunday and throughout the season of Lent, we will explore the fullness of God’s presence and promises, and how we are called beyond scarcity of spirit to overflow in ways that offer hope to others. Abundance, generosity, giving and sharing are touchpoints for MCCDC’s expansive Lent. Join us at 9:00 and/or 11:00 a.m. Eastern on livestream, or later on demand.
In preparation for Sunday and for the full Season of Lent, I invite you to join me in praying this prayer: “God, what is it you want to do through me?”
Grace & Peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Senior Pastor
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.
Black History Month Celebration
Thank you to everyone who joined us on YouTube for the live premiere of Living Liberation: our Black History Month concert and celebration. Thanks also to our talented Worship Arts Ministry! Missed it? Want an encore? CLICK HERE AND Watch on demand and share with family and friends.
Pastor Chat Back
Your invite on o6 March 2022 at 12:30 pm to speak with Rev Dwayne and Rev Cathy on any topics concerning the church.
Click here to Join Pastor Chat via Zoom
or Call In +13017158592
Meeting ID 86154498721# US (Washington DC)
Another Pastor Chat is also schedule on 20 March 2022 at 12:30 pm
Congregational Forum & Meeting
Please plan to join us after worship Sunday, March 13th at 12:30 p.m. Eastern for MCCDC’s Congregational Forum. (We’ll separately send members an information packet with the agenda and reports from ministry leaders.)
Two weeks later, on March 27th, we’ll hold our Congregational Meeting to vote on church business.
Writers’ Ministry
We invite you to read this letter from Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, our Writer-Theologian in Residence, about his upcoming sabbatical. Please address any questions to Rev. Dwayne at revdwayne@mccdc.com.
Our Writers’ Ministry will meet via Zoom at 3:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, March 19. Click Here to Join via Zoom:
2021 Giving Statements Are Coming Soon.
MCCDC’s Church Administrator and Assistant Treasurer have finished emailing 2021 giving statements to everyone for whom we have a valid address. If you expected your statement via email and have not yet received it, please email treasurer@mccdc.com.
We continue sending paper statements via US Mail to those we cannot reach via email. Call 202-638-7373 with questions.
Interactive Worship Features
Beginning this Sunday, we’ll offer a period of quiet reflection during our 9:00 a.m. Borderfree Worship. At 11:00 a.m., we’ll invite everyone to share comments or questions in the YouTube or Facebook chat. Our A/V team will relay messages to the pastors to answer during service. Please address ay questions to Rev. Dwayne and Rev. Cathy at revdwayne@mccdc.com or revcathy@mccdc.com
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
• Glenn Conway’s cousin Trey • Rev, Dennis Johnson • Delores Fowler •Dale Madyun-Baskerville’s brother, Mike Washington • Tim Helm • Maria Hill • Evelyn Jones • Bob Jones & son Chuck & wife Karen • Jerry Giem & son, Jason & nephew, Travis • Dr. Veronica Franklin • Valeria Myers’ children Chantelle & Donald • Michelle Lax • George Kerr, III • Kim Battle • Randy Punley •Cecilia Hayden-Smith and Esther Smith’s health • Rose Williams’ healing •Lynn Sulyma •Marcus Garnett •Renee Valentine & brother •Arden Shutt •Steve Sloane •Glenn Conrad •Anthony Goode •Jeffrey Luckenbach •Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa •Bill Campbell •Mark Kelly •Joshua Benkins’ health of Isaac David Benkins, father •Elaine Durden-Hunter healing for her dog, Angel •Angela Terrell •Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother, Earline T.Green •Donna and Karen Payne-Hardy at the death of Donna ‘s mother • Jason mother for continue healing
“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!
