This Week’s Reflection

“Life is so beautiful. Life is so hard.” ~Kate Bowler

How can life change so quickly? Dan Clendenin in his webzine “Journey with Jesus” introduced me to Kate Bowler. At age 35, she was advancing quickly in her career as an assistant professor of the history of Christianity in North America at Duke Divinity School. Her critically acclaimed book, “Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel” was leading to transformative conversations. Then: she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.

Kate Bowler writes, “The stomach cramps I was suffering from were not caused by a faulty gallbladder, but a massive tumor.”

She knows what it is like to go from the heights of glory to the depths of despair on a moment’s notice. Her story reminds me of what Jesus experienced through his triumphal entry into Jerusalem in Luke 19:28-40. Jesus experienced the heights as the crowds cheered “Blessed is the One who comes in the name of our God!” (Luke 19:37)). Then, within just a few hours, Jesus experienced the depths as the crowds shouted “Crucify him, crucify him!” (Luke 23:20).

As we move further into the story of Jesus through Holy Week, his journey to Resurrection is one of bittersweet abundance, including the pain of betrayal paired with the comfort of faithful companionship.

The life of Jesus invites us to consider our lives. How do we respond when life turns on a dime (or the loss thereof)? Quick fixes and clichés prove empty. The only way is going through. This is one of the places where the life of Jesus and our lives meet.

Reflecting on her unwelcome diagnosis, Kate Bowler writes, “cancer has also ushered in new ways of being alive… In my vulnerability, I am seeing my world without the Instagrammed filter of breezy certainties and perfectible moments. I can’t help noticing the brittleness of the ways that keep most people fed, sheltered and whole. I find myself returning to the same thoughts again and again: Life is so beautiful. Life is so hard.”

As we’ve been learning through Lent, Jesus invites us to lives that are full to the brim. Yet this is not a dance to the happy tune of forced positivity. Rather, this is an invitation to true abundance, often nourished from the depths of difficult places and times.

Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00 AM Eastern and later on demand, we will consider the beauty of palms raised high, and we’ll also take an unflinching look at the hard side where God also dwells.

Grace & Peace,
Rev. Dwayne Johnson
Senior Pastor, MCCDC

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.

Holy Week Services

Palm / Passion Sunday: April 10th at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
“Full to the Brim: Even the Stones Cry Out”
youtube.mccdc.com

Maundy Thursday: April 14th at 7:00 p.m.
“Full to the Brim: Take Off Your Shoes”
us02web.zoom.us/j/82485019782

Good Friday: April 15th at 7:00 p.m.
“Full to the Brim: A Cup of Sorrow”
us02web.zoom.us/j/82485019782

Resurrection Sunday: April 17th at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
youtube.mccdc.com

Seeking Worship Volunteers

Help us open our sanctuary! Please visit volunteer.mccdc.com and fill out the form for the dates and positions you can serve your church. Have questions about roles and responsibilities? Contact Chocolatté Miller, chocolatte.miller@outlook.com. We’re planning volunteer training for Sunday, April 10th but can make alternate arrangements for those who can’t attend.

Support for Tim Helm

Beloved longtime MCCDC member Tim Helm is recovering from spinal and back wound complications at BridgePoint Hospital on Capitol Hill. Tim welcomes your calls in the afternoon and evening at (202) 368-9877.

Tim, our love and prayers are with you!
~Your MCCDC Family

Writers’ Ministry

MCCDC’s Writers’ Ministry gathers this Saturday, April 9th at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. This month’s theme is “Surprised by Joy.” Contact Jacqueline Laughlin, jacqueline.laughlin@gmail.com, and join via us02web.zoom.us/j/7477593852.

Support LGBTQ+ Ukrainian Refugees

The Metropolitan Community Churches have organized an effort to directly benefit the LGBTQ+ people of Ukraine, and their extended families. Donate through the link below and our denomination will cover all costs associated with the administration of this fundraising campaign so that 100% of your gift will go directly to refugees. Ukrainian Refugees

General Conference Dates

Save the dates for the Metropolitan Community Church’s online virtual global General Conference Gathering. All are welcome Friday July 1 through Sunday July 3. Meet other members of our denomination’s worldwide community, share devotional times, and take part in webinars with amazing guest speakers. To learn more and register, visit generalconference.mccchurch.org.

Related: Click here to review our denomination’s 2021 annual report. It highlights of the many ways that MCC and its ministries are making a difference in a hurting world.

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 for healing • Valeria Myers’ children Chantelle & Donald • Michelle Lax • George Kerr, III • Kim Battle • Randy Punley • 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 family at the death of his mother Sheryl Jedlinski• Cecilia Hayden-Smith for healing from upcomming medical procedure • Cecilia Hayden-Smith for Granny comfort and a painless transitioning • Esther Smith for continue health

“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

Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!

Click here to see more MCCDC Videos