This Week’s Reflection
“Someday, all religions will defend human rights for LGBTQIA+ people.” ~Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson, from I Love to Tell the Story, page 88
I pray that the quote by Elder Nancy Wilson becomes realized prophecy. Her statement of faith inspires. In the meantime, we are each called to claim our sacred worth, while advocating for the sacred worth of others. This Sunday is Pride Sunday at MCCDC as part of the colorful season of Pridetide!
At MCCDC we observe traditional seasons of the church calendar such as Advent, Lent, Holy Week and the Great 50 Days of Eastertide. We also welcome emerging observances. Pridetide is one such observance, celebrated in most Metropolitan Community Churches and a growing number of other denominations.
This year, we again honor the courageous ones at the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street in New York City who early on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 1969 claimed their sacred pride following a police raid. This uprising, 50 years ago, was one breakthrough moment in the movement for equality. Another key breakthrough, a few months before Stonewall, was the first worship service of Metropolitan Community Churches, courageously led by Rev. Troy Perry on October 6, 1968 in Huntington Park, California.
Pridetide is a time to honor our sacred pride, celebrating the legacy of those who have gone before us with hope for future generations who will carry our many flags, and create new ones. Why is QT+ Pride so important? Because our work is not finished. Hate crimes, stigma, bullying and discrimination continue to make headlines. Thus, we must not rest in our work for equality. The Transgender community, especially, faces continued bias, both blatant and subtle. From insensitivity at TSA screenings, to employment discrimination, to hate crimes, our Transgender siblings face the blunt force of oppression. Now anti-Transgender legislation is emergent in several states. As MCCDC member Bobbi Elaine Strang notes, “In isolation, the anti-trans bills are troubling signs of ignorance, but together they form a dangerous pattern…it is not a long walk to actually criminalize being transgender.”
We must resist threats on QT+ people with every fiber of our beings. Pride celebrations are a form of resistance. These celebrations also inspire hope for those who have not come out. Pride celebrations help create a new vocabulary of mutual respect and understanding.
Pride Sunday is a perfect day for safe re-entry to in-person worship at Fifth & Ridge NW at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. EDT. Our Borderfree Worship includes online and on demand so that our life-changing worship is fully accessible, locally and globally. Together, we will boldly celebrate our Sacred Pride.
Grace & Peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Senior Pastor
In-Person Re-Entry
We’ll return to In-Person Borderfree Worship this Sunday, June 12th. You’re invited to continue participating virtually via live stream or join us in person at Fifth & Ridge NW in Washington, DC. Masks are required.
Learn more at borderfree.mccdc.com and let us know if you’re planning to attend in person. Visit checkin.mccdc.com (preferred) or contact church administrator Melvin Moore Adams at churchoffice@mccdc.com or (202) 638-7373.
We still need volunteers to sustain in-person worship. Please visit volunteer.mccdc.com and fill out the form for the dates and positions in which you can serve your church. Have questions about roles and responsibilities? Contact Chocolatté Miller, chocolatte.miller@outlook.com
Generosity Campaign
“God, what is it You want to do through me, financially?”
Prayer from Clara Carter:
Dear God, thank you for the opportunities to give generously of our financial gifts, as well sharing our talents and time with Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC. We are “full to the brim” with Your Spirit and overflowing with anticipation as we share our prosperity in a Christian community “without borders.” We pray to continue being a blessing to others and to do so with a cheerful heart. Lord, help us to trust you in all things. In your many names, we thank you. Amen!
We invite you to prayerfully complete the digital,
Share Your Intentions
MCCDC’s 2022 Pride Event
Join MCCDC’s Pride Outreach Ministry in the Capital Pride Parade on Saturday, June 11, 2022.
Enjoy the route filled with joy, music, dancing, and more! There will be several optional rehearsals for those who would like to learn some group movement to use along the route, and we’ll talk more about plans and ideas. We’re also looking for volunteer drivers. Contact Peter Covington at PeterDGuy@gmail.c for more information about this event.
Visit capitalpride.org for a full schedule of June events.
Email Scam Alert
Someone has been sending email claiming to be Rev. Dwayne and requesting people buy gift cards. This is a scam! (Rev. Dwayne has only one email address, revdwayne@mccdc.com). Delete the email or report it as spam to reportphishing@apwg.org.
Click here for advice from the FTC about how to recognize “phishing” scams. Never reveal personal or financial information via email. Do not click links if you don’t recognize the sender. Don’t just check their name, inspect the email address by hovering your mouse over the ‘from’ address. Make sure no alterations (like additional numbers or letters) have been made.
Capital PRIDE Interfaith Service
On Wednesday, June 15th, the greater DC faith community will celebrate our 40th annual Capital Pride Interfaith service. Tune into the live stream on The DC Center’s YouTube channel and Facebook page beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Moral March on Washington
People from Metropolitan Community Churches across America are joining the Mass Poor People’s & Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March on Washington on Saturday, June 18th. We are called to assemble in response to the pain caused to all of us when there are 140 million poor and low-wealth people in this country. We are called to join together to shift the moral narrative, build power, and demand a national agenda that can realize the nation we have yet to become for so many. Sign up here to join the MCC delegation.
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
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 • Denita Madyun-Baskerville and family as they celebrate the life of Dorothy McCarter •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 •Angela Dodd needs prayer for healing.•Cameron & Sabrina Beauford need prayer for the health of their unborn baby.
“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!
