This Week’s Reflection
“We are called to practice our part for the orchestra of life! And this is precisely the invitation we are given. We are practicing for the revelation of God’s masterpiece in the new creation. The rhythms of our lives comprise the symphony of God’s creation—a work which has been in progress longer than any other. I want to play well in the orchestra.” ~Peggy Moon
Jesus moved to a different rhythm. The beat of Jesus contrasted with the beats of the dominate culture of his time and ours. Jesus patterned his life on such values as healing, hospitality, and dismantling stigma and social barriers. Jesus advocated for a new order, marked by prayer rather than power and freedom rather than control.
In our scripture for Sunday from Luke 14, Jesus tells a story that calls for a change of tune. He describes how at social events people often position themselves in places of honor.
Jesus says, “When you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place… for all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14: 10-11).
Jesus continues: “When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the oppressed, the stigmatized, and those facing barriers. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14: 13).
This Sunday, we remember a landmark event that also called for new rhythms: the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom of August 28, 1963.
Thousands gathered to work for the end of racism and to advocate for civil rights and economic rights. It was a pivotal milestone in the movement leading to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. taught spiritual rhythms as a daily way of life to guide the non-violent protests during the Civil Rights Movement. As the movement progressed, Dr. King expected participants to also progress in their spiritual lives by following spiritual rhythms. These rhythms included such practices as daily meditation on the teachings and life of Jesus; refraining from violence of fist, tongue, or heart; and striving to be in good spiritual and bodily health.
This Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Eastern we’ll worship in-person, online and later on demand. We’ll sing songs from justice movements and consider the rhythms we’re called to disrupt and the new rhythms we’re called to create. As Maya Angelou writes, “Everything in the universe has a rhythm. Everything dances.” See you Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Senior Pastor
Ministry Leadership Meeting
Are you a current or future Ministry Leader? We invite you to join us for a conversation on Tuesday, August 30th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern to discuss and imagine what ministry looks like now and going forward. Contact Rev Cathy with questions: revcathy@mccdc.com.
• Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
• Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 831 1937 7718
• Dial (301) 715-8592 by phone, using the same Meeting ID
Breast Cancer Walk
Please plan to join MCCDC in the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s annual “More than Pink” Walk to End Breast Cancer on Sunday, September 18th at 7:00 a.m.
You can join in person at Freedom Plaza, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenues NW or participate virtually.
Click here to join or donate to Team MCCD. Contact Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com for more information.
Thank You for your Generosity
Generosity Prayer #28 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“God, what is it You want to do through us?” —MCCDC—
Dear God, “What is it You want to do through us as members and supporters of Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC?” We are grateful for the many opportunities you place before us to help someone in need, to love and pray for each other, to forgive and encourage one another as the Holy Spirit leads us.
We give thanks for becoming more prosperous in our hearts as we continue moving forward sharing generously of our financial gifts, tithes, time, talent, treasures, and multiple resources you have provided in this sacred space. Thank you for all places of worship that foster community where all people are welcome regardless of color, race, gender, religion, and cultural differences.
Our souls rejoice in song and praises and glorify your name! Amen.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” ~2 Corinthians 9:8
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, hands-on implementation, and transparency? Then we might have just the right opportunity for you!
The Board of Directors is looking for motivated and qualified candidates to run for one of the three open seats on MCCDC’s Board. Two positions will be open due to term expirations in 2022, and one appointed Board Member’s position will also become available in December.
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 resumé and letter of interest to knutpanknin@gmail.com and churchoffice@mccdc.com no later than Sunday, October 16, 2022.
In-Person Re-Entry
We return to In-Person Borderfree Worship on Sunday. 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
Barnabas Culture
One by the name of Joseph, in Acts 4:36 was called “Barnabas” by the Apostles, because he had an encouraging spirit. His words consoled and encouraged those who heard him. For those interested in learning more about Barnabas Culture, MCCDC Ministry Intern Rev. Teresa Tygart will host training sessions 7:00 p.m. Eastern, Thursday. Click Here to Join The Zoom Thursday Nights For more information or questions Email preachertygart@gmail.com.
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
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
Vernessa D. Wilson for successful anticipated surgery, Jay Nitz, his sister Sherri and family for their mother’s peace and comfort in hospice * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline • Denise Wright, her mother Lucy Mae Coombs and her aunt Lottie Mae King • Bob Jones healing from his recent fall & Jerry Giem’s health • Michelle Lax • George Kerr, III • Dr. Veronica Franklin • Cecilia Hayden-Smith for healing from upcoming medical procedure, for Granny’s comfort and a painless transitioning • Esther Smith for continued health • Rose Williams continued healing • Tim Helm • Randy Punley • Lynn Sulyma • Marcus Garnett • Renee Valentine & Renee Valentine’s brother • Arden Shutt • Buck Carlson • Delores Fowler • Evelyn Jones • Steve Sloane • Glenn Conrad • Anthony Goode • Jeffrey Luckenbach • Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa • Kim Battle • Mark Kelly and Bill Campbell health • Joshua Benkins, for health of his father Isaac David Benkins • Elaine Durden-Hunter, for healing for her mother, Earline T. Green, and dog, Angel • Marvin White, whose step mother passed of C19 • Angela Terrell • Tim Helm • Mike Washington • Angela Dodd needs prayer for healing • Cameron & Sabrina Beauford, 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
Bible Study on Summer Break unitl 31 Aug 2022
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
Writing Ministry
Meets Monthy
For more information, contact Jacqueline Laughlin at yemayah@icloud.com.
Barnabas Culture Sessions
Barnabas Culture, Session 7:00 p.m. Eastern, Thursday. Click Here to Join The Zoom Thursday Nights. For more information contact MCCDC Ministry Intern Rev. Teresa Tygart at Email preachertygart@gmail.com.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
