This Week’s Reflection
“The only thing better than singing is more singing.” ~Ella Fitzgerald
This Sunday the “Songs of our Souls” series culminates. Yet our songs continue and our souls rejoice. It is our songs that sustain and embolden our faith. We keep on singing! Our continuing songs are songs of hope, healing, community and glory. We sing the mystery of divine rhythms. God’s voice sings through us.
My prayer is that through this series the power of song has deepened within you. Indeed, music is prayer. Some of you have shared that music is your primary spiritual practice. Music is how you begin and end your day. Our scripture for Sunday from 1 Timothy 6: 6-21 is a call to holy living and dedication to our God: “As one dedicated to God, strive to be a person of integrity and spiritual practices, filled with faith and love, patience and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11). Music is one of the most sustainable and universal of spiritual practices, touching both mind and heart.
Psalm 91, another reading for Sunday, invites us to raise our voices in praise, finding refuge and strength in God’s infinite love, and growing in our trust. During times of trouble, song as prayer creates a re-centering in peace and presence.
In the message for Sunday we’ll continue to explore the joy of song, and the lifting power of praise. We are excited that Moving Spirit is returning to the Sanctuary with their inspired expression of “The Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Join us at 9a.m. and 11a.m. Eastern in the Sanctuary, online, or later on demand for Borderfree Worship.
In preparation for Sunday, I invite you to reflect on these lines from the enduring hymn, “How Can I Keep from Singing?”
My life goes on in endless song
Above earth’s lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear its music ringing,
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?
Grace and peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Worship Volunteer
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
Walk & 5K to End HIV
Join MCCDC in the 36th annual Walk & 5K to End HIV on Saturday, October 22,at 9 AM
NOTE: NEW IN PERSON LOCATION IS: Gateway DC Pavilion, 2700 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032. You can sitll particiate VIRTUALLY as well.
Click here to donate or join our team.
Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at baskerd6109@gmail.com for more information.
Research Study
Are you an adult (18 years or older) member of an open, welcoming, and affirming church who identifies as LGBTQ+? If so, you are invited to participate in a research study being conducted by Dr. Megan Yost, a professor at Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA). To learn more about the research and for the link to the survey, visit bit.ly/3OhM28K before the end of September.
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.
Monkeypox 101
Metropolitan Community Churches in Florida are hosting a virtual panel discussion titled “Monkeypox: What you need to know” on Monday, October 17th at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Registration is required for this event!
Please click this link to register! (And share it with your congregations, family and friends!)
Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #32
“Those who need money and those who can give money meet on the common ground of God’s love.” Henri Nouwen
Dear God, thank you for the energy of money that flows and weave within the fabric of our lives. Help us to always use wisdom and kindness in distributing monies where needed. We are grateful for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC and all ministries who work with communities throughout the world spreading God’s love with kindness and the joy of being.
We know that you created each of us a unique individual with gifts to share generously with others, be it financial wealth, time, and the many talents and treasures that you have given us. Thank you God for all gifts whether it is five talents, two talents or the one talent that is entrusted us to nurture and grow more abundantly. From the well of spiritual prosperity, we give generously of our financial wealth and “meet on the common ground of God’s love” who has given us the wonderful gift of eternal life. Praise your many names. Amen
“Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of God’s servant.” Psalm 35:27
Clara Carter
MCCDC Prayer Supporter
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:
• Bob Jones • Tim Helm • Min. Diedre Gray • Mark Kelley and Bill Campbell • James Newkirk ? Denise Wright, her mother Lucy Mae Coombs and her aunt Lottie Mae King. • Rose Williams• Cecilia Hayden-Smith and Esther Smith’s health• Delores Fowler • Vernessa D. Wilson • Family of Ms. Brittany Harrell • Bob Jones’ son Chuck & wife Karen • Jerry Giem, nephew & son • Kia Murphy • Veronica Franklin• Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline • Glenn Conway • Michelle Lax •Anthony Goode • Valeria Myers’ children Chantelle & Donald • George Kerr, III • Randy Punley • Lynn Sulyma • Marcus Garnett •Renee Valentine’s brother • Arden Shutt • Evelyn Jones• Steve Sloane • Jeffrey Luckenbach • Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa • Cynthia Melman •Kim Battle • Joshua Benkins’ father Isaac •Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother Earline • Angela Terrell • Carol Washington for the peaceful transition of her mother • Mike Washington •Angela Dodd for healing •Buck Carlson •Lolita Gleaton for healing from her cancer • 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
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!
