This Week’s Reflection
Have you ever missed out on a blessing because you were unwilling to do what was asked of you? There were so many in scripture who may have thought, “look at all the wonderful things that I have done for God!” I wonder, is God impressed with my great gestures? What about Abraham, Sarah, Moses, King Saul, Queen Esther, King David, or even Naaman. What is the cost of obedience and what is the cost of disobedience? I wonder what the Patriarchs and Matriarchs of the past would say. What would be their advice?
In Sunday’s reading from 2 Kings 5, we meet Naaman, the Commander of the Ruler of Aram’s army who has an incurable disease, leprosy. The Commander was proud, and learned an important lesson about humility. God works through an attendant to Naaman’s wife to tell about a prophet in Samaria who has the power to heal Naaman of his leprosy.
Long story short is that Naaman was too proud to do what the prophet asks of him, even though what was asked was simple. Naaman had to learn a lesson in humility and obedience to receive the blessing that God had for him. People in positions of leadership sometimes are the hardest people to work with because they think they know how God is supposed to move, and God doesn’t come in a way they expect.
Another text that describes the importance of obedience is 1 Samuel 15:21-23. The leader Saul rationalizes: “?But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the?Lord?your God in Gilgal.”
Samuel responds with a call to a higher faithfulness: “So Samuel said: ‘Has the?Lord?as great?delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the?Lord? Behold,?to obey is better than sacrifice, and?to heed than the fat of rams. 23?For rebellion?is as?the sin of?witchcraft, and stubbornness?is as?iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the?Lord, the Lord also has rejected you from?being?ruler.’”
Come and see what the Lord will do when we humble ourselves before our God. We are currently in the season of Yom Kippur, which in the Hebrew means “Day of Atonement”. It is a season of fasting, prayer, and asking others who we have wronged to forgive us.
This Sunday we’ll continue to celebrate our Harvest of the Heart at 9 and 11a.m. Eastern in the Sanctuary, online and later on demand. See you Sunday!
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Teresa Tygart
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.
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 #33
“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 generous gift of life and for each day that’s added beyond measure. You have blessed Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and many places of spiritual worship to continue blessing various communities. You bring them together under the umbrella of Your unconditional love.
We are grateful for the prosperous desire to give generously of our financial gifts, time, talents and treasures to further Your work here on earth. We know that sowing and reaping an abundant harvest through You are everlasting. In whatever situations we are experiencing, we pray to use wisdom in all things and that in our giving we always “meet on the common ground of God’s love,” praising You in your many names. Amen.
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38 (NKJV)
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:
• Jerry Giem at the recent passing of his partner 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 • 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!
