This Week’s Reflection
“You will eat abundantly and be satisfied, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has done wonders for you.” ~Joel 2:26
The headlines of scripture proclaim a counter-message to the headlines of our times. Our ancient scriptures offer hope for the present. The wisdom of the ages holds true beyond the rise and fall of stock markets and other indicators.
Woven throughout scripture from Genesis to Revelation is the message that bad times happen, yet they will not last. One example is Sunday’s scripture from Joel 2: 23-32 which offers a message of hope relevant to our inflationary times. And it is not just grocery prices that are inflated. Fear is also inflated.
Joel was a prophet of vision during a fear-filled crisis. The agricultural economy of his day was devastated by swarms of locusts. Their goods were wiped out to the extent that there was little left to inflate in price. Ultimately, God’s provident divine reversal offers an abundant outpouring to places of hunger and scarcity. God’s presence replaces fears.
A powerful turn in Joel is how beyond survival a renewed vision opens. Beyond mere individual satisfaction, the prophet points to the transformation of the entire community: “I will pour out my spirit upon everyone; your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old ones will dream dreams, and your young ones will see visions ” (Joel 2: 28).
During times like we are in, it is easy to exist in survival mode. Yet there is a better way than just getting by. I believe we are called to live in visionary mode. I believe MCCDC is called to be a place where the love of Christ is not diminished by the toxic political climate. And, beyond the culture wars, I envision a community where every culture and story is valued for revealing the vibrancy of our Creator.
I believe that the Holy Spirit is ready to pour out at MCCDC. Our call is to open ourselves as vessels to receive the outpouring. Then, let us move forward in amazement as the love of Christ shines through our lives reflecting a generous welcome with affirming acceptance.
See you Sunday at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Eastern in the Sanctuary and online or on demand, as we share the inspiration from the prophet Joel.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Dwayne
In Loving Memory
Bob Jones
Sunrise: May 27, 1934- Sunset: September 24, 2022 †
Memorial service 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 5th at 474 Ridge St NW and live streamed at youtube.mccdc.com. Lift Bob’s partner, Jerry Giem, in prayer.
Rob Rowe
Sunrise: July 9, 1954- Sunset: October 10, 2022 †
Memorial service 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 3rd at 474 Ridge St NW. Read his obituary here and lift Rob’s partner, David King, in prayer.
Mark Kelley
Sunrise: January 13, 1960
Sunset: October 17, 2022 †
Arrangements pending. Please keep Mark’s husband, Bill Campbell, in your prayers.
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
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
Saluting Our MCCDC Veterans
During both services on Sunday, November 13th, we will be acknowledging and honoring our veterans.
If you are a veteran, we want to include you in a video. Contact Darryl Walker by calling 202-297-6884 or by emailing darryl_1945@yahoo.com for details no later than Sunday, November 6th.
Bible Study, Labyrinths History and Walk
Come Join MCCDC bible study in person
on 15 Nov 2022 7 pm at 474 Ridge Street NW, Washington DC in the Annual Labyrinths Walk.
Learn about the history and walk the MCCDC Labyrinths in person.
A finger Labyrinth will also be offer via zoom as well.
Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville
mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com for more information
Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #35, by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Giving opens the way for receiving.” ~Florence Scovel Shinn
Dear God, thank you for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC and all places of spiritual worship around the globe. Thank you for the many talents, financial gifts, time and treasures that people continue to give and share in gathering an abundant harvest of hearts for your Beloved Community. We pray to continue moving forward to accomplish the vision and the mission that is before us. God, we thank you for helping us to keep the faith and for expanding our capacity to give and to receive. In your many names, we give generously of our gifts without obligation or under compulsion. Thank you. Amen.
“We should all give what we have decided in our hearts to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV)
Queer Relationship Seminar
Join MCCDC member Peter Covington in a Zoom discussion about Queer relationships every Wednesday evening at 8:00 p.m. Eastern until November 30th.
• Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
• Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 898 9402 4629
• Dial (309) 205-3325 by phone, using the same Meeting ID
Contact Peter at peterdguy@gmail.com for more information.
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 • Mezyi Choi request prayer for her sucess healing from surgery
“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!
