This Week’s Reflection
“Give yourself grace and the time you need.” ~Larry Garrett
Sometimes one has to come down to go up. Luke 19: 1-10 is the iconic account of Jesus and Zacchaeus. This story offers many perspectives, including an invitation to reconsider one’s perspective, giving oneself the grace and time to implement growth and change.
Like many of us, Zacchaeus wrestled with contradictions in his life, seeking to live by higher values yet at times compromising. An agent of the oppressive Roman government, he was viewed as an oppressor, feared because of his power. He was an outsider, wealthy economically, yet isolated and poor in relationship.
It was time for a new perspective. Zacchaeus climbs a sycamore tree to see Jesus beyond the crowd. His hopes are met as he sees Jesus. And beyond his hopes Jesus also sees him. Then Jesus says: “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down!”
The unexpected goes even further and deeper as Jesus invites himself to stay at Zacchaeus’ home. I’ve long wondered about the details of the conversation shared by Jesus and Zacchaeus. It was clearly a conversation about the ways of wholeness and love. Jessica Mesman writes, “Zacchaeus shows me I don’t need to fear being seen by Jesus. I might be transformed into someone I don’t recognize, but my current form is the one God wants to meet and enter, right now.”
Ultimately, Jesus offers a description of their time together: “Today salvation has come to this house, because Zacchaeus too is a descendant of Sarah and Abraham. For the Promised One came to seek out and to save the lost” (Luke 19:9-10).
Sunday at 9a.m. and 11a.m. Eastern in the Sanctuary and online and later on demand, we’ll look at the intersections of determination, surrender, human need and the liberating power of Jesus as we aspire to wholeness. As we learn from Zacchaeus, sometimes the way up is down.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
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 †
Memorial service 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 19th at 474 Ridge St NW and live streamed at youtube.mccdc.com. Please keep Mark’s husband, Bill Campbell, in your prayers.
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 #36, by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Everyone can enjoy the giving and blessing of generosity; because everyone has something to give.” Jan Grace
Thank you, God, for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC and all places of spiritual worship that are working together “harvesting hearts” for your Beloved Community. We are grateful for this privilege to share and give generously of our gifts of what we have, not complaining of what we don’t have.
Open our hands and hearts in all places of spiritual worship to stay encouraged to continue the work that You have ordained us to do. We pray to be prosperous in all that we do for your Beloved Community. And God, help us to keep the faith believing that what we ask for we shall receive. Thank You in your many names. Amen!
“For if the willingness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what one does not have. 2nd Corinthians 8:12 (NIV)
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!
