This Week’s Reflection
“God is in the advent wilderness of this holy season. God knows what I look like in my bathrobe, all alone late at night. And never once has God suggested that the sight is pathetic. Instead, in those empty hours God says, ‘Talk to me. Then be still and know that I am God.’” ~ Anne Marie Drew
This Sunday at MCCDC we will observe the Second Sunday of Advent. We are excited to welcome Rev. David North to bring the message From Matthew 3:1-12. Rev. North will help us consider the voice of John the Baptist calling from the wilderness. It is a voice of peace. Yet the peace is not cheap. It is peace that comes with the cost of being willing to change. John the Baptist’s invitation is edgy, direct, and not sugar coated: “Repent, for the realm of heaven has come near.”
To repent is to turn away from all that stands in the way of living our best lives. To repent is to turn towards change. A contemporary paraphrase of John the Baptist is the oft repeated quote: “The choices you make define who you are.”
Through our choices, wilderness places can be transformed. Today’s wilderness may be the desert of a busy office, or in the midst of a shopping mall, or in the tension of a classroom where disagreement seems to bounce off the walls. Or, wilderness may seem disguised by a favorite chair in a cozy den.
Join us Sunday at 9a.m. and 11a.m. Eastern in the Sanctuary, online or later on demand. To prepare for Sunday:
PRAYER: God, with your help I seek joy and peace in the wilderness places. May my searching be both inward and outward, a turn to wholeness for myself and others. Amen.
ACTION: Reflect on this quote from Henri Nouwen, especially the questions: “Only one thing seems clear to me. Every day should be well lived. What a simple truth! Still, it is worth my attention. Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of anger and resentments? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions! I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and in the life
Grace and peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
In Loving Memory
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. Services will also be live streamed at live.mccdc.com
MCCDC Christmas Concert
Mark your calendar for our holiday concert at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3rd
You can attend in person at 474 Ridge street NW, Washington DC or watch it live stream at: live.mccdc.com
Christmas Tributes
This Christmas, we invite you to remember someone you love with a tribute. Their names will be included in our Sunday worship folder and also displayed at the end of Sunday livestream worship throughout the Advent season. We suggest a donation of $20.00 per tribute. All gifts matter.
Here’s an online form to pay with credit card or electronic debit. You can also print this form and mail it to the church with a check.
Christmas Memories
During this season, we are celebrating home. We encouraging you to send a picture of you and your family at home.
Each week, one submission will be featured in the Eblast and in the Worship Folder. Send submissions to Darryl Walker at Darryl_1945@yahoo.com.
This week Vernessa D. Wilson share a picture of her and her Pup Yoha doing a puzzles as a Christmas Memory this year.
Older Adult Ministry
Our Older Adult Ministry will meet for Virtual Bingo via Zoom at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, 4th of December Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at for more information at mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com
Here are three ways to connect:
· Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
· Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 824 9552 3942
· Dial (301) 715-8592 by phone, using the same Meeting ID
Blue Christmas
The holiday season is not happy and merry for everyone yet it can be a time of reflection and sacred connection.
Please join us on Tuesday December 6th and 13th at 7pm ET Zoom for a special Bible Study to gather, grieve, honor and remember those who have lost loved ones during the holiday season.
Go to https://mccdc.com/event-calendar/ and click on Tuesday night to join the zoom.
Come for a time of community gathering, support and encouragement. Please contact Rev. Cathy (revcathy@mccdc.com) and Dr. Carla (drcarla@mccdc.com) for more information.
Email Scam Alert
Someone has been sending email claiming to be Rev. Dwayne and requesting people buy gift cards. This is a scam! (Rev. Dwayne has only one email address, revdwayne@mccdc.com). Delete the email or report it as spam to . reportphishing@apwg.org. or report to GMAIL at the following link Click here to report to GMAIL
Borderfree Worship Update
Effective Tuesday, November 1, MCCDC will adopt a flexible masking policy. That means when you enter the church at 474 Ridge St NW, you have the flexibility to choose* to wear or not to wear a mask.
• · Please continue to social distance. Respect personal space.
• · Respect personal masking choices. Others may be at high risk.
• · Be responsible. If you don’t feel well, have tested positive for COVID, or are otherwise sick; stay home and join us online.
*Note: Individual ministries or other activities/events at MCCDC may still require masks under certain circumstances
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
Bible in 90 Days
We invite you, your family and friends to join us on our every-other-year journey in reading the entire Bible cover-to-cover in 90 days. In 2022, participation will be virtual, so join us from wherever you are! To sign up or get more information, visit mccdc.com/b90 or email mccdcin90@gmail.com.
Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #41, by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“It’s what you sow that multiplies, not what you keep in the bank.” — Adrian Rogers
Dear God, we are grateful for the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, where we can worship in person or online. Thank you for the audio/visual teams and the technology that enables us and all spiritual places of worship to spread the good tidings of your love and grace throughout the world “harvesting hearts” for your beloved community.
We are grateful that you bless us to sow and multiply good works in serving others so that your love is glorified through us as a shining light. We desire to continue being a cheerful giver, and trust you to supply all our needs as we share generously of our spiritual gifts and material possessions to accomplish the mission set before us. Thank you in your many names. Amen!
“Now may [the Creator] who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” 2nd Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)
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:
Johanna Hardy• 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 success 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!
