This Week’s Reflection
Christmas is a mood, a quality, a symbol. It is never merely a fact…
The symbol of Christmas—what is it?
It is the rainbow arched over the roof of the sky when clouds are heavy and foreboding.
It is the cry of life in the newborn babe, when forced from its mother’s nest, it claims the right to live. It is the brooding Presence of the Eternal Spirit making crooked ways straight, rough places smooth, tired hearts refreshed, dead hopes stir with newness of life. It is the promise of tomorrow at the close of every day, the movement of life in defiance of death, and the assurance that love is sturdier than hate, that right is more confident than wrong, that good is more permanent than evil.
The Mood of Christmas and Other Celebrations (p. xiv)
Howard Thurman
With all of the struggle and strife that is occurring from local to international contexts throughout the world, many individuals are monitoring their consumption of, and communication on, social media. And, even with doing so, it can be difficult not to sometimes feel overwhelmed and distressed by daily events that occur near and far, and by the impacts they have currently and may have in the future. Praise God for this time of Advent–this season of waiting and contemplation. Gratitude for this time of invitation to revive in our very bodies peace, joy, hope, and love as we once again reflect upon and experience God embodied on Earth in the coming of Jesus.
Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, comes into this realm as a baby, in need of the most basic care and support. And, Matthew 1:18-25 tells us that along with Mary, Jesus’ mother, Joseph is offered the opportunity to accept that job as his earthly father. Though the Matthew passage on Joseph’s path to saying yes to the gift of co-parenting the Messiah is brief, it invites reflection on Joseph as compassionate, courageous and engaged in co-building a home of sturdy love for and by the Creator, and, therefore, for the world.
As we draw near to Christmas and the arrival of Jesus this Advent 2022, I invite you to recall and/or search for a song, a Bible verse, or a verse/reading from another sacred text that reminds you of and helps you to embrace the sturdiness of God’s love. As you wish to/are moved to do so, play it, sing it, read it, speak it, dance it as encouragement and support throughout this season and beyond.
Please join us Sunday, in-person or by live stream at 9a.m. and 11a.m. and later on demand, as we explore Joseph, the Holy Family, and A Home of Love.
Blessings.
Dr. Carla
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.
Share the Love
After a year of faithful ministry, loving care, and dedicated service to our community, we want to say THANK YOU to our Pastors, Music Ministers and Staff at MCCDC. They have been a blessing to all of us throughout the year, so let us be a blessing to them! Please consider showing your appreciation by reaching out to them and by contributing to a Love Offering that we will take on Sunday, December 18th, 2022.
Please selected s “Love Offering 2022.” from the drop down menu. Click here to donate. Thank you for your continued generosity!
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 2023, 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.
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
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.
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
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)
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!
