This Week’s Reflection
“Jesus as the Word existed with God from the beginning. And this Word has now taken up residence as a human being, closing the distance between God and creation.” ~J. Collett
Christmas Day rests on Sunday this year. As we gather in our Sanctuary and also virtually at 10a.m. Eastern, I invite you to take a deep breath. Or, go and ahead and take a breath now as you read this. When we pause to notice our breath we come home. We come home to the life within us and around us. With a deep breath we come home to the present moment—a present that cannot be gift wrapped yet is truly a gift.
Our scripture for Christmas Day from John 1:1-14 is epic: “The Word became flesh and made a home among us. We have seen this glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Creator, full of grace and truth” (v 14).
With Jesus, Love comes home to our hearts. Our hearts become a home for Love. This place in our hearts becomes a gifting place.
We are grateful for the gift of the child born in Bethlehem
and also born in the hearts of Mary and Joseph, and all those gathered.
We are grateful for the many gifts born from that moment and onward.
We are grateful for the gift that is born anew in us with every breath.
Let’s receive another breath and try to fathom what seems beyond comprehension: God was not satisfied being distant from us. God could not look from a distance at people feeling anger, despair, grief and isolation. God also could not look from a distance at people laughing, singing, and making love. God, the Creator, wanted to create a home where the divine and the human were fully unified. The longing of God was to meet the longings of God’s people. Jesus is the longing and love of God showing up in person.
The place where love comes home in each of us is a gifting place. This Sunday, we will celebrate a home of many gifts, flowing from love.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Holiday Schedule
Join us online or in the Sanctuary at Fifth and Ridge St NW for our special borderfree Christmas Eve worship service: 6:00 p.m. ET this Saturday, December 24th.
Given the holidays, we will host only one Sunday worship service, at 10:00 a.m. ET, on December 25th and January 1st. Please plan accordingly.
Christmas Tributes
It’s not too late to remember someone you love with a tribute in our Christmas weekend worship folder and livestream. Pay online via credit card. We suggest a donation of $20.00 per tribute. All gifts matter.
Planning Your Legacy
What will your Legacy be? Consider leaving a legacy gift to honor your life as a member of the MCCDC family. Your gift will ensure the continuation of our church, both now and in the future. Meet with our Generosity Team after Sunday worship services in the new year. We’ll host conversations at 12:30 p.m. Eastern in person on Sunday, January 22nd and via Zoom on January 29th. We’ll answer your questions about how to remember the church in your estate plans. Contact Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com for more information.
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 #43, by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
Prosperity is only an instrument to be used, not a deity to be worshiped.” – Calvin Coolidge
Dear God, thank you for the spiritual leaders who inspire us to grow in faith-building as we continue to venture forth in sharing generously of our financial gifts, talents, time and treasures in serving your purpose on earth. We are grateful to know that prosperity is a blessed resource used to help spread the gospel and bring hope to people who are hungering for understanding of your Word and how to live in this world amidst chaos.
God, help us find peace within that helps us to bear the grief and the loss of loved ones during the year and to treasure the memories they left behind. Let us remember with thanksgiving the loved ones who are still with us, and the time we have together.
We are thankful for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, our home where we worship together. Thank you for the spaces of spiritual worship everywhere. Thank you in your many names. Amen!
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the beloved community, O Lord, and You are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great, and to give strength to all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 (NKJV,alt.)
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!
