This Week’s Reflection

For many of us, it’s hard to get away from the daily press of awful and increasingly familiar and shocking news of those who cause hurt, harm, and danger in communities across the world. The most recent shootings are no less saddening. The situations wrench our hearts and spirits as we cry out for the situations to stop. We look for a day when there are no more shootings, no more hate crimes, no more disagreements that end in violence. We long for a day when sharing thoughts, ideas, and hopes does not need to result in angry and violent repercussions. We long for a day when simply being our authentic selves is something that is appreciated, honored, and cherished.

Also at this time liturgically, we find ourselves in a season called “Ordinary Time”. This is a period on the Liturgical Calendar outside of the seasons of Lent/Easter or Advent/Christmas. It is one of my favorite times as it represents possibilities. The liturgical color during this time is green which for me represents newness and the potentiality of life. Ordinary time can also be a season of hope and reflection. In our neighborhood, even now in late January, we just saw the tops of the green shoots of the daffodils starting to break through the surface. These are signs of hope for a new season.

During this Ordinary Time let us hope for a new season of peace and God’s goodness. Let us pray for those who have been impacted by violence in all of our communities. Let us move in humility, confirming that we are the ones that God has chosen to change the world.

Our scripture for Sunday is Micah 6: 6-8. God has shown what is “good” and what the requirements are to be in relationship with God. We will be talking about moving in ways that God desires, while keeping in mind our additional scripture of 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. God chooses whom God uses to make a difference in this world. It might not be who you think. Please join us for Sunday services in person or online at 9am and 11am ET or any time on demand.

Peace,

Rev Cathy Alexander

Associate Pastor

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. We invite you to meet with our Generosity Team after worship at 12:30 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 5th via Zoom (remote only).

Please join by Zoom on February 5th. We’ll explain how to remember MCCDC in your estate plans.

Here are three ways to connect via zoom on 05 February:
· Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
· Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 830 5252 3783
· Dial by phone +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC), using the same Meeting ID

Annual Giving Statements

We have begun preparing giving statements for the 2022 tax year. We will be sending giving statements via email, in batches, beginning January 25th and continuing through March 3rd.

If we don’t have a working email address on file for you, or if you don’t have access to email, we will mail your giving statement via USPS, or you can pick it up in-person after an MCCDC Sunday worship service. Please contact Chocolatté Miller at chocolatte.miller@outlook.com if you have questions.

Black History Concert

Save the date for MCCDC’s Borderfree Black HistoryConcert. This year theme is : DC Style Concert on Saturday, February 25th at 6:00 p.m. Eastern.
This year’s program will feature MCCDC Community Voices,Eclectic Praise, Drama Ministry and Moving Spirit along Shirli Hughes and Arthur Diggs, Guest Soloists. As with our Sunday worship services, you’re invited to either participate online at live.mccdc.com or in person at Fifth and Ridge St NW. All are welcome!

Borderfree Worship Update

Effective Tuesday, November 1, MCCDC adopted 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 #48, by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter

“Your most precious, valued possessions and your greatest powers are invisible and intangible. No one can take them. You, and you alone, can give them. You will receive abundance for your giving.” ~W. Clement Stone

Dear God, you are the Prosperity that encompasses all things, eternal life, the air we breathe, our heartbeat, the earth, and all that is in it, the starlit sky, the vast oceans, and the immeasurable gifts not named here. You designated the human race to rule over the earth in its bountifulness; and we are charged as stewards of your abundant gifts to multiply and share prosperously with all people for the purpose of your beloved community.

Thank you for the generous gifts of monies, talents, skills, time and treasures that are contributed to expanding your beloved community on earth. We are grateful for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and all spiritual places of worship that we call our spiritual home. God, we praise and glorify your name. It is You who gives us the strength and courage to move forward in carrying out the plans that you have for us. Great works are accomplished through your Power and might! Thank you in your many names. Amen!

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” ~Psalm 68:19 (KJV)

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 • Tim Helm • Min. Diedre Gray • Bill Campbell • 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 recnet loss of her mother Earline • Angela Terrell • Carol Washington for the peaceful transition of her mother • Mike Washington •Carol Washington mother’s health •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 • Lost of Melvin Moore Adams’ sister Krissandra Moore •Kia Murphy • Doris Carter Washington of Alexendar, Va. request prayer • Loss of Melvin Moore Adams’ sister Krissandra Moore • Patricia Ryan due to the loss of her brother Mickey

“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!

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