This Week’s Reflection
“Every person needs to take one day away. A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future. Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence. Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.”
~ Maya Angelou, “Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now”
As we near July 4th, I believe that one way to observe this day is to call out to God in prayer. It is a time to pray for our nation and our world. It is a time to pray locally and globally for generous hearts to overcome nationalism and fear. It is a time to pray for God to bless America—-but not just America: God holds the whole world in loving hands, and only God can make our world whole. Perhaps one way to frame the day is to expand the description from Independence Day to Interdependence Day.
Our souls need rest. To seek rest is to seek the wisdom of release, of changing pace. Maya Angelou says it beautifully. Jesus says it simply: “come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). There is spiritual rest in the presence of God. When we draw near to God, our souls find rest in the knowledge that God is greater than that which drains our souls.
The psalmist proclaims: “O God, you restore our souls” (Psalm 23:3). Deep wisdom reminds us that God is God: and we’re not. We are students of the ways of God. Jesus says, “Learn from me” (Matthew 11:29). We are proud to be seekers of wisdom, learning from the heart of Jesus. Jesus, the radical rabbi, is the teacher of our souls. His teachings are restorative and reformative.
Grounded in love, Jesus leads us to openness, movement, change, renewal and healing. In the message at 9AM and 11AM this Sunday, we’ll explore the call of Jesus to learn the ways of living with wisdom and with souls that are full.
In preparation for Sunday, I invite you to join me in praying this prayer by Joshua DuBois, former White House Director of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships:
“God, my doors are open to you.
Wherever you want to move, move.
Whatever you want to change, change.
Create in me a clean heart, and renew and right my spirit.
Make me yours. Amen.”
Grace and peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Pride Month Remembrance
We invite you to remember or honor someone you love with a Pride Tribute. The names of those remembered will be included in our Sunday worship folder and at the end of our Sunday worship live stream. Suggested donations start at $25.00 per name. All gifts matter. Submit payment online at tributes.mccdc.com or mail a check payable to MCCDC to 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC 20001.
Breast Cancer Walk?
Please plan to join MCCDC in the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s annual More than Pink Walk to End Breast Cancer on Sunday, September 10th at 7:00 a.m.
You can join in person at Freedom Plaza, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenues NW.
Click here to join or donate to Team MCCDC.
Contact Dr. Rev. Rev Dr Teresa Tygart, at preachertygart@gmail.com for more information.
MCCDC POOL PARTY
Join the Older Adults Ministry on Saturday, July 8th, at 3:00 pm at 8312 20th Avenue, Adelphi, MD 20783
(All ages are welcome)
Meats provided by OAM, Attendees asked to bring a side dish, dessert or beverage.RSPV: to Darryl Walker – email Darryl_1945@yahoo.com
Bible Study Summer Break
MCCDC Bible Study will be on summer break from 04 July to 05 Sept 2023.Bible Study will resume on 12 Sept 2023. Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville, baskerd6109@gmail.com, with any questions.
Mary House Lunch and Learning Workshop
Join Mary House for one of their FREE workshops listed below on key topics:
• 19 July Wills, Powers of Attorney
• 26 July Public Benefits (Social Security,
• SNAP, etc.)
• 16 Aug VA Benefits for Veterans and
• Surviving Spouses
• 23 Aug Tenants’ Rights and Protections
• 06 Sept The Rights of Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities
FREE Lunch will be provided. Please email Darryl Walker at dwalker@maryshousedc.org. Your email to Darryl is REQUIRED to CONFIRM your registration and your lunch.
Atlantic City Trip
MCCDC’s Older Adults Ministry will resume its annual day trip to the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. We’ll depart from the church at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 16th. Tickets cost $65 and include $15 for food and $20 for slots. To reserve your seat, click on link below:
oam.mccdc.com.
Please pay no later than September 1st. Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville, baskerd6109@gmail.com, with any questions.
Columbarium Expansion Committee
Volunteers are needed to write a proposal and oversee the contract to expand our current Columbarium located 2nd floor Memorial Chaplain.
To volunteer, call Darryl Walker at 202-297-6884 or email him at Darryl_1945@yahoo.com
Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #67 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dear God, thank you for helping us realize your Infinite goodness in all things. We are grateful for the courage to ask, seek and share the gifts you place within us to be a blessing to others. Thank you for the faith, endurance, and trust that keep us close to you. With a cheerful heart, we share generously of our financial gifts, talents, skills, time, and treasures to accomplish the work that you have ordained us to do as good stewards of your spiritual Realm. We pray to diligently live and share your Truth so that others may witness your unconditional love for all people everywhere.
Lord, thank you for our spiritual gathering place, Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, DC, and for all places of spiritual worship for spreading the gospel into the furthest corners of the earth and helping people in need. We are thankful too, for charitable organizations that help provide various avenues of assistance to people in life-changing events. Thank you in your many precious names! Amen.
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)
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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
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:
The Jackson Family in the passing of their beloved Denee Jackson * Bill Campbell * Jerry Giem * Tim Helm * 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 * Kia Murphy * Veronica Franklin * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline * Glenn Conway * Anthony Goode * Randy Punley * 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 * Angela Terrell * Mike Washington * Buck Carlson * Lolita Gleaton for healing from her cancer * Mezyi Choir * Johanna Hardy * Doris Carter Washington of Alexandria * Loss of Melvin Moore Adams’ sister Krissandra Moore * John Hylton * Summer Allen
“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.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
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