This Week’s Reflection
This Sunday’s scripture from Romans 8:1-11 begins with a headline: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!” In the midst of so much bad news on multiple fronts, this message of Good News (or God News!) is almost too good to be true. Daily we are bombarded with condemnation, blame, accusations and threats. Condemnation permeates social media. Our souls long for freedom from condemnation.
It is also important to recognize that beyond the external condemnation, there are many who suffer with self-condemnation. Even some honor students stew in self-accusation when they get an A- rather than an A+. How good is good enough? How do we silence the “committee in our heads” that bullies us? The invitation is clear (though admittedly not simple): “Set your minds on the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). The Holy Spirit gives us the power to silence the external and internal voices of condemnation; our inner voice of love says no to the bullying thoughts that condemn and yes to the encouraging thoughts that affirm.
Another good news headline is Romans 8:9: “. . .the Spirit of God dwells in you.” Imagine the impact of this understanding: God is at home in us! This affirmation is further affirmed two more times in our text: “. . .the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you. God who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through the Spirit dwelling in you” (v.11). This means God dwells in us; thus there is no condemnation because God will not condemn God’s self. The power of God is at the center of the dwelling place, the home place in each of us. This is the source of our power and our sacred pride.
This Sunday we’ll take these thoughts further at our 9a.m and 11a.m (Eastern) services in the Sanctuary and online and later on demand. I believe if we embody the spiritual concepts in Romans 8:1-11 we will be transformed as individuals and as beloved community.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Remembering Rev. Dr. A. Steven Pieters, August 2, 1952- July 8,2023
It is with sad heart we share that Rev. Dr. Steven Pieters passed away at age 70 from cancer.
Pieters, began his work with MCC as pastor of the denomination’s church in Hartford, Connecticut, in the late 1970s. He later relocated to Los Angeles, CA in the early 80 to pastor a church there. In 1984, he was diagnosed with AIDS and was given only months to live. His life was extended by a decade as the results of an experimental drug. He went on to serve as Field Director of AIDS Ministry for the denomination.
MCC Moderator Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston said. “The impact he had on our church, our work, and AIDS ministry and outreach is virtually unmatched. Rev. Elder Troy Perry, the founder of the MCC denomination said, “Steve ended his journey and is now home. I can hear God saying to Steve, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant!’
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Pride Season 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.
Email Notice
Attention! If you recently sent an email to churchoffice@mccdc.com , RevCathy@mccdc.com , or RevDwayne@mccdc.com they may not have been received as intended. If you have not received a reply from an email you sent, please re-send. Thank You for your patience and understanding
Join the MCCDC Team!
MCCDC currently has an immediate opening for a part-time custodial position.
Responsible for cleaning and maintain all areas of church facility Some grounds work will be required. We offer flexible hours and fair pay. Contact Melvin Moore at 202-638-7373 or email churchoffice@mccdc.com Or Rev Dwayne Johnson at 202-638-7373 or email revdwayne@mccdc.com.
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.
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 #68 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Love and kindness are the fruits of God’s prosperity that dwells within us. Keep our hearts, O Lord, in the wisdom of your Truth.” Anonymous
Dear God, we thank you for our spiritual leaders and teachers who continue to lead us in the wisdom and knowledge of your truth. God, thank you for your grace and forgiveness that help us choose to be kind and respectful with people, especially in challenging situations that can be very trying at times. God, we embrace your unconditional love that connects us to you and people.
Thank you for granting us the privilege to be a blessing with Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and places of spiritual worship. Thank you for the opportunities to share generously of financial gifts, talents, time and treasures within your Beloved Community. We are grateful for becoming a prosperous community that helps people in need, and to further your work here on earth.
Thank you for progress and modern technology that facilitate spreading the gospel into faraway countries. We pray to be as trees that grow beside the waters, and that in due time, we reap a bountiful harvest of souls for your spiritual realm here on earth. Thank you, God, for creating us your likeness: “I am that I am.” . . . “With God all things are possible to those who believe!” Praise your many precious names. Amen.
“They are like trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time, and whose leaves do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do.” Psalm 1:3
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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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