This Week’s Reflection
The message for Sunday is from Romans 12:1-21. Romans 12:9 says: “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” Notice in verse 9 it says to hate what is evil, and not the one who is evil. There is no room in grace for hate. Other words for grace: kindness, privilege, service, indulgence, courtesy, blessing, benevolence, favor, benefit. Opposite of grace: interference, obstacle, impediment, hindrance, hurdle. Our theme is “Living Grace, Beholding Grace.” Other words for beholding: look at, see, observe, view, watch, survey, gaze at, gaze upon, witness, contemplate, discern, perceive, and I would add: being overwhelmed by grace.
One of the essential types of grace to people of faith is God’s grace. God’s grace is offered to everyone as an extension of the kindness of God’s Holy Spirit? Some thoughts to consider/ponder when thinking about beholding grace include: patience and kindness are the seeds that enable grace to grow; grow in grace to allow your soul to flourish; when you grow in grace and faith, peace surrounds your heart; a beautifully, kind soul like you grows in grace with each passing day; wisdom is achieved by living a life steady in grace; activate your soul by growing gracefully; every moment is an opportunity to grow in grace; and, understanding and knowledge of the Holy One allows your grace to bloom.
How can I share grace, especially to those whom I don’t care for? Some people in life just rub you the wrong way and when those times come, we need to extend a little more grace to them. Some ways to do that might include: loving the unlovable; being kind to the insufferable; and showing mercy to those we feel don’t deserve it. If God tells us not to judge, then who are we to determine who is deserving and who is not? Also, grace is giving to those who have a need, if it’s in your power/ability to do so. Grace gives you the humility to see your mistakes when you fail; and, give grace and forgiveness freely; don’t make others earn it. God knew that you and I couldn’t earn it, but extended that grace to us. Grace is the love, support, and encouragement that fills our hearts with joy.
For me, the concept of “Beholding Grace” was so difficult for me to wrap my head around. It’s one thing to have “head knowledge” of what that means, but for the most part, I never really allowed it free reign in my spirit. Yes, I had had always heard the preaching about letting go, and letting God use me, but I felt so unworthy. At times, it seemed even hypocritical to talk about the concept of grace. Growing up in Evangelical circles, I felt as though grace had its limits. I mean, how many times have I asked God to forgive me for the same things, over and over again. For over 40 years, I was steeped in the mindset that grace, though free, had limits, and that I felt like I was sometimes trying God’s patience with my endless promises to do better.
I truly didn’t understand what grace was; I thought I did, but I really didn’t. I’ve had several aha moments throughout my life, and the Holy One was so kind, to be patient with me, and reveal the grace that has been extended to me, despite myself. Sometimes, accepting that forgiveness, “beholding that grace” is still a bit raw, like an open wound, but God (as Rev Cathy said last week) pours in the oil and the wine into those spiritual and emotional wounds, which is that healing balm (salve) for my spirit. If you feel like you have just been beaten up and grace doesn’t seem to apply to you, think again; God loves you just as you are, with all of your flaws and scars. You cannot ever earn what the Holy One has given freely. If I have to earn it, then it isn’t grace; it’s called works (Romans 11:6). Grace is extended to all of us without bias or partiality. Why? Just because …
Rev. Dr. Teresa Tygart
Backpack for Kids
As a community, MCCDC is providing financially to the Washington National Cathedral’s Cathedral Cares Project to support children in DC’s Wards 7 and 8 to go back to school. Only financial donations will be accepted. Please Click on here to donate .
Use the drop down menu to select backpacks4kids. Please provide your gifts by August 31st. For more information please contact the church office at churchoffice@mccdc.com or call 202-638-7373.
Use drop down menu to select backpack for kids.
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.
SAVE THE DATE – October 7th , 5 PM
Join us for an Eclectic Praise Experience filled with music to take you on a spiritual journey!
Saturday, October 7, 2023, 5pm EST
Metropolitan Community Church of Wash DC
474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC
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.
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:
September 6 – The Rights of Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities
October 11 – Public Benefits (Social Security, SNAP, etc.)
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.
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 #73 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“In prosperity let us particularly avoid pride, disdain and arrogance.” ~Cicero
Dear God, help us avoid becoming prideful of prosperity, whether it’s financial abundance, or excellent health, or great-looking bodies, or extreme attractiveness, or being surrounded by great friends, or having a fantastic positive attitude about life. You created us in beauty, love, forgiveness, kindness, wisdom, faith, mercy, and we pray to not fall into the temptation of believing that all of these things are of our own doing.
Through your Grace, we were endowed with innate talents, skills and spiritual treasures to share according to the plan you purposed for each of us before we were born. We are grateful for the opportunities each day to extend your grace and love to everyone. Thank you for trusting us to glorify You through spiritual ministry resources. All goodness comes from you. We are blessed to be entrusted with caring, encouraging, and helping people throughout the earth.
We are grateful for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, DC, and other places of spiritual worship where all people are invited to glorify You with praises and jubilant hallelujahs! Thank you for the spirit of prosperity and shared generously with people in need, and helping to bring more souls into the realm of your Infinite grace and mercy. Thank you in your many names, Amen.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)
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, loss of her sister Felicia * Rose Williams * Cecilia Hayden-Smith and Esther Smith’s health * Delores Fowler * Vernessa D. Wilson * Family of Ms. Brittany Harrell * Kia Murphy * Veronica Franklin her brother Andrews as he transition to the Lord* 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!
Watch on YouTube
Cathy Alexander
Associate Pastor
Backpack for Kids
MCCDC Back Pack for kids annual drive have resume. Because of space constrains Finacial donations are only being accepted.
Use drop down menu to select backpack for kids.
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.
SAVE THE DATE – October 7th , 5 PM
Join us for an Eclectic Praise Experience filled with music to take you on a spiritual journey!
Saturday, October 7, 2023, 5pm EST
Metropolitan Community Church of Wash DC
474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC
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.
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:
*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.
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 #74 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“O momentary grace of mortal men, which we more hunt for than the grace of God!” William Shakespeare
Dear God, we reverence your Infinite grace, the most precious gift you gave us through the death of your precious Son, Jesus Christ, who died for the forgiveness of our sins. Every breath we breathe is by your grace and each moment of our life exists because of You. No human, however great or famous can match this gift. God, we are grateful that your grace helps us deal with grief when we are overwhelmed, and during seasons of happiness too. Help us to remember that we are saved by grace when we fail, and to remember it much more when we succeed in our endeavors. You provide for our every need.
Thank you for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and all spiritual worship spaces. Because of your grace, we are able to perform great works in your name, spreading the gospel all over the world through the use of modern technology. We are grateful for the opportunities to magnify your love and grace within us and to help people in need. We pray to continue growing in faith, and prosperity; and to share generously of all treasured gifts you grant us. In your many precious names, we are made rich in every way! Amen.
“There are no limits to the grace of God, who will make sure you will always have enough of everything and even a surplus for good works, as scripture says: God scattered abroad, and gave to poor people; God’s justice endures forever “ . . . “You will be made rich in every way for your generosity, for which we give thanks to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:8-9, 11
(The 1st Egalitarian Translation)
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, loss of her sister Felicia * Rose Williams * Cecilia Hayden-Smith and Esther Smith’s health * Delores Fowler * Vernessa D. Wilson * Family of Ms. Brittany Harrell * Kia Murphy * Veronica Franklin her brother Andrews as he transition to the Lord* 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!
Watch on YouTube
