This Week’s Reflection
“Some of the best things happen in the most quiet of ways.” ~Lea Salonga
Great theologians are not limited to seminaries. Sometimes they show up in unexpected places. Like 5th Street NW for example. Maggie, George, Leroy and Otis will most likely never be published in a theological journal. Yet they are some of my favorite theologians. Most days I chat with them on my walks to and from home and church. On Tuesday George said: “God will help you but you’ve still got to do the work.” Though grace is not earned through works, it is often an invitation to do good work, and therefore be a part of the workings of grace to make our lives and our world better.
Grace works. It works in us and through us. One type of grace is sustaining grace. It is the grace that keeps us moving when we’re discouraged. Sustaining grace reminds us that God will not do the work for us, but will work with us and be right alongside us, helping us to do the next right thing. When life is overwhelming, and even one day seems like too much to take on, sustaining grace strengthens us to focus our energies for the next hour, or if that seems too much, the next fifteen minutes. When we show up, grace shows up. Often grace is revealed in quiet yet nourishing ways.
Touchpoints of sustaining grace appear throughout the scriptures. In Isaiah 41:9-10 God speaks through the prophet: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Later, in 1 Peter: 5:1-12, Peter, with the help of Silas, writes: “My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Live firm in this grace.”
Grace is an invitation to live firm and strong. Grace is like the nourishment of manna that is fresh each day. At times our prayer may be: “God, help me to receive and act on the help you have given me. Yes, I know that you are God and I am not. Yet I cannot expect you to do what you call me to do. Help me to know my part. Help me to collaborate and cooperate with your grace. Amen.”
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
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 #75 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” – Maya Angelou
Dear God, thank you for the breath of life, the precious gift that “is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments of grace that take our breaths away” and gives us peace within. Sometimes we want things done our way but God, you always know best. You gave us free will to choose, to come to you for our every need, to trust you for everything. Let us not forget that we live and have our being in Christ Jesus due to “the breath of life” since the beginning of time.
Thank you for spiritual places of worship throughout the world where all people gather to worship you in your many precious names, hallelujah! We are grateful for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and the mission you have set before us. Thank you for blessing us to prosper in everyway, spreading the gospel of your unconditional grace to everyone of all races and cultures. We praise you for the opportunities to be ever mindful that you are our Infinite Provider.
Thank you for our talents, treasures, skills, financial abundance, time, and the spirit to share generously with our churches to perform your great works, support our families, and to help different communities in need. By your grace we are encouraged to continue in faith. Thank you, in your many names! Amen.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
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
