This Week’s Reflection
As a trans/nonbinary activist of color, I’ve experienced many things in life. Some wonderful, and some quite traumatic.
Over the years, I began having more and more headaches, and I slowly began to experience my feelings in my head and not in my body. A sort of numbness set in, and anxious and depressive symptoms seemed more common – but I would always just chalk them up to “stress.”
It took a lot of time to realize and get diagnosed – I was actually experiencing impacts of cumulative trauma, a lot of which is endemic to our culture where hate and harm can be so common. This Sunday at 9a.m. and 11a.m. EST in the sanctuary and online, I want to share with you a little bit more about my journey and what I learned about trauma along the way.
Trauma can be disabling. In part, it is disabling because traumatic events have become so frequent, but also because our understanding of trauma is often so lacking. We often do not recognize trauma or know how to respond in ways that can be helpful or healing.
We deserve a holy wholeness—in body, mind, and spirit. And, we can support each other in finding and embracing it, engaged in a collective journey to joy.
Rev. Shige Sakurai
Gender Identity, Awareness, and Advocacy Day Panel
On 22 October at 12:30 EST a panel presentation and discussion on Gender Identity and Advocacy will be led by Min. Diedre Gray, Rev. Elder Miller Hoffman and Rev. Shige Sakurai.
MCCDC Leadership Opportunity
Are you looking for a new way to serve your MCCDC community? Can you envision yourself in a leadership position? Then we might have just the right opportunity for you!
The Board of Directors is looking for motivated and qualified candidates to run for two positions that will be open due to term expirations in 2023.
If you feel called and have been a member of MCCDC in good standing for the past six months, you are eligible to run. Please submit a brief resumé and letter of interest to revdwayne@mccdc.com and churchoffice@mccdc.com.
2023 Forum & Congregational Meeting
We will be holding our annual Form and Congregational Meeting at 12:30 EST on the below dates:
12 November: Forum In-Person & Zoom
19 November: Congregational Meeting In-Person & Zoom
We invite you to join other MCCDC members in electing new Board Members, recapping 2023 and planning how we’ll grow our generous home in 2024.
Here are four ways to participate:
* Attend the forum in person at 474 Ridge St NW
* Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
* Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 868 1921 1447
* Dial 1 301 715 8592 by phone, using the same Meeting ID
OVERFLOW SUNDAY
On 29 October, the 5th Sunday of the month MCCDC like you to consider a special Overflow Gift to MCCDC Church and ministries. As we come out of summer our expenses are below our income, compounded by critical capital repairs. Click here to read a special message from the board.
Together we can address this challenge!
Pray this prayer: “God, what would you have me do?” Then simply respond in faith. Every gift of every amount will make a positive difference.
To give, visit donate.mccdc.com, text GIVE to 202-999-3841 or mail your gift to MCCDC, 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC 20001. Feel free to email questions or comments the Board at board@mccdc.com or Pastor Dwayne at revdwayne@mccdc.com. Let’s make October strong!
Writers’ Ministry
MCCDC’s Writers’ Ministry will gather next on Saturday, October 21st – 10AM -12 NOON via zoom link listed below. Whether you are an experienced writer or want to begin writing, or do more, please consider joining and contact Jacqueline Laughlin at yemayah@icloud.com.
Here are two ways to participate :
· Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
· Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 7477593852
Older Adult Ministry
The Older Adult Ministry will be holding our quarterly meeting on 29 Oct 2023, at 12:30 PM in person, Church Chapel or join via zoom link below.
This meeting topic will be projected OAM schedule for 2024 and 10 Dec 2024 Christmas Pot luck.
· Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
· Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 824 9552 3942
· Dial (301) 715-8592 by phone, using the same Meeting ID
Contact Dale L. Madyun-Baskerville at baskerd6109@gmail.com
Mary’s House Lunch and Learning Workshop
Join Mary’s House for one of their FREE workshops listed below on key topics:
• October 25 – Medicare Open Reenrollment Period
• November 15 – Legal Hotline Services
FREE Lunch will be provided. Please email Dr. Carla Sherrell, csherrell@maryshousedc.org Your email is REQUIRED to CONFIRM your registration and your lunch.
Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #81 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow know what you truly want to become.” ~ Steve Jobs
Dear God, we surrender our will, our dreams and visions to live according to all that you have created us to be according to your purpose that was ordained before we were even born. You know what each of us is capable of being, of doing. We pray for the courage to continue in faith and lean heavily on your promises and love to move forward, though at times we may be unsure and hesitant at times to give wholly of ourselves for fear of failing, or of not being enough. We are worthy through the blood of Jesus Christ, your Son who died for our sins so that we may have eternal life.
We are grateful for a church “without borders”— spiritual gathering places where everyone can worship and praise your greatness and love with joyful music, dancing, and preaching the gospel unto the farthest corners of the globe. Thank you, for the abundance of talents, financial gifts, time and treasures that everyone shares generously to help accomplish the vision and mission discerned by our spiritual leaders through the prompting of the Holy Spirit for a Beloved Community. We pray to continue in courage, faith, and the desire to live according to your will. Thank you in your many precious names. Amen.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Stay In Touch!
MCCDC wants to stay in touch with you! Please stop by the welcome hall table to update your contact information with Celica Hayden-Smith or email updated contact information to churchoffice@mccdc.com
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
