This Week’s Reflection
“I regularly pray for things that are unlikely to come about quickly, if at all. I pray for world peace. I pray for just resolutions to major geopolitical situations. I pray for reduced gun violence and for equity and fairness between all people.”
~Nanette Sawyer
When it comes to the epidemic of gun violence we need more than thoughts and prayers. In the face of loss, some have looked at the camera during news coverage and said: “I don’t want your thoughts. I don’t want your prayers. Do something!”
Action must be taken. While public officials debate and wrangle, the cries of God’s people continue. God hears the cries. Do we? There were 656 mass shootings in 2023. That is tragic. Also tragic is that many people have become numb to the violence, skimming the headlines and moving on without even pausing to say the names of those impacted. As many move on, the contagion of out-of-control gun culture continues to spread and accelerate.
How does one stay sensitized, awake and engaged in resisting the toxic, multi-layered impact of the current context of death culture? That is one of the questions behind the Spiritual Colloquium at MCCDC this Saturday, March 9. Spearheaded by Volunteers of America, in partnership with MCCDC and other organizations, this event is about doing something. Actions will include letter writing, a Vigil of Movement to bear witness to the public, and tools to offer support and hope to survivors of gun violence. I invite you to register now and join us on Saturday.
In preparation for Saturday, I’ve been reflecting on the relationship between prayer and action. Emerging in my heart is a growing sense that prayer and action are not divided. Prayer, at its best, is a movement to action. Action at its best is a movement of prayer. Prayer becomes action. Action becomes prayer.
Prayer has feet. Prayer has wheels. Prayer serves. responds, shows up, supports and is the center force for change.
See you Saturday.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Spring Forward!
We “spring forward” and lose an hour overnight this COMMING Sunday morning.
Don’t be late to church! Remember to change your clocks 10 MARCH FOR Daylight Savings Time.
People of Faith Addressing Gun Violence Gathering/Spiritual Colloquium
On Saturday, 09 March, 1 pm EST, Metropolitan Community Church of DC (MCCDC)474 Ridge Street NW | Washington, DC the Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas (VOACC) will be leading this gathering for faith leaders and people of faith passionate about making a difference in the community!
The focus of this event will be discussions on gun violence, and how to do more than just give our thoughts and prayers at Metropolitan Community Church of DC (MCCDC).
For more information about this event contact Rev Elder Dwayne Johnson at revdwayne@mccdc.com or Rev Jules Christian at enjoyingtoday@hotmail.com
Click here to register for this FREE event
2023 Forum & Congregational Meeting
We will be holding our annual forum and Congregational Meeting at 12:30 EST on the below dates:
• · 10 March: Forum In-Person & Zoom
• · 24 March : Congregational Meeting In-Person & Zoom
We invite you to join other MCCDC 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
Bible Study, Labyrinths History & Walk
MCCDC’s Bible Study ministry will gather in person at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, 16 March 2024 and resume our annual Labyrinths Walk.
Learn about labyrinths history and walk the MCCDC Labyrinths!
Here are four ways to participate!
In Persona 474 Ridge St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically!
Meeting ID: 434 566 329
Call In /Dial 301 715 8592, Meeting ID: 434 566 329
Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com for more information
Writing Ministry
MCCDC’s Writers’ Ministry will gather on Saturday, 16 March 10:00 via zoom link listed below. Whether you are an experienced writer or want to begin writing, or do more, please consider joining. For more information contact Greg Synder at gcsnyder01@aol.com.
Click Here to Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 865 7622 1632
Passcode: 146039
Sight and Sounds Theater
MCCDC’s Older Adults Ministry is sponsoring a bus trip to see the play
Daniel at Sight and Sound Theater
, located at 300 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks, Pa. We’ll depart from 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC at 1:00 p.m. and return at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
Tickets cost $160 and include round trip coach bus ride, ticket for premium theater seats, and a stop at Amish Miller Smorgasbord Restaurant (MEAL COST NOT INCLUDED).
Payments can be made in three installments of $54 each, or one payment of $160. Anyone using the payment plan must pay in full no later than May 31, 2024.
ALL PAYMENTS ARE FINAL AND NON-REFUNDABLE. Go to danieltrip.mccdc.com to pay
Questions? Contact Dale L. Madyun-Baskerville via email, oam@mccdc.com
Mary’s House
Join The Villages at Mary’s House for one or more of our upcoming Free ONLINE Lunch, Learn, & Conversation sessions held on Wednesdays, 1:00-2:00p.m. ET.
***13 MARCH: WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: “IMPORTANT QUEER WOMEN TO KNOW IN HISTORY”
Here are three ways to participate
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
Meeting ID: 850 3826 7609 , Passcode: 323466
Dial in: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC), Passcode: 323466
For more information, please contact:
Darryl Walker, dwalker@maryshousedc.org or
Dr. Carla Sherrell–Program Manager, csherrell@maryshousedc.org
Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #98 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“I see you everywhere, in the stars, and in the river, to me you’re everything that exists, the reality of everything.” ~ Virginia Woolf [Night and Day]
Dear God, the Omnipresent, thank you for the life giving energy within and surrounding people everywhere, simultaneously. The seas, deserts, mountains, the rolling plains, the sun, moon, stars, and the planets display your majestic wonders throughout the world. Thank you for the talents, skills, time, treasures and financial means that you entrusted us as good stewards of prosperity to share the abundance with our families, churches, charity organizations, and helping others in need. Keep us humble and willing to continue performing great works in your name. Thank you for the opportunities to share generously of our gifts with a cheerful heart in thanksgiving, and with our spiritual leaders who teach and guide us according to your will.
With gratitude, we give thanks that You are with us in all things, the pleasant and the unpleasant situations; and in the most grievous periods when we are filled with fear and doubt. God, thank you for giving us hope to keep the faith and trust you and wait until the appointed time, for You are always on time. We are grateful for our spiritual gathering place, Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and all spiritual spaces where everyone is invited to worship and praise you in songs and testify of your goodness in a borderless beloved community for all people. Thank you, in your many precious names. Amen
“I am a God who is everywhere and not in one place only. No one can hide where I cannot see them. Do you not know that I am everywhere in heaven and on earth?” Jeremiah 23:23-24 (GNT)
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
* Bill Campbell *Jerry Giem * Tim Helm *Rose Williams *Cecilia Hayden-Smith and Esther Smith’s health *Delores Fowler * Veronica Franklin * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline * Glenn Conway * Anthony Goode ?Randy Punley * Marcus Garnett *Evelyn Jones * Steve Sloane * Jeffrey Luckenbach ? * Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa * Cynthia Melman *Kim Battle *Joshua Benkins’ father Isaac *Mike Washington * Buck Carlson * Doris Carter Washington of Alexandria * John Hylton * Summer Allen * Ruth Kappy Makekodunmi
“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
Join other MCCDC writers in our monthly Zoom Writing Ministry meeting.
This month’s meeting is 17 Feb at 10:00 am EST . For info, contact gcsnyder01@aol.com.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
Watch on YouTube
