“The blessed heart of Jesus is an expansive heart: it holds a place for each of us. The blessed heart of Jesus is also a heart of resistance, refusing to compromise to any power keeping others down.” ~T. J. Mourtoix

What makes you come alive? I come alive through friendship with Jesus. This Sunday, we will look deeply into Jesus. We will see his heart shining through. During Lent, we have seen him bringing life to those around him. Jesus teaches us a lot about facing the challenges of life.

From the waters of baptism, he rises from the depths to face wilderness temptation with courage. With clarity of call, he compels the first disciples to follow him. Jesus is fierce in casting out demons and meeting the opposition of religious authorities. He is wise in his teachings: responding to tough questions from critics and delighting the curious. With bold compassion, he brings healing to the hurting and nourishment to the hungry.

This Sunday is the glorious Palm/Passion Sunday. Mark 11:1-11 presents Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Mark describes Jesus entering Jerusalem on a young colt. With joy the crowds shout, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” This entry of Jesus is part parade and part protest. The loving heart of Jesus is also a heart of resistance. His popularity will soon fade as he boldly resists the injustice of the kingdom of the world for the justice of the Realm of God. Jesus resists the status quo of the religious authorities, the comforts of the rich at the expense of the poor, and the unjust rule of the Roman occupiers. His resistance leads to his death. And his death is transformed to resistance rising in a journey of ultimate victory.

In what ways may we come alive as we align our lives with Jesus? How are we called to come alive with resistance? What power and privilege are we being called to resist? How do justice and faith work together in our lives?

As you ponder such questions in preparation for Sunday, I invite you to consider this quote by Desmond Tutu: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.”

Grace and peace,

Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson

Holy Week Services!

Invite your friends and family to join MCCDC during Holy Week.

Palm/Passion Sunday: March 24th at 9:00 & 11:00 am or join live stream at live.mccdc.com

Maundy Thursday: March 28th at 6:00 p.m., via Click here to join Zoom!

Good Friday: March 29th at 6:00 p.m., via Click here to join Zoom!

Resurrection Sunday: March 31st at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m., live.mccdc.com

Both Sunday Services are “borderfree,” offered virtually as well as in-person at our Sanctuary at Fifth and Ridge St NW.

2024 Congregational Meeting

We will be holding our annual forum and Congregational Meeting at 12:30 EST on the below date:

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 three ways to participate:

Attend the meeting in person at 474 Ridge St NW
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
Dial 1 301 715 8592 by phone, using the same Meeting ID 849 4265 4825

Older Adult Ministry

The Older Adult Ministry will meet after worship on Sunday, -April 14 at 1:00 p.m. ET. Experts from Whitman-Walker Health attorneys,
DC Long Term Care Ombudsman’s Office, June Fan- a private estate planning attorney will join us to discuss wills and estate planning.

All are welcome!

Join in person at 474 Ridge Street, Washington, DC or via zoom link below:
· Click here to open Zoom Link
· Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 824 9552 3942
· Dial (301) 715-8592 by phone, using the same Meeting ID

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

Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #100 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter

by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter

“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” ~ Eckhart Tolle

Dear God, thank you for the quickening of the Holy Spirit that makes us come alive in you. We aspire to follow your guidance in generating venues of prosperity through the power of gifts you have given us to help spread the gospel, live a prosperous life, and to help people in need. We are grateful for the gift of eternal life that you gave us through the beloved sacrifice of your son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for your forgiving grace that allows us to be a permanent resident within your spiritual community. We pray to continue standing steadfast, and to trust you in all things, even the unbearable periods that touch our lives from time to time, for you are with us always.

We are grateful for our spiritual gathering place, Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC and spiritual worship spaces throughout the world. Your loving grace extends beyond walls and permeates all that you have created. We are grateful for a borderless Beloved Community; and for helping us to grow in faith and prosperity according to that what you will for us. We are alive with praises, songs and thanksgiving for your goodness. Thank you, in your many precious names. Amen.

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

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