“ I have created you… I have called you be name; you are mine… Have no fear for I am with you.” Isaiah 43: 1-4, 5.
This Sunday, Dec. 1st is the beginning of a new year on the church calendar. It is the beginning of Advent, a time of waiting. I have come to love Advent because of the waiting; I have come to look forward to the permission to transition with intention through this calendared period of time. And, the waiting happens with a clearly marked beginning. Advent begins and then we wait for the arrival of the Christ-child. Depending on our theologies, we contemplate the ongoing waiting for the second coming of Jesus. We wait, and waiting is not passive. We wait in hope, our first focused theme of Advent. Even as we rest, we are involved in being, and waiting, and also beginnings. Contemplating Advent as a time of transition that holds endings and beginnings, we may, with intentionality, consider our needs and the needs of our communities.
As we wait for the arrival of Christ/Divine, and for what we are birthing in ourselves, in these times that are so very troubling for many of us, we may be in need of support to help us remember who we are and whose we are. Support to steady us. To help us remember hope, and purpose, and courage individually and in community. To remember that we are loved and loveable, as we take action. For this Advent season, we have teamed with A Sanctified Art for our worship design and our Advent theme is Words for the Beginning: Advent Reminders for New Seasons. To help ground us, they proclaim what they call simple truths. These are words of truth by which we may be buoyed in our endings, transitions, and as we are engaged in the process of beginnings.
The first truth offered this first Sunday of Advent is “You are a Blessing.” Yes. Yes.
Our scripture reading from Isaiah 43: 1-4, 5 and Luke 1: 26-38 deliver that truth in action as transitions become beginning.
“ I have created you… I have called you be name; you are mine… Have no fear for I am with you.” Isaiah 43: 1-4, 5. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God is honoring you… Nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1: 26-38
I invite you to explore/reflect on these sacred texts. To notice/To consider that
“You are a blessing.” Please join us on-site, on line on this Sunday, or later on demand as we explore being blessings to each other in community, and in doing so beginning again and again…
Blessings,
Dr. Carla Sherrell
Beginning Advent With Hope
Join us Onsite, Online and later On Demand for 9am ET Spiritual Engagement Hour.
This Sunday’s Highlights:
This Sunday is the First Sunday in Advent. Let’s share about the deep meaning of this observance, which provides a counter-cultural contrast to the consumer emphasis that many experience. In preparation, reflect on these words by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed of SanctifiedArt.org
In a weary and worn world, how do we begin again?
Where do we start?
Let us begin with the good news!
Let us begin by trusting that we are a blessing,
Loved by a gracious God.
Let us begin with music and singing!
Let us begin with warmth and welcome.
Let us begin with hope.
Yes, let us begin with hope ”
+We invite you to share your writings, scriptures or other resources/ideas with the group.
MCCDC Chapel Onsite, Online & On demand.
Here are three ways to participate:
* Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
* Call In, +1 301 7158592 Meeting ID:850 0797 0818
* In Person 474 Ridge St., NW, Washington, D 20001
Joy & Praise Christmas Concert
Advent Devotional: “Words for the Beginning”
Your invited to journey with your MCCDC family in our study of 2024 Advent Devotional Booklet “Words for the beginning”.
The booklet is arranged in weekly sections from the beginning of Advent through Epiphany (December 1-January 5) To access the Devotional Booklet, please sign-up to receive our MCCCDC Eblast at this link
The authors “A Sanctified Art, LLC for worship design “prohibits us from sharing the booklet link the on social media or posting
Click here for detail information on this Advent Devotional from MCCDC Worship Team.
2024 MCCDC Giving Statement
Year-to-Date Giving Statements for the 2024 tax year will be emailed beginning next week. Please review your statement, and contact drcarla@mccdc.com (Team Leader, 2024 Giving Statement Support) with any questions.
We purpose to email complete 2024 Giving Statements in phases beginning the week of January 13th, through March 1st.
For those who don’t have a working email address on file with MCCDC, or don’t have access to email, these documents will be sent via postal mail (USPS), or they can be picked up on-site after an MCCDC Sunday worship service.
38th Walk & 5K to End HIV
Please plan to join MCCDC in the 38th annual Walk & 5K to End HIV on Saturday, December 7th, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Anacostia Park
(Adjacent to the roller skating Pavillion)1500 Anacostia Drive, SE
Washington, DC 20020
Free, on-site parking available
Important Note: Roads into the park will close to traffic at 8:30am so plan your arrival accordingly.
You can still participate virtually as well.
Go to the below link to donate or join team MCCDC
http://www.walktoendhiv.org/goto/MCCDC2024
Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at oam@mccdc.com for more information.
Children’s Christmas Toy Drive
MCCDC is holding a children’s toy drive for our own Early Learn Academy (Day Care) who shares the church during the week. during the week. Donations will be received from now through Sunday December 8th
What is needed:
* UNWRAP TOYS, GENDER NETURAL TOYS FOR AGES new Born TO 4 YEARS OLD.
* All donations can be place in the large gray container in the Welcome Hall of the church each Sunday.
* Volunteers are needed to sort the toys and give them out here at church on 14 Dec 2024 starting at 10 am.
If you are interested in giving out toys email Dale Madyun-Baskerville at oammccdc.com or talk with Dale after any church service.
Older Adult Ministry
The Older Adult Ministry will be holding its annual Christmas Potluck on 08 December 08 at 12:30 pm
Bring your favor dish to share, paper plates cups, ice, water or soda.
Bring a gift of $5.00 or less for the annual White Elephant gift giving game.
Join in person at 474 Ridge Street,
Washington, DC, Main Sacturary
Christmas Tribute
This Christmas, we invite you to remember someone you love with an honor or remembrance tribute. Their names will be included in our Sunday worship folder and also displayed at the end of Sunday livestream worship throughout the Advent season. We suggest a donation of $25.00 per tribute. All gifts matter.
Click Here’s for online form to pay with credit card or electronic debit. You can also print this form and mail it to the church with a check.
Christmas Reflection
During the holiday season we reflect on many events that has occurred throughout the year.
Please join us on Tuesday December 3rd and 10th at 7pm, via Zoom for a Special Bible Study to gather, grieve, honor and remember those who have lost loved ones during the holiday season.
Come for a time of community gathering, support and encouragement. Please contact Rev. Cathy (revcathy@mccdc.com) and Dr. Carla (drcarla@mccdc.com)
Christmas Eve Service
Come join in and bring family and friends in a community celebration of hope, peace, joy, and love celebrating the coming of the Christ child.
Tuesday, December 24th at 6 PM Eastern Time,
Here are three ways to participate:
Join us Onsite: at 474 Ridge street NW, Washington DC ,
Online at: live.mccdc.com
On Demand at: live.mccdc.com
Writing Ministry
MCCDC’s Writing’ Ministry will gather on Saturday, 21 December, 10:00 am EST 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
Pathways to Generosity, Prayer #123
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Your most precious, valued possessions and your greatest powers are invisible and intangible. No one can take them. You, and you alone, can give them. You will receive abundance for your giving.” ~ W. Clement Stone
Dear God, you are Prosperity that encompasses all things, eternal life, the air we breathe, our heartbeat, the starlit sky, the vast oceans, the earth, the universe, and all that is in it. Thank you for the gift to choose each day to serve and worship you. We are charged as stewards of your abundance to give and share generously with a cheerful heart to carry out your purpose with others and ourselves. We are grateful for the financial gifts, talents, skills, time and treasures that are contributed to help spread the gospel throughout the world, and help those in need. Thank you for prospering our borderless beloved community to accomplish the mission and vision placed before us.
We are grateful for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and all places of spiritual worship. Thank you for our spiritual leaders who teach and guide us along the paths of righteousness according to your Word. When obstacles threaten to challenge our trust in you, and we begin to doubt if we can handle unplanned circumstances or unpleasant situations that seem to last forever, You are the One who gives us the strength and faith to move forward in the face of grief and disappointments. We are grateful for your unconditional love and compassion. Thank you for supplying our needs in all that we are and in the things we do according to your purpose for us. Praise your many precious names. Amen!
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation. Selah.” Psalm 68:19 (NKJV)
W. Clement Stone – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org ›
William Clement Stone was an American businessman, philanthropist and New Thought self-help book author. Wikipedia
Born: May 4, 1902, Chicago, IL
Died: September 3, 2002, Evanston, IL
Spouse: Jessie Verna Tarson (m. 1923–2002)
Children: Norman C. Stone
Nationality: American
Organizations founded: Combined Insurance, Aon, Religious Heritage of America
Hospitality Ministry
MCCDC Hospitality Ministry needs your help!
Please donate:
· Donate/Volunteer your time once a month on Sunday to coordinate, setup or clean up during Hospitality time.
· Donate supplies:
· Food Items: Individually package cookies, Granola bars, Fresh fruit, Yogurt, Coffee, Sugar, Water, tea bags, and juices (Individually cartons)
· Dry Goods: Coffee cups, 8 inch plates, 6 inch plates, paper towels, Clorox Cleaning Spray, dish clothes and dish towels.
Drop off all supplies Sunday morning at the kitchen window. To Volunteer see Dale Madyun-Baskerville on Sunday morning or email oam@mccdc.com
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
Joe Dawson * Betsy Kramer * Palestinian People in Gaza * Ukrainian People * Cecilia Hayden Smith and Esther Smith’s health * Michael Washington * Bill Campbell * Jerry Giem * Tim Helm * Rose Williams * Delores Fowler * Vernessa D. Wilson * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline * Glenn Conway * Evelyn Jones * Earline Budd *Prayers for Clara Carter sister: Phyllis Carter Lewism *Steve Sloane *Doris Washington * Viola-Cleo Bradshaw * Cordelia Vogel * Ruth Kappy Makekodunmi *Prayers for Clara Carter sister: Phyllis Carter Lewis
“Church Ministries”
MCCDC Voices
Join us 9 AM onsite at 474 Ridge ST NW, Washington, DC to sing and rehearse for worship.
Make new friends and enjoy a sense of musical belonging.
“Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” ~Colossians 3:16
Please email at pastors@mccdc.com for more information.
Scripture Reading
You’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 oam.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).
Please email at pastors@mccdc.com for more information.
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.
For more information contact gcsnyder01@aol.com.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
