The birth of Jesus was a rebirth of hope. It was made possible by risk takers. Joseph and Mary had reasons to fear, yet they responded to divine guidance and acted through and beyond their fears.

In Matthew 1: 18-25, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Joseph, heir to the House of David, don’t be afraid to wed Mary; it is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived this child. She is to have a son, and you are to name him Jesus—‘Salvation’—because he will save the people from their sins.” Surely Joseph felt a sense of overwhelm and fear. Yet, he took a risk on hope and followed divine guidance. Had Joseph refused to act, the story of hope would have stalled. Hope moved through Joseph and his willingness to act.

Mary was also willing to take a risk on hope. When the angel came to her she was confused, disturbed and afraid. She noticed these inner realities. And, she did not let her inner tensions stymie her outward movement. The angel Gabriel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God!” (Luke 1:30). Mary’s soul opened and she proclaimed a prayer that includes “For You, the Almighty, have done great things for me, and holy is Your Name. Your mercy reaches from age to age.”

Holy One, you call us, similar to Joseph and Mary, to open ourselves to what you seek to do through us. Sometimes your call comes with a measure of fear. Help us to feel our fear and do it anyway. Help us to know that taking a risk is often an entryway into hope. Amen.

By Faith,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson

Potent Hope

Join us Onsite, Online and later On Demand for 9am ET Spiritual Engagement Hour.

This Sunday’s Highlights:

This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday in Advent. Luke 1: 46-55 is known as the Magnificat. It’s range of expression includes a call to justice. The call is so potent that at times The Magnificat has been banned. This included in India during British rule, in Guatemala in the 1980’s, and in Argentina after its words were displayed on protest signs.

In preparation for our gathering, reflect on these lines from The Magnificat:

“Your mercy reaches from age to age for those who revere you. You have scattered the proud in their conceit; you have deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places. You have filled the hungry with good things, while you have sent the rich away empty.” ~Luke 1: 50-53

+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

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.

In Loving Memory

It is with sad heart to announce that long time member of the MCCDC Family Donte Hunter passed early in December.

Arrangements are currently pending. Please keep the Hunter family in your prayer

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.

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 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 #126

by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter

“Faith is a knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof.” ~ Kahlil Gibran

Dear God, this is a time of remembrance when hundreds of years ago, hope and love seemed to be lacking all over a dark and sad world, somewhat like we are experiencing today through expressions of hate and division that attempt to overrun the goodness and peace that You gave us, the generous gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. How blessed that we are revived with hope and peace through God’s loving mercies and forgiveness. Peace not as the world gives, but one that grows our faith, knowing that matter what happens God is still with us. The Creator loves us so much that IT gave human beings the authority to rule over the whole earth. Our desire is that those who rule will choose to exercise wisdom to do the right thing and be good stewards of all treasures and resources that You entrusted to everyone.

God, thank you for the spiritual leaders of Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and for spiritual worship spaces everywhere. We are grateful for all who volunteer precious time to share generously of their skills, talents, financial gifts, and other treasures to further your purpose in the spiritual realm. Thank you for all people committed to doing great works to magnify your name throughout the earth! We are thankful for hope, love, joy, peace, faith, and strength that You give to help us be strong and encouraged in the midst of adversity and egregious situations. And God, thank you for the families and friends who love and support us in times of happiness and sadness. People from all corners of the earth are blessed with gifts of your generosity and prosperity! In your many precious names, we praise You! Amen.

“Nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 (The First Egalitarian Translation)

About

Gibran Khalil Gibran, usually referred to in English as Kahlil Gibran, was a Lebanese-American writer, poet and visual artist; he was also considered a philosopher, although he himself rejected the title. Wikipedia

Born: January 6, 1883, Bsharri, Lebanon

Died: April 10, 1931 (age 48 years), St. Vincent’s Hospital

Parents: Kamila Gibran, Khalil Gibran

Alma mater: Académie Julian

Genres: Poem; parable; fable; aphorism; novel/novella; short story; play; essay; letter

Known for: Leading author of the Modern Arabic literature

 

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, Prayers for the Hunter family at the loss of Donte Hunter.

 

“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!