On the occasion of my first message at MCCDC, the main takeaway will be that God gives us strength and grace to overcome our circumstances and meets us in the space between fear and faith, compassion and contempt. I hope my sermon will do the following: Give hope and inspiration to those who may be struggling with their emotions and responses to difficult situations and circumstances.
In our text for Sunday from 2 Kings 5:1-5, we learn about Naaman, a powerful and well-respected commander of the Syrian army, who also happens to have some type of skin condition. We also learn of an unnamed young girl and her desire for him to be healed. She is referred to in scripture in various versions as a “young girl,” “a little maid,” or “a little girl.” Although she is not named, her actions speak volumes about her.
Let’s look at what we do know about her: She is young, a child, but at an age to be able to serve; she is Jewish; she is taken captive from Israel by the Syrians during a raid, essentially a “spoil of war,” snatched from the arms of her mother and father; she is taken across the border to Syria, a strange land, and taken into Naaman’s household to serve his wife. We know that she was a believer.
There is a lot we don’t know about this young girl because the text does not tell us; however, we can imagine that she most likely suffered from some type of trauma from witnessing the raid, being forcibly taken from her parents and siblings. We can imagine that she possibly was physically, emotionally, or sexually abused or tortured.
Now, let’s look at the girl’s actions. The text tells us that she says to her mistress, Naaman’s wife, “If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! (Speaking of the Prophet Elisha). He would cure him of his skin disease.” “If only” means the same as “I wish” but is stronger. She is expressing a strong wish or desire for a different outcome for Naaman, that he be healed, and her conviction that Elisha would cure Naaman. If he were with the Prophet now, at that moment, he would be healed. The girl, a servant, a foreigner, a little Jewish girl, is aware of Naaman’s condition, and the only words spoken that are noted in the text are her desire for his healing. The text does not tell us what type of relationship, if any, existed between the girl and Naaman’s wife, or what the conditions were like for her in the household, but we can infer that the girl felt comfortable enough to make that statement to his wife, and that his wife trusted what the girl said enough that she obviously told Naaman, and he acted on it by going to the King. Two sentences, 20 words spoken by this girl had power behind them.
We can learn a lot from the actions of this young girl. In spite of her situation of being forcibly taken from her family and taken to a strange country, she displayed faith over fear and compassion instead of contempt. God met her in those spaces in between, where she had a choice of how to respond, the places where a wide range of emotions are felt. And God meets us in those spaces as well when we are unsure of how to feel or how to deal with what we are feeling.
Join us this Sunday at 10:30 AM ET onsite, online and later on demand as we launch this new series.
By Faith,
Jo-Anne Ludy, MCCDC Ministry Intern
9 am Spiritual Engagement Hour
Rest & Growth
Join us Onsite, Online and later On Demand for 9am ET Spiritual Engagement Hour
This Sunday’s Highlights:
We are called to offer support in the midst of these difficult and painful times.
Countless people are impacted by unjust executive orders and continual threats.
We seek to care for others, and also for ourselves.
This Sunday is the Third Sunday in Lent. We’ll check-in on our Lenten experiences and how it is going.
+We’ll be exploring the Parable of the Fig Tree from Luke 13: 6-9
+Reflect on these lines from A Sanctified Art:
“The gardener in the vineyard knows the fig tree needs rest, nutrients and time—and it also needs to produce fruit.
Both things are true, which is also true for us.
If we are always striving for more growth
without taking time to rest, we will burn out.
But if we are only ever resting, we won’t bear fruit or grow.
The fig tree also teaches us that the in between time—of nurture before fruit—-can be where transformation begins.”
+You are invited 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
In Memoriam
ABilly Jones-Hennin
March 21, 1942 – January 19, 2024
The MCCDC Family invites you to join us in a Celebration of Life for Abilly Jones-Hennin
Saturday, March 22,2025 at 2:00 pm
On Site Service at:
Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC
474 Ridge Street, NW, Washington, DC
Join the service Live Stream at :
live.mccdc.com and click on the
You Tube or Facebook logo
In Memoriam
Rose Williams
Sunrise: August 24, 1941
Sunset: February 02, 2025
Saturday, March 29,2025 at 1:00 pm
The MCCDC Family invites you to join us in a Celebration of Life for Rose William’s
Saturday, March 29,2025 at 2:00 pm
On Site Service at:
Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC
474 Ridge Street, NW, Washington, DC
Join the service Live Stream at :
live.mccdc.com and click on the
You Tube or Facebook logo
Community Boycott
People’s Union USA
Is supporting a boycott of Nestle from March 21 to March 28.
In support of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace
MCCDC 54 & 55th Anniversary
MCCDC will be celebrating the 54 and 55 Anniversary and needs volunteer’s to help plan and organize this event.?
If you are interested in helping and like to join the Anniversary team please email Rev Dwayne at: revdwayne@mccdc.com.?
Noah Play at Sight and Sound Theater Trip
MCCDC’s Older Adults Ministry is sponsoring a bus trip to see the play:
Noah 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, 13 September 2025.
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 10 August 2025.
ALL PAYMENTS ARE FINAL AND NON-REFUNDABLE.
Go to oam.mccdc.com to pay
Questions? Contact Dale L. Madyun-Baskerville via email, oam@mccdc.com
2025 Forums & Congregational Meeting
We will be holding our annual Forums and meeting on dates listed below:
Congregational Forum: March 16, 2025, 12:00 pm On Site and & Zoom
Congregational Meeting: March 30, 2025, 12:00 pm
On Site and & Zoom
We invite you to join other MCCDC members in the planning on how we’ll grow our generous home in 2025.
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
Call In 1301715859, Meeting ID: 849 4265 4825
In Person 474 Ridge St., NW, Washington, D 20001
Writing Ministry
MCCDC’ s Writing Ministry gather on the 3rd Saturday , of each month at 10:00 am EST via zoom link posted on MCCDC Calendar.
Whether you are an experienced writer or want to begin writing please consider joining us. Contact Greg Snyder at gcsnyder01@aol.com for more information.
Click Here to go to calendar.mccdc.com and
click on the 3rd Saturday for the Zoom Link
Pathways to Generosity, Prayer #134
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“When the impossible has been eliminated, all that remains no matter how improbable is possible! ~ Arthur Conan Doyle
Dear God, thank you, our Protector, Healer, and Provider. You know the plans you have for us to prosper in good health and abundant peace during these uncertain times. Help us to continue trusting your Word when situations spiral out of control. We pray to commit ourselves to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and exercise courage to take appropriate actions where necessary. We pray that our nation’s leaders and governing body choose to deal well with people everywhere. We stand in the power of your name to endure with faith and patience to confront what is before us.
Immerse us with peace and prosperity through the generous spirit of sharing our financial gifts, talents, time, and treasures, and helping others to further your purpose for an inclusive and beloved community of all people. Lord, you who loves everyone, redeemed all with grace through your, son, Jesus Christ, that all might have eternal life. You blessed all that we are and have. Thank you for spiritual worship spaces throughout the earth, helping to spread the gospel, and gathering souls into your spiritual realm. We hold onto your promise that you are with us always. We praise you in your many precious names! Amen.
“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.” Jeremiah 33:6 (New International Version )
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:
* Daniel Scearce’s sister Ronda McBride * Clara Carter’s sister, Phyllis Carter Lewis *
* 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 our country. * Prayer for the Hunter family * Kappy Majekodunmi, * Michael Cunningham * Dr. Rev Teresa Tygart and partner Sue for healing
“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!
