With Holy Week we are on a journey that holds within it the fullness of the human story—the highs, the lows, the hopes, the fears. In the span of seven days, we do it all: we praise, process, break bread, wash feet, make promises, break promises, deny, betray, condemn, abandon, grieve, despair, disbelieve, and celebrate.” ~Debi Thomas

Jesus experiences the heights of glory as the crowds cheer “Blessed is the One who comes in the name of our God!” (Luke 19:37). Then, within just a few hours, Jesus experiences the depths of despair as the crowds shout “Crucify him, crucify him!” (Luke 23:20). Jesus experiences shouts of praise one day and shouts of condemnation soon thereafter. Silence also plays a part through Holy Week. There is the silence of prayer at the Mount of Olives. Later, when Jesus needs someone to speak up for him, his followers go silent.

How do we respond when life turns from one extreme to another? Quick fixes and clichés prove empty. At the extremes and everywhere in between, our lives and the life of Jesus intersect.

As we move deeply into the story of Jesus through Holy Week, his journey to Resurrection is one of trust. Jesus trusts that on the other side of painful betrayal there will be the comfort of faithful companionship.

Dr. Mindy McGarrah Sharp of A Sanctified Arts observes, “Jesus doesn’t instigate his own parade. Instead, just his quiet presence alone inspired the multitude to shout out and praise God. When the religious leaders try to silence the crowd, Jesus tells them that the noise level isn’t the point—even the stones would cry out if they were silent. It takes wisdom to know when our voice is needed and when it’s just noise.”

The journey of Holy Week is not a dance to the happy tune of forced positivity. Rather, Holy Week is an invitation to true abundance, often nourished from the depths of difficult places and times. Join us at 10:30 AM Eastern on site, online, and later on demand. We will consider the beauty of palms raised high, and we’ll also take an unflinching look at the hard side where God also dwells.

By Faith,

Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson

9 am Spiritual Engagement Hour

Courage and Wisdom

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 Palm Sunday

+We’ll continue to reflect on this well-known prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.”

+Last Sunday we spent most of the time reflecting on the acceptance part of the prayer.

This week we’ll focus on courage and wisdom.

+What do the life and teachings of Jesus convey about courage?

+What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge?

+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

 

Holy Week Services

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

Holy Thursday: April 17, 2025 at 7 pm
Good Friday: April 18, 2025 at 7 pm

Click here to join service on both evening Zoom

 

Palm/Passion Sunday and MCCDC 54 Anniversary Sunday: April 13th at 10:30 am or join live stream at live.mccdc.com

Resurrection Sunday: April 20 at 10:30 a.m. or join us live stream at live.mccdc.com

Sunday Service is offered virtually at live.mccdc.com as well as on-site at our Sanctuary at 474 Ridge St NW. Washington, DC 20001

MCCDC World Pride Team
 

Join the MCCDC Pride Ministry team and show your pride for our LGBT community and our Church.
Join the MCCDC Pride Ministry team and show your pride for our LGBT community and our Church.

If you would like to participate in World Pride events or to receive more information concerning World Pride Events please contact Knut Panknin via email at pride@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.

A ticket only option is available for $94.00 HOWEVER you will be responsible for your own transportation to and from Sight and Sounds. 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

MCCDC FINANCE COMMITTE SEARCH

MCCDC Finance Committee is in search of members and regular attenders to join the team.

The team will be meeting twice a month with a focus on financial growth of the church.

All are welcome to join. Financial experience helpful but not required.

If you have a passion to serve please inquire by contacting Chocolatte at Chocolatte.mccdc@oulook.com

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 #137

by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter

 

“May freedom be seen, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to please do what is right.” ~ Peter Marshall

Oh Lord, you are the Almighty God from which flows your strength-giving power that helps us walk through the valley of unsettling changes. Shield us from the darts of hatred that threatens freedom of all people. Help us to do right action at appropriate times, and remain encouraged to move forward even when the going gets so dreary that we cry out in anguish. Should we fall short, you never force your will, but wait patiently for us to return to you again and again. You are always here to pick us up and lead us back to the path of salvation. Thank you for the peace that only you can give. God, thank you, for the generous gift of choice to choose the path that leads to eternal life. We are grateful for your compassionate, unconditional love.

Thank you for the opportunities to spread the gospel and your love to everyone in high places and low places throughout the earth. Let us be grateful for all things and continue to carry out your purpose to share generously the gifts of talents, skills, time, financial contributions, and other treasures you have bestowed upon a beloved community of ALL people to gather more souls for the spiritual realm, and enrich our lives through service. Thank you for the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, and your grace that allows us to be like a beacon set on the hill so that others might recognize your glory magnified in all that we are and do. We are thankful for the divine gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, who was sent to die for the sins of the world that all might be saved. In your many precious names, we praise you. Amen

“Ywth safeguards the possessions of the honest, and their inheritance will last forever; they will not wither in the days of drought, and when famine comes, they will have abundance.” Psalm 37:18-19 (The First Egalitarian Translation)

Overview

Peter Marshall was a Scottish-American preacher, pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., and was appointed as Chaplain of the United States Senate. Wikipedia

Born: May 27, 1902, Coatbridge, United Kingdom

Died: January 26, 1949 (age 46 years), Washington, D.C.

Spouse: Catherine Marshall (m. 1936–1949)

Education: Columbia Theological Seminary

 

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!