“I can think of no greater vocation as a person of faith than to speak honestly about death, trusting in that even deeper reality of God’s resurrection.” ~Rachel Mann
The resurrection is an invitation to experience God as our All and All and Everything in Between. We meet God in all the spectrums of life. In this world of extremism, we find a centered place, centered in God’s steadfast and resurrecting love. In Psalm 118 the poet proclaims, “O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good; God’s steadfast love endures forever!” God’s love is not just for a moment. Rather, God’s love is for eternity.
God’s love meets us in our grief; and through the tears the hope is right there with us; tears of hope. This Sunday we’ll experience Luke’s take on the resurrection as women close to Jesus come to the tomb to anoint their beloved Jesus with fragrant spices. This is part of their respectful grief ritual.
Grief and hope: are they two ends of a spectrum? Or, could we better describe grief and hope as neighbors? Rev. Jeff Chu of A Sanctified Art says, “Grief is liminal, not terminal.” We witness that in Luke’s account. “Grief is a healthy response to Jesus’ death and a valid way to enter worship on Easter morning. And yet the women at the empty tomb are given hope amidst their mourning.” Rev. Jeff Chu continues, “Grieving doesn’t have to make us hopeless. Hope can compel us to take action when we are in deep grief.”
We live in time of individual and collective grief. This is why the resurrection story is so important. This story of hope companions with us during these times of distress. It compels us to ask what acts of hope will bring this story to life for this day and time. Like the women at the tomb, we are called to receive the message of Resurrection Hope: “Why do you look for the living among the dead? Jesus is not here; Christ has risen.” (Luke 24:5-6)
Join us this Sunday, and invite your family and friends, for our uplifting Resurrection Worship at 10:30 AM Eastern on-site, on-line and on-demand. It will be a day to acknowledge our grief and to embrace the hope that embraces us.
Life Giving God, we praise you for sending us your son Jesus to companion with us through all the twists and turns of life. We thank you that he is with us from the lows to the highs. We thank you for his courage in facing the extremes of his day, even at the cost of his life. And we thank you for the miracle of his resurrection that makes it evident that your grace is greater than death, which seems so powerful, yet holds no ultimate power. Like the women, help us to share your good news. Christ is risen! Amen.
By Faith,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
9 am Spiritual Engagement Hour
The Wisdom of God
Join us Onsite, Online and later On Demand for 9am ET Spiritual Engagement Hour.
+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.”
+This week we’ll focus on “the wisdom to know the difference” with the wisdom of Dr. Howard Thurman as a reference point.
+How do our more-than-human siblings teach us wisdom?
+What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge?
+Howard Thurman: “Knowledge abounds on every hand by which my steps may be guided.
Facts, facts, facts. . .facts are not the heart of my soul.
I need wisdom.”
+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
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
You are invited to sign up for volunteer opportunities for MCCDC at World Pride!
Click here to sign-up to support MCCDC World pride.
If you have accessibility needs or concerns for participating in the Pride Parade, please let us know by filling out the following form, no later than May 11:
Click here to sign-up for accessibility help.
Easter Sunday is our official launch of MCCDC Pride theme and merch store Web Site for T-shirts, Cups, Hats
and more!
Click Here to order your Merchandise
If you would like to receive more information concerning World Pride 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
Economic Blackout
The People’s Union USA is organizing a national economic blackout, encouraging consumers to avoid spending at major corporations and instead support local businesses. This “economic blackout” is part of a larger campaign aimed at protesting corporate practices and advocating for economic resistance.
Join the Revolution! Do not spend your money at the following locations on the dates below:
March 7-14 Amazon Boycott
May 6 – 12 Amazon Boycott 2
March 21 – 28 Nestle Boycott
May 20 – 26 Walmart Boycott 2
April 7-14 Walmart Boycott
April 18th Economic Blackout 2
June 3 – 9 Target Boycott
June 24th – 30 McDonalds Boycott
July 4th Independence Day Boycott
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, Generosity Corner #3
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“God created life in all its different forms. We communicate in different languages, yet God hears the smallest whisper in the stillness, and unsettling changes.” ~ cmc
Dear God, when I reflect over the years of my life, I find so much to be grateful for. Growing up, I did not realize how ungrateful I acted most of the time, just took everything for granted. If something extraordinary and wonderful happened I would be happy as a lark singing, become sad in a few minutes because I dreaded that the happy moment would end too soon.
Looking back to where I grew up, living deep in the forest had its own special ambience. On a hot, steamy summer day, the sunshine peeked through the thick canopy of the trees as a gentle breeze caressed the leaves making them shimmer like diamonds in the dappled sunlight. Overhead, birds flitted about chirping to each other in their many languages. What a joyful noise! When I attempted to mimic their chirping, the birds would hush for a second or two, probably wondering where the strange sound originated.
I have learned that true joy comes from within, not from without. What is seen is the effect of God’s love flowing through peoples’ hearts to perform wonderful works and share one another’s joys as well as sorrows. We are grateful for God’s blessings. But true gratefulness comes from possessing an attitude of gratitude. To be thankful in unpleasant circumstances when we are most challenged—it is a gift from God that helps us to remain grateful. Should we fall short, God forgives again and again; and never ceases to love us.
Thank you, God, for sending your only son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sins of the world so that everyone might have eternal life. What a generous gift! By your grace we are awakened [resurrected] each day to love one another, be kind to each other, and to help others. We glorify your love within us! We praise your many precious names! Amen.
“Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. You will keep in perfect peace [those] whose mind is steadfast, because [they] trust in you.”
Isaiah 26:2-4 (NIV)
Overview
Clara Carter is a member of Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, (MCCDC, where she participates with different ministries of the church.
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!
