“Rather than focusing on the obstacle in your path, focus on the bridge over the obstacle”-Mary Lou Retton
I have always been a lover of bridges as they are a powerful spiritual image to me, a reminder of both the price Jesus paid for our salvation, and the call from God to each of us to serve others. As we continue to celebrate the resurrection in our third week of Eastertide this Sunday, May 4th, we will take a closer look at God and faith as our bridge, and our calling to be the bridge of love in this world.
Maybe you’re like me, when the talk of bridges comes up, I start singing the familiar song, “Bridge Over Troubled Waters”, by Paul Simon. The lyrics of the first verse say this:
?
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all
I’m on your side
Oh, when times get rough
And friends just can’t be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
With everything happening around us, in our country and in our world, it can certainly take a toll on our mental health. This month of May is also a reminder to assess and focus on our wellbeing. And in doing so, we realize we need a bridge over the troubled water in our lives. That bridge is first and foremost, God.
In our scriptures this Sunday, from Psalm 46 and Romans 8, we will examine how God keeps us in times of trouble and be reminded that NOTHING can separate us from God!
As a lover of music, those scriptures remind me of the song, Great Divide, from Christian pop group, Point of Grace. The second verse says this:
On my own I’m unable
He found me hopeless, alone and
Sent a savior
He’s provided a path a promised
To guide us
Safely past all the sin that would divide us
His love delivers me
There’s a bridge to cross the great divide
A way was made to reach the other side
The mercy of the father, cost his son
His life
His love is deep, his love is wide
There’s a cross to bridge the great divide
We will also look at how we can be the bridge, to help encourage others in their time of need.
As a woman called to the Ministry in an ultra-conservative environment, T.D. Jakes, Minister, author and founder of the Potter House, was one of the many bridges that God used in my life. Jakes says this about building bridges:
“I like to see myself as a bridge builder, that is me building bridges between people, between races, between cultures, between politics, trying to find common ground.”
In a world where people build walls, let’s build bridges! In a world where people label those with mental health concerns, let’s be the bridge that removes stigmas and shares stories! In a world full of blame and hate, let’s be the bridge of understating and love! In a world full of turmoil and lies, let’s be the bridge of peace and truth!
I look forward to taking a closer look with you this Sunday at 10:30! If you are able, come at 9:00 for spiritual engagement hour or re-imagined ensemble rehearsal. And please, come early at 10:00 or stay after the service, to get to know others during friendship and hospitality.
Love & Prayers,
Jules
9 am Spiritual Engagement Hour
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month
“It’s Ok To Feel All the Feels” “Inside Out: Bringing Mental Health Awareness From the Inside Out”
Last year, my wife and I had a movie date with our grandson to see the animated movie, “Inside Out 2,” which was a sequel to the 2015 movie, “Inside Out.” The movies tell the story of Riley, a teenage girl, and her emotions and how she learns to deal with and regulate them in various life situations, such as moving to a new city, starting a new school, making new friends, and dealing with all the feelings she is experiencing. Riley’s emotions include Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger. In the sequel, Riley now has new emotions on top of those: Anxiety, Envy, Ennui (tired and bored), and Embarrassment. The movie reminded me that we all experience a range of emotions, and sometimes we face challenges of dealing with “all the feels (feelings).”
Why is mental health awareness important? Sometimes we need some help in sorting out how we are feeling inside, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with reaching out for help when we need it (or even when we think that we don’t). Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s take a look at how we can bring awareness of our feelings and emotions and bring them from the inside out and know that it is ok “to feel all the feels.”
Conversation Starter: Who we are is not defined or determined by our emotions and feelings. We are made in the image of God, and we are fearfully and wonderfully made. What does it mean to be “fearfully and wonderfully made”? How do we embrace that “we are fearfully and wonderfully made” even when we don’t feel good about ourselves and “all the feels.”
Scripture: “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.” (Psalm 139:14)
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
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
Pride Month Remembrance
We invite you to remember or honor someone you love with a Pride Tribute. The names of those remembered will be included in our Sunday worship folder and at the end of our Sunday worship live stream.
Suggested donations start at $25.00 per name. All gifts matter.
Submit payment online at tributes.mccdc.com or mail a check payable to MCCDC to 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC 20001.
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 Economic 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
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 #138
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
(Reference: Psalm 54)
“God’s abundance permeates all creation, when we discern with our eyes and open our hearts to receive through sharing our blessings with one another” ~ CMC
Dear God, hear our prayers. Current situations are turned upside down and there is much confusion. Forgive our complacency of accepting the status quo as a permanent fixture in daily life. Things taken for granted are being breached by ones who want total control by forcing their will on others. Help us to stand steadfast and claim freedom for all people, with respect for everyone.
Our hearts are heavy. Are you displeased with our fall into complacency? The blazing fires of suffering intensify our anguish. We cry in the wilderness of upheavals, searching for a way to escape the persistent ordeal of parasitic oppression. We stumble in the darkness of uttered and un-uttered words against those who threaten to decimate freedom in a divisive manner. We beg of you, do not remain silent to our cries.
Who do we turn to, where do we run? We run to you, O God, our Rock of Salvation. Cover us with your wings of protection so that we may dwell safely under its shadow from enemies who seek to eradicate existence of generations who arrived before us and generations to yet appear. Yes, hide us from the scrutiny of those who wish to repress us.
Let us reflect love, perseverance, faith, and trust in you, God, for all things. Thank you for prospering us to live according to your purpose. Keep our hearts open to opportunities to share your generous abundance in divine ways with others. We, a beloved inclusive community commits to spreading your Gospel of grace to everyone throughout the world. Praise you in your many precious names. Amen
“[They] are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever [they] do shall prosper. Not so the wicked! They are like the chaff that the wind blows away.” Psalm 1:3-4 NIV)
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 Health and her sister, Phyllis Carter Lewis
* Joe Dawson * Betsy Kramer * Palestinian People in Gaza * Ukrainian People * Cecilia Hayden Smith and Esther Smith’s health * Bill Campbell * Jerry Giem * Tim Helm * 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, *’Prayers for Rose William Family
“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!
