“Prayer is the only way to get through these days.” ~Peggy Brown, MCCDC Member

 

Peggy is right. We are living through troubling days, globally and locally. And prayer is not only the best way through; it is the only way through. Yet prayer itself can be troubling at times. What if we are so weary, we’re even weary of prayer?

What may feel like unanswered prayer is a reality of the spiritual life. This was true for our forebears in ancient times, and true for more recent saints like Mother Teresa who wrote, “as for me the silence and the emptiness is so great, that I look and do not see, listen and do not hear. The tongue moves in prayer but does not speak. I want you to pray for me that I let God have a free hand.”

Psalm 77 is our text for Sunday. Nan Merrill’s rendering of Psalm 77 calls out with questions: “Will you abandon me forever, and leave me comfortless in my distress? Where is your steadfast Love that made my soul to sing? Are your promises empty, that I feel so alone? Where is the Comforter to ease this emptiness? How have I offended You, O Friend, that I am so alone?”

 

This Sunday we’ll look at the essentials of weaving prayer throughout our days and lives. We’ll explore the question: How do we proceed when it seems our prayers are not answered?

Holy Lover of our Souls,

Teach us to pray. You know us fully and you discern our prayers even before we begin to form them. You even discern our unformed prayers, our prayers beyond words that will never be spoken. Draw us close to you in trust. When we grow weary, renew our prayers. When our prayers lead us to rejoicing, help us to share our joy that others may be lifted. Amen.

 

By Faith,

Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson

Unanswered Prayers

Join us on-site, on-line and later on-demand for 9 AM ET Spiritual Engagement Hour.

 

This Sunday’s Highlights:

 

+We live in times that are impacting mental health. At MCCDC we offer support.

We are aware of stigma and seek to create a space for open conversations

to help us learn from each other in a spiritual context.

+How are we to process that even as we faithfully pray, the injustice and wars are escalating?

Does prayer feel more like frustration?

Do you seek a supportive place to talk about it? This is the place.

+To prepare, reflect on this scripture from Psalm 77:1-2:

“I cry out loud to God—out loud to God so that God can hear me!

During the day when I’m in trouble I look for the Lord.

At night my hands are still outstretched and don’t grow numb;

my whole being refuses to be comforted.”

(Common English Bible)

+Bring your favorite translation of Psalm 77 to share and compare, or other writings.

 

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

 

New Columbarium Dedication

 

You are invited to join in the dedication of the new MCCDC Columbarium June 29, 2025 following worship service.

 

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 NEW GIVING SYSTEM

MCCDC continues to transition to a new giving system called SubSplash.

This change is intended to be more user friendly than our current easy tithe system.

Some SubSplash Features are:

* Web Giving
* Recurring giving
* Text GIVE4UNITY to 1-888-364-GIVE (4483)
* And phone App giving (Android and iPhone Friendly)

Contact MCCDC Treasure Chocolatte Miller with any questions or concerns at treasurer@mccdc.com.

Older Adult Ministry Annual Pool Party

Join the Older Adults Ministry on Saturday, July 13th, 3:00 pm at 8312 20th Avenue, Adelphi, MD 20783 (All ages are welcome)

Meats are being provided by OAM.

Attendees asked to RSVP to Darryl by July 09, 2025 with the side dish, dessert or beverages you intend to bring. Email Darryl Walker Darryl_1945@yahoo.com or call him at 240-472-4434.

Those who want to swim, bring a swimsuit and towel.

Good Trouble Protest

 

Your invited to join the Good Trouble Protest on July 17, 2025 remembering the 5 year anniversary of the passing of Congressman John Lewis.

 

Click on the links below to join in person or virtually. You must RSVP to join all in-person events or virtual events

 

 

Click here to RSVP and more information about the Baltimore Protest
 
Click here to RSVP and more information about the Cambridge, MD Protest
 
Click here to RSVP and more information about the Virtual Protest.
 

(Note: Picture of John Lewis has been released to public domain. Click here to read the release)

Invitation to Book Discussion Braiding Sweetgrass

Join Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline in a new book adventure, of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants written by Robin Wall Kimmerer

(Note: Time Magazine has named her as one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2025 in the category of Pioneer.)

This 6 week journey will meet via Zoom starting July 15 , 2025 at 7:00 pm and end on August 19, 2025. Each session will last 90 minutes

Participant are limited to 15 people so register early via email to Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline at writer@robinhawleygorsline.com.

The Zoom link will be sent at the time of registration.

Click here for exciting details about this book study

I look forward to seeing you soon.

In faith, hope, and love,

Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline

writer@robinhawleygorsline.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

Pathways to Generosity, Prayer #146

by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter

“It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

 

Dear God, thank you for helping us realize your Infinite goodness in all things. Thank you for the strength, endurance, and trust that keep us close to you. We are grateful for the courage to ask, seek and share the gifts you place within us to be a blessing to others. With a cheerful heart, we share generously of our financial gifts, talents, skills, time, and treasures to accomplish the work that you have ordained us to do as good stewards of your spiritual kin-dom. We move forward in faith, trusting that you provide for all our needs.

Lord, thank you for all spiritual worship places and the opportunities to spread the gospel to the furthest corners of the earth, and help people in need. We are grateful for organizations that help provide various venues of assistance to people in life-changing events. Thank you for prospering us in gathering more souls for your spiritual realm and expanding your inclusive beloved community. We pray to diligently share your Truth so that others may witness your unconditional love for everyone throughout the earth. Thank you in your many precious names! Amen.

 

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV)

About

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident who was a key founding member of the Confessing Church. His writings on Christianity’s role in the secular world have become widely influential; his 1937 book The Cost of Discipleship is described as a modern classic. Wikipedia

Born: February 4, 1906, Wroc?aw, Poland

Died: April 9, 1945, Flossenbürg concentration camp, Germany

Siblings: Sabine Leibholz-Bonhoeffer, Klaus Bonhoeffer, MORE

Parents: Karl Bonhoeffer, Paula von Hase

Education: Humboldt University of Berlin (1927), Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Union Theological Seminary

Church: Evangelical Church of the old-Prussian Union (1906–1933); Confessing Church (1933–1945)

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

 

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!