“You will eat abundantly and be satisfied, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has done wonders for you.” ~Joel 2:26
The headlines of scripture proclaim a counter-message to the headlines of our times. Our ancient scriptures offer hope for the present. The wisdom of the ages holds true beyond the rise and fall of stock markets and other indicators.
Woven throughout scripture from Genesis to Revelation is the message that bad times happen, yet they will not last. One example is Sunday’s scripture from Joel 2: 23-32 which offers a message of hope relevant to our inflationary times. And it is not just grocery prices that are inflated. Fear is also inflated.
Woven throughout scripture from Genesis to Revelation is the message that bad times happen, yet they will not last. One example is Sunday’s scripture from Joel 2: 23-32 which offers a message of hope relevant to our inflationary times. And it is not just grocery prices that are inflated. Fear is also inflated.
Joel was a prophet of spiritual vision during a fear-filled crisis. The agricultural economy of his day was devastated by swarms of locusts. Their goods were wiped out to the extent that there was little left to inflate in price. Ultimately, God’s provident divine reversal offers an abundant outpouring to places of hunger and scarcity. God’s presence replaces fears.
A powerful turn in Joel is how beyond survival a renewed spiritual vision opens. Beyond mere individual satisfaction, the prophet points to the transformation of the entire community: “I will pour out my spirit upon everyone; your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old ones will dream dreams, and your young ones will see visions ” (Joel 2: 28).
During times like we are in, it is easy to exist in survival mode. Yet there is a better way than just getting by. I believe we are called to live in spiritual visionary mode. I believe MCCDC is called to be a place where the love of Christ is not diminished by the toxic political climate. And, beyond the culture wars, I envision a community where cultures and stories reveal the vibrancy of our Creator.
I believe that the Holy Spirit is ready to pour out at MCCDC. Our call is to open ourselves as vessels to receive the outpouring. Then, let us move forward in amazement as the love of Christ shines through our lives reflecting a generous welcome with affirming acceptance.
See you Sunday at 10:30 AM Eastern in the Sanctuary and online or on demand, as we share the inspiration from the prophet Joel..
By Faith,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnso
Church Calendar
Sunday, October 26, 2025
—09:00 am Spiritual Engagement Hour Zoom
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
—12:00 pm OAM Meeting/Zoom
Monday, October 27
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Tuesday, October 28
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
—07:00 pm Bible Study
Wednesday, October 29
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
—06:30 pm MCCDC Mental Health Group
Thursday, October 30
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
—07:00 pm Generosity Team Halloween Happy Hour
Friday, October 31
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Saturday, November 1
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Sunday, November 2
—09:00 am Spiritual Engagement Hour Zoom
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
—12:00 pm Generosity Cook Out
9 am Spiritual Engagement Hour
Thomas Merton on Community Life
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.
+To prepare, reflect on this quote from Thomas Merton:
“We do not exist for ourselves alone, and it is only when we are fully convinced of this fact that we begin to love ourselves properly and thus also love others. What do I mean by loving ourselves properly? I mean, first of all, desiring to live, accepting life as a very great gift and a great good,
not because of what it gives us,
but because of what it enables us to give to others. . .”
+Bring your favorite poems or other writings.
+Source: +Source: “Praying with Thomas Merton” page 102
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
Generosity Cook Out
You’re invited by the Generosity team to a fall cook out Sunday, October 26 at Noon
The Generosity team will provide the mains, dishes and you bring the sides.
Sign up for the side dish you like to bring in the welcome hall.
For more information email generosityteam@mccdc.com
Halloween Generosity Happy Hour
You’re invited by the Generosity team to a Halloween Eve Happy Hour Thursday, October 30 at 7PM to 8:30 EST
Come enjoy fresh donuts and Apple Cider, games, fun and friendship
For more information email generosityteam@mccdc.com
Board of Directors Elections/MCCDC Leadership Opportunity
Are you looking for a new way to serve your MCCDC community? Can you envision yourself in a leadership position? Then we might have just the right opportunity for you!
During the November 23 Congregational Meeting the Board of Directors will be holding an Election.
The Board of Directors is looking for motivated and qualified candidates to run for two three-year positions and one two-year position up for election.
If you feel called and have been a member of MCCDC in good standing for the past six months, you are eligible to run. Please submit a brief resumé and letter of interest to revdwayne@mccdc.com and churchoffice@mccdc.com.
Volunteer Worship Folder Coordinator
After many years of service Darryl Walker is stepping back as the Worship Folder Coordinator for MCCDC.
We invite you to share your talents in preparing worship Folders each week. This encompass gathering information, designing, and producing weekly worship folders or bulletins, which includes orders of service, hymns, readings, and announcements.
Pleases reach out to Rev Dwayne at revdwayne@mccdc.com or revcathy@mccdc.com if you are interested in this position.
Join the Generosity Team
Help MCCDC Grow Financially, Spiritually and in Membership. Join the team on Thursday at 6:30 via Zoom.
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
Call In: 13017158592,,84890359051#
Meeting ID: 848 9035 9051
Share your generous gifts and ideas with your church family. Every gift matters and is greatly appreciated.
Click here to complete Many Paths of Generosity Intention Form
For more information email RevDwayne@MCCDC.com or RevCathy@mccdc.com
Mental Health Awareness
Some Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know are struggling — having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, experiencing relationship problems, feeling overwhelmed, anxious, lonely, just need someone to talk to
Helpline resources are available in support
Some HELPLINES in operation 24 hours a day/7 days a week
(Primarily US based)
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Life Line | Call or Text 988 |
| Crisis Text Line | Text HOME to 741741 |
| Trans Life Line | Call U.S. 877-565-8860 Canada 877-330-6366 |
| LGBTQ+ youth (under 25 years old) | 1-866-488-7386 |
Some Worldwide HELPLINES in operation
Accessed by country search
| FIND A HELPLINE | Find a Helpline |
Join the MCCDC Team!
MCCDC currently has an immediate opening for a part-time custodial position.
Responsible for cleaning and maintaining all areas of church facility. Some grounds work will be required. We offer flexible hours and fair pay. Contact Melvin Moore at 202-638-7373 or email churchoffice@mccdc.com or Rev Dwayne Johnson at 202-638-7373 or email revdwayne@mccdc.com.
MCCDC Bible Study
Come join us for Bible Study on Tuesday@ 7PM. Go to calendar.mccdc.com for the Zoom Link or email Dale Madyun-Baskerville, with mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com questions.
Pathways to Generosity, Prayer #161
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“If you want love and abundance in your life, give it away.” ~ Mark Twain
Dear God, thank you for your generosity. Help us to willingly share of your generosity in ways that are pleasing to you. We are thankful for the willingness to share our abundance through the gifts of financial wealth, talents, skills, time, and treasures to spread the gospel and perform great works to glorify You. We are grateful for the timeless and immeasurable gift of mercy and grace you grant everyone each day. We accept your generosity that abounds in so many ways, and we are committed to share it for the gathering of souls into your realm and to help people in need to magnify your love for all people throughout the earth.
Let our hearts be glad for the opportunity to help someone through an act of compassion and kindness—a smile, words of encouragement, a meal, a shoulder to cry on, a sympathetic ear, praying together with someone, or spend quality time with someone or sit in meditational silence with loved ones. God, your generosity is so great that our gratitude is not able to exhaust the list of your goodness. Thank you, Lord, for all spiritual worship places for the gathering of your beloved community throughout the world. We are grateful to have direct communications with the Holy Spirit from our hearts wherever we may be. Thank you, God, in your many precious names! Amen.
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (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:
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 * Bill Campbell *Jerry Giem* Tim Helm * Delores Fowler* Vernessa D. Wilson and Jackie Lois * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline * Glenn Conway * Evelyn Jones* Earline Budd *Prayers for our country* Kappy Majekodunmi, * Michael Cunningham *Dr. Rev Teresa Tygart and partner Sue for healing * Cathy Batson Niece Lisa* Denita & Dale Daughter-in-law Marci Brooks for health * Emily Berry 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!
