“Like the iconic figures gathered around the Christ Child in our nativity scenes, we gather together because we want to know Jesus more as we seek to bring his Reign of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love on earth” ~Marcia McFee
This Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent. Our theme is “What Child is This?” inspired by the song. We are partnering with Marcia McFee and Worship Design Studio as we explore the many layers of the question this favorite Christmas hymn poses.
At the heart of Advent and Christmas is the heart of hope. This heart of hope is Jesus coming into this world as the angel announced: “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a savior . . . a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger” (Luke 2: 10, 12).
Hope comes through Jesus. Jesus is God embodying hope up close and personal, not from a distance. The world that Jesus entered was marked by violence and enmity. Surely it felt hopeless and loveless to many who lived through that time. Like many today, they were looking for hope.
In Jesus, the longing for hope is answered. Through the years, understandings of such hope have deepened. In 1738 Charles Wesley wrote the epic hymn “Jesus, Lover of My Soul.” The one born in the manger now lives in our hearts. Our hearts become the dwelling place for hope. Hope is proclaiming: “Yes, Jesus loves our souls!” Through the love of Jesus, we are bearers of hope. Nan Merrill writes, “When God enters the human heart, all yearnings are fulfilled!”
At our service this Sunday, we will celebrate the Hope of Hopes. Join us at 10:30 AM EST in the Sanctuary, on-line, and later on-demand. In preparation for Sunday, I invite you to reflect on this prayer from Nan Merrill:
“Restore us to wholeness, O Healer, like newborn babes who have never strayed from you. May all who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy! May all who go forth weeping tears of repentance, bearing seeds of love, come home to you with shouts of joy, leaving sorrow behind.”
Through Christ’s Hope
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Church Calendar
Sunday, November 30
—09:00 am Spiritual Engagement Hour Zoom
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
Monday, December 01
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Tuesday, December 02<
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
—07:00 pm Bible Study
Wednesday, December 03
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Thursday, December 04
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
—06:30 pm Generosity Team Meeting
Friday, December 05
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Saturday, December 06
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
—06:00 pm MCCDC Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 07
—09:00 am Spiritual Engagement Hour Zoom
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
9 am Spiritual Engagement Hour
This Sunday Spiritual Engagement Hour will be on break. You are encouraged to have your own devotional time. You are invited to join us next week at 9 am ET via zoom
MCCDC Christmas Decoration Day
Your invited to join us in decorating our church for the holiday Seasons on November 29, 2025, from 10 am to 2 pm.
For more information email Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com.
MCCDC Church Wide Christmas Potluck
The Older Adult Ministry will be holding a Church wide Christmas Potluck on
December 14 at 12:00 pm
Bring your favor dish to share, paper plates cups, ice, water or soda.
Bring a gift of $5.00 or less for the gift giving game.
Join in person at 474 Ridge Street,
Washington, DC , Main Sanctuary,
Signup at the welcome hall table on what you are bringing or email Dale Madyun-Baskerville at oam@mccdc.com.
Special Bible Study: Christmas Reflections
During the holiday season we reflect on many events that has occurred throughout the year.
Please join us on Tuesday December 2nd and 9th at 7pm, via Zoom for a Special Bible Study to gather, grieve, honor and remember those who have lost loved ones during the holiday season.
Click here to join or go to calendar.mccdc.com and click on the dates listed above for the bible study zoom link.
Come for a time of community gathering, support and encouragement. Please contact Rev. Cathy (revcathy@mccdc.com) and Dr. Carla (drcarla@mccdc.com) for more information.
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 #87
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.” ~ Mary Oliver
Dear God, thank you for bringing us into this world to learn about You and live our purpose according to your plan for us. Help us to not to worry about things that we cannot control, but to make right decisions and follow-through courageously, trusting you each step of the process even when it’s too dark to see the next step. When we are tempted to give up, we pray to overcome fear, let go of excuses, procrastination, doubt, and other stumbling blocks we may confront. We want to carry your Light within us for the whole world to see that it is not by our works alone but by faith with works and trusting You, our goals and dreams are accomplished.
Thank you for our spiritual gathering place, Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and all spiritual places of worship. We are grateful for the financial gifts, talents, skills, time, and treasures shared in gathering souls for your realm.. Thank you for the strength to march on in faith, believing, and accepting wholeheartedly the mission and vision before us to bless a prosperous church “without borders.” Praise your many holy names. Amen.
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through divine mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 (New Living Translation)
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. *Elaine Durden-Hunter for the loss of her pet Angel. * Prayer for Denita & Dale friend Kendall Fulton as she continues her journey with cancer.
“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
This week topic is: The Essential to Gods Worship
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!
