“You have the potential to participate in healing and changing lives; you can help pull people out of the deep and into the boat. God’s boat. Dare you trust yourself to fulfill that potential?” ~Terrell M. McDaniel
There is a compelling moment in our scripture for Sunday from Matthew 4: 18-23. When Jesus is walking along the Sea of Galilee he notices Peter and Andrew fishing and calls them to follow him and to fish for people. Here is the compelling part: “They immediately abandoned their nets and began to follow Jesus” (v. 20).
I’m struck that they had no questions for Jesus. They didn’t hesitate. They didn’t debate or negotiate. They didn’t ask Jesus to explain what fishing for people entailed. They stopped what they were doing and they followed. Another compelling moment is just a bit further along when Jesus “catches sight” of the siblings James and John and calls them and they “immediately abandoned both boat and father to follow him” (v22). The word “immediately” is a key word in our text.
I wonder what would happen if when a clear call comes to us we would stop what we are doing and then immediately respond. For example, we’re working through our task list and someone comes to mind. What if we took a moment, right then, to send a text, or an email, or even a phone call? Or what if we’re prompted in our heart to do an act of kindness, simply helping out if we notice someone in need? Kindness is ministry. We can do it anywhere. We can do it on the spur of the moment.
Recently one of our members was walking down the hall from their apartment and felt a clear call to reach out to the custodian who was cleaning the trash room. Many people in this building walk by the staff without a word, or even a glance. Support staffs in many venues are often invisible to those they support. Without hesitation, our member entered into a brief conversation, expressing gratitude, and then was further prompted to offer an immediate thank you gift of cash. The custodian responded with overwhelming gratitude, tears flowing, partly for the financial blessing, but even more so for being noticed.
I am learning to hesitate less and respond more immediately. I ask God to give me the grace to be more sensitive and open to share the Good News in the many ways it can be expressed. I’m growing in my belief that moments have eternal impact. Brief conversations, simple gratitude and kind acts change lives, and in small ways change the world.
Join us for Worship this Sunday at 10:30 AM Eastern in the Sanctuary onsite, online and later on demand. Together we’ll open ourselves to follow the call.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Church Calendar
Sunday, January 25
——09:30 am Spiritual Engagement Hour
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
Monday, January 26
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Tuesday, January 27
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
—07:00 pm Bible Study
Wednesday, January 28
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Thursday, January 29
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
—06:30 pm Generosity Team Meeting
Friday, January 30
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Saturday, January 31
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Sunday, February 01
—09:00 am Spiritual Engagement Hour
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
9 am Spiritual Engagement Hour
Fumihiko Arai on Wild Walking
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 these lines from Fumihiko Arai:
“Walking through the winter forest,
I’m always struck by the strength of the living things.
The cold can reach minus 30 degrees Celsius,
and yet the trees and mushrooms,
the mosses and lichens
on the bark—while they may sometimes go dormant—still keep
the flame of life burning”
+Bring your favorite poems 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
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.
Email Scam Alert!
Someone has been sending email claiming to be Rev. Dwayne and requesting a pdf
Directory of church members be email to him.
This is a scam! (Rev. Dwayne has only one email address, revdwayne@mccdc.com). Delete the email. The MCCDC tech team have report this abuse to the google support team.
MCCDC 55th Anniversary Team
MCCDC needs team members to plan the 55th Anniversary for the church.
Help plan activities for this joyful time in our church history,
Contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com for more information.
Save the Date!
Come Join your MCCDC family for our Annual Black History Concert, February 28th 6:00 p.m., Saturday!
Join us Onsite, at 474 Ridge Street NW, Washington DC, Online and later On Demand at: live.mccdc.com
Many Paths to Generosity !!
Join your MCCDC Family and Friends in the many path to generosity.
Giving of yourself, time, talent, treasure is important to your MCCDC Faith Community.
Please click here and fill out your MCCDC Generosity Intention Form.
Every gift matters and is greatly appreciated!
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.
Join The Search
Wanted! MCCDC Music Ministry Team Members to help find the next Part-Time Music Ministry for MCCDC Services.
Help take our worship services to new horizons through team work and vision on what music can be in our church.
Contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com for more information.
Grow Our Church
Join the MCCDC Church Growth and Membership Team to reach out to your friends, family and community throughout the DMV and on line.
Brain storm with fellow church members on how to better reach people.
Contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com for more information
Board of Directors Opening
The Board of Directors continues to look for a motivated and qualified candidates to apply for an appointment on the board of directors.
If you feel called and have been a member of MCCDC in good standing for the past six months, you are eligible for appointment.
Please submit a brief resumé and letter of interest to revcathy@mccdc.com and churchoffice@mccdc.com.
Volunteer Worship Folder Team Members
We invite you to share your talents in preparing the Worship Folders each week as a member of the worship folder team.
This encompass gathering information, designing, and producing weekly worship folders which includes orders of service, hymns, readings, and announcements.
Pleases reach out to Rev Cathy at 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 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 Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com
Pathways to Generosity, Prayer #163
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
What About Generosity? (A layperson’s understanding)
Thank you, God for creating us as gifts of your generous love, even more so that you gave your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ as the ultimate gift so that we might have eternal life.
We stand with the promise of your abundant blessings. According to Acts 10:34, the apostle Peter, said that “God is no respecter of persons…” gives us hope that we can express the best of our abilities, talents, and enhance skills innate in us. Whether wealthy or not, we can lead a prosperous life by sharing generously of what we have, and bless others too.
I have come to believe that Jesus Christ did not come into the world to prove that poverty was a great way to live as a Christian. [Deuteronomy 8:18, reads “And you shall remember the Lord your God who gives you the power to get wealth…”]. The Savior was born under the most impoverish and terrible conditions. With no warm place to lay his head, his bed was an animal feeding tray in a cave where livestock were kept. It helps to know that through God, we possess the strength to rise above unpleasant and horrible conditions.
To reiterate, that by faith and perseverance, church members and supporters accomplished a quantifiable goal in ten weeks by sharing generously of their prosperity. Commitment and the spirit of generosity prevailed even though economic chaos was prevalent.
God, we appreciate spiritual worship places and spaces everywhere. We are grateful for the opportunities to spread the gospel throughout the world, and lend a helping hand where needed. In your many precious names, we thank you. Amen.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6 (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
“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!
