This Week’s Reflection
God didn’t give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love and a sound mind. ~2 Timothy 1:7
Psalm 8 encourages us to realize God’s greatness. “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You made your glory higher than heaven!” God made God’s own glory higher than we can experience as humans. Yet God is still touchable and present no matter where we are on our journeys.
We have been acknowledging and recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month, among other acknowledgements, encouraging the destigmatization of speaking about and taking care of our own mental health. Doing this honors the wholeness of the holiness with which we are created by God. If you need support, don’t wait. Seek assistance with a professional mental health provider.
This Sunday we are blessed to be joined by Tessin Haugerbrook, RN M.Eng. M.Sc.. He will be bringing a message of healing and support for our community. He is a registered nurse and certified mental health specialist with over 20 years of experience in the ICU, ER, and psychiatric behavioral health.
He holds a master’s degree in Biochemical Engineering from the University of Central England and is the founder of Bridge & Anchor, a nonprofit that provides education, connection to services, and ongoing support for individuals and families facing mental illness.
He works with the Department of Behavioral Health and lectures at universities, commencements, and mental health events across the U.S. and U.K. A cancer survivor and lifelong advocate, Tessin is deeply committed to amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals and advancing mental health awareness. His devotion to MCCDC Church in Washington, D.C. and his community inspires his mission to create positive, lasting change through service and compassion. Welcome back Tessin!
Please join us on Sunday at 10:30 am ET on site, online or on demand. You are welcome here
Peace,
Rev Cathy Alexander
Associate Pastor
Tech Update: May 24 Service & Sermon Link
Dear Church Family,
As many of you noticed during our worship service on Sunday, May 24, 2026, we experienced a sudden disruption with our livestream and internet connectivity. We confirmed that this was due to a widespread Comcast internet outage in our area, which unfortunately cut our broadcast short.
We know how important it is to stay connected, especially for those joining us from home, and we sincerely apologize for the frustration and inconvenience this caused.
Watch the Full Sermon
The good news is that our recording equipment kept running locally! We have successfully uploaded the complete, uninterrupted sermon from this past Sunday.
Click Here to watch the message in its entirety.
Thank you so much for your patience, grace, and flexibility as our tech team navigated these unexpected hurdles. We look forward to worshipping with you next week—hopefully with a much stronger connection!
Blessings,
Dale Madyun-Baskerville
AV Ministry Leader
2026 Community Pride Events
Sat & Sun / June 20 & 21: Capital Pride Parade and Festival. Join our church for the Parade on Saturday and the festival on Sunday! We are still looking for someone who can pull our small Parade float trailer with their car.
Join Us for the 2026 Pride Interfaith Service!
Date & Time: Monday, June 22, 7:00 PM
* Location: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 301 A Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003
* Theme: In Faith We Exist. Resist. Persist.
Celebrate unity and diversity with us at this special interfaith service. All are welcome!
“Come out, be proud and share God’s message of love out loud!”
Contact Knut Panknin at pride@mccdc.com for more information on all events.
55 Years of Faith, Community, and Freedom: Celebrate with MCC Washington
We are beginning the celebration of our 55th Anniversary, and we want YOU there to mark the occasion!
Let’s honor our past and move boldly into our future together!
From a small gathering in 1970 founded by Rev. J. E. Paul Breton, to a thriving, history-making spiritual home, MCC Washington (MCCDC) has been opening doors and changing lives for over five decades.
What to expect: Great food, a deep dive into our incredible 55-year history of LGBTQ+ faith and advocacy, and amazing community fellowship.
When: May 31, 2026 at 12:00 pm Where: 474 Ridge Street NW, Washington, DC . Bring your memories, your appetite, and your friends. Let’s honor our past and step boldly into our future together!
Chili Extravaganza
The Generosity Team will be holding a Chili Extravaganza May 31, 2026 after church.
Come enjoy community and good food with your MCCDC family and friends.
Several ministry members will provide the chili, please sign up to bring other items OR just bring yourself and enjoy. We look forward to seeing you.
Point of contact for this event is MCCDC Generosity team at generosity@mccdc.com
Click here to signup to help or bring and item
Or
Scan the QR Code to signup to help or bring and item.
Or
Scan the QR Code to signup to help or bring and item.
Honors and Remembrance Tribute
We invite you to remember or honor loved ones with Honors and Remembrances.
The names of your loved ones will be included in our Sunday worship folder and during the Sunday worship service.
Suggested donations start at $25.00 per name, yet do not let finances be a barrier.
Cut off each week for submitting new tributes is Friday by 6 pm to provide time to update slides and worship folder for Sunday service.
If you have questions, please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com
There are two Ways to make a tribute:
Scan the QR Code below to make an online Tribute!
CLICK HERE TO PRINT AND MAIL IN A HONORS AND REMEMBRANCE TRIBUTES FORM
MCCDC to 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC 20001.
All tributes will end on June 21, 2026
MCCDC ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
MCCDC 55th Anniversary team would like you to share your MCCDC story through video
All are welcome this means friends and members regardless of how long you have attended MCCDC .
The Oral Project runs from May through September 2026.
Email Louis Hicks at oralhistory@mccdc.com if you like to make an video.
Church Calendar
Sunday, May 31
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service——10:30 am Unified Worship Service
—12:00 pm 55th Anniversary kickoff with history and food
—12:00 pm Chili Extravaganza
Monday, June 01
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Tuesday, June 02
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
—07:00 pm Bible Study
Wednesday, June 03
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Thursday, June 04
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Friday, June 05
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Saturday, June 06
Sunday: June 07
——10:30 am Unified Worship Service
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 Brooks-Gordon * Michael Cunningham * Dr. Rev Teresa Tygart and partner Sue for healing * Cathy Batson’s Niece Lisa * Denita & Dale’s 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’s friend Kendall Fulton as she continues her journey with cancer * Prayer for healing for Retired Rev Elder Dwayne Johnson * Beverly Barnett family due her passing, * Tim Helm for healing from surgery. *Prayer for healing for Robin Anderson
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with Us!
Join The Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, DC, as we honor the rich histories and contributions of Asian and Asian Pacific Islander communities. This May, we uplift our LGBTQ+ AAPI members, celebrating diversity and advocating for equity all year long.
Discover more and find resources at:
National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance: nqapia.org
The Visibility Project: visibilityproject.org
The Asian American Foundation: taaf.org
Let’s come together to celebrate, recognize, and take action
Bible Study
” Join Our Weekly Bible Study! Explore scriptures and unconventional books to enrich your Christian journey.
Every Tuesday at 7 PM. Visit calendar.mccdc.com for the Zoom link or email Dale at mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com for questions. Let’s grow together in faith! “
Writers’ Ministry
“?? Join MCCDC’s Writers’ Ministry! Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, come share and grow with us.
We meet every 3rd Saturday from 10 AM to 12 NOON via Zoom. For more info, contact gcsnyder01@aol.com. Let’s inspire each other
Click here to Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 865 7622 1632, Passcode: 146039
Grow Our Church
” Be a Part of MCCDC’s Growth! Join our Church Growth and Membership Team to connect with friends, family, and the community across the DMV and online.
Collaborate with fellow members to brainstorm new ways to reach and welcome people.
Contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com for more info. Let’s grow together in faith!”
Volunteer Worship Folder Team Members
” Share Your Talents! Join our Worship Folder Team to help prepare our weekly worship folders.
This role involves gathering information, designing, and producing folders with service orders, hymns, readings, and announcements. Interested?
Contact revcathy@mccdc.com. Let’s create meaningful worship experiences together!
Mental Health Awareness
Stigma grows in silence. Healing begins in community.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Let’s keep working together to co-create cultures of reflection, open conversation,
and action for mental health and wellness within and beyond our MCCDC communities, all year long.
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: call or text 988 orsearch FIND A HELPLINE (https://findahelpline.com/) for 24/7 crisis and support worldwide, accessed by country search
HELPLINES in operation 24 hours a day/7 days a week (Primarily US based)
· 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
· Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
· Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or Text 1-800-985-5990
· Safe Place® TXT 4 HELP: Text 44357 (under 18 years old, in some communities 21 and under)
· Trans Lifeline: Call U.S. 877-565-8860 Canada 877-330-6366
· The Trevor Project: Text START to 678-678 or call 1-866-488-7386; for LGBTQ+ youth
(under 25 years old)
. Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1 or Text 838255
Join the MCCDC Team!
“Join Our Team! MCCDC is seeking a part-time custodian to maintain our church facilities and assist with some grounds work. Enjoy flexible hours and fair pay. Interested?
Contact Melvin Moore at 202-638-7373 or email churchoffice@mccdc.com or revcathy@mccdc.com. Be part of our community!
“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 Friday
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!
