This Week’s Reflection
Come, O thou traveler unknown,
Whom still I hold, but cannot see!
My company before is gone,
And I am left alone with thee;
With thee all night I mean to stay
And wrestle till the break of day. ~Charles Wesley
Our scripture this week comes from Genesis 32:22-31 and tells the story of Jacob’s return home after many years away.
As the story goes, Jacob, heavily coached by his mother, had deceived his brother Esau and received his birthright, the blessing and “goodies” that come with being the first born son. Esau was understandably angry. Angry enough to kill his brother. So Jacob ran away to another land. Now years later, this passage tells of his return to his homeland to face his brother. On the eve of that meeting, Jacob encounters a mysterious figure and wrestles through the night until morning. Scripture leaves us wondering exactly who this figure was.
?Was it a man, an angel, an expert wrestler, or a divine messenger? While the identity remains unclear, the impact of the encounter is unmistakable. Jacob emerges transformed. He receives a new name, Israel, a blessing, and even a limp that will forever remind him of that life-changing night. He was a changed person and he hoped he was able to live to show his brother how much he had changed and what he had become.
Perhaps this story is about more than a physical struggle. It is a story of redemption, transformation, and becoming. Jacob’s wrestling led him to a deeper understanding of who he was and who God was calling him to be. He returned home not as the same person who had left, but as someone changed by grace.
On our spiritual journeys, we have the opportunity to change, to grow, to expand in our becoming. With God what are we becoming as individuals and as a community of faith. How are we getting engaged so that we all have a voice and a stake in that ‘becoming’. Allow the holding on and wrestling with God to have a continuing impact on our lives.
Please join your MCCDC family on Sunday at 10:30 am ET online, on site, or later on demand. We look forward to your presence
Peace,
Rev Cathy Alexander
Associate Pastor
International Day of Friendship Gathering
Come to have fun, fellowship and engagement on site and online.
The Generosity Team is sponsoring an International Day of Friendship gathering.
Join us in the chapel or from your living room. There will be games and fun
Thursday July 30th. 6:30-8pm
On site at MCCDC 474 Ridge Street NW, Washington DC 20001
Online at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84890359051
If you’re interested in this event, please contact Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com
Recognition of Service
Whether you have worshipped with your MCCDC family for 1 day or 51 years, we appreciate everyone who has made MCCDC community.
This Sunday, August 02, 2026 at 10:30 am the MCCDC 55th Anniversary Team will be assisting in recognizing 20+ year members of MCCDC.
Please plan on being onsite or online to receive your certificate and a special “Thank You” presentation.
The point of contact is Rev Cathy at RevCathy@mccdc.com
Join Our Team as an Office Volunteer!
Are you looking to make a difference?
We are looking for some volunteers or better known as “office angels” to come in and work in the office during the week.
Office volunteers to assist with tasks like filing, answering phones, updating phone lists, and escorting contractors onsite.
We would love to get 4-5 volunteers so we could rotate the coverage in the office during the week.
If you are interested….
Please contact Tina Fulp at board@mccdc.com or Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com.
Church Calendar
Sunday, August 02
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
“Recognition of Service “
Monday, August 03
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Tuesday, August 04
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
—Bible Study on Summer Break
Wednesday, August 05
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Thursday, August 06
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Friday, August 07
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Saturday, August 08
No Events Scheduled
Sunday, August 09
——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 * Prayers for Anthony McMillian due to recent loss of his daughter Nicole.
MCCDC’s New On-Site Check-In System
Exciting News at MCCDC!
We’re thrilled to announce our transition to a new automated check-in system!
How It Works:
Simply enter your phone number on the iPad to check in seamlessly.
If you’re not found, just fill out the system form, and next time, your phone number will do the trick!
For questions, email Sheila Chittams at board@mccdc.com
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.
Celebrating Our History: 55th Anniversary Wedding Photos Needed
Dear MCCDC Members and Friends,
Our beloved Church Mother, Cecilia Hayden-Smith, is gathering wedding pictures from our community to help document and preserve our rich collective history. Whether you were married recently or decades ago, your story is a vital piece of the vibrant tapestry that makes up Metropolitan Community Church of Washington D.C.
How You Can Help:
• What to Share: A favorite photo (or two!) from your wedding day.
• Who: This invitation is open to all current members and long-time friends of the church.
• Details to Include: Please include your names and the year of your wedding so we can accurately document our timeline.
•
How to Submit:
Please share your photos directly with Mother Cecilia Hayden-Smith by emailing oam@mccdc.com.
Thank you for helping us honor our past as we look forward to our future together!
Open Hearts, Open Hands: Join Our New Communion Service Team
A new Worship Service Communion Team is forming, and we invite you to be a part of extending God’s radical welcome to our community—both onsite and online.
Whether you are looking for a deeper way to engage in worship or want to offer a ministry of presence, there is a place for you here.
You can serve in a variety of meaningful ways:
* Co-Celebrant: Stand at the altar and help lead the table.
* Prayer Server: Administer communion and offer prayerful support to those receiving.
* Elements Bearer: Hold the bread/wafer and juice during the service.
No prior experience is necessary! We will provide all the training you need. All that is required is a willing heart, an open spirit, and a little time to serve periodically during worship.
If you desire to show God’s love through prayer and presence, please prayerfully consider this opportunity.
Ready to learn more?
Please contact Rev. Cathy (revcathy@mccdc.com) and Dr. Teresa (preachertygart@gmail.com) for more details.
40th Annual Walk & 5K to End HIV!
Join the MCCDC Church Team for the 40th Annual Walk & 5K to End HIV!
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Anacostia Park
(Roller Skating Pavillion)
1500 Anacostia Drive, SE
Washington, DC 20020
Free, on-site parking available
Be part of a meaningful cause and help us make a difference!
CLICK HERE TO JOIN MCCDC TEAM OR DONATE
Komen Breast Cancer Walk!
Please plan to join MCCDC Breast Cancer team in the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s annual More than Pink Walk to End Breast Cancer on Sat. Oct. 11, 2025 at 08:am
National Harbor, MD
Southpointe at National Harbor
802 National Harbor Boulevard
Oxon Hill, MD, 20745
Click here to donate or join team MCCDC.
Contact Rev Cathy for more information at revcathy@mccdc.com
MCCDC Bible Study Summer Break
MCCDC Bible Study will be on summer break from July 01, 2026, through September 08, 2026. Bible study sessions will resume on September 15, 2026.
For any questions or further information, please contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com.
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
Mental Health Awareness
Break the Silence, Begin Healing
Stigma grows in silence. Healing begins in community. Join us at MCCDC in creating cultures of reflection, open conversation, and action for mental health and wellness all year long.
Need Support?
* 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
Together, we can make a difference. Reach out today.
“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!
