As I prepared this week’s reflection, I found myself thinking about the recent election results and the range of emotions many of us may be experiencing. For some, what felt like uncertainty or discouragement earlier in the week may have given way to renewed hope. For others, questions and concerns may remain. Whatever our feelings, we are reminded that only God knows how the future will unfold.

In a time when diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging continue to face challenges, and when our Trans siblings are experiencing increasing hostility and efforts to diminish their dignity and visibility, our theme invites us to keep our eyes fixed on the hope that lies ahead. Hope, however, is not passive. It calls us to stand in solidarity, deepen our understanding, and support one another with courage and compassion. To that end, I invite you to participate in Sacred Trans Justice, a webinar sponsored by MCC. You can learn more and register at Sacred Trans Justice. As we continue this journey together, we hold fast to the hope of God’s justice, the hope of human compassion and love without agenda or malice, and the hope that comes with the approaching season of Advent.

Advent calls us to remember the promise of the Messiah, who invites us into a deeper and more expansive experience of life, spirituality, relationships, and faith. It is a season that encourages us not simply to wait, but to move forward with courage and trust. Even amid uncertainty, we are reminded that hope is not behind us or beyond our reach. It is before us, calling us onward.

As our congregation continues through this season of transition, we are invited not to stand still or simply mark time. Through our engagement in the life of the church, our honest reckoning with present realities, and our commitment to prayerful discernment, we help shape the future God is calling us toward. Together, these efforts will contribute to MCCDC’s vitality and ministry for the next 55 years and beyond.

We invite you to join your MCCDC family this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET, on site or online, or to worship anytime on demand. Your presence matters, and we look forward to being together as we continue moving forward in faith, hope, and love.

Peace,
Rev Cathy Alexander (she/her)
Associate Pastor

 

 

Church Calendar

 
Sunday, November 08
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
——12:00 pm Congregational Forum

Monday, November 09
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy

Tuesday, November 10
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy

—07:00 pm Bible Study

Wednesday, November 11
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy

VETERAN DAY CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

Thursday, November 12
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy

Friday, November 13
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy

Saturday, November 14
No Events

Sunday, November 15
——10:30 am Worship Service
——12:00 am 12:00 pm Congregational Forum

 

MCCDC Board Corner

Mark Your Calendar!!!!

November 8: Congregational Forum

November 15: Congregational Meeting

Meeting will be On Site and Zoom.

Click Here to connect to the zoom session!

Forum/Meeting Highlights:

· Board of Director Elections
· Lay Delegate & Alternate Lay Delegate Elections
· Lay Delegate 2026 Special General Conference Voting Results
· Church Transition
· Senior Pastor Search

If you have any questions about this meeting, please contact MCCDC Board members at board@mccdc.com.

Board of Directors: Call for Nominations

The Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, DC (MCCDC) is now accepting nominations to fill three (3) positions on the Board of Directors for a three-year term.
Qualified members are invited to prayerfully consider offering their leadership to oversee the church’s legal, financial, and administrative stewardship.

The Board of Directors is charged with the legal, financial, and administrative oversight of MCCDC. Responsibilities include:

• Governance & Bylaws Developing and maintaining the church’s Bylaws,
• Legal & Organizational Stewardship Managing matters related to legal organization, incorporation, and risk management.
• Financial & Administrative Oversight Collecting and disbursing church funds.
• Property & Facilities Management Appointing Trustees of the Buchanan Memorial Building Fund to oversee maintenance

Detail MCCDC Board Role

Eligibility Requirements
• Membership: MCCDC member in good standing for at least six (6) months.
• Experience: Demonstrated background in financial planning, administration, or policy development.
•
How to Apply

Members may nominate themselves or another eligible member. Please email a brief statement of interest outlining your qualifications and commitment to MCCDC’s mission to board.nominations@mccdc.com.

• Submission Deadline: October 25, 2026
• Election Date: November 15, 2026 (during the November Congregational Meeting)

Interested in being an MCC Lay Delegate?

The Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, DC (MCCDC) is seeking 2 Lay Delegates and 3 Alternate Lay Delegates to represent our congregation within the wider MCC movement. If you are a church member in good standing, we invite you to prayerfully consider this important leadership role!

Role & Responsibilities:
• Represent MCCDC at General Conferences and Regional/Network Gatherings.
• Stay informed on denominational priorities, policies, and elections.
• Report back to the Board and congregation within 60 days of gatherings.

Why Serve?
It is a wonderful opportunity to shape our local ministry, represent our community’s values, and grow spiritually as a leader.

How to Apply:
Please email your name, a brief statement of interest, and any relevant experience to the Board of Directors at board@mccdc.com.

MCCDC Church Wide Christmas Potluck

The Older Adult Ministry will be holding a Church wide Christmas Potluck on

December 13 at 12:00 pm

Bring your favor side dish to share, paper plates cups, ice, water or soda. Older Adults will provide the meat.

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.

MCCDC ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

Tell Us Your MCCDC Story?

MCCDC would like for you to share your MCCDC story through a video.

• The video should run no longer than three minutes.

You can participate in this oral history project by creating a video recording of yourself answering the following questions:

1. What is your first and last name?
2. How were you first introduced to MCCDC?
3. Please share a favorite memory of a time spent here at MCCDC.

• All are welcome this means friends and members regardless of how long you have attended MCCDC.

All participant must complete a wavier.

Click here to print and sign the wavier for your video story..

• For more information email Louis Hicks at oralhistory@mccdc.com if you would like to make a video.

Sacred. Trans. Justice. A Faithful Call to Learn, Defend, and Act.

You are invited by the MCC Denomination to participate in an upcoming, vital webinar program: Sacred. Trans. Justice. A Faithful Call to Learn, Defend, and Act.

We are living in a terrifying time for trans individuals and their families, as a virulent anti-trans political movement seeks to eradicate trans rights. Created in partnership between the Transforming Hearts Collective and Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC), this program is designed to help both leaders and lay people of faith understand and effectively respond to this crisis.

Registration is free and open to everyone. Choose from one of two available session dates:

• Option 1: Tuesday, November 10
• Time: 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM Eastern (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Pacific)
• Registration Deadline: November 4
• Option 2: Tuesday, November 17
• Time: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM Eastern (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Pacific)
• Registration Deadline: November 11
•
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND TO REGISTER

MCCDC Christmas Decoration Day

You’re invited to join us in decorating our church for the holiday Seasons on November 21, 2026, from 10 am to 2 pm.

For more information email Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com

Transgender Day Of Remembrance

Save The Date!

Stay on Freedom: Community Singing

Join us for an afternoon of powerful and uplifting music! Come lift your voice and spirit alongside incredible featured performers:

• Acapella
• Shirley Hughes
• DC Labor Chorus
• Umoja Dumo Drummers

When: Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 3:00 PM

Where: Wesley United Methodist Church (5312 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20015)

Contact: For details, email Pam Rogers at waterugpr@gmail.com.

Celebrate the Legacy of Dr. Imani Woody!

Join us for a special evening honoring a true trailblazer, Dr. Imani Woody, founder of Mary’s House for Older Adults. As Dr. Woody transitions from her role as President & CEO, we celebrate her decades of advocacy, leadership, and lasting impact on LGBTQ+/SGL elders and our wider community.

Rooted in Purpose: A Celebration of Dr. Imani Woody

• Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Location: Eaton Hotel DC (Washington, DC)
• Hosted by: Dyan Abena McCray
• Featuring: Live performances and a silent auction

Don’t miss this beautiful evening of celebration and gratitude. For more information, please contact Dre Woody Macko at (202) 277-2498.

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.

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.

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.

“Church Ministries”

 

Reimage Ensemble: Find Your Musical Belonging!
Lift your voice in praise and community

The Reimage Ensemble invites you to join us as we sing and rehearse for worship. You will make new friends, share your talents, and experience a true sense of musical belonging.

• “Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” ~Colossians 3:16
• When: 9:00 AM
• Where: Onsite at 474 Ridge St NW, Washington, DC
• Get Connected: Email revcathy@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 @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

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.

Writing Ministry

Join other MCCDC writers in our monthly Zoom Writing Ministry meeting.

For more information contact writerministry@mccdc.com

 

Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!