“We are invited to grasp with our hearts the deep truth that our minds might never comprehend: the God of heaven and earth, the Creator of the sky and the stars, loves us more than we will ever fathom. This loving is not our doing but God’s. We can only accept it and serve as channels of God’s love and peace to one another.” ~Pat Luna
This Sunday is Baptism of the Lord Sunday. Our gospel text for the day from Matthew 3:13-17 presents Jesus at the Jordan river, coming to John to be baptized. Jesus, the one with a life purpose of blessing others, is blessed by John the Baptist. Baptism includes the enduring gift of perpetual blessings: blessings received and blessings given. As Jesus rises from the waters, he is saying to those gathered then and to us today: “Come in. The water is perfect. Be covered in blessing from head to toe, receive this gift to be a gift.”
Jesus rises from the waters of baptism to live a life of tender mercies, healing touches, forgiving words, and openings to the new things of God. Jesus was blessed to be a blessing, and so are we. From the blessing of baptism we become open channels of God’s love and peace.
Whatever our specific goals for 2026 might be, our shared purpose as Beloved Community includes a call to each of us to be a blessing every day to those close to us and to those around us. Even chance encounters at grocery store lines have eternal implications if we silently pray for those around us. They may never know that they have been silently blessed, yet the enduring blessing has touched them through us.
Perhaps God’s Spirit is directing you today to reach out to someone who comes to your mind and heart. How to bless this one? It could be a simple text will make their day. Or, maybe you’ll be prompted to invite them for coffee, to share the gift of time, to create a space for deep listening.
Jesus has a defining moment at his baptism. It is a moment when doing and being are intertwined with eternity. Moments will define us in the coming year. How can we define the moments? As we bathe our days in the baptism of prayer, all possibilities will come alive. At any given moment, the Holy Spirit may descend to transform the ordinary into transcendence.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “God has set eternity in our hearts.” As we consider 2026, let us consider eternity as we ask guiding questions to frame the year ahead. In preparation for our worship this Sunday, I invite you to join me in reflecting on these questions:
What do I want to do in 2026 that will have enduring impact?
Who do I want to be in 2026 that will
have enduring impact?
See you Sunday at 10:30AM in the Sanctuary, and also online and on demand.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Church Calendar
Sunday, January 11
——09:30 am Spiritual Engagement Hour
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
Monday, January 12
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Tuesday, January 13
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
—07:00 pm Bible Study Resume
Wednesday, January 14
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Thursday, January 15
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
—06:30 pm Generosity Team Meeting
Friday, January 16
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Saturday, January 17
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Sunday, January 18
—09:00 am Spiritual Engagement Hour
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
9 am Spiritual Engagement Hour
Edward Hays on Whereness
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 Edward Hays:
“From somewhere deeper than I know,
in the place where I am held to the divine breast
the voice of God echoes in reply:
You my beloved little one,
Were hidden in my heart
Before your sun burned bright.
You were the dream of my delight before the earth was born. . .”
+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.
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 Dwayne at revdwayne@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 RESUME!!
Bible Study Resume on January 13, 2026.
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 Dwayne at revdwayne@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 Dwayne at revdwayne@mccdc.com for more information
Older Adult Ministry Meeting
The Older Adult Ministry will be holding it meeting In Person, 2nd floor Chapel or Zoom. 11 January 2023, at 12:30 PM.
This month Ronald Taylor Funeral home will be speaking to the group about prepaid funeral plans,.
Here are three ways to participate :
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
Call In, 301-715-8592, Meeting ID: 824 9552 3942
In Person 474 Ridge St., NW, Washington, D 20001
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 revdwayne@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 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.
Pathways to Generosity, Prayer #94
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.” ~ Bruce Lee
Dear God, thank you for another year of new horizons to stretch your vision of love and grace throughout the world, inspire new hope of overcoming obstacles that have stood in the way of accomplishing all that’s good within the spiritual realm of grace. Thank you for growing our faith to spread the good news of your unconditional love that helps us to stand firm on your word and make a positive difference in the world. Thank you for trusting us as rulers of fair government and entrusting the gift of wise stewardship within us to tend your abundant creation.
We are grateful for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, including all places of spiritual worship participating in the mission and vision for gathering more souls to follow the plans you have purposed for our lives. We pray to continue helping others in need, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically to help build a better world. We pray for the peace within that only you can give in its totality—that it enfolds everyone with a new heart of kindness. This year we pray to reap a bountiful harvest sharing generously of our financial gifts, talents, skills, time and treasures to further your great works here on earth. Thank you, in your many precious names. Amen!
<
strong>“Never let love and faithfulness abandon you—wear them like a necklace around your neck; inscribe them on the tablet of your heart. . . Honor Yhwh with all that you have; and with the first and best part of what you create.” Proverbs 3:3, 9 (First Egalitarian 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
“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!
