This Week’s Reflection
On Sunday we celebrate Pentecost and the founding of the Christian church. Read the story here. The disciples spent hours deep in prayer after Jesus was lifted up into the heavens. I’m curious about what they prayed for so fervently. Strength and courage? An end to Roman oppression? Wisdom and knowledge?
All the things we need in our prayer lives today as individuals and community. We need strength and courage to withstand attacks to our very existence as God’s creation, as children of God. We need strength and courage to exist in community as we continue to move forward during this time of transition. Although we are in transition, we are not in limbo. Our community can be engaged and vibrant as we make it so.
We need fervent prayer to end oppression as we work to resist oppression in all its forms. To resist we must learn to recognize it no matter how overt or subtle it is. Jesus tells his followers in Matthew 10:16, “Be aware, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.
Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” We must learn about vertical and horizontal oppression and how to dismantle its far-reaching impacts on each of us personally and as a community of faith. We must develop tools to care and confront, to hold in careful heart and to hold to accountability. All are necessary in the community of faith.
As we celebrate and recognize the fire and wind of Pentecost, let us each take a moment to breathe and thank God for the Holy Spirit breath of life, spiritual wisdom, and the ability to love. May we too develop the boldness we need to speak out and share about the amazing God of connection, the God miracles, the God of the now and the God of the future.
As we celebrate and recognize the fire and wind of Pentecost, let us each take a moment to breathe and thank God for the Holy Spirit breath of life, spiritual wisdom, and the ability to love. May we too develop the boldness we need to speak out and share about the amazing God of connection, the God miracles, the God of the now and the God of the future.
This Sunday we will be joined by special guest speaker Ms. Earline Budd, who is a landmark and outspoken voice in the DC LGBTQIA+ community. She will update us on what is happening in our community and what we can do to organize and advocate for justice.
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
Special Musical Guest
We are excited to announce that Diedre Gray, our former Musical Minister, will be providing the ministry of music at MCCDC this Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 10:30 am.
As part of our Pentecost celebration, Diedre’s music will bring songs of hope and inspiration to our community. With her powerful voice and uplifting songs, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Join us as we come together to worship and celebrate the spirit of Pentecost with Diedre Gray’s special performance.
On site at 474 Ridge NW, Washington, DC. 20001
or on line at live.mccdc.com
2026 Community Pride Events
Fri & Sat / May 22 & 23: DC Black Pride “Rainbow Row”: The “Rainbow Row” vendor expo is taking place at the Westin Hotel DC Downtown, 999 9th St NW. Please look for our table in the expo on the ballroom level in the BLUE section. You will find us from 5-9pm on Friday and 10am-6pm on Saturday.
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.
“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
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.
We are celebrating our 55th Anniversary, and we want YOU there to mark the occasion!
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!
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
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.
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 24
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
Monday, May 25
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
—MCCDC CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED DUE TO MEMORIAL DAY
Tuesday, May 26
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
—07:00 pm Bible Study
Wednesday, May 27
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Thursday, May 28
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Friday, May 29
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Saturday, May 30
No Events Schedule
Sunday: May 31
——10:30 am Unified Worship Service
—12:00 pm 55th Anniversary kickoff with history and food
—12:00 pm Chili Extravaganza
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
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!
