JOIN US SUNDAY! 9AM & 11AM
BY FAITH: STEWARDS OF CREATION
“The heavens are the Creator’s, the earth has been given to the children of earth.”
~ Psalm 115:16
In the scripture this Sunday from Mark 9:36-37, Jesus teaches his followers by placing a child before them. For a moment, all the ego-driven talking heads are silenced. There is a beautiful radiance and innocence about this child that captures not only their attention—but their hearts. Jesus puts his arms around the child in a moment of holy joy.
Then, with a gleam in his eye, Jesus says: “Whoever welcomes a child such as this for my sake welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the One who sent me.”
I wonder about the future of that child. I believe that the child was so positively impacted by the presence of Jesus, that the future of that child was one of wholeness. Maybe the child grew up to be a teacher of beauty and grace, sharing delight with all.
Yes, my reflections have turned to speculation, and I don’t know for sure who this child grew up to be. Yet this I know: the child breathed God’s good air and tasted Creation’s good food and was spared the toxic chemicals that assault children today.
As Jesus did, it is time once again for us to place a child in our midst as an entry into holy understanding. Jesus teaches that we are to welcome the children. Such a welcome includes the children of today and the children of tomorrow.
I am concerned that the world we are co-creating today is becoming increasingly unwelcome. Pollution has put humans at risk. We feverishly seek to mitigate the risk through medicine and technology. In the meantime, it has gone beyond risk to extinction for too many flora and fauna.
Good stewards care. To care for the earth is to care for our children. I am hopeful that with education, awareness and action, we can co-create a welcoming world for future generations. I believe there is a powerful spiritual solution to climate change, and part of that is changing the “climate of conversation” around the issue from a shouting match to interactive listening.
In the message this Sunday at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM we will reflect further on the invitation to be “Stewards of Creation”-and how each of us can take hopeful actions to care for God’s Good Earth. See you Sunday!
By Faith,
Rev. Elder Dwayne
TUESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
Fall Theme: A Life That’s Real
Sept 29 Reaching out to others
MINISTRY CONNECTIONS
Opportunities to serve in ministry are plentiful. If you have a heart to serve and to be a part of something larger than yourself, please consider this your personal invitation to join in ministry. Where needed most:
MCCDC Choir – Consider joining the choir for the Christmas concert which will be held on Dec 4th and 5th. Please see our 11 am Music Director Tyrone Stanley for more information. Our 9 am choir has room for you. Please see our 9 am Music Director Daniel Scearce for more information.
Website Content – Many go to MCCDC’s website to learn more information, hear sermons, see pictures of our community even before stepping foot into our sanctuary. We are in great need of a volunteer to assist in this communications ministry.
Children’s Ministry – The Children’s Ministry provides a fun and safe space for children to learn about spiritual values, while valuing each child’s unique talents and abilities.
Hospitality – God’s hospitality extends welcome to the entire community, the Hospitality Ministry provides arms and feet to that welcome. The ministry is responsible for coordinating food and welcome during the social time.
Information Station – These faithful folks coordinate the sharing of information about ministry activities, events and directions. They extend the hospitality of welcome to everyone who has questions or require assistance.
AV Ministry – This Ministry is responsible for the sights and sounds in worship and other services in the sanctuary. If you feel called to investigate learning and participating in providing audio and video support, please pray about connecting.
If you are interested in any of these service ministries, please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
HEARTSONG RELATIONSHIPS RETREAT
Sometimes relationships with God, self and others can range from joyful to challenging, especially if you are not currently in a relationship. This workshop offers an opportunity to build tools and spiritual practices to be in a mutually fulfilling, healing, healthy and loving relationship.
When our hearts are joyful the entire soul rejoices. Ephesians 4:2-3 states “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
When: Sept 26, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Cost: $50
Please bring your own lunch.
The retreat will be led by Dr. Veronica Franklin.
Please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373 to register or for more information. If you would like to attend yet cannot afford the cost, please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com.
AV MINISTRY PHONE CONFERENCE
There will be a conference call of the AV ministry and anyone who is interested in joining and for further information on the video ministry.
The call will take place Saturday September 19th from 11 am – noon. Please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373 for the call in number or for more information. All are welcome.
Team MCCDC has formed and all we need is YOU!!! The walk to end HIV will be held on Saturday Oct 24th.
To rejoice in our Anniversary, our goal is to have 45 walkers to raise $10,000. Bob Whitman is our team captain. Go to our page to join the team. http://bit.ly/1OUKFJ2
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CONTINUES
Let Us School You (And you can teach us a few things, too)
Adult Sunday School has restarted. It is held Sunday mornings between the two services from 10:15 ’till 10:45, in the lower-level conference room.
Our topic of discussion is an overview to Bible basics.
Bring your coffee and cookies. Sessions are short but pack a lot of punch.
It’s a great way to spend a half-hour – learn something new and fellowship, too.
All are welcome and wanted.
JOIN THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION TEAM
There is still room for you on the MCCDC 45th Anniversary Celebration Team.If you would like to be a member of this historic team for this historic event, please contact Rev Cathy for more information. revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373. The FIRST organizational meeting will be held on Wed, Oct 7th from 6-7 PM.
MCCDC TO BE A SPONSOR AT THE MAUTNER PROJECT 25TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
MCCDC will once again be a sponsor at the Mautner Project 25th Anniversary Gala, Friday, September 25, 8PM at Union Market. The sponsorship cost $2500 and to help offset that cost, the church has 10 tickets for the event. The tickets cost $250.00. If you would like to purchase a ticket, please go to www.mccdc.com/donate, send a check to MCCDC to 474 Ridge Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 or contact the church office at 202-638-7373.
COMPLETE YOUR “45 YEARS: WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH” PLEDGE CARD
We have launched the MCCDC “45 Years: We’ve Come This Far By Faith” Campaign. Please make sure you return your pledge card to the church office or you can put it in the offering plate on Sunday.
As we celebrate the 45th anniversary, let’s come together and help shape the future of MCCDC!!
CHRISTMAS CONCERT DATES ANNOUNCED SAVE THE DATES!
The 2015 Worship Arts Ministry Christmas concerts will be held on Friday, Dec 4th and Saturday, Dec 5th. You will not want to miss this will be an evening to remember.
Friends and Family Sunday
9AM/11AM Services
Sept 27 will be an opportunity to invite your friends and family to the MCCDC Life giving and life affirming services.
The BoD/Trustees/Staff will serve a mouthwatering pancake breakfast and a special take home gift will be given to all who attend. Looking forward to seeing you there.
THANK YOU MCCDC!
Thank you to Everyone who participated in the Future Planning Congregational Forums. Be on the lookout for more follow up information soon.
Blessing of Animals Service
Saturday, October 3, 11AM
Sometimes God sends guardian angels to us who are clothed in fur, feathers or scales. To recognize the special pets and animal companions in our lives, MCCDC will be holding a special Blessing of the Animals service on Saturday Oct 3rd 11 AM. A blessing of the animals is a tradition among many Christian churches and is often conducted in October near the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.
In order to make sure our animals remain safe, please use their leashes or pet carriers. We’ll be sure to have water for your beloved companions.
Please attend with your animal companions-and invite others to attend also.
CALENDAR Highlights
SUNDAY,
SEPTEMBER 20
9AM /11AM
WORSHIP SERVICE
“BY FAITH: STEWARDS OF CREATION”
REV. ELDER J. DWAYNE JOHNSON
TUESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 22
BIBLE STUDY: YOUR WORSHIP
7PM
SUNDAY,
SEPTEMBER 27
FAMILY AND FRIENDS SUNDAY
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
9AM AND 11AM SERVICES
