This Week’s Reflection

“Who we are matters so much more than what we do to attract others. Music, liturgies, or newcomer gatherings will not of themselves turn our churches into welcoming communities. Only lives transformed by the gospel of love can do that. When we dwell in the house of love, our neighbors will notice and will want to join us there.” ~Elizabeth J. Canham

The invitation of Jesus is to go deep and go wide. To go deep is to grow in our spiritual maturity. How does one measure spiritual maturity? Spiritual maturity is not defined by a list of items that can be checked off. However, there are signs of spiritual maturity. One of the greatest signs is courage, including the courage to counter our culture by releasing our lives for greater good.

Do we have the courage to put ourselves out there, to open our time and resources for investments that go deep and wide? We have been given much. What will we do with what we have been given? Will we protect it or courageously release it? In our text for this Sunday from Matthew 25: 14-30 we are given an opportunity to think about these questions. Jesus tells the story of two people who act with mature courage, with impactful results. Then Jesus tells of another who falters in fear with sad results.

As we take mature and courageous action, there is the promise of more abundance than any of us can imagine. Jesus commends: “Well done! You are a good and faithful worker. Since you were trustworthy in a small matter, I will put you in charge of larger affairs. Come, share my joy!” (Matthew 25:21)

The invitation to follow Jesus is an invitation to a life of faith that is deep and wide. There are no promises that it will be easy. The One who had no place to lay his head lived and taught with an open heart. Jesus called those who found their security in fishing nets, to release their nets for a venture that opened the way to wider possibilities, for themselves and for others.

The call of Jesus is a call to invest deeply. It is to care deeply. It is to give our hearts away and to risk everything on God. To lose is to gain, says Jesus, as he invites us to ponder such paradox even while moving forward with a positive impact that goes wide.

As you meditate on Matthew 25:14-30 in preparation for worship on Sunday, I encourage you to consider these questions: In what ways are we being called to courage as individuals? As a congregation? Are we ready to give our lives away for a Greater Good?

In preparation for our worship on Sunday at 9a.m. and 11a.m. ESTand online/on demand, join me in reflecting on Nan C. Merrill’s poetic expression inspired by Psalm 78-1-2:

Grace and Peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson

2023 Congregational Meeting

We will be holding our annual Form and Congregational Meeting at 12:30 EST on the below dates:

19 November: Congregational Meeting In-Person & Zoom

We invite you to join other MCCDC members in electing new Board Members, recapping 2023 and planning how we’ll grow our generous home in 2024.

Here are four ways to participate:

* Attend the forum in person at 474 Ridge St NW
* Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
* Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 868 1921 1447
* Dial 1 301 715 8592 by phone, using the same Meeting ID

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Join us for this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance, and help us spread the word that we are returning to an in-person service with a virtual option.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Commemoration
Monday 20 November 2023
Metropolitan Community Church DC
474 Ridge Street NW
Doors: 5pm Program: 6-7:30pm
Join Live stream at: live.mccdc.com

37th Walk & 5K to End HIV

Please plan to join MCCDC in the 37th annual Walk & 5K to End HIV on Saturday, December 2nd at 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: Gateway DC Pavilion, 2700 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE. You can still participate virtually as well. Click here to donate or join MCCDC Team. Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at baskerd6109@gmail.com for more information

MCCDC Seasonal Services

Please join us for the following Seasonal Services:
• 22 November at 06:30 pm EST Wednesday,Thanksgiving Eve Join Us on Zoom ONLY
• 24 December, 10 am Christmas Eve Morning: In Person and Live Stream.
• 24 December, 5 pm EST Christmas Eve with Candles:In Person ONLY
• 31 December, 10 am EST, New Year’s Eve Morning:In Person and Live Stream.
Join us in person at 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC or live stream at live.mccdc.com

CHRISTMAS HOPE

End of Year Gift

Make your End of Year Gift TODAY! Help MCCDC to go into 2024 year strong.

Go to donate.mccdc.com and select End of Year Gift from the menu. This gift will count toward your tax-free contribution for 2023.

Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #85 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter

by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter

“You must do the things you think you cannot do.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Dear God, bless the consistent giving of our financial gifts and help us to give wholeheartedly and be thankful always of what we do have. We are grateful for the many levels of prosperity that you give us—the ability to attain wealth, the priceless gift of health, the air we breathe, the choice to choose whom we will serve each day, helping people in need, the sharing of talents, skills, time and treasures performed for spiritual edification; and for day-to-day living. We rejoice in your generosity, both visible and invisible.

Help us to demonstrate faith and to trust you like Jesus did when he fed the five thousand people [Luke 9:10-17 (NIV)] When the five loaves of bread and the two fish were placed before him, Jesus gave thanks and everyone ate their fill. Twelve baskets of food were left over! God, thank you for the faith and trust to release and let go of what we think are limitations or lack. We pray to fulfill the greatness that You imparted within each of us to be a light so that all can witness Your glory and miracles. May all that we do in your name multiply a hundredfold or more.

We are grateful for our earthly meeting place, the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, DC, and all spiritual places of worship where we can gather as one to learn and grow more in your grace. God, we rejoice in sharing your love by encouraging and helping one another to fulfill the work each has been called upon to perform. Thank you for your abundant blessings. In your precious names, we give thanks. Amen.

“ Jesus answered; . . . The truth is, if you have even as much faith as the tiny mustard seed, you can be able to say to this mountain, ‘ Move from here to there,’ and it will move.’ Nothing will be impossible to you.” – Matthew 17:20-21 (The First Egalitarian Translation)

Prayer Corner

Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:

Bill Campbell * Jerry Giem * Tim Helm * Rose Williams * Cecilia Hayden-Smith and Esther Smith’s health * Delores Fowler * Vernessa D. Wilson * Family of Ms. Brittany Harrell * Veronica Franklin * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline * Glenn Conway * Anthony Goode * Randy Punley * Marcus Garnett * Renee Valentine’s brother * Arden Shutt * Evelyn Jones * Steve Sloane * Jeffrey Luckenbach * Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa * Cynthia Melman * Kim Battle * Joshua Benkins’ father Isaac * Mike Washington * Buck Carlson * Johanna Hardy * Doris Carter Washington of Alexandria * Melvin Moore Adams* John Hylton * Summer Allen

“Church Ministries & Events”

Virtual Choir

Come and join the Virtual Voices of MCC Choir! Lift your voice in our virtual rehearsals while singing from the comfort of your home. For more info, email Music Minister Deidre Mouton Gray at msdeedeemusic@gmail.com.

Spiritual Gifts, Get Involved!

Your’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 me at revdwayne@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).

Singing to God

Join the Virtual Voices of the MCC Choir. Lift your voice in our virtual rehearsals while singing from the comfort of your home. Email Music Minister Diedre Gray at msdeedeemusic@gmail.com

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
Meets Monthy
For more information, contact Jacqueline Laughlin at yemayah@icloud.com.

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

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