“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; but the kind of peace I give you is not like the world’s peace. Don’t let your hearts be distressed; don’t be fearful. “ ~John 14:27
Jesus weaves peace through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This peace is not the fleeting peace of the world, but the lasting peace of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. One entry to this peace is a willingness to seek guidance from the Spirit and then move through the doors the Spirit opens.
Sometimes the Holy Spirit opens a door and yet we remain closed. Perhaps we don’t see the open door or recognize it as an opportunity from the Holy Spirit. Or perhaps we know the door is open, yet unsure of what’s on the other side, we hold back. Even if our current comfort zone no longer quite fits, at least it is a known. It is easy to remain uncomfortably comfortable. Peace seems elusive.
Sunday’s scripture from Acts 16:9-15 is a story of how God’s peace is released when one is open. In our story, Paul is stalled. He has plans to bring the message of Christ to Asia. Yet those doors close. What next? He waits and prays, probably with some impatience. Then, one night, in God’s time, an open door is revealed through a vision: “A Macedonian stood before him and said, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us’” (Acts 16:9). Paul never planned on Macedonia. Yet he moves through the open door, compelled by possibilities. It is a Spirit-led adventure.
Paul’s openness has a powerful ripple effect. Lydia, a local businesswoman is changed forever through Paul’s presence and witness. Acts 16:14 describes it directly and simply: “As she listened, Christ opened her heart.” Then, Lydia moves through the door and becomes a spiritual force for good in the lives of those around her. She finds the full meaning of her life and helps others. Therein she finds peace and shares it with others. In Christian tradition, she becomes known as the first European disciple. The Holy Spirit moves in her and through her.
The ways God works through the willingness of Paul and Lydia raises questions for us to ponder. Dare we seek a vision from the Holy Spirit? Is your God too small? Too tame? Too domesticated? Do we believe that a big God could open big doors and bring big change in our lives and the lives of those around us? Do we believe true and lasting peace is possible?
Through Grace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
An Advocate for Mental Health
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.
+This week we’ll focus on John 14:23-29 where Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as Advocate.
+ ”The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom God will send in my name,
Will instruct you in everything and will remind you of all that I told you. ” ~John 14: 26
+We invite you to share your writings, scriptures or other resources/ideas with the group.
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
MCCDC World Pride Team
You are invited to sign up for volunteer opportunities for MCCDC at World Pride! Click on the link below.
Click on the link below to get your MCCDC Pride theme and merch store Web Site for T-shirts, Cups, Hats and more!
If you would like to receive more information concerning World Pride please contact Knut Panknin via email at pride@mccdc.com
Pride Month Remembrance
We invite you to remember or honor someone you love with a Pride Tribute. The names of those remembered will be included in our Sunday worship folder and during service.
Suggested donations start at $25.00 per name. All gifts matter.
Submit payment online at tributes.mccdc.com or mail a check payable to MCCDC to 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC 20001.
MCCDC Beautification Day
Come Join your MCCDC Family on May 31 from 9AM to 2PM Beautification Day of our outdoor and indoor area.
Bring your gloves, tools, and energy from home to give your church a fresh look for two special Pride events:
June 1st MCCDC Panel discussion at 1pm
June 8th is MCCDC Pride service at 1030. Hospitality at 10 am
Noah Play at Sight and Sound Theater Trip
MCCDC’s Older Adults Ministry is sponsoring a bus trip to see the play Noah at Sight and Sound Theater, located at 300 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks, Pa. We’ll depart from 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC at 1:00 p.m. and return at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, 13 September 2025.
Tickets cost $160 and include round trip coach bus ride, ticket for premium theater seats, and a stop at Amish Miller Smorgasbord Restaurant (MEAL COST NOT INCLUDED).
Payments can be made in three installments of $54 each, or one payment of $160
A ticket only option is available for $94.00 HOWEVER you will be responsible for your own transportation to and from Sight and Sounds. Anyone using the payment plan must pay in full no later than 10 August 2025.
ALL PAYMENTS ARE FINAL AND NON-REFUNDABLE.
Go to oam.mccdc.com to pay
Questions? Contact Dale L. Madyun-Baskerville via email, oam@mccdc.com
Economic Blackout
The People’s Union USA is organizing a national economic blackout, encouraging consumers to avoid spending at major corporations and instead support local businesses. This “economic blackout” is part of a larger campaign aimed at protesting corporate practices and advocating for economic resistance.
Join the Economic Revolution! Do not spend your money at the following locations on the dates below:
June 3 – 9 Target Boycott
June 24th – 30 McDonalds Boycott
Writing Ministry
MCCDC’ s Writing Ministry gather on the 3rd Saturday , of each month at 10:00 am EST via zoom link posted on MCCDC Calendar.
Whether you are an experienced writer or want to begin writing please consider joining us. Contact Greg Snyder at gcsnyder01@aol.com for more information.
Click Here to go to calendar.mccdc.com and
click on the 3rd Saturday for the Zoom Link
Pathways to Generosity, Prayer #142
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow know what you truly want to become.” ~ Steve Jobs
Dear God, thank you for creating us in your likeness. Guide us and help us to be willing to follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit according to your purpose as a beloved community that includes all peoples throughout the world. We are thankful for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and spiritual places of worship where everyone can gather and worship in person, or attend virtual worship through various media compositions. We are committed to share the gospel of your grace and mercy with everyone. We pray to remain courageous for whose we are and what we are, an inclusive creation of all that was created by your Word.
Thank you for trusting us to be good stewards of your prosperity. We are encouraged to continue sharing our financial gifts, talents, time, and treasures, to continue gathering souls into your spiritual realm. We are grateful for the seed of generosity within us to share our blessings with others, and help people in need. Surrounded by your unconditional love and mercy we can grow in faith and trust you in all things. Hallelujah, we claim the victory! Praise you in your precious names. Amen
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Clara Carter
MCCDC Prayer Supporter
Overview
Steven Paul Jobs was an American business magnate, inventor, and investor. He was the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Apple; the chairman and majority shareholder of Pixar; a member of The Walt Disney Company’s board of directors following its acquisition of Pixar; and the founder, chairman, and CEO of NeXT. Wikipedia
Born: February 24, 1955, San Francisco, CA
Died: October 5, 2011,
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
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
* Daniel Scearce’s sister Ronda McBride * Clara Carter’s Health and her 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 * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline * Glenn Conway * Evelyn Jones * Earline Budd * Prayers for our country. * Prayer for the Hunter family * Kappy Majekodunmi,* Michael Cunningham * Dr. Rev Teresa Tygart and partner Sue for healing, *’Prayers for Rose William Family
“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!
