“Nothing is sweet or easy about community. Community is a fellowship of people who do not hide their joys and sorrows but make them visible to each other as a gesture of hope.”
—Henri Nowen
This week our Scriptures from Psalm 124 and James 5:13-20 are all about community and God working in and through community. Psalm 124 starts out by emphasizing, “let God’s people now Say”; James talks about the hope and healing that comes through the power of confession, both with one another and with God.
The power that comes from confession, especially during challenging times, is a force that moves community. American evangelist and Christian broadcaster said this:
“A spiritual law that few recognize is that our confession rules us. It is what we confess with our lips that really dominates our inner being.”
— F. F. Bosworth
Now is the time that we as a community come together and speak the words of God, recount the goodness of God, and confess what we believe and what we are going through. Community will get us through the anxiety of the upcoming election. Community will get us through these days of decreasing light. Community will help acknowledge the importance of suicide awareness and prevention and care for those who are hurting. Community will help to recognize our Hispanic and Transgender siblings. Community will help us see the complex and vast image of God that we experience through one another.
God, help us to lean into relationship with you and others in our community. Help us to understand the healing power that comes through confession within a safe community. Help us to be change makers as we walk in the power of your love. Amen.
I look forward to discussing this further together this Sunday! Join in the engagement hour or ensemble rehearsal at 9:00 AM, Hospitality and Friendship at 10:00 AM and our Unified Worship Service at 10:30.
Peace & Blessings,
Jules
Come join us for Spiritual Engagement Time
This Sunday’s Highlights:
Flourishing for ALL!!
Join us Onsite, Online, and later On Demand for 9 am ET Spiritual Engagement Hour.
Our conversation starter for this time of spiritual dialogue is wisdom from Robin Wall Kimmerer, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, shared in her powerful book, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants.
In her beautiful text, Kimmerer draws upon her work as a scientist and her intimate connection with Indigenous wisdom to help us understand that our world could be very different if we listened to, watched, and were taught by both plants as well as Indigenous people. “If one tree fruits, they all fruit—there are no soloists….All flourishing is mutual.”
We’ll dialogue on questions raised by Kimmerer’s text: Our guide will be Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, Queer Eco-Theologian in Residence at MCCDC:
- In this world of war and many other conflicts including what is called Climate Change, how can we entertain the idea of flourishing for all?
- How can we learn from plants and animals who do not speak our languages?
- Can we learn the way of gratitude as a way of life each day?
Our conversations are always lively.
Let’s see how much we can share and learn together, grow in our ability to thrive and help each other.
Please join us for lively, interesting, moving, and welcoming conversation at 9am ET.
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
Re-Imagine Ensemble
Join us onsite 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
MCCDC BIBLE STUDY
Bible Study is back in session!
Go to calendar.mccdc.com for the Zoom
Link or email Dale Madyun-Baskerville,
with any mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com questions
Stronger Together: Being MCC in Politically Perilous Times in the U.S.
For U.S. Pastors, Pastoral Leaders, Network Leaders, and Lay Delegates:
?While on our journey of faith, those who live in the U.S. now find ourselves in politically perilous times. And, we know that MCCers are always STRONGER TOGETHER when we share our journey in faith, prayer, and love.
So the Council of Elders invite you to join us as we explore what we carry in our ‘spiritual backpack’ on this journey and choose to move from independence to interdependence through listening, prayer, action, and hope. We are indeed stronger together and even stronger with love.
Upcoming Schedule: September 21 / October 26 / November 16 // 11AM ET / 10AM CT / 9AM MT / 8AM PT / 4PM BT
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
Pathways to Generosity, Prayer #116
“But if you do give, be sure you graciously release what you have given. Otherwise, no good has been done;” ~ Catherine Ponder
Dear God, thank you for waking us up each day and watching over us as we go about our daily routines. Thank you for eternal life that was given us through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. We pray to be obedient to the Holy Spirit who leads and guides us on our spiritual journey. Lord, our desire is to be grateful to you, even when things do not work out as expected. Thank you for the gifts of faith, strength, courage, patience, wisdom, love and trust to rely on you in all things. We come to you with a joyful heart for all that you have done, and are doing right now.
Thank you for spiritual worship spaces throughout the world where everyone can gather to fellowship with one another. We are grateful for all who give generously of their talents, financial resources, time, skills, and other gifts to continue spreading the gospel everywhere, and provide aid to people in need. We are thankful for the opportunities to let your Light shine through our actions to magnify your glory and goodness. Thank you in your many precious names! Amen.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
Clara Carter
MCCDC Prayer Supporter
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
God of My Understanding: Becoming a Spiritual Force
Join MCCDC Bible Study of Jackie Lois book God of My Understanding Tuesday night’s at 7 PM.
You will discover opportunities for spiritual growth and community that seeks to reach out to many people who never felt at home or previously rejected by church and organized religion.
Click Here to Order Your Book!
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 * Veronica Franklin * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline * Glenn Conway * Anthony Goode ?Randy Punley * Marcus Garnett *Evelyn Jones * Steve Sloane * Jeffrey Luckenbach ? * Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa * Cynthia Melman *Kim Battle *Joshua Benkins’ at the loss of his father Isaac *Mike Washington * Buck Carlson * Doris Carter Washington of Alexandria * John Hylton * Summer Allen * Ruth Kappy Makekodunmi * Sherry Bradshaw prayers for healing,* Elaine Durden-Hunter loss of her sister and for healing * Sheila Chittams for the loss of her father. * Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
“Church Ministries & Events”
Re-Imagine Ensemble
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
Spiritual Gifts, Get Involved!
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 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 For God
Join Re-Imagine Ensemble
Lift your voice in rehearsals at 09:00 am
On-Site 474 Ridge Street NW Washington, DC 20001
Email: pastors@mccdc.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
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!
