You could call me out.

You could hang me out to dry.

You could list my sins.

You could shrink me down to size.

Or, you could call me in.

You could grab my hand.

You could show me what I missed.

~Call Me In by Sanctified Arts

As we live and move about in our own spheres of influence, how often have we found ourselves passing judgement on someone or sitting in judgement of a person who’s different from the “norms” or “standards” we have come to expect, or be in judgement about a situation that did not go the way we expected? On the other hand, I would bet there were (and maybe are) times you felt that you have been the recipient of judgmental stares, rumors, and whispers. More times than not, that judgementalism tends to work against community and personal relationship building, if one desires to be in relationship with the other person or being.

And I wonder where this comes from. I am intrigued by the provocative question of nature vs nurture. I believe that like hate, racism, and oppression, judgment is a feeling and behavior that is taught. We learn to be judgmental, towards “other” people because that is what society might expect from us or socialize us, or pressure us to do. This sentiment is sung about in a reimagined song from the Movie “South Pacific” You Have to be Taught to Hate. Listen to this reimagining from Billy Porter and India Arie and consider what might be different in our world. You Have to be Carefully Taught to Hate

Many of us were taught that God sits on the throne of judgement over us. Judging every bit of what we say and do so that we can conform to what we are told is expected of us. If we believe this then it makes sense that we would carry that example out and sit in judgment of others. Especially if, like the crowd in this Sunday’s scripture, the person’s work and behavior earned them the brand of “sinner”, “outcast”, and ” not one of us”. The scripture is Luke 19:1-10, the story of the interaction between a person named Zacchaeus, Jesus, and the crowd. The crowd judged Zacchaeus for working as a tax collector and they judged Jesus for colluding with the “sinner”. Jesus gives invitation to consider things differently. Come find out on Sunday how we are invited by Jesus to “Come, Taste, and See/Experience” things in a more expansive way.

Please join us in community on Sunday, online, on-site, or later on demand. You are welcome here as we continue to explore.

Peace,

Rev. Cathy Alexander

9 am Spiritual Engagement Hour

The Serenity Prayer for Such a Time as This

Join us Onsite, Online and later On Demand for 9am ET Spiritual Engagement Hour.

This Sunday’s Highlights:

We are called to offer support in the midst of these difficult and painful times.

Countless people are impacted by unjust executive orders and continual threats.

We seek to care for others, and also for ourselves.

This Sunday is the Fifth Sunday in Lent.

+We’ll reflect on this well-known prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr and how it may apply to this season:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.”

+Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter, writes this in her prayer this week:

“Dear God, thank you for the gifts of serenity and peace that help us in troubled times.

We worship in awe of your loving grace, might, and strength

that help conquer our fragile worlds within us in all seasons,

both the pleasant and the unpleasant.

Thank you for the wisdom to know when to speak, act, and when to stand in peace.

You are truly our Creator who made us in your image.”

”Let us not become weary in doing good,

for at the proper time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people. . .”

Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)

+You are invited 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

 

 

Holy Week Services
 

Invite your friends and family to join MCCDC during Holy Week.

Palm/Passion Sunday and MCCDC 54 Anniversary Sunday: April 13th at 10:30 am or join live stream at live.mccdc.com

Resurrection Sunday: April 18 at 10:30 a.m. or join us live stream at live.mccdc.com

Sunday Service is offered virtually at live.mccdc.com as well as on-site at our Sanctuary at 474 Ridge St NW. Washington, DC 20001

Membership Class
 

You’re invited to attend MCCDC membership class on 06 April 2025 at 12:00 PM/Noon, 2nd floor conference room.

POC for more information email Rev Dwayne at revdwyane@mccdc.com or Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com.

MCCDC World Pride Team
 

Join the MCCDC Pride Ministry team and show your pride for our LGBT community and our Church.
Join the MCCDC Pride Ministry team and show your pride for our LGBT community and our Church.

If you would like to participate in World Pride events or to receive more information concerning World Pride Events please contact Knut Panknin via email at pride@mccdc.com.

 

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

MCCDC FINANCE COMMITTE SEARCH

MCCDC Finance Committee is in search of members and regular attenders to join the team.

The team will be meeting twice a month with a focus on financial growth of the church.

All are welcome to join. Financial experience helpful but not required.

If you have a passion to serve please inquire by contacting Chocolatte at Chocolatte.mccdc@oulook.com

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 #136

by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter

 

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” ~ Reinhold Niebuhr

Dear God, thank you for the gifts of serenity and peace that help us in troubled times. We worship in awe of your loving grace, might, and strength that help conquer our fragile worlds within us in all seasons, both the pleasant and the unpleasant. Thank you for the wisdom to know when to speak, act, and when to stand in peace. You are truly our Creator who made us in your image.

By your strength, we grow stronger in faith to help walk us through the dark valleys of doubt and place us on the high mountains of hope, and trust you. Thank you for the courage to rise up as if on wings of eagles and soar on the wind drifts of your goodness. We are grateful for the opportunities to stand and make a significant change for humanity and spread love among all people, all genders, and all races whether rich or poor or in between. Let us not grow weary of doing great work for God’s spiritual realm.

Thank you, God, for spiritual worship spaces in familiar places, remote areas, and anywhere our hearts can worship and glorify your name. Help us follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit to fulfill the plans you have for an inclusive beloved community. God, we thank you for the increased gathering of souls into your spiritual realm. We are filled with gratitude for the generous blessings you bestow upon Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and shared through different talents, time, financial gifts, and treasures by family and friends. We praise your many precious names! Amen.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…” Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)

Overview

Karl Paul Reinhold Niebuhr was an American Reformed theologian, ethicist, commentator on politics and public affairs, and professor at Union Theological Seminary for more than 30 years. Wikipedia

Born: June 21, 1892, Wright City, MO

Died: June 1, 1971 (age 78 years), Massachusetts

Children: Elisabeth Sifton

Siblings: H. Richard Niebuhr

Spouse: Ursula Niebuhr (m. 1931)

Parents: Lydia Niebuhr, Gustav Niebuhr

Reinhold Niebuhr – Wikisource, the free online library wikisource.org

https://en.wikisource.org › wiki › Author:Reinhold_Nieb…

Dec 31, 2020 — Some or all works by this author are in the public domain in the United States because they were published before January 1, 1930.

 

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 sister, Phyllis Carter Lewis *
* Joe Dawson * Betsy Kramer * Palestinian People in Gaza * Ukrainian People * Cecilia Hayden Smith and Esther Smith’s health * Michael Washington *Bill Campbell * Jerry Giem * Tim Helm * Rose Williams * 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

 

“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!