“. . .we may want to turn off the noise and hope for some much needed peace. But now is not the time to reach for a sedative—whether over the counter, prescribed from a physician, or even from comfortable faith. Now is the time to pay attention, careful attention to those around us, careful attention to our own hearts, and careful attention to those we disagree with most often.”
~Rev. Troy Treash
The Gospel, the good news, for this Sunday is a story of the freedom to love. One cannot love if bound by fear. In Luke 1: 72-75, Zechariah experiences freedom from fear and praises God: “You have shown mercy to our ancestors by remembering the holy covenant you made with them, the oath you swore to Sarah and Abraham, granting that we, delivered from the hands of our enemies, might serve you with fear, in holiness and justice, in your presence all our days.”
Beyond post-election fear, there is the hope that all our days will be days of freedom and peace. Love is at the center of such hope. Love remains at the center, holding strong, even when hate pulls at the edges.
Beyond fear, we behold our purpose centered in love: “God so loves you that God has laid out a path for you to follow. God has given you something that makes you uniquely you. There is something in you that transcends employment, labels, gender, or status. God has created you with a purpose, and is calling you to that purpose today. You were created to do no less . . .God has called you to your life. Let it speak. Let nothing get in the way of being the person that you are” (Robb McCoy).
In the message on Sunday I will invite us to reflect on the invitation from Zechariah’s prayer to live beyond the shadows of fear that attempt to draw us from our center of love. As we awaken to the Rising Sun, we will have a full view of the freedom, joy, and peace that come to us as blessings from our gracious, gift-giving God.
By Faith, Rev. Elder Dwayne
THIS WEEKS EVENTS NOVEMBER 2016
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING, November 20, 2016 at 12:30
This year’s Congregational Forum will take place on November 20th at 12:30. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending to lend your voice. Please contact Knut Panknin or Rev Cathy with questions at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373. Pick up your pre-read packet on October 30th at the information station.
Transgender Day of Remembrance Service, Sunday November 20th at 5:30 PM
MCCDC is again honored to host the annual TDOR service. The event will be held on Sunday November 20th at 5:30 PM. Please come out to show your support. The event will also be live streamed by the volunteers of the MCCDC AV ministry. You may see the live stream at the following link:
Click here for Live Stream of Transgender Services
WE CROSSED THE FINISH LINE
On Saturday, November 12 the MCCDC Team participated in D.C.’s 30th annual Walk & 5K to End HIV. THANK YOU to everyone who participated. Your presence was greatly appreciated. This Sunday we will be lighting a special candle of thanks and remembrance.
#Giving Tuesday, November 29th
Thank you for your continued generosity toward the MCCDC community and ministries. This year MCCDC is participating in Giving Tuesday. Please click on the link below to support MCCDC:
MCCDC Annual Christmas Concert, Saturday December 3rd at 6 PM.
This year’s theme is “Joy, Unspeakable”. There will one concert performance held on Saturday December 3rd at 6 PM. The concert is free yet you need a ticket to get in. Please sign up for tickets at the information station, at mccdc.com or by calling the church office at 202-638-7373. They will go fast so don’t wait. There will be a full open dress rehearsal on Friday December 2nd at 7:30 PM. Please support the choir with your prayers, your financial donations and your presence. Contact the church office for more information.
Children’s Christmas Toy Drive
The children’s toy drive is under way. This year MCCDC is working with the East River Family Strengthening Collaborative to bring toys to children. We will serve as a donation collection site and deliver the toys to the Collaborative. Watch this space for the gift list. In addition to your generous donations, we also need angels and elves to help deliver the toys. Please contact Rev Cathy for additional information at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
Sanctuary Decorations, Saturday, Nov 26th
Holiday Bells are ringing. If you would like to participate in decorating the sanctuary and Welcome Hall for Christmas, please join us on Saturday Nov 26th from 10-3. Lunch will be provided.
CHURCH NEWS
MCCDC LIVE STREAMING
MCCDC is going live! We have an opportunity to use of our AV system to reach outside our walls to many people who may not be able to join us in person. To make this happen we must have a subscription service that will provide us the ability to stream our services, concerts and special events, and expand opportunities for participation in our bible studies and other activities remotely. The testing done so far with streaming has generated a lot of excitement, particularly by those who have been unable to visit our church.
You can be a part of making this happen in a number of ways: (1) pray for our reach beyond the walls of our church (2) join others in donating to cover the one-time annual cost of the service and associated AV training for our volunteers; and (3) consider joining the AV ministry.
BIBLE IN 90 DAYS
In January 2017, we will embark on our 4th journey as a church community on reading the entire Bible in 90 days. Have you wanted to read the entire Bible – cover-to-cover? This is your opportunity to read the Bible as a group. Dozens of congregants and friends of MCCDC have already completed this journey – some more than once. Starting in January and finishing during Holy Week, each participant will read 12 pages a day and meet weekly to discuss the reading. All participants are strongly encouraged to order the specially-formatted Bible as we have found participants are more likely to keep up with the reading doing so.
You can order your Bible through the church or order directly at: http://scriptureawakening.com/product-category/b90/single-copies/ or the Bible may be found on Amazon. The cost for a soft-cover copy is $15. Orders through the church should be submitted by Sunday, Dec. 4. If you have questions, would like to participate, or wish to order a book, please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
ELECTRONIC GIVING
With EasyTithe, supporting the church is as simple as clicking a mouse or whipping out your smart phone.
Our new online system allows you to make a financial donation to the church with your credit card or direct debit from your banking account.
You’ll be asked to set up your MCCDC EasyTithe Account. You can set it up to make a one-time/anytime donation or make a recurring donation.
You also can give by text 202-999-3841. Please contact the church office with questions at 202-638-7373 or churchoffice@mccdc.com.
YOGA CLASSES
To nourish your physical body in addition to your spiritual body. Join us for yoga classes on Mondays at 7pm. The class is donation-based. If you are interested in starting or continuing please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.~ Namaste (“The Spirit in me honors the Spirit in you”)
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Adult Sunday School class will be out for the Thanksgiving weekend. No class is scheduled for 11/27 yet we will return to this dynamic and fun class on Sunday Dec 4th. Hope to see you there.
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Bible Study will be not be held on November 22, 2016 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Bible study will resume on November 29, 2016 at 7:00 PM in the Welcome Hall. Hope to see you there.
