THIS SUNDAY
A NEW REALITY
“Relationship with God is not immune to the surprises and costs of our daily life. The dominant ideology of our culture is committed to continuity and success and to the avoidance of pain, hurt, and loss. The dominant culture is also resistant to genuine newness and real surprise. It is curious but true, that surprise is as unwelcome as is loss. And our culture is organized to prevent the experience of both.”
~ Walter Brueggemann, Spirituality of the Psalms
We are now on our journey into this Easter Season which is that time on the liturgical calendar between the recognition of Jesus’ Resurrection, and the broad bestowing of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. We, like Jesus’ disciples, are called to live “resurrection lives”. What does it mean to defy the conventional wisdom of the day, and sometimes even human authority, to live and proclaim the Gospel good news of new life?
Our scripture for Sunday is Acts 5: 27-42. I encourage you to read the entire chapter, as we see the Disciples emboldened by the Holy Spirit, led by Peter, defying the religious authorities to tell the good news of relationship with God. Even on the verge of being killed, one of the authorities noted about the Disciples, “If their plan or activity is of human origin, it will end in ruin. If it comes from God, you won’t be able to stop them. Instead, you would actually find yourselves fighting against God!”
I believe that we face a new reality in this day and age. Civil unrest, racial and ethnic challenges, socioeconomic disparity, and relationship crises are not things of the past, they are present. Yet they do not have to define our future.
We have the opportunity to experience a new reality in the God of our understanding, and we will explore this further at 9AM and 11AM on Sunday. In addition to offerings from our vibrant Worship Arts Ministry, we will also be blessed with a special solo provided by David Butler-Sims. See you Sunday.
By Faith,
Rev. Cathy Alexander
THIS WEEK APRIL 2016
MINISTRY LEADER MEETING
The Bi-Monthly Ministry Leader meeting will take place on April 6 from 7-8:15. Please ensure your ministry is represented at this important meeting. This will be a conference call so please contact Rev Cathy for the call in information she may be reached at RevCathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO MEET APRIL 6, 2016
The Board of Directors will hold a special meeting Wednesday, April 6 at 6pm to discuss the church finances. The meeting will take place in the lower level of the church. ALL are welcome.
Electronic Giving
You may give online at mccdc.com/donate or give by text 202-999-3841. Please contact the church office with questions. 202-638-7373 or churchoffice@mccdc.com.
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Please join the Tuesday Night Bible Study from 7-8pm in the Welcome Hall. 
A time of community, fun learning and sharing. For more information please contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Adult Sunday School is held from 10:15 to 10:50. Please bring your coffee or tea to the upstairs conference room for the brief yet powerful time together. For more information contact Rose Herring at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
CHURCH NEWS
MCCDC 45th Anniversary Celebration Gala
Join us for an evening of fine dining, dancing, memories and memory making with old and new friends.
Our 45th Anniversary Gala will take place on:
***May 21st from 6:30-10:30 PM at the:
***National Press Club 529, 14th Street NW, 13th Floor Ballroom, Washington, DC 20045.
***Tickets are available online at link below or at the information station starting March 6th., 2016.
***Ticket Prices $70.00 until April 1, 2016 and $80.00 until May 2, 2016.
Click Here to Buy Tickets Online
The 45th Anniversary Program Booklet
Come One, Come All. The 45th Anniversary Team is compiling a program booklet for our Gala Evening. If you would like information about purchasing an ad for the booklet (advertise your business, send greetings and congratulations, send your support for the next 45 years), please contact Quanti Davis at cue971@gmail.com or 301-275-1393.
45th Anniversary History Project
We want to hear from you because you have a story to tell the nations. We would like everyone to tell their story (in a page or less) and especially if you are a 20+ year member of MCCDC. Use the following questions as a guide:
• How did you find MCCDC?
• What were your feelings to find a spiritual home that let you know God loves and created you for who you are?
• What contributions (spiritual gifts) did you make to the ministry of the church?
• What would you share with people who are still looking for a safe and spiritual home?
• What are your hopes for the future of MCCDC?
Please send you writings by March 1st to Cecelia Hayden Smith and Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373. Cecelia Hayden Smith is at the church every Tuesday from 12:30 –
YOGA CLASSES AT MCCDC
To nourish your physical body in addition to your spiritual body, MCCDC plans to soon host a 4-week long series of yoga classes held on Mondays at 7pm. You do not need to come with flexibility, strength or balance – that’s what we’ll be improving!
The instruction will focus on beginning fundamentals of yoga. Optional variations will also challenge experienced practitioners. The class will be donation-based. A limited number of mats will be available to borrow.
Please register ahead of time, especially to reserve a mat. If you are interested please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
~ Namaste (“The Spirit in me honors the Spirit in you”)
SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
On May 7, 2016, the Susan G. Komen 5K race for the cure will take place in Washington, DC. We are planning to register a team so if you are interested please contact Linda Hornsby. Our team is growing and there is room for you.
Register at this link (komendcrace.info-komen.org)
Although this would be our first walk as an MCCDC team, the event has been going on for a number of years. Our goal for this year is 15 team members and $1000 funds raised. For more information, please contact Linda through the church office at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY DISCERNMENT FOR 2016
Do You CARE?
Are You Willing to serve?
Are you on the journey of spiritual maturity?
Are you able to set healthy boundaries?
Do you have a regular prayer life?
Do you have some time to commit?
Are you able to honor confidentiality?
Are you comfortable visiting hospitals and care facilities?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions perhaps you can consider PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY!
Come receive information about the Pastoral Care Ministry
and assistance with your discernment.
Meetings are being held on April 20 and May 18 @ 6pm. For more information, please contact any Pastoral Care Minister or Rev. Dwayne.
MCCDC Computer Training
The computer training theme this year is Using Social Media!! The classes will be focused on the basic use of these very popular tools. We hope you will be able to join us in the Computer Lab on the lower level at MCCDC.
~ 4/17 Facebook Basics
~ 5/22 Twitter
~ 6/19 Using Droid Smart Phones & Tablets
~ 7/17 Home Computer Security Basic
~ 8/21 Using Droid Smart Phones & Tablets
Faith Night with D.C. United Soccer Team!!!
DC United VS New England
**When: Saturday, April 23,2016
**Where: RFK Stadium- 4:30 pm Kick Off Time
**Ticket: Price: $27.00
***This event is open to the entire congregation and friends as we explore the links and bonds formed between faith and sports!
***Activities to include a pre match concert, players testimonials, and words from the D.C. United Team Chaplain!
***Tickets will be sold at the information station on March 13, 2016 through April 3, 2016 after both the 09:00 am and 11:00 am worship services by Chocolatté Hatcher-Miller!
THE MCC GLOBAL JUSTICE INSTITUTE
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AS MCCDC JOINS TO SUPPORT THE MCC GLOBAL JUSTICE INSTITUTE with Easter Honors and Remembrances. With your generosity MCCDC raised $590.00 to support the global work of MCC.
MCC DENOMINATIONAL GENERAL CONFERENCE CORNER
The denominational Moderator’s Nominating Committee has announced the slate of candidates for MCC’s next moderator. General Conference’s Clergy House and Lay house will vote on our next moderator. The conference will be held July 4-8, 2016. Click Here to Read a message from the Moderator of the nominating committee and to see bios and statements from the 4 candidates:
Rev. Elder Diane Fisher
Rev. Elder Darlene Garner
Rev. Elder Héctor Gutiérrez
Rev. Dr. Irene Laudeman
MCC Statement of Faith
A revision to MCC’s statement of Faith will also be voted on at this year’s general conference. The denomination’s Commission on the Statement of Faith has published the next installment of theological conversations contained in the statement. Please take a moment to read it. Please click here to read
The current draft of the Statement of Faith is also posted for your review and consideration and comment. Click Here to Read
MCC Governing Board Nominating Committee
MCC will elect 5 members to the Governing Board at the July conference, 3 clergy and 2 laity. The Board is responsible for the governance of the denomination between triannual general conferences. If you are interested in running for the board please read information from the nominating committee and contact the chair of the committee, MCCDC Vice Moderator Mark Kornmann at mark@mccdc.com.Click Here to Read
If you have questions about General Conference please contact your MCCDC lay delegates or Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT FROM CENTER GLOBAL
Housing Assistance Needed for LGBT Asylum Seekers – Center Global, a program of the DC Center for the LGBT Community, is seeking housing hosts for individuals who are seeking asylum from countries that are not safe for LGBT persons to live in. Housing hosts are asked to provide a private bedroom for a minimum of three months; while these individuals (in some cases couples) are going through the asylum process. These are individuals who are unable to access other government services and lack support from family and friends from their home countries, we have several persons in need of immediate housing.
For more information please contact Eric Scharf with Center Global at escharfdc@gmail.com, or visit http://thedccenter.org/programs_global.html
