This Week’s Reflection
“Music is life itself.” ~Louis Armstrong, jazz trumpeter (1901-1971)
It had been a long day for all of us. And we had tech issues getting started. A full Board of Directors agenda awaited us at our June 21 meeting. Then, the whole energy changed when Dr. Carla Sherrell shared “The Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. It was the right song at the right moment. Faces marked by fatigue became radiant.
It is our practice to begin each Board meeting with a song, a scripture and a lighting of candles from our various locations. These spiritual practices center us in our work to serve God by serving the congregation and community.
Throughout our meeting, these words from CeCe Winans continued to echo:
“Music is life itself.” ~Louis Armstrong, jazz trumpeter (1901-1971)
It had been a long day for all of us. And we had tech issues getting started. A full Board of Directors agenda awaited us at our June 21 meeting. Then, the whole energy changed when Dr. Carla Sherrell shared “The Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. It was the right song at the right moment. Faces marked by fatigue became radiant.
It is our practice to begin each Board meeting with a song, a scripture and a lighting of candles from our various locations. These spiritual practices center us in our work to serve God by serving the congregation and community.
Throughout our meeting, these words from CeCe Winans continued to echo:
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in your hands. . .”
Songs have power beyond words. Songs put words into rhythm. When words are lost, songs have staying power.
Our scriptures for Sunday convey the spiritual potency of music. Psalm 95: 1-7 begins with this invitation: “O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” Ephesians 5: 18-20 echoes the invitation of the psalm: “Be filled with the Spirit as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts.”
As we continue through Pridetide, we are reminded of Pride songs that inspire our journey for justice. ”Born This Way” by Lady Gaga has become an anthem of living and loving out loud. The soaring lyrics peak with a declaration of sacred Pride: “I’m beautiful in my way ’cause God makes no mistakes; I’m on the right track, baby, I was born this way.”
I recall the summer of 1984 and my painful struggle with coming out. Then, one night on a dance floor in Kansas City, Madonna’s “Borderline” inspired me to come out. I can remember the moment, the lights, and the overflow crowd dancing with me and finally, at last, knowing for sure from the depths of my soul that God created me to break through fear and cross the border into true life.
What songs inspire you? How would you describe the soundtrack of your life? How do you define sacred music?
See you at Borderfree Worship on Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. EDT in person and online, and later on demand. In the meantime, “Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” Songs are prayers.
Grace & Peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Senior Pastor
Email Scam Alert
Someone has been sending email claiming to be Rev. Dwayne and requesting people buy gift cards. This is a scam! (Rev. Dwayne has only one email address, revdwayne@mccdc.com). Delete the email or report it as spam to reportphishing@apwg.org.
In-Person Re-Entry
We return to In-Person Borderfree Worship on Sunday. You’re invited to continue participating virtually via live stream or join us in person at Fifth & Ridge NW in Washington, DC. Masks are required.
Learn more at borderfree.mccdc.com and let us know if you’re planning to attend in person. Visit checkin.mccdc.com (preferred) or contact church administrator Melvin Moore Adams at churchoffice@mccdc.com or (202) 638-7373.
We still need volunteers to sustain in-person worship. Please visit volunteer.mccdc.com and fill out the form for the dates and positions in which you can serve your church. Have questions about roles and responsibilities? Contact Chocolatté Miller, chocolatte.miller@outlook.com
Thank You for your Generosity
Generosity Prayer #19
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“God, what is it You want to do through us?” —MCCDC
Dear God, thank you for watching over us and protecting us as we go about our daily lives. There is no greater love than the love you give us. Each time we ask “God, what is it you want to do through us,” help us search our hearts and respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. We are grateful for Your wisdom and guidance in all that Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC and associate ministries are doing for all people regardless of gender, economic status, race, cultural differences, or religion. Thank you for the opportunities and blessings to continue growing a faith-raising generosity for sharing all our precious gifts within a “church without borders.” We are “full to the brim” and overflowing with prayers for a more prosperous inclusive Christian community. Thank You in your many names. Amen!
“Let your light so shine before all people, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Creator which is in heaven.” ~Matthew 5:16 (KJV, alt.)
Older Adult Ministry
We’ll hold our next Older Adult Ministry meeting after worship on Sunday, July 10th at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. Attorney Murray Scheel, from Whitman-Walker Legal Services, will be discuss making and updating your Will.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82495523942
Meeting ID: 824 9552 3942
Call In,
+13017158592,,82495523942# US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 824 9552 3942
Writers’ Ministry Gathering
MCCDC’s Writers’ Ministry will gather next on Saturday, June 25, at 1:00 p.m. ET.
This gathering theme is PSALMS FOR JUNE PRIDE
Click Here to Join Zoom Meeting
Whether you are an experienced writer or want to begin writing, or do more, please consider joining and contact Rev Dwayne Johnson at revdwayne@mccdc,com
Support for Tim Helm
Beloved longtime MCCDC member Tim Helm is recovering from spinal and back wound complications at BridgePoint Hospital on Capitol Hill. Tim welcomes your calls in the afternoon and evening at (202) 368-9877.
Tim, our love and prayers are with you!
~Your MCCDC Family
Support LGBTQ+ Ukrainian Refugees
The Metropolitan Community Churches have organized an effort to directly benefit the LGBTQ+ people of Ukraine, and their extended families. Donate through the link below and our denomination will cover all costs associated with the administration of this fundraising campaign so that 100% of your gift will go directly to refugees. Ukrainian Refugees
General Conference Dates
Save the dates for the Metropolitan Community Church’s online virtual global General Conference Gathering. All are welcome Friday July 1 through Sunday July 3. Meet other members of our denomination’s worldwide community, share devotional times, and take part in webinars with amazing guest speakers. To learn more and register, visit generalconference.mccchurch.org.
Related: Click here to review our denomination’s 2021 annual report. It highlights of the many ways that MCC and its ministries are making a difference in a hurting world.
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
Denita Madyun-Baskerville and family as they celebrate the life of Dorothy McCarter • Bob Jones & Bob Jones’ son Chuck & wife Karen • Jerry Giem & Jerry Giem’s son • Valeria Myers’ daughter Chantelle & son Donald • Michelle Lax • George Kerr, III • Dr. Veronica Franklin for healing • Cecilia Hayden-Smith for healing from upcoming medical procedure, for Granny’s comfort and a painless transitioning • Esther Smith for continued health • Rose Williams continued healing • Randy Punley • Lynn Sulyma • Marcus Garnett • Renee Valentine & Renee Valentine’s brother • Arden Shutt • Buck Carlson • Delores Fowler • Evelyn Jones • Steve Sloane • Glenn Conrad • Anthony Goode • Jeffrey Luckenbach • Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa • Cynthia Melman • Kim Battle • Mark Kelly • Joshua Benkins, for health of his father Isaac David Benkins • Elaine Durden-Hunter, for healing for her mother, Earline T. Green, and dog, Angel • Marvin White, whose step mother passed of C19 • Angela Terrell • Tim Helm • Mike Washington • Donna and Karen Payne-Hardy at the death of Donna’s mother • Angela Dodd needs prayer for healing • Cameron & Sabrina Beauford, for the health of their unborn baby.
“Church Ministries & Events”
Virtual Choir
Come and join the Virtual Voices of MCC Choir! Lift your voice in our virtual rehearsals while singing from the comfort of your home. For more info, email Music Minister Deidre Mouton Gray at msdeedeemusic@gmail.com.
Spiritual Gifts, Get Involved!
Your’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 to God
Join the Virtual Voices of the MCC Choir. Lift your voice in our virtual rehearsals while singing from the comfort of your home. Email Music Minister Diedre Gray at msdeedeemusic@gmail.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
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
