“God in Jesus came not as the victorious conqueror that many then—and perhaps some now—wished he would. Rather, Jesus came and comes as Emmanuel, God with us, the one who does not eliminate all our troubles but accompanies us through them; the one who holds onto us when the world feels like it’s falling apart; the one who enters into our suffering and struggle and so reminds us that we are not alone; and the one who promises to bring us through all things even and ultimately through death to new life.”
~ D. L. Lose
Our Scriptures for the Third Sunday of Advent from Isaiah 35:1-4 and Matthew 11: 2-11 reverberate with joy. The invitation from Isaiah 35:1 is to “Imagine the wilderness whooping for joy!” Joy is often revealed in unexpected ways from unexpected places.
Other layers of joy in our scriptures for Sunday are not so clear. John, for example, has gone from his effusive preaching in the wilderness, free and on the loose, to melancholy questioning behind prison bars. Faith takes many forms, as does joy, and the very fact that he sends his followers to question Jesus speaks to his wavering though unconfined hopes.
We too live in times where “whooping for joy” on one day can shift to difficult questions on the next. Where do we find joy that abides through it all? Through the timely and timeless encouragement of the prophet: “Take strength; have courage! There’s nothing to fear. Look, here—your God! Right here is your God! The balance is shifting; God will right all wrongs. None other than God will give you success. God is coming to make you safe” (Isaiah 35:4).
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday at 9 AM and 11 AM as we ponder the “Abiding Joy” that grounds lives of faith.
By Faith, Rev. Elder Dwayne
THIS UPCOMING EVENTS DECEMBER 2016
Children’s Christmas Toy Drive
The children’s toy drive is under way. This year MCCDC is partnering with the East River Family Strengthening Collaborative to bring toys to children in Ward 7. We will serve as a donation collection site and deliver the toys to the Collaborative. Donations for children ages 5-15 are needed. Toys, clothes, gift cards accepted. 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
MCCDC Special Services of the Season
Please plan to join your MCCDC family for Special Services of the Season:
Christmas Eve, Saturday Dec 24, 7PM
Christmas Day, Sunday Dec 25, One service at 10 AM
New Year’s Day, Sunday Jan 1, One service at 10 AM
Unity Fellowship Church DC 2016 Kwanzaa Celebration
December 29, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
Where:
Unity Fellowship Church DC
474 Ridge St NW
Washington, DC 20001
Cost:Free, Contact:Jackie Cooke, 301-641-3165
Unity Fellowship Church DC 2016 Watch Night Service
December 31, 2016 @ 9:00 pm – January 1, 2017 @ 12:00 am
Where:
Unity Fellowship Church DC
474 Ridge St NW
Washington, DC 20001
Cost:Free, Contact:UFCDC 202-380-9596
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.
Click to Donate!
You can contact the church office with questions at 202-638-7373 or churchoffice@mccdc.com.
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.
Click to Donate!
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 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.
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.
Parking Lot Update
Since the new condo building is complete, MCCDC congregants and guests can now return to using the 4 parking spots that surround that building. Please contact the church office if you have questions at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373
