“Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord!’ ” ~John 20:18
Where do you see life? Take a moment now. Look around the space you are in. Notice what you see. With so much media focus on death, it is easy to miss out on life. Death grabs the headlines: from the war in Ukraine, to school shootings, to warnings of the death of democracy in the United States and other places.
Easter boldly invites a different view. Easter calls for a shift in focus. A flower growing through a crack in the sidewalk is a miracle of God’s creation, yet who looks down to see it? Birds create an orchestra of movement and rhythm in the sky, yet who looks up to notice? Look down! Look up! Life abounds.
We’re not the first ones to miss life in plain sight. In our scripture for Sunday, from John 20:1-18, Mary Magdalene was weeping outside the tomb of Jesus and “turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.” She thought she was talking to a gardener. Still assuming death, she said to the one she thought was a gardener, “If you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him and I will take him away.” Mary’s response is not a lack of faith. Of the many followers of Jesus, she was among the most faithful. It’s just that fear is blocking her view.
In shifting our focus to life, we are not ignoring the reality of death. Indeed, Jesus came to confront the death culture of the Roman Empire and those collaborating with Empire. With unmeasurable sacrifice, Jesus looked death in the face and ultimately defeated it. Similarly, we are called to face the reality of death culture all around us. At times we’re called to protest the death culture, especially when it comes to protecting our children. Like Jesus, we need courage. And like Jesus, we find our courage when we draw on the signs and sources of life that are all around us.
We celebrate life this Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary, online and later on demand. From Moving Spirit to Eclectic Praise to our Ministers of Music, to Special Guest Cameron Jones and so much more—we will rejoice together as beloved community.
In preparation for Sunday, join me in reflecting on this thought from Sanctified Art: “No matter how many times we lose sight of God, God never loses sight of us.”
Grace and peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Holy Week Services
Invite your friends and family to join MCCDC during Holy Week.
* Palm/Passion Sunday: April 2nd at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m., youtube.mccdc.com
* Maundy Thursday: April 6th at 6:00 p.m., Click here to Join via Zoom
* Good Friday: April 7th at 6:00 p.m., Click Here to Join via Zoom
* Resurrection Sunday: April 9th at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m., youtube.mccdc.com
All of these Borderfree Worship services will be offered virtually as well as in-person at our Sanctuary at Fifth and Ridge St NW.
Parking Lot Gate Repaired
We’ve recently completed repairs to our parking lot gate. It will be open for worship on Sundays. If you need access at other times, please contact Melvin in the church office.
Handicap Access
For those visitors and members who require handicap access to the church. The parking lot door will be open for your use during Sunday Services.
Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #56 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Gratitude for the present moment and the fullness of life now is the true prosperity.” ~Eckhart Tolle
Dear God, we come to you with thanksgiving and praise. Thank you for spiritual guidance each day. We pray to remain committed to obeying the voice of the Holy Spirit whether praying for someone who needs healing, or smiling at a stranger just to share your love that dwells within us.
God, we are grateful for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and the many places of spiritual worship where people congregate to praise and glorify your Holy name. We are grateful that wherever we are we can worship you.
Thank you, God, for the spirit of prosperity that abounds within us; and for the opportunities to give generously of our talents, financial gifts, treasures, and time to share your abundant blessings by spreading the gospel around the world and helping people in need.
During this Lenten period and afterwards, we seek honest questions that leads to a deeper faith within our hearts. We pray to willingly accept your answers and obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit. In your many names, thank you God. Amen
“Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of the Creator’s servant.” ~Psalm 35:27
Estate Planning
Join your MCCDC family in learning more about estate planning, wills and legacy giving. The seminar will be on Sunday April 23, 2023 at 1230 EDT by zoom. Attorney Michelle Lanchester will also offer appointments for a free individual consultation.
Join us in person at Fifth & Ridge St NW after worship.
* Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
* Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 814 2530 8574
* Dial (301) 715-8592 by phone, using the same Meeting ID
Worship Volunteer
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
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
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
Johanna Hardy• Jerry Giem • Tim Helm • Min. Diedre Gray • Bill Campbell • Denise Wright, her mother Lucy Mae Coombs and her Aunt Lottie Mae King. • Rose Williams• Cecilia Hayden-Smith and Esther Smith’s health• Delores Fowler • Vernessa D. Wilson • Family of Ms. Brittany Harrell • Veronica Franklin• Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline • Glenn Conway • Michelle Lax •Anthony Goode • Valeria Myers’ children Chantelle & Donald • George Kerr, III • Randy Punley • Lynn Sulyma • Marcus Garnett •Renee Valentine’s brother • Arden Shutt • Evelyn Jones• Steve Sloane • Jeffrey Luckenbach • Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa • Cynthia Melman •Kim Battle • Joshua Benkins’ father Isaac •Elaine Durden-Hunter’s recnet loss of her mother Earline • Angela Terrell • Mike Washington •Carol Washington mother’s health •Angela Dodd for healing •Buck Carlson •Lolita Gleaton for healing from her cancer • Mezyi Choi request prayer for her success healing from surgery • Lost of Melvin Moore Adams’ sister Krissandra Moore •Kia Murphy • Doris Carter Washington of Alexandra, Va. request prayer • Loss of Melvin Moore Adams’ sister Krissandra Moore • Patricia Ryan due to the loss of her brother Mickey
•John Hylton
“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
Writing Ministry
Meets Monthy
For more information, contact Jacqueline Laughlin at yemayah@icloud.com.
Barnabas Culture Sessions
Barnabas Culture, Session 7:00 p.m. Eastern, Thursday. Click Here to Join The Zoom Thursday Nights. For more information contact MCCDC Ministry Intern Rev. Teresa Tygart at Email preachertygart@gmail.com.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
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