This Week’s Reflection
“An expansive life means we are fully present to awe, beauty, and pain. We know our self-worth is rooted in God’s love. We live full to the brim with grace and gratitude.” ~Larissa Kwong Abazia
The resurrection is an invitation to live full to the brim. It is an expansive life that is centered in God’s steadfast and resurrecting love. Our Psalm for Sunday is Psalm 118. The poet proclaims, “O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good; God’s steadfast love endures forever!” God’s love is not just for a moment. Rather God’s love is for eternity.
A full to the brim expansive life is a life that lives beyond the fear of death: “I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord” (Psalm 118:17). As part of my prayer practice, I’m praying for Resurrection Sunday in Ukraine. Stories of faith have been a thread throughout the war, as the people of Ukraine have continued to worship amidst the rubble and beyond the headlines. In acts of worship, compassion and humanitarian aid we see the presence of the Risen Lord.
God is present in the courage of the Ukrainian people, resisting oppression. God is present in those who had visas and could have left, but have stayed with their neighbors who could not leave. God is present in the hymns and anthems that resonate and echo beyond the gunfire and bombs.
Even war has no ultimate power over expansive life. God is greater than war. The resurrection reminds us that God rolls away stones and brings new life. I believe that God can remove those things in our lives that block us from expansive life. Our joyful Resurrection Worship premieres at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Eastern this Sunday on MCCDC’s YouTube channel, and later on demand.
Daily Practice: The Spiritual Practitioner Trevor Hudson invites you to go outside and pick up a stone. Let it represent whatever it is that hinders expansive life. If you are able, write on it one word describing a stone in your heart or a block or obstacle in your life, or in the world at large. Offer it to God with the request that God will help you roll it away. Also use the stone as a prayer reminder for those living among the rubble in worn-torn places such as Ukraine, Syria, and Afghanistan.
On Easter Sunday, if possible, find a place to safely throw the stone as far as you can. Or, release the stone more gently into a flower bed or other safe location. Either way, consider the stone that is released to allow for renewed entry into expansive life.
Grace & Peace,
Rev. Dwayne Johnson
Senior Pastor, MCCDC
Our church building is closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Our COVID-19 Advisory Team and Board of Directors will re-evaluate community risk after New Year’s.
Holy Week Services
Maundy Thursday: April 14th at 7:00 p.m.
“Full to the Brim: Take Off Your Shoes”
us02web.zoom.us/j/82485019782
Good Friday: April 15th at 7:00 p.m.
“Full to the Brim: A Cup of Sorrow”
us02web.zoom.us/j/82485019782
Resurrection Sunday: April 17th at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
youtube.mccdc.com
Seeking Worship Volunteers
Help us open our sanctuary! Please visit volunteer.mccdc.com and fill out the form for the dates and positions you can serve your church. Have questions about roles and responsibilities? Contact Chocolatté Miller, chocolatte.miller@outlook.com. We’re planning volunteer training for Sunday, April 10th but can make alternate arrangements for those who can’t attend.
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
Generosity Campaign
Thank you to all who joined the recent conversations about the future of our church. We are committed to increasing MCCDC’s impact. Our financial aspirations reflect that commitment. Please take a few minutes to review this brochure previewing our new generosity campaign. One of our members recently said that we “flourish as beloved community when everyone puts something in the pot.” God is inviting each of us to share, creating new opportunities to make a positive, life-giving difference.
Older Adult Ministry
MCCDC’s Older Adults Ministry will gather via Zoom on Sunday, May 1st at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. Join Rev. Dwayne & Rev. Cathy in a dynamic conversation about shaping the future of our church. We’ll also be joined by AARP’s Chris Coady, who will teach us ways to better-protect ourselves from identity theft.
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:
• Glenn Conway’s cousin Trey • Rev, Dennis Johnson • Delores Fowler •Dale Madyun-Baskerville’s brother, Mike Washington • Tim Helm • Maria Hill • Evelyn Jones • Bob Jones & son Chuck & wife Karen • Jerry Giem & son, Jason & nephew, Travis • Dr. Veronica Franklin for healing • Valeria Myers’ children Chantelle & Donald • Michelle Lax • George Kerr, III • Kim Battle • Randy Punley • Rose Williams’ healing •Lynn Sulyma •Marcus Garnett •Renee Valentine & brother •Arden Shutt •Steve Sloane •Glenn Conrad •Anthony Goode •Jeffrey Luckenbach •Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa •Bill Campbell •Mark Kelly •Joshua Benkins’ health of Isaac David Benkins, father •Elaine Durden-Hunter healing for her dog, Angel •Angela Terrell •Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother, Earline T.Green •Donna and Karen Payne-Hardy at the death of Donna ‘s mother • Jason family at the death of his mother Sheryl Jedlinski• Cecilia Hayden-Smith for healing from upcomming medical procedure • Cecilia Hayden-Smith for Granny comfort and a painless transitioning • Esther Smith for continue health
“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!
