Brazen acts of beauty. What a concept to consider. When the word “brazen” is used, it may bring to mind other words like shameless, audacious, blatant, or bold. Sometimes it’s not used in a flattering way yet here we can certainly apply it to acts of beauty without apology. Our world, from our corner stoop all the way to furthest reaches of known places, contains so much beauty and signs of new life that offset death, destruction, and degradation. What if we could take all that beauty that we experience, gather it up so that it builds up pressure, and then explodes out of us in creative and life affirming ways. I believe we can do just that.

In one of our scriptures for Sunday, Isaiah 43:19, God is proclaiming through the prophet Isaiah, “Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness.” A new beautiful thing to recognize, and then to send beauty out into our world in whatever creative form it may take. We have the opportunity to allow our creativity to go out far and wide. There is no limit to what God can do through us and this new thing. Our second scripture story is from the gospel of John 12:1-8. Mary who is close friends with Jesus, and part of a non-traditional family, performs a brazen and faithful act of beauty that many present in the room neither understand nor approve. We will explore these acts of beauty and ask where in our lives we can display such acts.

I’m reminded of a song I listened to in school that encourages us to take a potentially different perspective on the situations in which we sometimes find ourselves. There are times that our hopefulness and outlooks may be obscured by situations, issues and concerns. Although there’s no magic wand to erase our sorrows, fears, and concerns, there is Someone that can journey with us and provide beauty for ashes. That’s the name of the song “Beauty for Ashes”.

While the language is not including of the ways we might experience God, the song does encourage a thoughtful, prayerful perspective about wholeness, healing, and faith. Take a listen. Join us for Sunday services at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Eastern to explore such brazen acts of beauty.

Rev. Cathy Alexander
Associate 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Click here to see more MCCDC Videos