This Week’s Reflection

“Passion for your house consumes me.” ~ Psalm 69:9, Common English Bible

Howard Thurman asks, “What makes you come alive?” During this season of Lent we’re asking that question. When we come alive our passions are revealed. When we come alive we connect with our deepest desires. What enlivens your passion? What can Jesus teach us about living with passion?

Jesus was passionate. He was passionate about healing. He was passionate about teaching. Prayer was the passion of his every breath. He was passionate about people. Passionate justice emboldened his actions. What was at the center of his heart, driving his passions? Worship of God!

In our scripture from John 2: 13-22 for the Third Sunday in Lent, we see Jesus at his most passionate. We see his zeal. Indeed, as he turns tables and scatters coins we see an angry side to him. What angers Jesus so much?

Perhaps Jesus was angry when he saw the poor turned away from the temple because they didn’t have enough money, even though they had scrimped and saved to pay the appropriate fee structures of that time. Or perhaps he saw the money changers “cutting deals” with the finely attired, playing to their status. Jesus saw that God had gotten lost in the wheeling and dealing. The subtle (or not so subtle) injustices angered Jesus.

Jesus was a devout Jew, and unless our interpretation of his passion take an anti-Semitic turn, it is important to remember that Jesus was not against the beautiful faith of his heritage. His issue was seeing the beautiful Jewish tradition abused by some. Jesus, the radical rabbi, longed for his beloved community to return to the depth, fullness, and joy of worship.

The disciples, in observing Jesus’ behavior, remembered the ancient Psalm: “Passion for your house consumes me.” In John’s gospel, Jesus’ consuming passion is expressed in every faithful step he takes to ensure wholeness for all God’s people.

This Sunday we’ll reflect further on the passion of Jesus, and his deeply connected heart for the worship of God. Through worship, a door to healing is opened. Through worship, the deepest longing of our heart meets fulfillment in the heart of God. See you Sunday at 9AM and 11AM EST in the Sanctuary, online or on demand.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson

MCCDC Beatification / Landscaping Day

Come join your MCCDC family in person at 474 Ridge St NW, on 02 March at 09:30 am and give your church a makeover. The church needs some TLC from us inside and out.
Bring your gloves, yard tools and other handy tools to help out. For more information contact Rev Dwayne at revdwayne@mccdc.com

People of Faith Addressing Gun Violence Gathering/Spiritual Colloquium

On Saturday, 09 March, 1 pm EST, Metropolitan Community Church of DC (MCCDC)474 Ridge Street NW | Washington, DC the Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas (VOACC) will be leading this gathering for faith leaders and people of faith passionate about making a difference in the community!

The focus of this event will be discussions on gun violence, and how to do more than just give our thoughts and prayers at Metropolitan Community Church of DC (MCCDC).

For more information about this event contact Rev Elder Dwayne Johnson at revdwayne@mccdc.com or Rev Jules Christian at enjoyingtoday@hotmail.com

Click here to register for this FREE event

2023 Forum & Congregational Meeting

We will be holding our annual forum and Congregational Meeting at 12:30 EST on the below dates:
• · 10 March: Forum In-Person & Zoom
• · 24 March : Congregational Meeting In-Person & Zoom

We invite you to join other MCCDC members , recapping 2023 and planning how we’ll grow our generous home in 2024.

Here are four ways to participate:
· Attend the forum in person at 474 Ridge St NW
· Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
· Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 868 1921 1447
Dial 1 301 715 8592 by phone, using the same Meeting ID

Bible Study, Labyrinths History & Walk

MCCDC’s Bible Study ministry will gather in person at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, 16 March 2024 and resume our annual Labyrinths Walk.

Learn about labyrinths history and walk the MCCDC Labyrinths!

Here are four ways to participate!
In Persona 474 Ridge St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically!
Meeting ID: 434 566 329
Call In /Dial 301 715 8592, Meeting ID: 434 566 329

Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com for more information

Writing Ministry

MCCDC’s Writers’ Ministry will gather on Saturday, 16 March 10:00 via zoom link listed below. Whether you are an experienced writer or want to begin writing, or do more, please consider joining. For more information contact Greg Synder at gcsnyder01@aol.com.

Click Here to Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 865 7622 1632

Passcode: 146039

Sight and Sounds Theater

MCCDC’s Older Adults Ministry is sponsoring a bus trip to see the play

Daniel at Sight and Sound Theater

, located at 300 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks, Pa. We’ll depart from 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC at 1:00 p.m. and return at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

Tickets cost $160 and include round trip coach bus ride, ticket for premium theater seats, and a stop at Amish Miller Smorgasbord Restaurant (MEAL COST NOT INCLUDED).

Payments can be made in three installments of $54 each, or one payment of $160. Anyone using the payment plan must pay in full no later than May 31, 2024.

ALL PAYMENTS ARE FINAL AND NON-REFUNDABLE. Go to danieltrip.mccdc.com to pay

Questions? Contact Dale L. Madyun-Baskerville via email, oam@mccdc.com

Mary’s House

Join The Villages at Mary’s House for one or more of our upcoming Free ONLINE Lunch, Learn, & Conversation sessions held on Wednesdays, 1:00-2:00p.m. ET.

***13 MARCH: WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: “IMPORTANT QUEER WOMEN TO KNOW IN HISTORY”

Here are three ways to participate

Click here to open Zoom and join automatically

Meeting ID: 850 3826 7609 , Passcode: 323466

Dial in: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC), Passcode: 323466

For more information, please contact:

Darryl Walker, dwalker@maryshousedc.org or

Dr. Carla Sherrell–Program Manager, csherrell@maryshousedc.org

Sonnets & Soul Play

Your invited to join Howard University in the viewing of their musical Sonnets & Soul Play at 7 pm EST on the following dates:

17 February to 01 March at 4:00 pm EST

The musical location will be at Aldridge Theater located on Howard University (On Campus) 2455 6th St. NW., Washinton, DC 20059

Ticket Cost:

Students= $5.00

Staff, Alumni, Military, and Seniors= $10.00

General Admission= $20.00

For questions or more information contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com.

Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #97 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter

by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter

“What makes us come alive?” ~ Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C.

Dear God, our Creator is what makes us come alive, the break-taking beauty of nature that is so bountiful—varieties of plants, trees, and creatures that live among us, a multi-cultured, multi-racial community all over the earth. Help us love ourselves according to your purpose, and spread Godly love to others who in turn will spread it until the whole world is filled with your love. Thank you for patience, strength and grace that help us stand steadfast in the face of fear, doubts, procrastination, and obstacles that try to barricade our path to fulfillment. We pray to continue trusting you when circumstances become unbearable.

We appreciate people everywhere who share their talents, time, skills, financial gifts, and treasures to magnify your glory and spread the gospel throughout the world. With a cheerful heart, we willingly share generously of what we have. We are grateful for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington D.C., and all places of spiritual worship where people gather together to rejoice in your goodness, and pray and support each other. We praise you with music and songs of thanksgiving and our hearts are filled with gratitude. Thank you, in your many precious names. Amen

“Nothing is better for people than that they should eat and drink, and that their souls should enjoy good in their labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God.” Ecclesiastes 2:24 (NIV, alt.)

Prayer Corner

Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:

* Bill Campbell *Jerry Giem * Tim Helm *Rose Williams *Cecilia Hayden-Smith and Esther Smith’s health *Delores Fowler * Veronica Franklin * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline * Glenn Conway * Anthony Goode ?Randy Punley * Marcus Garnett *Evelyn Jones * Steve Sloane * Jeffrey Luckenbach ? * Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa * Cynthia Melman *Kim Battle *Joshua Benkins’ father Isaac *Mike Washington * Buck Carlson * Doris Carter Washington of Alexandria * John Hylton * Summer Allen * Ruth Kappy Makekodunmi

“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

Join other MCCDC writers in our monthly Zoom Writing Ministry meeting.

This month’s meeting is 17 Feb at 10:00 am EST . For info, contact gcsnyder01@aol.com.

Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!

Watch on YouTube