“Laughter is like hope—it has a ripple effect. It’s one of many ways we live and share the good news…As refreshing and unexpected as snowflakes caught on our tongues, laughter doesn’t just lighten our spirits; it invites us to see the world through a lens of divine playfulness.” ~Kayla Craig of Sanctified Art
Sometimes we take ourselves too seriously. This Sunday, the final Sunday of 2024, will be a day to relax a little bit and remember that tears may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. It may be difficult to find joy during tough times, yet joy waits to be found. This is not to say that joy is hidden. Rather, it is close at hand. Sometimes we forget to notice it.
“Joy is a sacred invitation,” says Kayla Craig, “to shed our self-importance and wrap our hearts in the gladness and gratitude that come from knowing Christ is at the center of our lives. Deeper than fleeting happiness, joy sustains us with the hope and love that envelop us in all circumstances.”
Our theme for Sunday does not minimize that we are living in difficult times. And, perhaps now more than ever, we need to laugh. Laughter is not a luxury but a necessity. Laughter is a gift from God that helps us to get through difficult times, including these current times.
Our scriptures for Sunday are Luke 2: 10-14, Isaiah 9: 2-3, and Revelation 21: 1-6. In reflecting on Luke 2, a question popped up: I wonder if one of the shepherds tickled the infant Jesus to make him laugh? We’ll not know for sure since our scripture is not that specific, yet I can imagine it. And I see Mary and Joseph smiling with joy, and joining the laughter of their baby.
Plan to have some fun and laughter this Sunday at 10:30 AM on-site, on-line and later on-demand as we close out 2024 with a special service that will bring out the child in us.
Giver of Joy, when we get too serious and caught up in concerning headlines, help us to keep perspective. Yes, we are called to serious and courageous actions to meet serious needs. AND, remind us that joy is a gift that the world needs. May our laughter be a way of giving You praise. Amen.
By Faith,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Does God Have a Sense of Humor?
Join us Onsite, Online and later On Demand for 9am ET Spiritual Engagement Hour.
This Sunday’s Highlights:
Do you believe that God has built humor into the universe?
Is humor really the best medicine, as some say?
Is there healing grace in humor?
We’ll share our thoughts on these questions
+You are invited to share your writings, scriptures or other resources/ideas with the group.
MCCDC Chapel Onsite, Online & On demand.
Here are three ways to participate:
* Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
* Call In, +1 301 7158592 Meeting ID:850 0797 0818
* In Person 474 Ridge St., NW, Washington, D 20001
Advent Devotional: “Words for the Beginning”
Your invited to journey with your MCCDC family in our study of 2024 Advent Devotional Booklet “Words for the beginning”.
The booklet is arranged in weekly sections from the beginning of Advent through Epiphany (December 1-January 5) To access the Devotional Booklet, please sign-up to receive our MCCCDC Eblast at this link
The authors “A Sanctified Art, LLC for worship design “prohibits us from sharing the booklet link the on social media or posting
Click here for detail information on this Advent Devotional from MCCDC Worship Team.
In Loving Memory
It is with sad heart to announce that long time member of the MCCDC Family Donte Hunter passed early in December.
Arrangements are currently pending. Please keep the Hunter family in your prayer
2024 MCCDC Giving Statement
Year-to-Date Giving Statements for the 2024 tax year will be emailed beginning next week. Please review your statement, and contact drcarla@mccdc.com (Team Leader, 2024 Giving Statement Support) with any questions.
We purpose to email complete 2024 Giving Statements in phases beginning the week of January 13th, through March 1st.
For those who don’t have a working email address on file with MCCDC, or don’t have access to email, these documents will be sent via postal mail (USPS), or they can be picked up on-site after an MCCDC Sunday worship service.
Christmas Tribute
This Christmas, we invite you to remember someone you love with an honor or remembrance tribute. Their names will be included in our Sunday worship folder and also displayed at the end of Sunday livestream worship throughout the Advent season. We suggest a donation of $25.00 per tribute. All gifts matter.
Click Here’s for online form to pay with credit card or electronic debit. You can also print this form and mail it to the church with a check.
Pathways to Generosity, Prayer #126
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Faith is a knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof.” ~ Kahlil Gibran
Dear God, this is a time of remembrance when hundreds of years ago, hope and love seemed to be lacking all over a dark and sad world, somewhat like we are experiencing today through expressions of hate and division that attempt to overrun the goodness and peace that You gave us, the generous gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. How blessed that we are revived with hope and peace through God’s loving mercies and forgiveness. Peace not as the world gives, but one that grows our faith, knowing that matter what happens God is still with us. The Creator loves us so much that IT gave human beings the authority to rule over the whole earth. Our desire is that those who rule will choose to exercise wisdom to do the right thing and be good stewards of all treasures and resources that You entrusted to everyone.
God, thank you for the spiritual leaders of Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and for spiritual worship spaces everywhere. We are grateful for all who volunteer precious time to share generously of their skills, talents, financial gifts, and other treasures to further your purpose in the spiritual realm. Thank you for all people committed to doing great works to magnify your name throughout the earth! We are thankful for hope, love, joy, peace, faith, and strength that You give to help us be strong and encouraged in the midst of adversity and egregious situations. And God, thank you for the families and friends who love and support us in times of happiness and sadness. People from all corners of the earth are blessed with gifts of your generosity and prosperity! In your many precious names, we praise You! Amen.
“Nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 (The First Egalitarian Translation)
About
Gibran Khalil Gibran, usually referred to in English as Kahlil Gibran, was a Lebanese-American writer, poet and visual artist; he was also considered a philosopher, although he himself rejected the title. Wikipedia
Born: January 6, 1883, Bsharri, Lebanon
Died: April 10, 1931 (age 48 years), St. Vincent’s Hospital
Parents: Kamila Gibran, Khalil Gibran
Alma mater: Académie Julian
Genres: Poem; parable; fable; aphorism; novel/novella; short story; play; essay; letter
Known for: Leading author of the Modern Arabic literature
Hospitality Ministry
MCCDC Hospitality Ministry needs your help!
Please donate:
· Donate/Volunteer your time once a month on Sunday to coordinate, setup or clean up during Hospitality time.
· Donate supplies:
· Food Items: Individually package cookies, Granola bars, Fresh fruit, Yogurt, Coffee, Sugar, Water, tea bags, and juices (Individually cartons)
· Dry Goods: Coffee cups, 8 inch plates, 6 inch plates, paper towels, Clorox Cleaning Spray, dish clothes and dish towels.
Drop off all supplies Sunday morning at the kitchen window. To Volunteer see Dale Madyun-Baskerville on Sunday morning or email oam@mccdc.com
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
Joe Dawson * Betsy Kramer * Palestinian People in Gaza * Ukrainian People * Cecilia Hayden Smith and Esther Smith’s health * Michael Washington * Bill Campbell * Jerry Giem * Tim Helm * Rose Williams * Delores Fowler * Vernessa D. Wilson * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline * Glenn Conway * Evelyn Jones * Earline Budd *Prayers for Clara Carter sister: Phyllis Carter Lewism *Steve Sloane *Doris Washington * Viola-Cleo Bradshaw * Cordelia Vogel * Ruth Kappy Makekodunmi *Prayers for Clara Carter sister: Phyllis Carter Lewis, Prayers for the Hunter family at the loss of Donte Hunter.
“Church Ministries”
MCCDC Voices
Join us 9 AM onsite at 474 Ridge ST NW, Washington, DC to sing and rehearse for worship.
Make new friends and enjoy a sense of musical belonging.
“Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” ~Colossians 3:16
Please email at pastors@mccdc.com for more information.
Scripture Reading
You’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 oam.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).
Please email at pastors@mccdc.com for more information.
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.
For more information contact gcsnyder01@aol.com.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
