“Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s about un-becoming everything that isn’t really you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place.”
? Paul Coelho (Brazilian lyricist and novelist)
Truly, we are all on a journey! A journey through life, through obstacles, through celebrations, through highs and lows. We are on a journey to better know and understand our Creator, and in that process to know ourselves and who God designed us to be. We are on a journey as a church, as we change and expand how we engage with one another and how we welcome others along their journey. And also, we are on a journey as a nation, and despite the recent growing division, and supreme court rulings, we do celebrate our independence, our founding, our freedom, and look at the contributions we can make as we pray for our nation.
As we think about having “enough” for the journey, we may understand enough to mean “just enough” to make it to the destination. On the contrary, enough for the journey means to have what I need to satisfy me. It is that same idea of the abundant life that Jesus promises to bring. We also may associate having enough for the journey with financial provision alone, and while certainly that is needed, having enough for the journey is more about having the perspective, the relationships, the love, the self-esteem, the vision, the hope that God longs to work in us.
In our scripture this week from Mark Chapter 6, we see Jesus, who has just come from a journey, of being with people, meeting needs and performing miracles, back to his hometown of Nazareth. When he arrives and begins sharing wisdom in the synagogue, many reject him and what he has to offer. The people who thought they knew Jesus, as “the carpenter’s son”, didn’t realize that Jesus had been on a journey, that Jesus was more than the box they tried to put him in. That is often so true of our experience with others. Perhaps our friends and family knew a version of us before we journeyed to know ourselves and they have since rejected who we now know ourselves to be. Perhaps others around us refuse to use the proper pronouns and names or refuse to accept our accomplishments or purpose because of their limited perspective.
Jesus said, when others reject you and the message that you bring, to “shake the dust off”. We too must shake off the rejection, the words, the looks, the disapproval, the ignorance, the misunderstanding, and know who we are and who God has made us to be!
Indeed, we are enough, and we have enough for the journey because our Great God, our Creator, our Savior, our comforter, our Beloved is with us and will be with us now and forever!
I look forward to sharing more about Enough for the Journey this Sunday. July 7th. You can join us at 9:00 for spiritual engagement hour or ensemble rehearsal, 10:00 for a time of hospitality and friendship and 10:30 as we worship together.
Peace & Blessings,
Rev. Jules Christian
Spiritual Engagement Hour
HOWARD THURMAN INWARD AND OUTWARD
Join us Onsite, Online and later On Demand for 9AM Spiritual Engagement Hour.
This Sunday Highlights:
+ Our conversation starter for this time of spiritual dialogue is the spiritual legacy of Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman
+ Prayers, Poetry and Narrative from Dr. Thurman’s Writings
+Dialogue about the ongoing influence of Dr. Thurman and applications for MCCDC and our inward and outward callings
Please join us at 9am ET
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
Older Adult Ministry Annual Pool Party
Join the Older Adults Ministry on Saturday, July 13th, 3:00 pm at 8312 20th Avenue, Adelphi, MD 20783 (All ages are welcome)
Meats provided by OAM, Attendees asked to bring a side dish, dessert or beverages.
Those who want to swim, bring a swimsuit and towel. If you are using public transportation, take the subway to Fort Totten station. There, take the R2 Calverton bus to Cool Spring Road. Then cross Riggs Road to 20th Avenue.
This is an excellent time to invite and introduce your family members and friends to your church family.
If you want more information and have questions, email Darryl Walker at Darryl_1945@yahoo.com or call him at 202-297-6884
Join the MCCDC Team!
MCCDC currently has an immediate opening for a part-time custodial position.
Responsible for cleaning and maintaining all areas of church facility. Some grounds work will be required. We offer flexible hours and fair pay. Contact Melvin Moore at 202-638-7373 or email churchoffice@mccdc.com Or Rev Dwayne Johnson at 202-638-7373 or email revdwayne@mccdc.com.
2024 MCC People of African Descent (PAD) Conference
Join the PAD Conference: The Next Generation 2024 July 26 to 28 in Detroit, Michigan, USA.
MCC Detroit will be co-hosting the this year Detroit Black Pride titled “Hotter Than July.”
Additionally, this year’s Black Pride will have a gospel theme to it featuring the artist B Slade featuring special guest Bishop Yvette Flunder
We are also honored to have our Moderator the Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston and her spouse Orgena Rose with us for the conference from Australia.
Click here for detail conference and cost information
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
God of My Understanding: Becoming a Spiritual Force
Jackie Lois invites you to journey with her through a series of short stories on what church looks like.
You will discover opportunities for spiritual growth and community that seeks to reach out to many people who never felt at home or previously rejected by church and organized religion.
Click Here to Order Your Book!
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 * Sherry Bradshaw prayers for healing.
“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!
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 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.
For more information contact gcsnyder01@aol.com.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
