“Some care for others with great conviction. But do not care for themselves with the same conviction.” ~ Wayne Muller from “Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest,” alt.
Are we experiencing a true movement for systemic change or just a moment? Protests in various expressions are leading to policy changes in some cities, important debate in others, and global conversations on moving from apathy to action. My prayer is that the conversations will lead to conversions. Some who have remained silent in their comfortable privilege are learning that self-identifying as not being a racist is not enough. Those of privilege must be actively anti-racist which requires action beyond comfort zones.
My prayer is that a global movement is now in motion. Yet a reality check acknowledges that on the journey to justice there have been many starts and stops; even setbacks and backlashes. I’ve lived long enough to see many moments remain moments. Some have been a moment of reckoning, a moment of truth. Yet lasting change has been blocked. Why? The reasons are many and complicated. Yet one factor is that leaders and followers in movements for change too often burn out. They care for others with great conviction, but do not care for themselves with the same conviction, as Wayne Muller conveys in our opening quote.
What place does self-care hold as we remain committed to our conviction to care for others? In our scripture for Sunday from Matthew 11: 25-30 Jesus beckons: “Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give your rest…you will find rest for your souls.” One take home from the words of Jesus: self-care is a form of prayer. Protest is another form of prayer, as when Jesus turned over the tables of corruption in the temple. Yet it is the prayer of rest that nourishes the capacity for prayers of unrest. We’ll explore this and the question “Flame On our Burn Out?” in the message Sunday.
In preparation, I invite you to reflect on another quote from Wayne Muller and consider what questions it raises for you: “Only when we take refuge in rest can we feel the company of angels that would minister to us, regardless of what we were given. In the stillness there are forces and voices and hands and nourishment that arise. This is what Jesus talks about when he speaks of the Realm of God. It is the Promised Land of the Hebrews, flowing with milk and honey. It is the place of safety and serenity, available and prepared for us, if we will only stop. And rest.”
Peace
Rev.Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Announcements
Create Music and Art with Eclectic Praise!
Eclectic Praise is working on our next video project and we INVITE YOU to join us! During social distancing, we experimented with creating art together even while we are physically apart.
See our projects with Moving Spirit:
My World Needs You ( https://youtu.be/v4oJnUO6iDQ ) and Here I Am to Worship ( https://youtu.be/AR0V0WLjiYA ).
The EP project song is God Only Knows which has a powerful message you can be a part of conveying! Deadline for submissions is Thursday, July 2, 2020. There are 2 ways you can join us.
1. Call for musicians: If you play an instrument or sing, you can add a part to the video both audio and video. Just email us at mccdceclecticpraise@gmail.com for music and details on how to record and submit your part.
2. Call for Congregation Participation: If you don’t play or sing you too can participate! Just send us a brief video clip of you doing everyday things – watching TV, cooking, reading – and your clip may be incorporated in our video! Email us for more information or questions. Submit video clips to mccdceclecticpraise@gmail.com.
The MCCDC Drama Team Needs You!
No experience required! Just a willing learner. If you have a passion or artistic flare in front of camera come join the MCCDC Drama team! The Drama Ministry meets on Mondays at 6:30 om via Zoom and performs on the Second Sunday of each month. If you are interested, please contact Clara Carter at c4mcarter26@gmail.com.
Electronic Giving
Here is an opportunity to cover the electronic giving transaction fee so that 100% of your donation goes to MCCDC.
Beginning Sunday, May 24, 2020, each time that you make your donation electronically, you will have the option to add $2.00 to help cover the electronic giving transaction fee.
Just Place a check mark next to the statement:
I would like to add $2.00 to help cover the transaction fee so that 100% of my donation supports MCCDC
JOIN REV. DWAYNE IN PRAYER FROM NOON TO 12:30 PM Monday thru Saturday
Phone Number: 646-558-8656, Code: 407 740 6668
Bible Study
A time of community, fun, learning, and sharing!
Tuesdays from 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Via FREE ZOOM Video Conference Call
Click here to see the MCCDC 2020 Bible Study Schedule
Phone Call in number is: 301 715 8592 US,Meeting ID: 434 566 329
Password: Email Dale Madyun-Baskerville at mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com for login invitation
“Ministry Spotlight”
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
Click here to see more MCCDC Videos
LiveStream Volunteer’s Needed!
Volunteer! No experience is required. We will train you or someone you recommend. (Perhaps a student interested in picking up new skills?) Opportunities include:
o Producing the livestream itself on Sundays and for special events (greatest need)
o Assisting on Sundays by video recording and managing cameras
o Video editing (this requires access to your own computer and video editing software)
Share our message! Inspired by Rev. Dwayne’s spiritual instruction? Moved by a praise & worship song? Post it on Facebook. Send a link to friends and family. They can tune-in to our livestream or watch worship services on demand at livestream.com/mccdc, through our website at mccdc.com, or browse clips on our YouTube Channel.
Click here to visit MCCDC YouTube channel
Email Johanna at mccdclive@gmail.com or talk to any one of the AV team members to volunteer or for more information
The Soundboard Ministry Needs YOU
Soundboard volunteers are needed for 9 am and 11 am services. No experience needed!
You will be trained on a state of the art soundboard and learn how to set up mics for services.
Ideally, you will train at the 9 am service and continue training at the 11 am service, but we are flexible.
Please contact Michael Cunningham at mjcunningham2013@gmail.com or stop by to talk with any soundboard volunteer.
“CHURCH NEWS”
Coronavirus Hotline DC, MD and VA
Washington DC
After hours, please call the GW Hospital Emergency Department at 202.715.4000
GW Medical CLEVELAND PARK- Phone: 202.525.5287
GW Medical MCPHERSON SQ- Phone: 202.798.0100
1101 15th St NW
GW Medical RHODE ISLAND AVE- Phone: 202.544.7580
Click Here to go to DC Government Corona Virus Web Site
Maryland
Cough, fever, and shortness of breath, are the three symptoms together that raise the concern for coronavirus,
coronavirus hotline at 1-855-600-3453
Click Here to go to Maryland Government Corona Virus Web Site
Virginia
Cough, fever, and shortness of breath, are the three symptoms together that raise the concern for coronavirus,
coronavirus hotline at 1-855-600-3453
Click Here to go Virginia Government Corona Virus Web Site
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
* George Kerr, III * Mama Cee’s sister and niece * Rose Williams,* Lynn Sulyma, * Esther Smith * Marcus Garnett * Renee Valentine * Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother, Earline * T. Green * Evelyn Jones,* Travis, Jerry Giem’s Nephew * Valerie Myers’ son Donald * Anthony Goode * Larry Harris recent lost of husband Ted Shaffer * Bob Jones’ son Chuck & wife Karen * Steve Sloane * Glenn Conrad * Arden Shutt *Renee Valentine’s brother *Kim Battle *Juanita Dara * Jeffrey Luckenbach * Bill Campbell, * Keith Richardson * Delores Fowler’s sister, Mrs Jenifer Keys passing * Randy Punley
