This Week’s Reflection
We have heard the story many times. We’ve also seen it enacted in nativity scenes from various cultures. One year when I was pastoring in Houston a pink flamingo showed up in our large nativity scene composed of life sized participants. The children in our congregation loved it, and even some of the traditionalists smiled. A question emerges beyond the pageantry: has the story been enacted in our hearts?
The story moves quickly. The angels appear. Jesus is born. The Magi offer homage and gifts. Herod feels threated and responds with violence. Simeon and Anna offer praise. Jesus grows up in Nazareth of Galilee and becomes strong, wise, and blessed with God’s favor. And those are just some of the highlights.
The story recalls my visit to Nazareth as part of a justice mission with Jewish, Muslim and Christian peace advocates. Though our work was serious as we listened to stories of the survivors of violence, I received a moment to pause and imagine the laughter of Jesus as a child, playing among the hills and trees. That moment further inspired my commitment to work for peace that this world would be a place where all children are safe.
The story makes another move when in Luke 2:41-52 the family of Jesus travels to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. Jesus is now twelve years old. Perhaps he still enjoys the playfulness of youth. Yet he also joins the teachers in the temple, listening to them and asking questions. All who hear Jesus are amazed at his understanding and his answers.
I am in awe of how God’s extravagant love brought us Jesus. I seek to open my heart to this miracle that makes all things possible. It is a miracle of hope that I seek to receive each day.
As we move from the season of Advent to the seasons of Christmas and Epiphany, my prayer fis that we receive the story anew. I invite you to join your MCCDC community online for the remaining services of 2021. Our online only worship will be at 4 p.m. ET on Christmas Eve and 10 a.m. ET on Sunday, December 26. Our services will also be on demand. If you have yet to view our beloved Christmas Program from December 11, click here and enjoy.
May the songs of the season resound in our hearts as we follow the star to God’s extravagant love, and the never ending story that finds new birth in our lives.
Grace & Peace
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Senior Pastor
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.
Christmas Tributes
We invite you to remember someone you love with a tribute this Christmas. Their names will be included in our Sunday worship folder and displayed at the end of Sunday worship. We suggest a donation of $20.00 per tribute. Here’s an online form to pay with credit card or electronic debit. You can also print this form and mail it with a check.
Joan Cunningham 1932-2020
MCCDC will host a celebration of life for Joan Cunningham, who passed into eternal life last December. Please join us at 11:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, December 28th, via livestream, live.mccdc.com.
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
Bob Jones & Bob Jones’ son Chuck & wife Karen • Jerry Giem & Jerry Giem’s son, Jason and nephew, Travis • Valeria Myers’ daughter Chantelle & son Donald• Michelle Lax • George Kerr, III • Dr. Veronica Franklin • Celecila Hayden-Smith and Esther Smith health. Rose Williams continue healing• Randy Punley • Lynn Sulyma • •Marcus Garnett • Renee Valentine & Renee Valentine’s brother • Arden Shutt • Delores Fowler • Evelyn Jones • Steve Sloane • Glenn Conrad • Anthony Goode • Jeffrey Luckenbach • Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa • Kim Battle • ABilly Jones-Hennin • Bill Campbell • Mark Kelly • Joshua Benkins’ prayers for health of Father Isaac David Benkins • Elaine Durden-Hunter asks for prayers of healing for her dog, Angel • Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother, •Earline T. Green, •Angela Terrell,• Maria Hill •Marvin White’s step mother passed of COVID19• Tim Helm • Micheal Washington
“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
Writer’s Ministry
The MCCDC Writers’ Ministry mission is to offer to our church and the world more reflections and devotionals throughout the year. If you’d like to join this project, now or in the future, please contact Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, Writer-Theologian in Residence, at writer@robinhawleygorsline.com
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
