This Week’s Reflection
“Sometimes the world simply unfolds its mystery and we happen to be in the right place at the right time and in the right emotional or spiritual space to notice the mystery, to receive it, to be encountered by it.” ~Kimberlee Conway Ireton
Mystery unfolds. Mystery surprises. Occasionally it comes as a breakthrough. Mystery may happen and perhaps we’re too pre-occupied to notice it. The Borderfree Spirit travels in the realm of mystery. The Moving Spirit beckons: Are you ready? Are you willing? Do you long to breakthrough?
We are invited to be in the right place at the right time, which in the world of Spirit can be any place, any time, as long as we are open and aware. In a world of hardening hearts, the Spirit seeks such entry points.
Scripture is one of the entry points for breakthrough to mystery and the change that follows. When one opens sacred text one is opening to the possibility of transcendence. Our scripture for Sunday from Hebrews 4: 12 describes this opportunity: “God’s word is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It pierces so deeply that it divides even soul and spirit, bone and marrow, and is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Word breaks in and through, working a deeper truth which opens to growing trust.
Living. Active. Sharp. Those are three of the words the writer of Hebrews uses to describe the potency of scripture. These words are not mere ideas. They point to the Bible as being what Marilyn Chandler McEntyre says is “arguably the most mysterious, strange, challenging, complex book in the world.”
Some would prefer the Bible to be a handy checklist. Others may prefer it to be a well-organized user’s manual. It is neither of those. It is a burning bush at one moment, a cooling stream at the next, and a soaring eagle if one happens to look up. To engage with the Bible is to take a ride on a wild horse. It may buck you off, leaving you gasping for breath and struggling to reorient. At other times it takes one on an exhilarating journey with a breathtaking vista around the next bend.
This Sunday we’ll look at the dynamics, possibilities and practices of Borderfree Spirit as related to interaction with sacred text. Join us at 9:00. or 11:00 a.m. at Borderfree Worship. (Due to construction, we’ll be virtual and on demand only until October 24th.)
We live in times that often demystify the spiritual journey to catchy soundbites. So much seems cheap and temporary. Our enduring and dynamic faith invites us to the more challenging way, where Borderfree Spirit calls us to internal, external and eternal engagement.
Grace & Peace
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Senior Pastor
Sanctuary Closed
The church building will be closed for repairs during much of October. While contractors replace our roof, the ventilation systems will be shut off.
In-person worship will resume on Sunday, October 24th. Until then, please join us virtually via live stream for “borderfree” worship on October 3rd, 10th and 17th. Here’s how to join:
• On our website: live.mccdc.com
• On Facebook: facebook.mccdc.com
• On YouTube: youtube.mccdc.com
Older Adult Ministry, October 10th at 1:00 pm via Zoom
October 10th at 1:00 pm via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82495523942 ? Meeting ID: 824 9552 3942 The group will discuss 2022 schedule.
Writers’ Ministry
MCCDC’s Writers’ Ministry will gather next Saturday October 16 at 10 a.m.
Whether you are experienced, want to begin writing, or do more, please consider joining. Contact Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, Writer-Theologian in Residence, writer@robinhawleygorsline.com.
MCCDC Leadership Opportunity!
Are you looking for a new way to serve your MCCDC community? Can you envision yourself in a leadership position? And do you have a passion for innovation and hands-on implementation during this challenging time? Then we might have just the right opportunity for you!
The Board of Directors is looking for motivated and qualified candidates to run for seats on the Board of Directors this year. Two positions will be open due to term expirations in 2021. We are looking for a diverse group of people with the spiritual gifts of leadership, discernment, and compassion. We are especially looking for people with practical experience in strategic planning, financial management/fundraising/legacy planning, policy development, program oversight, or legal matters.
If you feel called and have been a member of MCCDC in good standing for the past six months, you are eligible to run. Please submit a brief bio and a letter of interest to the Board
You are also encouraged to talk to Senior Pastor Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson or Board Member Knut Panknin if you have questions or would like to receive more information.
C19 Booster Shots
COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are now available for anyone age 65+ who received the Pfizer vaccine more than six months ago. Most pharmacies offer walk-in service. (Guidance for Moderna and J&J recipients is forthcoming from the CDC.)
Booster shots are authorized for people 18-64 with underlying medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, obesity; people 18-64 who work in high-risk settings including healthcare, schools and grocery stores. Additional doses are also recommended for immunocompromised individuals.
Find your vaccine card or access your vaccine record by visiting myir.dc.gov (DC), md.myir.net (Maryland), vdh.virginia.gov (Virginia); call your healthcare provider to discuss your options for a booster, or visit vaccines.gov to find a location near you.
Virtual Walk & 5K to End HIV
On Saturday, October 23, we are participating in the 35th annual Walk & 5K to End HIV benefiting the programs and services of Whitman-Walker Health.
While we may not be able to walk side-by-side this year, we can come together virtually to share stories, support one another, and raise money to save lives.
Click here for more information, donate or to join Team MCCDC
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
j.scales and family in the passing of their father • Francine Clark and the family of Rose Herring • The family of Louis Hicks, Sr. • Lilah Blackstone and the family of Terry Blackstone • 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 • Mama Cee’s sister and niece • Rose Williams • Randy Punley • Lynn Sulyma • Esther Smith • Marcus Garnett • Renee Valentine & Renee Valentine’s brother • • Arden Shutt • Buck Carlson • Delores Fowler • Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother, Earline T. Green • Evelyn Jones • Steve Sloane • Glenn Conrad • Anthony Goode • Jeffrey Luckenbach • Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa • Cynthia Melman • Kim Battle • ABilly Jones-Hennin • Bill Campbell • Mark Kelly • JoThe family of Joshua Benkins’ Aunt Ellen who passed and for the health of his Father Isaac David Benkins • Amy Stark, on the loss of her cat Rusty, Denise Wright at the passing hof her cousin Marlo Morris• Robin Anderson for the healing of her sister Pam• Tina Fulps at the passing of her friend Emily• Dentia Madyun-Baskerville and family at the passing of her Great Nephew Sejon Reed,•Elaine Durden-Hunter ask for ‘prayers of healing for her dog Angel.
“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 REV. DWAYNE IN 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!
