This Week’s Reflection

The God of glorious science is also the God of awesome mystery. In a world where people try to calculate everything with precision, our Gospel for Sunday from Mark 9:2-9 is untamed. It is a wild adventure with no GPS.

I’m not sure what to say about a scripture that describes the dazzling metamorphosis of Jesus, the appearance of Moses and Elijah, their talk with Jesus, and a divine voice from a cloud. For those of us who don’t know what to say, we’re in good company: Mark 2:9 notes “Peter did not know what to say.” Really? Peter was usually the first to speak and the last to be quiet. Here Peter is frightened into silence.

What do we do with a scripture like this? Peter was the “do something” disciple and suggested setting up tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Our text doesn’t explain his rationale. Some have suggested Peter was trying to make a powerful moment permanent. Peter had control tendencies that led him to argue at times with Jesus and the other disciples. Yet this moment is beyond his control.

What do we do with a scripture like this? Peter was the “do something” disciple and suggested setting up tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Our text doesn’t explain his rationale. Some have suggested Peter was trying to make a powerful moment permanent. Peter had control tendencies that led him to argue at times with Jesus and the other disciples. Yet this moment is beyond his control.

Reflecting on this unexplainable scripture, it occurs to me that that’s the point. It points us to mystery. Mystery is beyond control. Mystery defies explanation. I’m thinking this scripture speaks to a deep need: our world needs more mystery.

Or, perhaps mystery is all around us and we miss it. Invitations to mystery are everywhere. The tree outside our window invites our wonder as it reaches up to the blazing light for energy and then reaches down with roots, seeking nourishment in the darkness. We also have an invitation from the deep darkness: “Close your eyes. Release your thoughts. Come with me and enter dreams. Something awaits you there.”

I am grateful for science, including medical science which has extended many lives. I’m also grateful for that place beyond words, beyond control, beyond the senses yet present in the senses and through them.

This Sunday at 9AM and 11AM EST in the Sanctuary and online (and later on demand) we’ll behold the awesome, generous mystery of our Creator. Then, looking to Saturday, March 16 at 10AM EST, we’ll further explore mystery through a Labyrinth experience in our Sanctuary and online. Moving with the Labyrinth is an ancient spiritual practice that has returned to current practice. For many, it has opened new pathways to behold God’s love.

Grace and Peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson

Ash Wednesday Service

Join your MCCDC Family Ash Wednesday Service 14 February at 06:30 pm EST via Zoom.

Here are three ways to participate
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 835 4053 6398
Dial 1 301 715 8592 by phone,Meeting ID 835 4053 6398

2023 Giving Statements Are Coming Soon!

The treasurer and assistant treasurer are preparing your giving statement for tax year 2023. Giving statements will be emailed in phases during the coming weeks. For those who do not have a working email address on file or who do not have access to email, the 2023 giving statement will be sent out via postal mail.

Please contact treasurer@mccdc.com with questions.

Older Adult Ministry

The Older Adult Ministry will be holding their monthly meeting In Person, 2nd floor Chapel and Zoom on 11 February 2024, at 12:30 pm EST.

This month Guest Speaker is Ginger Nice with Silver Bridges Consulting, a specialized senior placement firm. She will be discussing Exploring Senior Living Options.

Here are three ways to participate :
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
Call In, 301-715-8592, Meeting ID: 824 9552 3942
In Person 474 Ridge St., NW, Washington, D 20001

2023 Forum & Congregational Meeting

We will be holding our annual forum and Congregational Meeting at 12:30 EST on the below dates:
• · 10 March: Forum In-Person & Zoom
• · 24 March : Congregational Meeting In-Person & Zoom

We invite you to join other MCCDC members , recapping 2023 and planning how we’ll grow our generous home in 2024.

Here are four ways to participate:
· Attend the forum in person at 474 Ridge St NW
· Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
· Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 868 1921 1447
Dial 1 301 715 8592 by phone, using the same Meeting ID

People of Faith Addressing Gun Violence Gathering/Spiritual Colloquium

On Saturday, 09 March, 1 pm EST, Metropolitan Community Church of DC (MCCDC)474 Ridge Street NW | Washington, DC the Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas (VOACC) will be leading this gathering for faith leaders and people of faith passionate about making a difference in the community!

The focus of this event will be discussions on gun violence, and how to do more than just give our thoughts and prayers at Metropolitan Community Church of DC (MCCDC).

For more information about this event contact Rev Elder Dwayne Johnson at revdwayne@mccdc.com or Rev Jules Christian at enjoyingtoday@hotmail.com

Click here to register for this FREE event

Writing Ministry

MCCDC’s Writers’ Ministry will gather on Saturday, 17 Feb 10:00 via zoom link listed below. Whether you are an experienced writer or want to begin writing, or do more, please consider joining. For more information contact Greg Synder at gcsnyder01@aol.com.

Click Here to Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 865 7622 1632

Passcode: 146039

Bible Study, Labyrinths History & Walk

MCCDC’s Bible Study ministry will gather in person at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, 16 March 2024 and resume our annual Labyrinths Walk.

Learn about labyrinths history and walk the MCCDC Labyrinths!

Here are four ways to participate!
In Persona 474 Ridge St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically!
Meeting ID: 434 566 329
Call In /Dial 301 715 8592, Meeting ID: 434 566 329

Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com for more information

Sight and Sounds Theater

MCCDC’s Older Adults Ministry is sponsoring a bus trip to see the play

Daniel at Sight and Sound Theater

, located at 300 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks, Pa. We’ll depart from 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC at 1:00 p.m. and return at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

Tickets cost $160 and include round trip coach bus ride, ticket for premium theater seats, and a stop at Amish Miller Smorgasbord Restaurant (MEAL COST NOT INCLUDED).

Payments can be made in three installments of $54 each, or one payment of $160. Anyone using the payment plan must pay in full no later than May 31, 2024.

ALL PAYMENTS ARE FINAL AND NON-REFUNDABLE. Go to danieltrip.mccdc.com to pay

Questions? Contact Dale L. Madyun-Baskerville via email, oam@mccdc.com

A Special MCC Film Screening

You’re invited to see a special film screening of Angels & Saints – Eros & Awe A film about wholeness and uniting body & spirit.

The film can be viewed at your convenience from 14 February – 19 February 2024 .

Screening times for the film will be between the hours of: Wednesday, 14 February, 12:00 am ET / 5:00 am GMT through Monday, 19 February, 12:00 am ET / 5:00 am GMT .

There will also be two live, interactive Q&A and Panel Discussion with the Producer, Director, and MCC members lasting 60 minutes each on Saturday, 17 February 2024.

Morning Panel Discussions will be:

11:00 am ET / 10:00 am CT / 8:00 am PT / 1:00 pm BRT / 6:00 pm SAST / Midnight PHST / 4:00 pm GMT /

3:00 am next day AUS

Afternoon Panel Discussion will be:

8:00 pm ET / 7:00 pm CT / 5:00 pm PT / 10:00 pm BRT/ Sunday, 18 February 3:00 am SAST / 9:00 am PHST /

1:00 am GMT / 12:00 pm AUS

Click here to see Video Summary about the film!

Click here to register for this even

Mary’s House

Join The Villages at Mary’s House for one or more of our upcoming Free ONLINE Lunch, Learn, & Conversation sessions held on Wednesdays, 1:00-2:00p.m. ET.

*** 14 February: BLACK HISTORY MONTH: “LOVE AND ROMANCE AMONG BLACK, QUEER, OLDER ADULTS”

Presenter: Tajah Sahar Schall– somatic (body-based) social justice counselor (LPC), dancer

***28 FEBRUARY: 16 BLACK QUEER TRAILBLAZER WHO MADE HISTORY”

***13 MARCH: WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: “IMPORTANT QUEER WOMEN TO KNOW IN HISTORY”

Here are three ways to participate

Click here to open Zoom and join automatically

Meeting ID: 850 3826 7609 , Passcode: 323466

Dial in: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC), Passcode: 323466

For more information, please contact:

Darryl Walker, dwalker@maryshousedc.org or

Dr. Carla Sherrell–Program Manager, csherrell@maryshousedc.org

Sonnets & Soul Play

Your invited to join Howard University in the viewing of their musical Sonnets & Soul Play at 7 pm EST on the following dates:

21 to 23 February
17 February to 01 March
24 February at 4:00 pm EST

The musical location will be at Aldridge Theater located on Howard University (On Campus) 2455 6th St. NW., Washinton, DC 20059

Ticket Cost:

Students= $5.00

Staff, Alumni, Military, and Seniors= $10.00

General Admission= $20.00

Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #94 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter

by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter

“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher.

Dear God, thank you for the opportunities to serve and worship you from our hearts through the guidance of the Holy Spirit; guidance for the generous sharing of financial gifts, moral support, talents, time, skills and treasures with people all over the world in an expanding borderless beloved community. Help us release and let go of any doubts that try to cloud the vision and mission of all places of spiritual worship performing great works in your name.

We are grateful that you are with us always in our joyful times and through the difficult times. Thank you, God, for prosperous living in all things—your unending grace, health and healing, family relationships, and the respect of friends and neighbors. We cherish all that you have given us by the labor of our hands; and miraculous gifts bestowed upon us when it was hard to see beyond unpleasant circumstances. Thank you for entrusting us to continue your great works here on earth as your Son, Jesus Christ did so many years ago. In your many precious names, thank you. Amen.

“Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving; and sing our praises with joy.”

Psalm 95:2 (First Egalitarian Translation)

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

“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

Writing Ministry

Join other MCCDC writers in our monthly Zoom Writing Ministry meeting.

This month’s meeting is 17 Feb at 10:00 am EST . For info, contact gcsnyder01@aol.com.

Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!

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