GOD’S DESIRE
“Because we have Jesus’ promise that it is God’s good pleasure and heart’s desire to give us all good things, we are suddenly free to give away, to care for others, to lose ourselves in service, and in all these ways find our security and confidence not in our earthly possessions or accomplishments but rather in our relationship with God.”
~ D. J. Lose
Sometimes scripture can raise one’s stress level. For some, that could be true of this Sunday’s scripture from Luke 12: 32-40 where Jesus says, “Sell what you own and give the money to poorer people” (33). This apparent directive sounds scary. Does it mean to put everything up for sale on EBay and give away the proceeds?
Some might say: “If selling everything is what it means to be a disciple, forget it. Jesus is just not being realistic here. In fact, this sounds more like irresponsibility than faith.” If that’s your thought, I can see your point. At times there is a fine line between faith and irresponsibility.
Luke 12:33 is one of the tough teachings of Jesus. In this same scripture Jesus also says: “Make purses for yourselves that don’t wear out. . .Be dressed and ready. . .Keep your lamps lit. . .Be like workers awaiting the owner’s return. . .Be on guard. . .’ (33, 35,36,40). These tough sayings could seem like bullet points for a confining, negative, oppressive, legalistic religion. Where’s the joy? Where’s the rest? Where’s the peace?
With the succession of tough teachings it could be easy to miss the heart of this scripture. Indeed, before the tough teachings Jesus says: “Fear not, little flock, for it pleases your Creator to give you the realm” (32). The tough teachings need to be interpreted through the lens of God’s desire for us to live fearless lives. God desires the best for us. As D. J. Lose observes, “God wants us not to be beset by worries, to keep our priorities straight, to not be consumed by greed or love of those things that do not bring real happiness. Rather, God wants us to have and enjoy and share the abundant life that comes from authentic community and right relationship with God and each other.”
This Sunday, we’ll reflect on how God’s call to faith is not so much a demand—as it is an invitation to live our best lives as God’s desire for us. How do we live more fully into this joyful desire? How do we support each on the journey to divine delight, holy surprise, and eternal opportunity? See you Sunday at 9 AM and 11 AM and at the All Church Picnic on Sunday afternoon.
By Faith,
Rev. Elder Dwayne
THIS WEEK AUG. 2016
MCCDC CHURCH-WIDE 3RD ANNUAL PICNIC COME ONE AND ALL OLDER ADULTS MINISTRY HOSTS MCCDC AT ROCK CREEK PARK, COME OUT AND ENJOY, ALL ARE WELCOME
DATE: Sunday · August 7, 2016
TIME: 12:30pm-6pm
WHERE: Rock Creek Park, Military Rd and Glover Rd NW (Site 013)
DIRECTIONS: From 16th St to Military Rd West, To left onto Glover Rd / Oregon Av, Site will be to your right
•Please sign up at the information station to bring items such as cups, plates, forks etc. or food items.
•Also, help is needed with the transportation of tables to site, setup and cleanup of site. Sign-up sheets for this are also at the information station. There is something for everyone to do!!!!
BI-MONTHLY MINISTRY LEADER MEETING
The next bi-monthly ministry leader meeting will take place on Aug 10 from 7-8:15. Please ensure your ministry is represented. Contact Rev Cathy for more information at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
Gender Neutral Restrooms coming soon (Finally)!
We are pleased to announce MCCDC will be implementing gender neutral restrooms. In early August, we will replace the “Men” and “Women” signs with signs indicating our restrooms are gender neutral. Some time ago, the Board approved moving to gender neutral restrooms for our church. The Trustees began working on implementing this decision.
They met and discussed developing new signage and the types of locks to put on the exterior doors to the main floor restrooms. As they were discussing these matters, a clear and strong consensus developed among the Trustees that we need to implement true gender neutral restrooms and simply replace the signage and not install locks on the exterior entrance doors to the restrooms on the main level. The trustees shared this approach with the Board.
Everyone should feel not only welcomed in our church, but each person should feel that they truly belong here. This decision reflects our mission. The plan is to install signage that clearly indicates our restrooms are available to everyone and will display a depiction of either two toilets or one toilet and one urinal. The signs will inform people of the types of facilities available in each particular restroom.
The two restrooms on the lower level will remain private (locking) single occupancy use for people preferring that option.
If you have questions or comments to share about this change, please share them with the trustees know at trustees@mccdc.com or feel free to visit with them when you see them at church.
“I hope that everybody gets a chance to be who and what they are. I just know if I have to pee, I don’t care where it’s going to be.” — Dolly Parton, in the Advocate, June 6, 2016.
PARKING LOT GATE
The parking lot gate is being repaired and is fully operational. The gate is coded and can be opened with your assigned code. The gate will be open on Sunday for worship service.
YOGA CLASSES CONTINUE JULY 11, Monday Nights, There is room for you!!!!
To nourish your physical body in addition to your spiritual body. Join us for yoga classes on Mondays at 7pm. The class is donation-based, so give what you can. If you are interested in starting or continuing please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
~ Namaste (“The Spirit in me honors the Spirit in you”)
Electronic Giving
You may give online at mccdc.com/donate or give by text 202-999-3841. Please contact the church office with questions. 202-638-7373 or churchoffice@mccdc.com.
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Please join the Tuesday Night Bible Study from 7-8pm in the Welcome Hall.
A time of community, fun learning and sharing. For more information please contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
CHURCH NEWS
Harvest Time for Spirits
Calling all writers for a Saturday 4-hour workshop on September 17, focusing on what we bring from summer spiritual warmth and growth and how we plan to let this rich harvest give us energy and focus during colder months to come. Write about it! Bring it to life!
Our guide will be Rev. Dr. Robin H. Gorsline, MCCDC Writer-Theologian in Residence. We will meet at 10 a.m. and conclude by 2:00 pm. He will lead us in several guided writing exercises and we will also have an opportunity to undertake a more personal piece of writing.
A hearty vegetarian lunch will be served, donations to cover the cost of lunch gratefully received. And feel free to bring something to share.
Please let Rev. Robin know of your attendance by writing him at RevRobin@mccdc.com or speaking with him at church, or writing the church office at ChurchOffice@mccdc.com
KICK-OFF WEEK FOR THE BACKPACK 4 KIDS PROGRAM!
LET’S START STRONG MCCDC!!
ADOPT A KID, WHY NOT TWO OR THREE!
WE WILL BE ACCEPTING BACKPACKS, SUPPLIES, AND YOU CAN ALSO DONATE WITH CASH OR CREDIT CARDS!!
In partnership with the community outreach program at NBC4 Washington, we are collecting backpacks and supplies (and credit card or check donations that would allow us to purchase those items). It only takes $20 to equip one student with a backpack and supplies for the school year. Why not adopt one kid, maybe two–how about 5!! Our goal is to provide OVER 300 kids with backpacks and supplies for the coming year. We are also encouraging our neighbors to help with the backpack program by donating supplies! We will be collecting supplies and donations over the next FOUR weeks! You can also reach out to folks at your work or send this eblast to family and friends!! Help MCCDC help kids in our community!!
Here’s how you can help:
Donate a new backpack stuffed with school supplies
Donate school supplies
Donate securely online at www.mccdc.com, and select the “Donate” tab near the top, and choose “Backpacks 4Kids” in the dropdown menu.
If you would like to donate a backpack, the school supplies needed per backpack include:
New backpack
Two packs of loose leaf notebook paper
Two dozen #2 pencils
Two packages of cap erasers
Three spiral composition books
One yellow highlighter
Eight plain folders with pockets and brads or loose leaf binder with dividers
One package of 24 crayons and/or one package of colored pencils
Small pencil or supply box or zippered supply pouch
Two composition books
Paper glue
Box of Kleenex
2 packs of copy – white paper
12-inch ruler
We have big blue tubs in the Welcome Hall. Drop-off your donations during the week and before or after the Sunday Services. If you need more information, please contact Mark Kornmann at mark@mccdc.com.
MCCDC BUS TRIP TO ATLANTIC CITY HOSTED BY THE OLDER ADULT MINISTRY
Sept 17, 2016
Departs MCCDC promptly at 7AM and returns at 11PM.
The cost is $50 and must be paid in advance. The deadline for sign up is Sept 1st. For more information please contact Ace Barbari at 703-303-2934 for complete information and sign up.
Please join the YAMs Delivering Meals and Groceries to families, Saturday, August 20, 2016
The Young Adult Ministry (YAMs) are partnering with Food & Friends once again this year, but with a twist! We will be delivering Meals and Groceries to families within a designated region of the District.
When: Saturday, August 20th
Time: 10am – 12pm
Location: 219 Riggs Road NE, Washington, DC 20011
We are anticipating a Minimum of 10 volunteers for this event. Please RSVP as soon as possible to John Merriwether (JMrwthr@aol.com), and provide the following info: (1) Name (2) Date of Birth (3) If you are willing to drive during the event
MCCDC IS THE PLACE TO BE…ON THE GO!!!
This summer as you travel and visit or simply sit by the pool, take MCCDC with you. Watch and listen to weekly sermons at mccdc.com. Make sure you are signed up for the weekly eblast. Place your request at Mark@mccdc.com. Sign up for auto-tithe at mccdc.com/donate so that your gifts can continue throughout the summer.
Take pictures of the mccdc wrist band (or of YOU wearing the wrist band) and submit them throughout the summer to revcathy@mccdc.com so that we can stay connected and continue to share as community. The pictures will be posted and there will be a special gift in the fall for the most amazing picture/location.
Tom Simmons Service of Ordination
MCCDC’s most recent clergy candidate, Rev Elect Tom Simmons, has been approved for ordination at the July 2016 Victoria General Conference. The service will be held at 3 pm on Saturday August 27th. All are welcome to attend. If you would like to participate in the service by singing in the choir or ensemble, please contact Rev Cathy by Aug 16th. revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
Partnership Month
The congregations of MCCDC and Unity Fellowship Church, DC will celebrate the anniversary month of their shared space partnership.
On Sunday August 14th Rev. Dwayne will be preaching at the 3 pm UFCDC service and Rev Abena McCray-Peters will be preaching at the MCCDC services. Please come out to support this partnership. For more information or to provide assistance, please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
OWN YOUR OWN BUSINESS WORKSHOP
Under Armour, Marriott Hotels, HARPO Studious: all of these success stories started with the inspiration of one person. Do you have an idea for a business? or have you ever thought of starting your own business of dreamed of self-employment? Please join us for an informal – but informational – presentation on Saturday, September 10 from 1:00-2:30 on “starting your own business.” Several of us at MCCDC have been blessed to do so, and we want to share our tips/advice/thoughts on how you might do so as well. While this is a free event, we ask that you please RSVP to Quanti Davis at cue971@gmail.com. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you on Sept. 10.
NEXT MEMBERSHIP CLASS TO TAKE PLACE AUGUST 21
If you have questions about MCCDC and what membership is about, class will be held on Aug 21st from 12:30 to 2:30 in the lower level conference room. All are welcome to attend. A light lunch will be served. PLEASE register so that we may have enough food and materials. Contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
