When the snares of fear encompass me, when the pangs of loneliness envelope me, I suffer distress and anguish. Then I call upon You, my Rock. You come to my aid. Your strength upholds me.
Psalm 116 (Nan Merrill, Psalms for Praying)
Election cycles, climate crisis, inequities, wars…
In the midst of this incredibly worrisome and the very joyful content that is a part of life, God, Divine, Beloved is present. We may forget, not feel that, not feel support in how best to move, act, be still. We may be awaiting helpful questions to arise from within us or from others for clarity. We may have questions that we so want answered. Some that we wanted answered yesterday. God, Divine, is present in relationship, in action with us in all of this.
And we can expand the “space” we have to notice and deepen our sacred friendship with the Divine, individually and in community.
This Sunday, through our text (Mark 8: 27-37) we will explore what we each might, as we are able and willing, put behind us (some worries, fears), bring beside us (companionship, faith), and bring clearly in front of us (love, peace, justice) in support of being guided as we journey with the Divine.
Please join us on site, online or later on demand as we worship together.
Blessings,
Dr. Carla Sherrell
Come join us for Spiritual Engagement Time
This Sunday’s Highlights:
Our spiritual engagement is from the spiritual legacy and wisdom of Dr. Maya Angelou.
Dr. Maya Angelou on Faith as a Lifelong Endeavor
Conversation starter for dialogue:
I’m startled or taken aback when people walk up to me and tell me they are Christians. My first response is the question “Already?” It seems to me a lifelong endeavor to try to live the life of a Christian. I believe that is also true for the Buddhist, for the Muslim, for the Jainist, for the Jew, for the Taoist who try to live their beliefs. The idyllic condition cannot be arrived at and held onto eternally. It is in the search itself that one finds the ecstasy.
(From: 40-day Journey with Maya Angelou)
Some questions for reflection and dialogue:
o Faith as a way of life, rather than solely a way of believing
o Relationship between faith and daily living, including decision-making
o Ecstasy in the search for faith
Please join us for lively, interesting, moving, and welcoming conversation at 9am ET.
MCCDC Chapel Onsite, Online & On demand.
Here are three ways to participate:
* Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
* Call In, +1 301 7158592 Meeting ID:850 0797 0818
* In Person 474 Ridge St., NW, Washington, D 20001
Re-Imagine Ensemble
Join us onsite to sing and rehearse for worship.
Make new friends and enjoy a sense of musical belonging.
“Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” ~Colossians 3:16
MCCDC BIBLE STUDY
Bible Study is back in session!
Go to calendar.mccdc.com for the Zoom
Link or email Dale Madyun-Baskerville,
with any mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com questions
Atlantic City Trip
IT NOT TO LATE!!! SIGN UP FOR THE TRIP THIS Saturday, September 14th. Tickets cost $65 and include $15 for slots. To reserve your seat, visit oam.mccdc.com.
Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville oam@mccdc.com with any questions.
Stronger Together: Being MCC in Politically Perilous Times in the U.S.
For U.S. Pastors, Pastoral Leaders, Network Leaders, and Lay Delegates:
?While on our journey of faith, those who live in the U.S. now find ourselves in politically perilous times. And, we know that MCCers are always STRONGER TOGETHER when we share our journey in faith, prayer, and love.
So the Council of Elders invite you to join us as we explore what we carry in our ‘spiritual backpack’ on this journey and choose to move from independence to interdependence through listening, prayer, action, and hope. We are indeed stronger together and even stronger with love.
Upcoming Schedule: September 21 / October 26 / November 16 // 11AM ET / 10AM CT / 9AM MT / 8AM PT / 4PM BT
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
MCCDC’s Writing’ Ministry
MCCDC’s Writing’ Ministry will gather on Saturday, 21 September, 10:00 am EST 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
Lunch and Learn Series
Wednesday, September 18th at 12:30 pm
“The Many Names for God”
Discussion led by Darryl Walker
A complimentary lunch provided RSVP to darryl_1945@yahoo.com or call 202-297-6884
Pathways to Generosity, Prayer #114
I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.” ~ Mary Oliver
Dear God, thank you for standing by us and blessing us on our journey with you. We are thankful for the opportunities to serve you in the generous spirit of sharing love, talents, financial gifts, time and other treasures you have endowed us with to spread the gospel throughout the earth. We pray to remain grateful to you always, even in periods of suffering and becoming overwhelmed with fear of the unknown. Thank you for the desire and commitment to move forward on the prosperous journey of growing our faith in the vision that our spiritual leaders share with us. We know that everything in the world is yours, and that we are your stewards-in-place to nurture, grow and share abundantly to enrich not only our lives but the lives of others too. Thank you, Lord, for being our Infinite Provider.
Thank you for spiritual worship spaces throughout the world, and we are especially grateful to have a local worship space, the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, where we fellowship with one another. We are amazed and thankful for increased prosperity in different phases of our life. We pray to continue trusting you in all things and for all things; and to remain fiercely courageous by your Power to stand still when troublesome waters roil beneath us and obstacles arise in our way. We rejoice in the Holy Spirit that bonds us with a willingness to share generously of all that is good. Thank you in your many precious names! Amen.
“For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, Fear not, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13: (New International Version)
Clara Carter
MCCDC Prayer Supporter
Hospitality Ministry
MCCDC Hospitality Ministry needs your help!
Please donate:
· Donate/Volunteer your time once a month on Sunday to coordinate, setup or clean up during Hospitality time.
· Donate supplies:
· Food Items: Individually package cookies, Granola bars, Fresh fruit, Yogurt, Coffee, Sugar, Water, tea bags, and juices (Individually cartons)
· Dry Goods: Coffee cups, 8 inch plates, 6 inch plates, paper towels, Clorox Cleaning Spray, dish clothes and dish towels.
Drop off all supplies Sunday morning at the kitchen window. To Volunteer see Dale Madyun-Baskerville on Sunday morning or email oam@mccdc.com
God of My Understanding: Becoming a Spiritual Force
Join MCCDC Bible Study of Jackie Lois book God of My Understanding Tuesday night’s at 7 PM.
You will discover opportunities for spiritual growth and community that seeks to reach out to many people who never felt at home or previously rejected by church and organized religion.
Click Here to Order Your Book!
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’ at the loss of his father Isaac *Mike Washington * Buck Carlson * Doris Carter Washington of Alexandria * John Hylton * Summer Allen * Ruth Kappy Makekodunmi * Sherry Bradshaw prayers for healing,* Elaine Durden-Hunter loss of her sister and for healing * Sheila Chittams for the loss of her father.
“Church Ministries & Events”
Re-Imagine Ensemble
Join us 9 AM onsite at 474 Ridge ST NW, Washington, DC to sing and rehearse for worship.
Make new friends and enjoy a sense of musical belonging.
“Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” ~Colossians 3:16
Spiritual Gifts, Get Involved!
You’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 For God
Join Re-Imagine Ensemble
Lift your voice in rehearsals at 09:00 am
On-Site 474 Ridge Street NW Washington, DC 20001
Email: pastors@mccdc.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.
For more information contact gcsnyder01@aol.com.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
