This Week’s Reflection
Come LOVE. It is the only force that can drive out fear. Love is the meaning of life; we must draw near. Come CHRIST: The first time was the incarnation. Now we look for You again, O Holy One. This Is The Season of COMING. ~Rev. Jules Christian
At the heart of Christmas and the heart of hope is Jesus coming into this world as the angel announced: “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a savior . . . a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger” (Luke 2: 10, 12).
Love comes through Jesus. Jesus is God embodying love up close and personal, not from a distance. Where there is love there is hope. The world that Jesus entered was marked by violence and enmity. Surely it felt hopeless and loveless to many who lived through that time. like many today, they were looking for love, hoping for love.
In Jesus, the hope for love is answered. Through the years, understandings of such love have deepened. In 1738 Charles Wesley wrote the epic hymn “Jesus, Lover of My Soul.” The one born in the manger now lives in our hearts. Yes, Jesus loves our souls! Through the love of Jesus, we are bearers of hope. Nan Merrill writes, “When God enters the human heart, all yearnings are fulfilled!”
In preparation for Sunday, I invite you to reflect on this prayer from Nan Merrill:
“Restore us to wholeness, O Healer, like newborn babes who have never strayed from you. May all who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy! May all who go forth weeping tears of repentance, bearing seeds of love, come home to you with shouts of joy, leaving sorrow behind.”
In Christmas Hope,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Seasonal Services
Please join us for the following Seasonal Services:
• 24 December, 10 am Christmas Eve Morning: In Person and Live Stream.
• 24 December, 5 pm EST Christmas Eve with Candles: In Person ONLY
• 31 December, 10 am EST, New Year’s Eve Morning:In Person and Live Stream.
Join us in person at 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC or live stream at live.mccdc.com
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.
End of Year Gift
Make your End of Year Gift TODAY! Help MCCDC to go into 2024 year strong.
Go to donate.mccdc.com and select End of Year Gift from the menu. This gift will count toward your tax-free contribution for 2023.
Guest Psalmists Singers, Christmas Eve Service,24 December at 10 am
Dr. KaMyka Glenn
Johnathan Walker
Cameron Jones
2024 Book Study: Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul
Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, invites you to join him on a 6-week book study starting on Thursday’s, 11 January and ending on February 15, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm EST.
The book “Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul” by John Philip Newell, a famous Celtic Christian writer and teacher, reviews the lives and writings of 9 important figures such as Pelagius, a second-century Christian writer.
• The book can be purchase online at Thriftbooks.com, Christianbook.com, Bookshop.org, and Amazon.com.
• Participants are asked to register first by emailing Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline at writer@robinhawleygorsline.com who will email you the zoom information.
Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #90 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” ~ Christian D. Larson
Dear God, thank you for a prosperous year this year for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and all places of spiritual worship. We look to the New Year with hope, with aspiration, and commitment for a larger gathering of souls for your spiritual realm, and sharing generously of our talents, skills, time, financial gifts, and treasures, helping others as needed. Thank you for giving the world a new hope through the birth of your son, Jesus, a Savior, your sacrificial gift that through his death, everyone may have eternal life. We pray to reap a more prosperous year for your glory that we fulfill your purpose for our lives.
We are grateful that you have been and are still with us through our triumphs, grieving for loved ones who have died, and our joyful times. You are with us in the realm of timelessness but always on time. When we have given up hope, you have saved us. Regardless of false prophets and our fears within this chaotic world, help us to continue trusting you, the One who dwells within us, for you are “greater than anyone in the world.” Thank you for helping us to move forward in faith to accomplish the vision and mission for your spiritual realm, an inclusive Beloved Community without borders all across the world. Thank you in your many precious names.
“Dear friends, you have already overcome these false prophets; because you are from God and have in you the One who is greater than anyone in the world.” 1 John 4:4 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 * Vernessa D. Wilson * Family of Ms. Brittany Harrell * Veronica Franklin * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline * Glenn Conway * Anthony Goode * Randy Punley * Marcus Garnett * Renee Valentine’s brother * Arden Shutt * Evelyn Jones * Steve Sloane * Jeffrey Luckenbach * Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa * Cynthia Melman * Kim Battle * Joshua Benkins’ father Isaac * Mike Washington * Buck Carlson * Johanna Hardy * Doris Carter Washington of Alexandria * Melvin Moore Adams* John Hylton * Summer Allen
“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
Meets Monthy
For more information, contact Jacqueline Laughlin at yemayah@icloud.com.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
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