This Week’s Reflection
“Epiphany is a season of light and revelation, a season of searching, discovering, finding and knowing. I wonder what we can learn from the penetrating and grace-filled vision of God in these days. If Jesus were here right now, looking at what we’re looking at, what would he see? ~Debi Thomas
Who are we called to be?
What are we called to do?
How are we called to do it?
The Season of Epiphany aligns with our current initiative to gather the collective wisdom of the MCCDC community. Our Wisdom Gatherings are focused on these questions. Last night, we met on Zoom to discuss the first question and we’ll be reporting out beginning this coming Sunday, January 14 at our worship services.
Next Wednesday, January 17, at 6:30p.m. EST we’ll discuss what we are called to do. We’ll look at our inward and outward ministries. Then, on Sunday, January 28 at 12:30p.m. we’ll meet in the Sanctuary and online to move from ideation to implementation. This work will include prioritization and looking at our resources. Each of us will consider our individual callings to support our collective callings.
Call stories are at the heart of our scripture for Sunday from 1 Samuel 3:1-20. God calls Samuel from the depths of sleep. After some confusion and several attempts, the Lord calls: “Samuel! Samuel!” Now awake, both physically and spiritually, Samuel says, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
As the call unfolds, Samuel is ready to respond to the question: Lord, what do you want to do through me? Samuel is ready to take on the call and participate in the new vision. Samuel is inspired by holy affirmation when the Lord says to Samuel, “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. . .” Moving forward, Samuel lived a call of truth telling. Samuel gave his life to serve as a trustworthy leader. “As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.”
This Sunday at 9a.m. and 11a.m. EST in the sanctuary, online and later on demand, we’ll look at how ancient calls are relevant to the calls of today. In preparation, I invite you to join me in reflecting on Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
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.
2024 Wisdom Gatherings “Reimagining What it Means to Reimagine Church”
Help determine the future of MCCDC.
We welcome your voice as we seek God’s direction for our future.
There are 2 sessions planned:
#1: Ministry and Programing Inward and Outward
Zoom only:
Wednesday January 17 from 6:30p.m. to 7:45p
#2:Moving Forward and Mobilization
Zoom AND In Person
Sunday January 28 from 12:30p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Here are three ways to participate:
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
Call In, +1 301 715 8592 US, Meeting ID: 864 8711 8559
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
Older Adult Ministry
The Older Adult Ministry will be holding its monthly meeting In Person, 2nd floor Chapel or Join via Zoom. 14 January 2023, at 12:30 PM. This month we will discuss 5 wishes and how to plan for that time..
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
Email Scam Alert
Someone has been sending email claiming to be Rev. Dwayne and requesting people buy gift cards. This is a scam! (Rev. Dwayne has only one email address, revdwayne@mccdc.com). Delete the email or report it as spam to reportphishing@apwg.org. or CLICK HERE TO report to GMAIL.
Save This Date !
MCCDC will have their Black History Concert on Saturday, 24th February at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.
Here are two ways to participate:
In Person 474 Ridge St., NW, Washington, D 20001 or join us live stream at live.mccdc.com!
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.
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 our history and walk the MCCDC Labyrinths! We will also offer a virtual experience via Zoom.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
Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #92 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Every moment is a fresh beginning.” – T.S. Eliot
Dear God, thank you for this year of blessings that you bestowed upon Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and all spiritual places of worship throughout the world. Thank you for creating everything and saying “It is good.” We have been made worthy of your grace through your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray for peace and kindness within everyone’s heart to express your love to a world in need of peace. Help us to work willingly as your hands to continue feeding the hungry and healing the sick in your many names, teaching and preaching in gathering more souls for your spiritual realm.
We look to this year of 2024 with renewed faith and hope, trusting that you are with us always, in our triumphs, through periods of grief, and in all instances of our lives. We pray that our families be bonded by love—biological loved ones, church members, and family ties of people everywhere. Bless all that we live peacefully with each other and care for each other regardless of race, culture, color, nationality, or religious beliefs—that we unite together for a prosperous world of abundance, love, and peace that is so contagious it spreads from one soul to another infecting the world with nothing but goodness. Thank you, God, in your many precious names. Amen
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
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!
Watch on YouTube
