“Life can only be understood backwards, but it can only be lived forwards.”
~ Soren Kierkegaard
Spiritual writer Clifford Rawley, on a trip to China, was journeying on the Yangtze River when he noticed an unusual sight: old shoes floating by. He learned these old shoes were not careless litter, but were part of a ritual of releasing the past and receiving the future. It was explained to him “that when people suffer illness, unemployment, or divorce they let go of the past and its painful memories by putting their old shoes in the river. With new shoes they hope to walk into a better future.”
This Sunday, through song, scripture, prayer and testimony we will let go of the “old shoes” of 2019 and begin to try on the “new shoes” of 2020. We will honor the past and anticipate the future. We will move towards new or renewed ways of living and being.
The poet of Ecclesiastes reminds us that “There is a season for everything and a time for every matter under the heavens” (3:1). For some in the MCCDC community, 2019 was a time for giving birth. For others it was a time for searching. Among us there are those living the range of times: “a time for crying and a time for laughing, a time for mourning and a time for dancing. . .” (3:4-5).
Wherever you find yourself during this time, life can only be lived forward. Living forward, during low times or high times, is a choice. Now is the time to make the choice to live forward. I believe that the culmination of our daily choices creates the ultimate impact of our lives.
MCCDC is here to partner with you through the seasons. We are also here to strengthen your spiritual tools to empower you to make consistent choices for a stronger future. We are here to support each other. Looking ahead to 2020, what “old shoes” no longer serve you and need to be released? What “new shoes” will help you move forward, even though they may need a “breaking in” time?
I have a spiritual practice to suggest for 2020. Whenever you put on your shoes, take a moment to reflect on where those shoes have taken you. Places of service? Places of joy? Places of pain? Invite the Holy Spirit to direct your thoughts about what message your shoes hold for you.
Then, take a moment to imagine what is ahead. Where will these shoes take you? Who will you meet? What opportunities will open? How will they go with you to places of protest or resistance in the Holy Work of justice and equality? How will you bring more love into the world?
Once your shoes are on, take a moment to feel their warmth, texture and support. Then, as you begin to move, whether on foot or in a wheelchair, offer a prayer of gratitude, petition, or aspiration.
Every time you put on shoes, it is an opportunity for a new beginning! See you this Sunday, the final Sunday of 2019, at 9AM and 11AM, either in the house or Livestream.
By Faith
Rev Elder Dwayne Johnson
“UP COMING EVENTS”
Unity Fellowship Church, DC Watch Night Service, December 31, 9 pm to 12 am
All are welcome to join the Unity Fellowship of Washington, DC family to celebrate New Year’s Eve. For more information call 202-380-9596 or email unityfellowshipchurchdc@gmail.com
“CHURCH NEWS”
Bible Study Christmas Break!
Bible study is on Christmas Break and will resume January 07 2020.
See you in the new year!
For more information, please contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at churchoffice@mccdc.com or call (202) 638-7373.
Older Adult Ministry Potluck/Meeting, 05 January,12:30 pm
Older Adult Ministry will be holding their monthly Potluck. All age 50 and above are welcome to join. For more information contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at the church office 202-638-7373
Save This Date! February 15, 2020 at 6 pm.
MCCDC Worship Arts Ministry Black History Month Program
February 15, 2020 at 6 pm. Please mark your calendars
MCCDC Bible Study goes to Sight and Sounds Theater for the Play: QUEEN ESTHER
300 Hartman Bridge Road,Ronks, PA 17572 (800) 377-1277
Click On picture above to see QUEEN ESTHER 2020 Video Clip
When August 15, 2020
Time: Carpool leaves 9 am from MCCDC to Sight and Sounds
Cost: $79.00
SHOW STARTS AT 3 PM
NOTE!!!
INDIVIDUALS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DRIVING OR COORDINATING A RIDE TO AND FROM THEATER LOCATION!!!!
All Money Due No Later Than 28 June 2020!!!
Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville baskerd6109@gmail.com or call 202-638-7373 for question or information.
Event Rental Space at MCCDC
Are you or someone you know planning an upcoming event? Are you looking for a reasonably priced rental space with easy access to public transportation? Look no further.
Call MCCDC today at 202-638-7273 for rates and availability.
Click Here for more Information
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
Stay current on our video postings .
Click here to see more MCCDC Videos
Inspiration Videos, Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC
“Ministry Spotlight”
Intercessory Prayer Team
The Intercessory Prayer Team invites the congregation to “PRAY FIRST” for the new year! Join us as we endeavor to start off 2020 in prayer by praying first in these five areas:
• Before getting out of bed
• Before driving or taking the metro/bus
• Before saying offensive or derogatory words
• Before making impulsive or important decisions
• Before going to sleep
We believe this will make a difference in our year and draw us closer to God and take us into the Lent season.
You can join us at intercessory prayer on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month in the Chapel. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Jules at enjoyingtoday@hotmail.com.
Drama for a Day!
Have you ever wanted to write, direct or act for the drama ministry without making a long-term commitment? Now you can! Sign up to lead or participate in one of our monthly performances. For questions or information, please contact Jules at enjoyingtoday@hotmail.com
LiveStream Volunteer’s Needed!
Volunteer! No experience is required. We will train you or someone you recommend. (Perhaps a student interested in picking up new skills?) Opportunities include:
o Producing the livestream itself on Sundays and for special events (greatest need)
o Assisting on Sundays by video recording and managing cameras
o Video editing (this requires access to your own computer and video editing software)
Share our message! Inspired by Rev. Dwayne’s spiritual instruction? Moved by a praise & worship song? Post it on Facebook. Send a link to friends and family. They can tune-in to our livestream or watch worship services on demand at livestream.com/mccdc, through our website at mccdc.com, or browse clips on our YouTube Channel.
Click here to visit MCCDC YouTube channel
Email Johanna at mccdclive@gmail.com or talk to any one of the AV team members to volunteer or for more information
The Soundboard Ministry Needs YOU
Soundboard volunteers are needed for 9 am and 11 am services. No experience needed!
You will be trained on a state of the art soundboard and learn how to set up mics for services.
Ideally, you will train at the 9 am service and continue training at the 11 am service, but we are flexible.
Please contact Michael Cunningham at mjcunningham2013@gmail.com or stop by to talk with any soundboard volunteer.
Hospitality Ministry Needed Volunteers and Treats
Hospitality personnel are needed to setup treats after 9 am and 11 am service. Also if you have hospitality items that you are willing to share and would like to support our Hospitality Ministry, please contact the church office at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
Items that are needed:
White Paper Towel Rolls
Coffee K-Pods
Tea
Box of Coffee Straws
Napkins
Fresh Apples
Fresh Oranges
Plums
Yogurt
Granola Bars
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Prayer Corner
Please continue to hold in your prayers Keith Richardson who is in a Nursing Home.
Join our Worship and Arts Ministry!
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