LIFE DESPITE DYING
“Let us pray with everything within us that the bad things happening in our world not blind us to the opportunity for peace or the all-including love of God. Let us pray that the violence we, as a human family, have once again experienced, recreate in us a right spirit, a spirit that leads us to the kind of re-examination for our lives and recreation of our communities that will make it possible for us to live together as the one people of God.”
~MCC Council of Elders
from “A Call for Prayer and Peace as Brussels Undergoes Terrorist Attacks”
I
was already working with the theme “Life Despite Dying” (inspired by the writings of Allan Boesak) when the news about the Brussels terrorists attacks broke. I felt that sick gut punch feeling that is too frequent, followed by numbing sadness that seems to linger longer. Upon these attacks, the theme seems even more appropriate because it asks the question:
Is there life despite
this dying? If so, where do we find life?
John 20:18 points us in the right direction when Mary Magdalene announces to the disciples, “I’ve seen the Lord.”
Her proclamation is one of the shortest yet most effective sermons ever recorded. Jesus was dead. Now he’s not. He is alive. How do I know? She says: “I’ve seen the Lord!”
Amidst the rubble and beyond the headlines, one can still see the presence of the Risen Lord. And where the Risen Lord is, there is life. We’ll look at this further in the message Sunday at 9AM and 11AM.
I also invite you to our 7PM Holy Thursday service, with the theme “Jesus still Speaks.” Together, we will experience his voice of love as we feast on hearty fresh bread, drink the cup of life, and testify to his living and loving voice.
Good Friday at 7PM the theme is “Jesus is Speaking: Contemplating the Seven Last Phrases of Jesus.” Through music, scripture, prayer, poetry and silence this service will echo the Tenebrae tradition of extinguishing a candle at the end of each of the seven movements in the service.
My prayer for all of us is that this Holy Week would indeed be a time of spiritual awakening and deepening. Each day through Easter, I invite you to join me in praying this prayer from the Council of Elders:
“Help us to direct our grief and the energy of our losses toward the things that will make for swords being hammered into plowshares, and an end to all our sorrow. Help us to remember
Jesus’ example on the cross-those words about forgiveness for those who don’t really get what they are doing, and that promise that today can be more like Paradise than horror for us, if we are willing to follow in his footsteps.
Help us, we pray, In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
I look forward to seeing you on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.
By Faith,
Rev. Elder Dwayne
LAST CALL!!
PLEASE TAKE THE CHURCH SURVEY
An Invitation from Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE SURVEY
In 2015 we worked with Rev. Elder Don Eastman to focus on our future. His work with us included several congregational surveys and retreat weekends. All that information was the foundation for a drafting team that included our consultant Rev. Elder Don Eastman, Associate Pastor Rev. Cathy Alexander, Dale Madyun-Baskerville, Steve Jones, and myself. We used your comments and participation to NOW present to you for further comment our guiding documents which include our Mission, Vision and Values..
Please click here to take survey!
Tell us what you think! Place your mark on the future of MCCDC, this Beloved Community. It will only take a few minutes, yet it will be very helpful to the drafting team as we prepare proposed guiding documents to present to the Board of Directors for consideration. Upon Board approval of our guiding documents, Rev. Elder Don Eastman will work with us on strategic implementation.
I invite you to join me in this next step of creating our future together!
By Faith,
Rev. Elder Dwayne
THIS WEEK MARCH 2016
Join us for Holy Week Services
HOLY SERVICES:
** Palm Sunday, Sunday, March 20, 9am & 11am
** Maundy Thursday, Thursday, March 24, 7pm
** Good Friday, Friday, March 25, 7pm
** Easter Sunday, Sunday, March 27, 9am & 11am
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.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Adult Sunday School is held from 10:15 to 10:50. Please bring your coffee or tea to the upstairs conference room for the brief yet powerful time together. For more information contact Rose Herring at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN MCCDC’S 2016 STEWARDSHIP DRIVE
This year we are asking all members and regular attenders to do a quick self-assessment of their stewardship to MCCDC. How do we currently share our time, talent, and, treasure with MCCDC? And, as a statement of faith, how will we continue to contribute to the church this year?
The pledge form simply asks you to identify the time, talent, and treasure that you will contribute to MCCDC in 2016. Your participation in this year’s pledge drive will be recognized with a cross placed on your name tag starting March 6.
Click below for Pledge Drive form.2016 Stewardship Pledge Form Final
Please contact Rev Cathy should you have questions or require additional information. revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
Let’s celebrate MCCDC’s 45th anniversary by pledging our support to the church and its ministries in 2016. Thank you for you participation.
CHURCH NEWS
MCCDC 45th Anniversary Celebration Gala
Join us for an evening of fine dining, dancing, memories and memory making with old and new friends.
Our 45th Anniversary Gala will take place on:
***May 21st from 6:30-10:30 PM at the:
***National Press Club 529, 14th Street NW, 13th Floor Ballroom, Washington, DC 20045.
***Tickets are available online at link below or at the information station starting March 6th., 2016.
***Ticket Prices $70.00 until April 1, 2016 and $80.00 until May 2, 2016.
Click Here to Buy Tickets Online
The 45th Anniversary Program Booklet
Come One, Come All. The 45th Anniversary Team is compiling a program booklet for our Gala Evening. If you would like information about purchasing an ad for the booklet (advertise your business, send greetings and congratulations, send your support for the next 45 years), please contact Quanti Davis at cue971@gmail.com or 301-275-1393.
45th Anniversary History Project
We want to hear from you because you have a story to tell the nations. We would like everyone to tell their story (in a page or less) and especially if you are a 20+ year member of MCCDC. Use the following questions as a guide:
• How did you find MCCDC?
• What were your feelings to find a spiritual home that let you know God loves and created you for who you are?
• What contributions (spiritual gifts) did you make to the ministry of the church?
• What would you share with people who are still looking for a safe and spiritual home?
• What are your hopes for the future of MCCDC?
Please send you writings by March 1st to Cecelia Hayden Smith and Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373. Cecelia Hayden Smith is at the church every Tuesday from 12:30 –
HAVE YOUR CAKE… AND EAT IT TOO!!!ORDER YOUR CAKE FOR PALM SUNDAY AND EASTER SUNDAY
PICK UP YOUR CAKES MARCH 20 – 27, 2016
A VARIETY OF WHOLE CAKES AVAILABLE!! SEE LIST BELOW! SIGN UP AT THE INFORMATION STATON OR CALL THE CHURCH AT 202-638-7373
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT MCCDC 45TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Regular Cakes $20.00
• Yellow Cake with Chocolate Icing
• Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Icing
• Plain Coconut Cake
• Pineapple Coconut Cake
• Lemon Pound Cake
• Pound Cake
Special Cakes: $30.00
• Carrot Cake
• Red Velvet Cake
• German Chocolate Cake
Pies: $7.00
• Sweet Potato Pie
MINISTRY LEADER MEETING
The Bi-Monthly Ministry Leader meeting will take place on April 6 from 7-8:15. Please ensure your ministry is represented at this important meeting. This will be a conference call so please contact Rev Cathy for the call in information she may be reached at RevCathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
MCCDC JOINS TO SUPPORT THE MCC GLOBAL JUSTICE INSTITUTE WITH EASTER HONORS AND REMEMBRANCES
By participating in the Easter Offering Campaign for Global Justice, MCCDC will join hands with others around the globe to put our faith into action. Led by Rev. Elder Pat Baumgartner, the Global Justice Institute (GJI) has a bold vision for the coming year and the important work that our donation will jump-start:
Working with activists on the ground in Central Asia and Malawi to create and expand safe spaces and housing for targeted LGBTQI people;
Strengthening and expanding our programming reach at our satellite location of GJI in Kenya;
Collaborating with HIV/AIDS activists in Cuba;
Expanding partnerships between local MCCs and GJI projects.
With our contributions MCCDC is supporting the critical work accomplished through the Global Justice Institute at a time when the support is needed globally more than ever!
GAME NIGHT SET FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 26
ALL ARE WELCOME to join the Young Adults Ministry (YAMs) for an exciting night of playing various board games, cards, and dominoes on Saturday, March 26th @ 6pm in the Sanctuary. So bring your favorite game(s) and come have fun!!
Light refreshments will be provided, so please RSVP to John Merriwether (jmrwthr@aol.com) or Chocolatté Hatch-Miller (chocolatte.miller@outlook.com) .
YOGA CLASSES AT MCCDC
To nourish your physical body in addition to your spiritual body, MCCDC plans to soon host a 4-week long series of yoga classes held on Mondays at 7pm. You do not need to come with flexibility, strength or balance – that’s what we’ll be improving!
The instruction will focus on beginning fundamentals of yoga. Optional variations will also challenge experienced practitioners. The class will be donation-based. A limited number of mats will be available to borrow.
Please register ahead of time, especially to reserve a mat. If you are interested please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
~ Namaste (“The Spirit in me honors the Spirit in you”)
SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE
On May 7, 2016, the Susan G. Komen 5K race for the cure will take place in Washington, DC. We are planning to register a team so if you are interested please contact Linda Hornsby. The cost of the registration fee is $40.00. Included in the fee is a t-shirt.
If you are a cancer survivor you can select the color pink. Register by March 25th and save $5! (komendcrace.info-komen.org) Our team name is MCCDC. Although this would be our first walk as an MCCDC team, the event has been going on for a number of years. Our goal for this year is 15 team members and $1000 funds raised. For more information, please contact Linda through the church office at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
MCC DENOMINATIONAL GENERAL CONFERENCE CORNER
The denominational Moderator’s Nominating Committee has announced the slate of candidates for MCC’s next moderator. General Conference’s Clergy House and Lay house will vote on our next moderator. The conference will be held July 4-8, 2016. Click Here to Read a message from the Moderator of the nominating committee and to see bios and statements from the 4 candidates:
Rev. Elder Diane Fisher
Rev. Elder Darlene Garner
Rev. Elder Héctor Gutiérrez
Rev. Dr. Irene Laudeman
MCC Statement of Faith
A revision to MCC’s statement of Faith will also be voted on at this year’s general conference. The denomination’s Commission on the Statement of Faith has published the next installment of theological conversations contained in the statement. Please take a moment to read it. Please click here to read
The current draft of the Statement of Faith is also posted for your review and consideration and comment. Click Here to Read
MCC Governing Board Nominating Committee
MCC will elect 5 members to the Governing Board at the July conference, 3 clergy and 2 laity. The Board is responsible for the governance of the denomination between triannual general conferences. If you are interested in running for the board please read information from the nominating committee and contact the chair of the committee, MCCDC Vice Moderator Mark Kornmann at mark@mccdc.com.Click Here to Read
If you have questions about General Conference please contact your MCCDC lay delegates or Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
UNID@s SPANISH SPEAKING MINISTRY WORSHIP March 27, 2016 SUNDAY AT 1PM
Join the UNID@s Ministry March 27, 2016 at 1pm in the Chapel for worship services.
PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY DISCERNMENT FOR 2016
Do You CARE?
Are You Willing to serve?
Are you on the journey of spiritual maturity?
Are you able to set healthy boundaries?
Do you have a regular prayer life?
Do you have some time to commit?
Are you able to honor confidentiality?
Are you comfortable visiting hospitals and care facilities?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions perhaps you can consider PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY!
Come receive information about the Pastoral Care Ministry
and assistance with your discernment.
Meetings are being held on April 20 and May 18 @ 6pm. For more information, please contact any Pastoral Care Minister or Rev. Dwayne.
MCCDC Computer Training
The computer training theme this year is Using Social Media!! The classes will be focused on the basic use of these very popular tools. We hope you will be able to join us in the Computer Lab on the lower level at MCCDC.
~ 4/17 Facebook Basics
~ 5/22 Twitter
~ 6/19 Using Droid Smart Phones & Tablets
~ 7/17 Home Computer Security Basic
~ 8/21 Using Droid Smart Phones & Tablets
CALLING ALL WHO LIKE TO SEW, CROCHET, KNIT…
If you like to make things with your hands, Rev Cathy would like to speak with you. There is a ministry of caring that you can accomplish from your home or in a group. Making prayer shawls, stoles or scarfs. If you are interested in pursuing your ministry passion in this way, please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
Faith Night with D.C. United Soccer Team!!!
DC United VS New England
**When: Saturday, April 23,2016
**Where: RFK Stadium- 4:30 pm Kick Off Time
**Ticket: Price: $27.00
***This event is open to the entire congregation and friends as we explore the links and bonds formed between faith and sports!
***Activities to include a pre match concert, players testimonials, and words from the D.C. United Team Chaplain!
***Tickets will be sold at the information station on March 13, 2016 through April 3, 2016 after both the 09:00 am and 11:00 am worship services by Chocolatté Hatcher-Miller!
