This Week’s Reflection
“Jesus came and took her by the hand and lifted her up.” ~Mark 1: 31
As I was growing up, one of my favorite church songs was “Love Lifted Me.” When we got to the “lifted” part of the song the children would rise high on their toes. It was inspiring. By the end of the song, the adults would join in rising up on their toes. Those in wheelchairs would raise their arms. One thing I remember: even the grumpiest members of the church had at least the beginning of a smile by the end of the song. Frowns were lifted into smiles.
Today as I was walking to MCCDC, I made it a point to watch for smiles. I saw lots of faces. Some had neutral expressions. Many had tense expressions. And yes, some had frowns. There was one exception: with bright eyes and a radiant face, one smiled wide and said good morning. We chatted briefly and wished each other a good day. It was a simple moment, about 30 seconds in duration. Yet that was all it took to shift the trajectory of the day. We lifted each other up. A simple conversation can be an act of generosity.
Our scriptures for Sunday offer a lift. In Mark 1:29-39 the mother-in-law of the disciple Simon is sick in bed with a fever. Present in their home, at the bedside, Jesus literally lifts her: “Jesus came and took her by the hand and lifted her up.” Her response to the touch of Jesus is to rise up with resurrected strength. Renewed, she goes from there to lift others through her gifts of service.
The work of Jesus moves from the intimacy of a home to the cacophony of the city. In the city, Jesus continues to minister, fulfilling the call of Psalm 147: 6: “The Lord lifts up the downtrodden. . .”
At MCCDC we are called to join Jesus in offering a generous lift to others. Like Jesus in the home, the lift happens inwardly in our MCCDC Sanctuary. And like Jesus in the city, the lift happens outwardly, in our neighborhood and beyond. At the heart of our online ministries is a desire to provide a lift 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are here for ministry, and we are opening ourselves to extend our ministries further.
Join us this Sunday at 9AM and 11AM EST in our Sanctuary, online and later on demand. In preparation, I invite you to partner with me in reflecting on this favorite scripture from Isaiah 40: 31 which echoes our theme: “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall lift up with wings like eagles. . .”
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.
Older Adult Ministry
The Older Adult Ministry will be holding their monthly meeting In Person, 2nd floor Chapel and Zoom on 11 February 2024, at 12:30 pm EST.
This month Guest Speaker is Ginger Nice with Silver Bridges Consulting, a specialized senior placement firm. She will be discussing Exploring Senior Living Options.
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
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
People of Faith Addressing Gun Violence Gathering/Spiritual Colloquium
On Saturday, 09 March, 1 pm EST, Metropolitan Community Church of DC (MCCDC)474 Ridge Street NW | Washington, DC the Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas (VOACC) will be leading this gathering for faith leaders and people of faith passionate about making a difference in the community!
The focus of this event will be discussions on gun violence, and how to do more than just give our thoughts and prayers at Metropolitan Community Church of DC (MCCDC).
For more information about this event contact Rev Elder Dwayne Johnson at revdwayne@mccdc.com or Rev Jules Christian at enjoyingtoday@hotmail.com
Click here to register for this FREE event
A Special MCC Film Screening
You’re invited to see a special film screening
of Angels & Saints – Eros & Awe
A film about wholeness and uniting body & spirit.
The film can be viewed at your convenience from 14 February – 19 February 2024 .
Screening time for the film will be between the hours of: Wednesday, 14 February, 12:00 am ET / 5:00 am GMT through Monday, 19 February, 12:00 am ET / 5:00 am GMT.
There will also be two live, interactive Q&A and Panel Discussion with the Producer, Director, and MCC members lasting 60 minutes each on Saturday, 17 February 2024.
Morning Panel Discussions will be:
11:00 am ET / 10:00 am CT / 8:00 am PT / 1:00 pm BRT / 6:00 pm SAST / Midnight PHST / 4:00 pm GMT /
3:00 am next day AUS
Afternoon Panel Discussion will be:
8:00 pm ET / 7:00 pm CT / 5:00 pm PT / 10:00 pm BRT/ Sunday, 18 February 3:00 am SAST / 9:00 am PHST /
1:00 am GMT / 12:00 pm AUS
Click here to see Video Summary about the film!
Click here to register for this event!
Ash Wednesday Service
Join your MCCDC Family Ash Wednesday Service 14 February at 06:30 pm EST via Zoom.
Here are three ways to participate
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 835 4053 6398
Dial 1 301 715 8592 by phone,Meeting ID 835 4053 6398
Email Scam Alert
Someone has been sending email claiming to be Re. Cathy and requesting people buy gift cards. This is a scam! (Rev. Cathy 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!
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 #93 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher.
Dear God, thank you for the opportunities to serve and worship you from our hearts through the guidance of the Holy Spirit; guidance for the generous sharing of financial gifts, moral support, talents, time, skills and treasures with people all over the world in an expanding borderless beloved community. Help us release and let go of any doubts that try to cloud the vision and mission of all places of spiritual worship performing great works in your name.
We are grateful that you are with us always in our joyful times and through the difficult times. Thank you, God, for prosperous living in all things—your unending grace, health and healing, family relationships, and the respect of friends and neighbors. We cherish all that you have given us by the labor of our hands; and miraculous gifts bestowed upon us when it was hard to see beyond unpleasant circumstances. Thank you for entrusting us to continue your great works here on earth as your Son, Jesus Christ did so many years ago. In your many precious names, thank you. Amen.
“Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving; and sing our praises with joy.”
Psalm 95:2 (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!
Watch on YouTube
