“Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.”
~ “Dreams,” by Langston Hughes (1902-1967)
The inauguration of the president elect is in the rearview. The unrest preceding and during the inauguration continues. We face difficult days. Now what? The best answer to that question is to see what Jesus did when he faced the “Now what?” question in his own life.
In this Sunday’s scripture from Matthew 4, Jesus receives news that his cousin John has been arrested and is facing execution. Now what? In the face of this crisis, Jesus redoubles his call to faith and Spirit. Though feeling the pain of the situation, Jesus moves forward through his pain to live his values, mission and vision. And he invites others to join him. Jesus held fast to God’s dream. It was a dream that became a prayer: “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Langston Hughes echoes the persistent call of Jesus in the renowned poem “Dreams.” Through prayer in action, we persist beyond brokenness, planting seeds of hope beyond the barren fields of bigotry, ego and greed. As faithful people, we will not be bullied into giving up our dreams.
Now what? Jesus says, “Come, follow me. I will show you. . .” (Matthew 4:19). In the days ahead, when one good right action follows another, we will build bridges rather than walls, leading the way to Beloved Community. Like Jesus, we will “announce the good news of God’s call, healing every disease and sickness among the people” (Matthew 4:23).
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we sing praise, listen for God’s voice, and find strength in community.
By Faith, Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
UPCOMING EVENTS JANUARY 2017
Bible in 90 Days Underway, Wednesday, 7 PM
Please go to this blog page for more instructions and to follow along: Click here to enter the blog
The call in number for our community meeting times will be (641) 715-0632, Access Code: 190766, yet we encourage you to attend in person if you can.
Click here to see upcoming schedule: 2017-bible-in-90-days-schedule
You can order your Bible directly at: Click here to order book or the Bible may be found on Amazon. The cost for a soft-cover copy is $15.
If you have questions, would like to participate, or wish to order a book, please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373. Please call or email to let us know if you plan to participate. All are welcome.
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Please join the Tuesday Night Bible Study from 7-8 PM 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.
NEW FOR 2017, January 29th at 6:30 PM at MCCDC
Ignite is a new monthly Sunday Night Worship. The mission of this new service is to create a worship space that celebrates the diverse tapestry of God’s creation,seeking to explore innovative ways to interact with the Divine who lives in us all. Mark your calendar now and stay posted for more information!
Spiritual Writing Workshop, “The Beauty of Darkness”
The Workshop will be held on Saturday, February 4, 10 am – 2 pm at MCCDC. Soup is provided.
Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline will lead the workshop. He shares “Eighteen years ago, I wrote and defended a dissertation entitled, “Bearing Witness to the Dark. My research and writing led me on a journey to embrace darkness, a journey that continues to this day. My interest in darkness began long ago with my passion to resist white supremacy/racism/privilege.
Along the way, I realized that much else that I value is kept in the dark–not just the lives of Black people (in the lives of white people) but also sex and sexuality (in the lives of most of us), and the lives of women (in the lives of men)—and that my sense of God’s shalom, peace (but more than the absence of war that really involves human wholeness grounded in our divine heritage), means I need to really learn to live and walk in the dark every day.
If you are interested in please RSVP to RevRobin@mccdc.com or call 202-638-7373 so that we can have enough food and materials.
Easter Spring Bazaar
Save this date!
For More Information contact C.C. Petee at 240-305-9922 or Fenicia Ballard at 540-841 1633
CHURCH NEWS
Black History Month Theater Outing
Join us as we visit the Alexandria Metro Stage on Feb 10th at 8 pm. Tickets are $55 and must be purchased in advance. If you are interested in joining the group, please RSVP to Rev. Cathy by no later than Friday Feb 3rd. If you have questions, please contact Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
MCCDC Older Adult Ministry,Free Computer Classes
First class scheduled: Web Browser Basics: 01/29/2017 12:30 pm : 2:30 pm, Computer Lab, Lower level
Course Description: Web Browser Basics: This class will provide an overview of types of web browser, and how to use most popular web browser
MCCDC LIVE STREAMING
MCCDC is going live! We have an opportunity to use of our AV system to reach outside our walls to many people who may not be able to join us in person. To make this happen we must have a subscription service that will provide us the ability to stream our services, concerts and special events, and expand opportunities for participation in our bible studies and other activities remotely. The testing done so far with streaming has generated a lot of excitement, particularly by those who have been unable to visit our church.
You can be a part of making this happen in a number of ways: (1) pray for our reach beyond the walls of our church (2) join others in donating to cover the one-time annual cost of the service and associated AV training for our volunteers; and (3) consider joining the AV ministry.
Click to Donate!
You can contact the church office with questions at 202-638-7373 or churchoffice@mccdc.com.
ELECTRONIC GIVING
With EasyTithe, supporting the church is as simple as clicking a mouse or whipping out your smart phone.
Our new online system allows you to make a financial donation to the church with your credit card or direct debit from your banking account.
You’ll be asked to set up your MCCDC EasyTithe Account. You can set it up to make a one-time/anytime donation or make a recurring donation.
Click to Donate!
You also can give by text 202-999-3841. Please contact the church office with questions at 202-638-7373 or churchoffice@mccdc.com.
YOGA CLASSES
YOGA Classes at MCCDC! There is room for you!
To nourish your physical body in addition to your spiritual body. Yoga is held on Mondays from 7-8 PM. Hope to see you then. If you have questions or desire additional information please contact Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
~ Namaste (“The Spirit in me honors the Spirit in you”)
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.
Parking Lot Update
Since the new condo building is complete, MCCDC congregants and guests can now return to using the 4 parking spots that surround that building. Please contact the church office if you have questions at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373
