This Week’s Reflection
“Jesus said, ‘Live ecstatically. Move out of that place of death and toward life because I am the God who is living. Wherever I am, there is life, there is change, there is growth, there is increase and blossoming and something new. I am going to make everything new.’” ~Henri J.M. Nouwen
Our God of eternal newness is a God of hope. We can trust that God is working with what is to bring growth. Death is no obstacle. This affirmation is not a spiritual bypass from real life. Often, life hurts. Often, life is messy. Often, life is overwhelming. This seems especially true these days. Through it all, I believe there is hope beyond the headlines.
In our scripture for Sunday from John 11: 32-45 there is a headline that seems to be the final word: LAZARUS IS DEAD. In fact, when Jesus arrives on the scene Lazarus has been dead for four days. It is a scene of raw grief and pain, mixed with confusion, accusations and unmet expectations. Jesus too enters into the grief: “Jesus wept” (v. 35). This window into the heart of Jesus offers deep encouragement to all who grieve. Desmond Tutu said “I cry every day. But think how much God cries! We have a God who weeps. . .so I cry a lot and always have. But I also laugh a lot too.”
Tears are a gift from God, expressing what words cannot express. Tears are a form of prayer, flowing from a deeper well. Hope is found in tears for where tears are, God is. If the story of Lazarus ended with the line “Jesus wept” it would offer hope enough.
Hope builds on hope as Jesus offers real tears, and then speaks life to death. Through the boldness of Jesus “we gain the courage,” writes David Lose, “not to deny death, but to defy its ability to overshadow and distort our lives.” This Sunday at 9 AM and 11 AM Eastern on live stream and later on demand, we will overflow with songs, prayers and words of eternal hope.
In preparation for Sunday, I invite you to join me in reflecting on this verse from Revelation 21:3: “God will be fully present among the people. The Most High will wipe away every tear from their eyes. And death, mourning, crying and pain will be no more, for the old order has fallen.”
Grace & Peace,
Rev. Dwayne Johnson
Senior Pastor, MCCDC
Our church building is closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Our COVID-19 Advisory Team and Board of Directors will re-evaluate community risk after New Year’s.
Seeking Worship Volunteers
Help us open our sanctuary June 12th! Please visit volunteer.mccdc.com and fill out the form for the dates and positions you can serve your church. Have questions about roles and responsibilities? Contact Chocolatté Miller, chocolatte.miller@outlook.com. We’re planning volunteer training for Sunday, April 10th but can make alternate arrangements for those who can’t attend.
Generosity Campaign
“God, what is it You want to do through me, financially?”
Prayer from Clara Carter:
Dear God, thank you for the opportunities to give generously of our financial gifts, as well sharing our talents and time with Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC. We are “full to the brim” with Your Spirit and overflowing with anticipation as we share our prosperity in a Christian community “without borders.” We pray to continue being a blessing to others and to do so with a cheerful heart. Lord, help us to trust you in all things. In your many names, we thank you. Amen!
We invite you to prayerfully complete the digital,
Share Your Intentions
Support for Tim Helm
Beloved longtime MCCDC member Tim Helm is recovering from spinal and back wound complications at BridgePoint Hospital on Capitol Hill. Tim welcomes your calls in the afternoon and evening at (202) 368-9877.
Tim, our love and prayers are with you!
~Your MCCDC Family
Support LGBTQ+ Ukrainian Refugees
The Metropolitan Community Churches have organized an effort to directly benefit the LGBTQ+ people of Ukraine, and their extended families. Donate through the link below and our denomination will cover all costs associated with the administration of this fundraising campaign so that 100% of your gift will go directly to refugees. Ukrainian Refugees
General Conference Dates
Save the dates for the Metropolitan Community Church’s online virtual global General Conference Gathering. All are welcome Friday July 1 through Sunday July 3. Meet other members of our denomination’s worldwide community, share devotional times, and take part in webinars with amazing guest speakers. To learn more and register, visit generalconference.mccchurch.org.
Related: Click here to review our denomination’s 2021 annual report. It highlights of the many ways that MCC and its ministries are making a difference in a hurting world.
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
• Glenn Conway’s cousin Trey • Rev, Dennis Johnson • Delores Fowler •Dale Madyun-Baskerville’s brother, Mike Washington • Tim Helm • Maria Hill • Evelyn Jones • Bob Jones & son Chuck & wife Karen • Jerry Giem & son, Jason & nephew, Travis • Dr. Veronica Franklin for healing • Valeria Myers’ children Chantelle & Donald • Michelle Lax • George Kerr, III • Kim Battle • Randy Punley • Rose Williams’ healing •Lynn Sulyma •Marcus Garnett •Renee Valentine & brother •Arden Shutt •Steve Sloane •Glenn Conrad •Anthony Goode •Jeffrey Luckenbach •Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa • Denita Madyun-Baskerville and family as they celebrate the life of Dorothy McCarter •Mark Kelly •Joshua Benkins’ health of Isaac David Benkins, father •Elaine Durden-Hunter healing for her dog, Angel •Angela Terrell •Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother, Earline T.Green •Donna and Karen Payne-Hardy at the death of Donna ‘s mother • Jason family at the death of his mother Sheryl Jedlinski• Cecilia Hayden-Smith for healing from upcomming medical procedure • Cecilia Hayden-Smith for Granny comfort and a painless transitioning • Esther Smith for continue health •Angela Dodd needs prayer for healing.•Cameron & Sabrina Beauford need prayer for the health of their unborn baby.
“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
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
