This Week’s Reflection
“Being open allows the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, to direct us and give us courage to respond to God’s voice and vision for our work in ministry.” ~ K. R. Hayden
Sometimes God opens a door and yet we remain closed. Perhaps we don’t see the open door or recognize it as opportunity from the Holy Spirit. Or perhaps we know the door is open, yet unsure of what’s on the other side, we hold back. Even if our current comfort zone no longer quite fits, at least it is a known. It is easy to remain uncomfortably comfortable.
Sunday’s scripture from Acts 16:9-15 is a story of how God’s power is released when one is open. In our story, Paul is stalled. He has plans to bring the message of Christ to Asia. Yet those doors close. What next? He waits and prays, probably with some impatience. Then, one night, in God’s time, an open door is revealed through a vision: “A Macedonian stood before him and said, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us’” (Acts 16:9). Paul never planned on Macedonia. Yet he moves through the open door, compelled by possibilities. It is a Spirit-led adventure.
Paul’s openness has a powerful ripple effect. Lydia, a local businesswoman is changed forever through Paul’s presence and witness. Acts 16:14 describes it directly and simply: “As she listened, Christ opened her heart.” Then, Lydia moves through the door and becomes a spiritual force for good in the lives of those around her. She finds the full meaning of her life and helps others. In Christian tradition, she becomes known as the first European disciple. The Holy Spirit moves in her and through her.
The ways God works through the openness of Paul and Lydia raises questions for us to ponder. Dare we seek a vision from the Holy Spirit? Is your God too small? Too tame? Too domesticated? Do we believe that a big God could open big doors and bring big change in our lives and the lives of those around us? This Sunday at 9 AM and 11 AM Eastern on live stream and later on demand, we’ll look more closely at this story of what God does when we become courageously open.
DAILY PRACTICE: Join me in praying this pray at the beginning of each day: “Holy Spirit, by your grace, open the eyes of our hearts. Reveal to us bold visions. Give us the courage to move through Your doors. Guide us more fully into the spiritual adventure you hold for us. Amen.”
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
Nationals Night Out
Join your MCCDC family for the Night Out at the Nationals on Tuesday, June 14th. The Nats play the Atlanta Braves at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are $35. To sit with other church members, please pay for your tickets by June 10th. Simply select “Nats Game 2022” from the Fund box at http://donate.mccdc.com. Do not let cost be a barrier to attending. Please contact Melvin at 202-638-7373 or email churchoffice@mccdc.com with questions.
Capital PRIDE Interfaith Service
On Wednesday, June 15th, the greater DC faith community will celebrate our 40th annual Capital Pride Interfaith service. We’ll carry the live stream on MCCDC’s YouTube channel and regular Sunday worship page, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Click Here to Join Us Live Stream.
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!
