This Week’s Reflection
“The truth is this: you can get up, you can be lifted like Tabitha, like Lazarus, like Jesus, like all the disciples before you, Peter and the whole gang, and those around you now, who trust God to bring us back from wherever…” ~Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, Writer-Theologian in Residence (currently on sabbatical)
God provides us with what we need to get up. Down times are a part of life, a part of being human. And they are not intended to become a lifestyle. When we go through the down night of the soul, the invitation is to know that mourning will become morning, in God’s time and through our openness. Our part in this is relatively small. God does the heavy lifting.
Tabitha got up! This is a high point in our inspiring scripture for Sunday from Acts 9:36-43. She was a beloved disciple with a life that “overflowed with good works and compassionate acts on behalf of those in need” (v.36). She was a provider. She was also an artist and clothing designer who loved creating beautiful garments for others, especially widows who longed for comfort beyond words. Those widows had more grief when Tabitha became sick and died. The God of mourning to morning showed up through Peter, who filled with the Holy Spirit turned to her body and said “Tabitha, get up.” She did. As news spread of this miracle of life, “many put their faith in the Lord” (v.42).
Through people and the Holy Spirit, God provides for our every need in body, mind and spirit. When we need to be lifted, God provides the hand. There is much more to explore in Tabitha’s story. I look forward to exploring with you on Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Eastern on live stream and later, on demand.
In the meantime, I invite you to join me in reflecting on this invitation from Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline: “Open your eyes and see what you have not allowed yourself to see before, and walk, now alive, among the dead and dying all around you, offering yourself to them by saying, if you really mean it, get up! It’s simple, though not always easy. Why Wait? Get up. Now.”
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! 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!
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 •Bill Campbell •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!
