Love is a participatory emotion. It’s not just a feeling, it’s a willingness to do love’s bidding, to do the work of peace and love. And there is no love where there is no justice. Serve justice as a way of serving peace and love.
~Marianne Williamson
This Sunday is the Second Sunday of Advent, and we continue our series theme: “Sing a New Song”. We will light the second Advent candle for peace and be encouraged to put aside our fears. Many times the holiday season brings with it increased personal responsibilities and commitments. During this season we often have increased desires to get things done, to spend time with friends and family, and to be our best selves even if stretched thin. In the midst of this, we need energy, we need focus, we need productivity, and we need peace. Peace of heart, peace of mind and peace of Spirit.
Each year as I prepare for the Advent/Christmas season, I listen to the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah. I listen for inspiration of the scripture, for memories of singing this amazing work as a member of the Naval Academy chapel choir, and I listen with expectation. I expect the Spirit to move and she does. Today, please listen to the songs the shepherds may have heard in the fields when those angels appeared, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the
Glory to God, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Glory to God, Boys Choir of Harlem, Handel’s Messiah A Soulful Celebration
This Sunday’s message will explore “Peace for the Journey”. I will be sharing Isaiah 26:1-9a from the Hebrew Scriptures,
Click here to read the passage.
and Luke 2:1-20 from the New Testament
Click here to read the passage.
In Isaiah, the strong city of Judah is encouraged to sing a new song, as I believe MCCDC will sing new songs in the coming weeks, months and years. The Luke passage tells the story of several journeys; Mary, Joseph, those indomitable shepherds, and the angels. Please plan to join us for 9 and 11. The week the drama ministry will also be sharing the stories of those on this Christmas journey. See you then.
Peace, Rev. Cathy Alexander
“UP COMING EVENTS”
The Voices of Women in Public Housing, Saturday, December 9, 7 PM
Click for Tickets and More Information
Children’s Christmas Toy Drive Sunday, December 10, 12:30 PM
HO, HO, HO! It is that time of year and MCCDC is again serving our community by providing toys, books and clothing to children in the DC area. Drop off will be between now and December 10th. The requested ages are 4-15. There will be a sorting and wrapping party on Sunday Dec 10th at 12:30 PM. Please invite your friends and family to make a donation of joy in kind or in cash. MCCDC will deliver the toys on Monday Dec 11th. Please contact Rev Cathy with questions or if you would like to sign up to be an elf. 202-638-7373 or revcathy@mccdc.com
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING,Sunday, December 17 at 12:30 pm.
The Board of Directors is thankful for all who attended our Annual Forum on November 5 and Congregational Meeting on November 19. At the Congregational Meeting on November 19th the congregation elected Jim Garner, Linda Hornsby and Bobbi Strang to the Board of Directors. Reports were also received by vote. The congregation voted to table the proposed sale of the adjacent lot and 2018 Budget.
At the December 17th meeting the Board is proposing to the congregation to approve a short term continuation of the budget at 2017 levels through February 11, when another Congregational Meeting will be held. During this time, the Board will continue to communicate with the congregation on the proposed sale of the adjacent M Street lot and the proposed 2018 budget. Please stay posted for upcoming opportunities to share your concerns, praises, ideas and ways to involve more of our beloved community in the work and ministries of MCCDC. If you have questions, please email Board@mccdc.com
MCCDC Christmas Eve Services
Please join your MCCDC family as we celebrate Christmas eve. There will be three services on Sunday December 24th, 9AM, 11AM and 7PM candle light service.
CHURCH NEWS
Come Join MCCDC Bible Study to see the Play Jesus at Sight & Sound Theatres -” Where they Bring the Bible to Life on Stage”
Sight & Sound Theatres
300 Hartman Bridge Road
(Route 896)
Ronks (Strasburg), PA 17572
800-377-1277
When August 18, 2018
Cost $79.00
Money due by Feb. 6 2018
Leave from MCCDC Church at 8 am
Car Pool to and from location
Buffet Lunch is separate
Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville :baskerd6109@gmail.com or 202 638-7373 for payment in CASH OR CHECK ONLY.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
MCCDC: Together Rising: Who We Are — May 2017
Stay current on our video postings and help us in our goal of more than 100 subscribers to qualify for a custom MCCDC link that will help us reach more people.”
WELCOME OUR NEW TREE!
“Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice . . . . Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy.”
Psalm 96: 11-12
A new tree has been planted in the tree box on 5th Street NW. It is a Willow Oak (Quercus phellos), a native to this area
and should grow to 65 – 100 feet tall. Although it’s an oak tree, its leaves look like a willow tree, hence its name Willow Oak.
We will do a formal dedication for it in the Spring. For now, please enjoy this newest member of our congregation and pray for its presence in our midst. Thanks for Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline for the botanical info.
MCCDC SHARE Angel
Looking for a more meaningful gift this holiday season? Become a SHARE Angel and sponsor a friend, family member, or neighbor for next month’s SHARE box. The SHARE box provides 3 weeks’ worth of healthy, delicious food and will be far more appreciated than another cat sweater.
See SHARE booth in the fellowship hall for more information or contact Sonia Grant at 202-638-7373 or email churchoffice@mccdc.com
Join MCCDC AV ministry
If you have questions, please contact Johanna Hardy at nerd4mit@aol.com
Middle Adults Ministry
Soliciting Interest in a Middle Adults Ministry!
We are looking to judge the interest in forming a group focused on persons between those who affiliate with the Young Adults Ministry and the Older Adults Ministry–the Middle Adults. This would be place for middle adults to share their common experiences, joys, fears and of course, to form deeper friendships and have fun. It would primarily be a social ministry, but it could be a place for much more. It would also be an avenue to welcome middle adult persons coming into our church.
There will be an organizational meeting to explore forming this ministry sometime in January, 2018. Look for future announcement as to its date and time. If you are interested in coordinating the Middle Adult Ministry, or have any questions, please contact Jules Christian at enjoyingtoday@hotmail.com or 336-419-7579 or Greg Snyder at gcsnyder01@aol.com
MCCDC Intercessory Prayer Team (IPT)
Are you a Prayer Warrior? Do you desire to connect and support others through prayer practices? Do you want to make a difference in our church, city, nation and world? Come join the Intercessory Prayer Team! The IPT will meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM to have a Spirit-led time of prayer. We will also host a quarterly prayer event. For more information please contact Rev. Jules Christian at enjoyingtoday@hotmail.com or 336-419-7579.
Creating Change Conference,January 24-28, 2018
Click here for more detail Information On the Conference
Theological Study to Liberia
Help Lauren’s Angels travel to Libera by donating to her travel:
Join Lauren’s Angels:
Our Intern, Lauren Bennett is going to Liberia as a part of her MDiv at Wesley Theological Seminary. This immersion trip will be led by Rev. Dr. Asa Lee. Founded in 1820 by American emancipated slaves, students will learn about Liberia’s deep and intertwined history with the US and the American Protestant church; from support in the 19th Century from benevolent Christian missionary societies to contemporary support in the face of Civil War, poverty, and Ebola. The pivotal role of the church in areas of economic development, healthcare and education will be of central interest on this immersion and Liberia’s resilience and perseverance will be instructive and formative to participants in this immersion. When Lauren returns she will host an event to share of her time abroad.
You can help her raise the $3,600 needed for the trip by becoming one of her angels. Angels will receive special updates and readings before and during her immersion. Anyone can become an angel at any level $1 to $1,000!
Thank you for your support through prayer and finances!
Join our Worship and Arts Ministry!
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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.
MCCDC LIVE STREAMING
MCCDC is 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.
