“Jesus advises that the disciples not ‘heap up empty phrases’ since God does not need ‘many words’ (Matthew 6:7). God already knows what we want because God is aware of what is in our hearts. The purpose of prayer is not to get God’s attention. We already have God’s attention.”
~Amy-Jill Levine, Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven
The resurrection of Jesus is an invitation to bring heaven to earth. This is an impossible task. Unless…we have help. Thankfully, we have the help of Jesus. If Jesus had died and stayed dead we wouldn’t have his help. Since Jesus is alive, praying with us, we are never alone. The impossible calling of bringing heaven to earth is now possible.
Many of us find it difficult to ask for help. We have turned self-sufficiency into a god as we have perfected the illusion of control. As we check off our to-do list (for some of us our control list) we feel pretty good about our accomplishments. Until at some point we realize we’re working off a list that is taking us somewhere we never intended, perhaps the trap of false success.
It is about this time that Jesus invites us to take a breath. And then, if we listen close, the voice of Jesus says: “My beloved. I see you spinning. I see how hard you work trying to figure everything out. I see your frustration. I see you have an empty place that you are filling with stuff that does not satisfy. Some of it even hurts. My beloved, are you ready to pray with me?”
If our answer is yes, Jesus, alongside us, opens in prayer to the Creator: “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” The Prayer that Jesus Teaches is an opening to new truth and freedom. Beyond control, it is a prayer of salvation from all that holds us back and a prayer of salvation to that which is complete.
How do we bring heaven on earth? It begins with bringing heaven into our own heart. And Jesus is ready to help us with that the moment we’re ready to ask.
By Faith,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
C19 Vaccine
Public health officials are urging us to help ensure people who are 65 and older know that they are eligible for the C19 vaccine. (Depending on your location, people with certain underlying health conditions are also eligible.) For more information, visit these links—District of Columbia, Maryland & Virginia —for vaccine procedures and answers to frequently-asked questions.
Another Web site reported by News 4 today helps you manage/plan your C19 appointment in one place no matter what state you live in. Click here to go to the web site.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing reimbursement to individuals for funeral expenses incurred as a result of COVID up to $9,000. To apply click here to visit FEMA’s Funeral Assistance website: Funeral Assistance FAQ | FEMA.gov
Writers’ Ministry
The MCCDC Writers’ Ministry will meet on Saturday, May 15th from 10:00 a.m. to noon Eastern. We gather monthly to support and inspire each other in our personal writing. Whether you are an experienced writer or want to begin writing, or do more, please consider joining us. Contact Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, Writer-Theologian in Residence, at writer@robinhawleygorsline.com.
“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 REV. DWAYNE IN PRAYER FROM NOON TO 12:30 PM Monday thru Saturday
Phone Number: 646-558-8656, Code: 407 740 6668
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
Writer’s Ministry
The MCCDC Writers’ Ministry mission is to offer to our church and the world more reflections and devotionals throughout the year. If you’d like to join this project, now or in the future, please contact Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, Writer-Theologian in Residence, at writer@robinhawleygorsline.com
“Ministry Spotlight”
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
Click here to see more MCCDC Videos
LiveStream Volunteer’s Needed!
Volunteer! No experience is required. We will train you or someone you recommend. (Perhaps a student interested in picking up new skills?) Opportunities include:
o Producing the livestream itself on Sundays and for special events (greatest need)
o Assisting on Sundays by video recording and managing cameras
o Video editing (this requires access to your own computer and video editing software)
Share our message! Inspired by Rev. Dwayne’s spiritual instruction? Moved by a praise & worship song? Post it on Facebook. Send a link to friends and family. They can tune-in to our livestream or watch worship services on demand at livestream.com/mccdc, through our website at mccdc.com, or browse clips on our YouTube Channel.
Click here to visit MCCDC YouTube channel
Email Johanna at mccdclive@gmail.com or talk to any one of the AV team members to volunteer or for more information
The Soundboard Ministry Needs YOU!
Soundboard volunteers are needed for 9 am and 11 am services. No experience needed!
You will be trained on a state of the art soundboard and learn how to set up mics for services.
Ideally, you will train at the 9 am service and continue training at the 11 am service, but we are flexible.
Please contact Michael Cunningham at mjcunningham2013@gmail.com or stop by to talk with any soundboard volunteer.
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
*Jerry Giem’s Son, Jason and Nephew, Travis * Valeria Myers’ daughter Chantelle * Michelle Lax * George Kerr, III * Mama Cee’s sister and niece
* Rose Williams * Randy Punley * Lynn Sulyma * Esther Smith * Marcus Garnett * Renee Valentine * Rose Herring * Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother, Earline * T. Green * Evelyn Jones * Valeria Myers’ son Donald * Bob Jones’ son Chuck & wife Karen * Steve Sloane * Glenn Conrad * Arden Shutt * Renee Valentine’s brother * Kim Battle * Juanita Dara * Jeffrey Luckenbach * Anthony Goode *Diedre Gray * Elaine Durden-Hunter’s friend Saint Williams family * Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa * Cynthia Melman * Delores Fowler * Bill Stanclift’s brother James, niece Krista, nephew Paul, and several cousins *Buck Carlson at the loss of your husband,
