“The life of faith is not a weekend hobby or a vacation destination. It’s a full soul, full body, full mind endeavor that requires renunciation. And surrender. And a reordering of our identities, our priorities, and our proclivities.” ~Debi Thomas, alt.
I’ll be honest right up front. I’m struggling with the scripture for this Sunday: Luke 14: 25-33. I’ve avoided preaching on this scripture in the past. How does one wrestle with a scripture that messes with what most of us hold dear: our possessions and our relationships?
Jesus is tough and challenging when he tells a large crowd that they cannot be his followers unless they turn backs on parents, loved ones, siblings, even their very self. Jesus continues, “Anyone who doesn’t take up the cross and follow me can’t be my disciple” (v 27). Then: “You can’t be my disciple if you don’t say goodbye to all of your possessions” (v33).
I’m not going to understand all this before Sunday. This is one of those texts that will take a lifetime and still leave much to be unpacked. However, some thoughts are emerging:
~Most conflicts in relationships are due to one or both parties “holding on” to something with unwillingness to “give up” or “give in” even when it comes to little things. What if all parties gave their all to make the relationship work?
~Reconciliation is only possible through giving.
~Are we willing to give up our preferences for a greater good?
~Are we willing to give up our wants for a greater good?
Another question that emerges is: what does one preserve when giving all? That’s an important question because I’ve seen some people give to the extent that their self-giving becomes self-abuse.
Considering the relative wealth of so many in the United States context, more attention needs to be given to renunciation, sacrifice, surrender, and reordering of priorities. And: when all is said and done, when one has given one’s all, it is a necessity that self-worth, basic needs, and wholeness be preserved.
Let’s wrestle together with these hard teachings of Jesus as we prepare our hearts and minds to worship as beloved community this Sunday.
By Faith,Rev Elder Dwayne
“UP COMING EVENTS”
Walk it Out! Join your MCCDC family in the walk to end breast cancer. All are welcome to join the team.
2019 Komen Washington DC MORE THAN PINK Walk
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Freedom Plaza, 1455 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
7:00 AM-Registration and T-shirt Pick-up Opens
8:45 AM-Opening Ceremony
Survivors and Those Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer Strut to the Opening Ceremony (line up at 8:30 in the Hope Village)
9:00 AM-Walk Start
For more information, please contact Rev Cathy Alexander at revcathy@mccdc.com or call (202) 638-7373.
Older Adult Ministry Potluck/Meeting, September 08, 12:30 pm This is due to LABOR DAY WEEKEND. September 01, 2019.
Older Adult Ministry will be holding their monthly Potluck. All age 50 and above are welcome to join. For more information contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at the church office 202-638-7373
MCCDC Thrift Item Sale, September 15, 2019, October 13 & 20, 2019
All items $5.00 and below.
A variety of items to choose from.Check out the table in the Welcome Hall.
Please contact Cecilia Hayden- Smith ( Mamma Cee) with questions at 202-638-7373 or churchoffice@mccdc.com
“CHURCH NEWS”
Atlantic City Resort Hotel and Casino Bus Trip 14 Sept 2019
This event is sponsored by the Older Adults Ministry, but anyone is warmly invited to join!
Departs MCCDC promptly at 7AM and returns at 11 PM.
The cost is $50 and must be paid in advance. The deadline for sign up is Sept. 8th. For more information please contact Ace Barbari at 703-303-2934.
Important New Development Presentation – September 15, 2019, 12:30 pm
Everyone is invited to attend a presentation and Q&A with Mid-City Development regarding their planned redevelopment of the Washington Apartments at 1200 Fifth St. NW (directly across the street from the church). Representatives from Mid-City Development will be on hand to describe the new development and answer questions. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary following the 11 am service on Sept 15. All are encouraged to attend.
REVIVAL ! REVIVAL ! REVIVAL !
September 20-22, 2019, are the dates for revival. Come join your MCCDC family in connection activities.
Minister Cassandra White Director, Gospel Ensemble
Resurrection MCC, Houston TX
Rev. Vickey Gibbs,
Associate Pastor,
Resurrection MCC, Houston TX
Revival Schedule
Friday Sep 20:
7 PM Prayer and Praise service
Saturday Sep 21:
10 AM Revival Choir rehearsal
12-4 PM Relationship workshop. All are invited
Sunday Sep 22
9 & 11 worship services
1230 Immersion baptism
1245 Hospitality?
If you would like more information, please contact Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com
or 202-638-7373
THE TIES THAT BIND US! THE NATIONAL TRANS VISIBILITY MARCH, SEPTEMBER 28, 2019, Freedom Plaza, Washington, DC 11 am-1 pm
We must show that Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming and Non-Binary Lives Matter More than Ever!!
The National Trans Visibility March is HISTORIC-This is the First National Trans March!!
If you are interested in forming an MCCDC team please contact Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
Innovation by Design I: Saturday, September 21 and November 16, 8:30-4:30
Location: Wesley Seminary, 4500 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20016
Open to anyone in MCCDC who leads, or is interested in learning how to design ministries relevant to your community- ONE complimentary registration to audit
This course will appeal to the natural evangelists, disciples, creators, and entrepreneurs in your congregation. Maybe there is someone in your community who benefits from one of your ministries and a certificate of completion from seminary will give them confidence to flourish in new and beautiful ways.
Registration form attached. If you are interested, please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
Join your MCCDC family in the walk to end HIV AIDS Walk All are welcome to join the team.
Click Here to Donate to MCCDC Team or Join the TEAM!!!
Saturday, October 26.
Location: The Walk & 5K to End HIV
will begin and end at Freedom Plaza
(Pennsylvania Avenue and 13th Street, NW)
5K timed run begins promptly. 9:15 am
Walk to End HIV steps off. 9:20 am
Click here for Registration
Fees:
General Walk Registration: $25
Student / Senior (60+) Walk Registration: $15
General Timed Run Registration: $35
Sleep Walker Registration: $40
Event Information
Click here For Detail Event information
T-shirt pick -up on-site the morning of the event beginning at 7:30 AM
For more information please contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville baskerd6109@gmail.com or call 202-638-7373.
Event Rental Space at MCCDC
Are you or someone you know planning an upcoming event? Are you looking for a reasonably priced rental space with easy access to public transportation? Look no further.
Call MCCDC today at 202-638-7273 for rates and availability.
Click Here for more Information
NATIONAL TRANS VISIBILITY EVENTS, WASHINGTON, DC
The National Trans Visibility March is of critical importance at this time. With the Equality Act of 2019 being threatened by the Senate and the continuation of the Trans military ban implementation, there is a need to mobilize America to recognize and fight for the rights of TGNC/NB people. Although the current administration has intentionally rolled back efforts to prevent inclusion of transgender communities in the upcoming 2020 Census, individuals from the TGNC/NB communities have mobilized and issued a call to action to dismantle the social structures that have oppressed and disenfranchised the TGNC/NB community for far too long.
March with us at the National Trans Visibility March to show the world that our lives matter, that our health matters, that our present and future matters, that our voices matter, that our minds matter, that our feelings matter. March with us to demand justice for our sisters and brothers whose lives were taken through senseless murders, violence and systemic oppression. March with us to demand financial equity and employment opportunities. March with us to fight for health equity. March with us to show the world that no decisions are made about us, without us.
Schedule of events:
September 27, 2019
1-5 pm, National Trans Visibility March Community Rally Workshops
7:30-10 pm, National Trans Visibility March Torch Awards, Crystal City Gateway Marriott
September 28, 2019
9 am-11 am National Trans Visibility March Rally, Freedom Plaza,
11 am-1 pm National Trans Visibility March Freedom Plaza March to U.S. Capitol
National Trans Visibility March Website: transmarchondc.org.
For more information visit their website at Click here for More Information on these event
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
Stay current on our video postings .
Click here to see more MCCDC Videos
Inspiration Videos, Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC
“Ministry Spotlight”
MCCDC Bible Study
A time of community, fun, learning, and sharing!
Tuesdays, from 7:00 – 8:00 PM in the Welcome Hall
For more information please contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at the churchoffice@mccdc.com or call (202) 638-737.
Click Here to See MCCDC Bible Study Schedule 2019
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Prayer Corner
Please continue to hold in your prayers Keith Richardson who is in a Nursing Home.
Join our Worship and Arts Ministry!
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