This Week’s Reflection
“The call and the commitment to remember make up the great antiphon of covenant intimacy between God and the people of Israel. This commitment continues in the relationship between Jesus and his followers expressed in the Eucharistic celebration. To remember means to participate in a relationship with God that embraces the future and present as well as the past.” ~John Mogabgab
This Saturday takes us back to a day that most of us age 30 or older will recall as an “I remember where I was” moment. I was in my office, a portable trailer in the church parking lot of Resurrection MCC in Houston, Texas. We were recovering from Tropical Storm Allison that had flooded our sanctuary in June and moved us to temporary spaces. Soon on September 11, 2001, our temporary sanctuary in a gymnasium became the holy ground of lament as hundreds gathered to light candles, pray, and seek ways to respond to the loss of 2,296 people who died at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Twenty years have passed. Yet for many the grief feels fresh, the wounds raw, the way forward more like a roller coaster than a gentle path. What do we do with the memories of this tragedy, or more recent memories like January 6 of this year, or more distant memories like the Holocaust during World War II? Our deepest calling is to remember: God was present, God is present and God will be present. When painful memories are centered in the abiding memory of faith, there is hope.
InPsalm 77 the poet cries out with overwhelming pain and then proclaims renewed hope: “I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord; Yea, I will remember thy wonders of old. I will mediate on all thy work, and muse on thy mighty deeds” (11-12, Revised Standard Version).
Our scripture for Sunday from James 1:21b-25 is a reminder to center our lives in the stories and practices of our faith. The invitation is to move beyond listening to the message to living out the message: “For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, that one is like someone who gazes at their own face in a mirror, and then goes out and immediately forgets who they are” (23-24, New English Translation).
In remembering who we are and whose we are, we flourish as a people of hope. See you Sunday at Borderfree Worship at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in person, virtually, or later on demand. Together we will embrace ancient memory to move forward in Eternal Love.
Grace & Peace
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Senior Pastor
Borderfree Worship
We’ll begin “borderfree” worship this Sunday, August 8th. You’re invited to continue participating virtually via live stream or join us in person at Fifth & Ridge in Washington, DC.
Learn more at borderfree.mccdc.com and remember to let us know if you’re planning to come in person. Simply visit checkin.mccdc.com (preferred) or contact church administrator Melvin Moore Adams at churchoffice@mccdc.com or (202) 638-7373.
Volunteers Needed: We have many opportunities for you to help create this new “borderfree” worship experience. Reach out to Melvin (info above) for details. We’ll gladly work with your schedule.
What is Borderfree Worship? It connects the in-person experience with the virtual experience, free of the walls of church and home. It also reaches freely through time zones and borders as we grow through global participation. Our goal is for everyone to share the same worship experience.
Older Adult Ministry REMINDER!!!
Due to Labor Day, our Older Adult Ministry will hold its monthly meeting via Zoom at 3:00 p.m. ET this Sunday, September 12th. Our guest speaker will be a representative from AARP’s Washington DC office.
AARP Speaker will talk about Fraud calls and internet fraud.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82495523942
Meeting ID: 824 9552 3942
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,82495523942# US
Meeting ID: 824 9552 3942
Virtual Breast Cancer Walk
Join MCCDC in the Susan G. Komen “More than Pink” Walk to End Breast Cancer.
While we may not be able to walk side-by-side this year, we can come together virtually to share stories, support one another, and raise money to save lives. Click here to join Team MCCDC (or select “Join an Existing Team” and search for MCCDC). The virtual walk is Sunday , September 12, 2021, Anyone can help with fundraising. See this Q&A or contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com for more information.
Writers’ Ministry
MCCDC’s Writers’ Ministry will gather next on Wednesday, September 22nd at 7:00 p.m. ET. Whether you are an experienced writer or want to begin writing, or do more, please consider joining and contact Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, Writer-Theologian in Residence, at writer@robinhawleygorsline.com.
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
j.scales and family in the passing of their father • Francine Clark and the family of Rose Herring • The family of Louis Hicks, Sr. • Lilah Blackstone and the family of Terry Blackstone • Bob Jones &Bob Jones’ son Chuck & wife Karen • Jerry Giem & Jerry Giem’s son, Jason and nephew, Travis • Valeria Myers’ Daughter Chantelle & Son Donald• Michelle Lax • George Kerr, III • Dr. Veronica Franklin • Mama Cee’s sister and niece • Rose Williams • Randy Punley • Lynn Sulyma • Esther Smith • Marcus Garnett • Renee Valentine & Renee Valentine’s brother • • Arden Shutt • Buck Carlson • Delores Fowler • Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother, Earline T. Green • Evelyn Jones • Steve Sloane • Glenn Conrad • Anthony Goode • Jeffrey Luckenbach • Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa • Cynthia Melman • Kim Battle • ABilly Jones-Hennin • Bill Campbell • Mark Kelly • JoThe family of Joshua Benkins’ Aunt Ellen who passed and for the health of his Father Isaac David Benkins • Amy Stark, on the loss of her cat Rusty, Denise Wright at the passing hof her cousin Marlo Morris.
C19 Vaccine
Have you been vaccinated yet? Everyone 12 years or older — including undocumented immigrants — is now eligible. Visit vaccines.gov to find a location near you and make an appointment.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is providing reimbursements up to $9,000 for funeral expenses incurred as a result of C19. To apply, visit FEMA’s website.
“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
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 Resume 14 Sept. 2021
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
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
