This Week’s Reflection
ALWAYS I will lift up my soul to You, Eternal One, BECAUSE You are my God and I put my trust in You. Do not let me be humiliated. Do not let my enemies celebrate at my expense. CERTAINLY none of the people who rely on You will be shamed. ~Psalm 25: 1-3a The Voice translation
Sunday marks the first Sunday in Lent. This is the 40-day season of reflection and preparation for Resurrection Sunday. This years’ theme is based on a book by Howard Thurman entitled “What Makes You Come Alive?” I believe we each desire on some level to put our best selves forward.
We want to be viewed in the best way possible, and we want our actions, our words, our intentions, to be given the benefit of the doubt. At the same time, we ought not to be naïve about the way we are treated. Not every person we interact with has our best in the forefront of their minds, and not every situation results in the most favorable or noteworthy outcomes.
So how do we move in the world around us and without becoming paralyzed with fear, anxiety, or doubt? How do we learn to celebrate where we can? We can do our best to create space to learn about ourselves and explore this wonderful creation of God. Pray, meditate, take care of our bodies, seek guidance and support in challenging times. Yes, seek the professional support of a therapist or a spiritual director who can help to navigate difficult or challenging times.
Lent has also traditionally been a time that folx “give something up” as a means to remind and reflect and draw closer to God during those times of longing. Throughout this time, some have given up eating meat or sweets to help them focus.
Some have purposed to abstain from being judgmental, or jumping to conclusions, or using harsh words. To reach that same goal of closeness and understanding, some have chosen to “take on” things in their lives. For example, take on a joyful outlook, service, or intentional gratitude. The intent is to draw closer to God through purposeful acts and work to unleash the Resurrection Power of Christ we have within us.
However, you choose to approach this season, let us do so with intention and purpose as we move closer and closer to the God of our understanding. I encourage you to listen to the Ash Wed reflection produced by our MCC denomination for additional intentional items to think and pray about during this Lenten journey. In the email the Council of Elders of MCC share that they “are delighted to share with you ‘Lent and Easter’ Reflections from some of our younger leadership from across the denomination.
Join us at 9am ET and 11am ET online, in person, or on demand as we begin our Lenten journey.
Peace,
Rev. Cathy Alexander
2023 Giving Statements Are Coming Soon!
The treasurer and assistant treasurer are preparing your giving statement for tax year 2023. Giving statements will be emailed in phases during the coming weeks. For those who do not have a working email address on file or who do not have access to email, the 2023 giving statement will be sent out via postal mail.
Please contact treasurer@mccdc.com with questions.
2023 Forum & Congregational Meeting
We will be holding our annual forum and Congregational Meeting at 12:30 EST on the below dates:
• · 10 March: Forum In-Person & Zoom
• · 24 March : Congregational Meeting In-Person & Zoom
We invite you to join other MCCDC members , recapping 2023 and planning how we’ll grow our generous home in 2024.
Here are four ways to participate:
· Attend the forum in person at 474 Ridge St NW
· Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
· Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 868 1921 1447
Dial 1 301 715 8592 by phone, using the same Meeting ID
MCCDC Beatification / Landscaping Day
Come join your MCCDC family in person at 474 Ridge St NW, on 02 March at 09:30 am and give your church a makeover. The church needs some TLC from us inside and out.
Bring your gloves, yard tools and other handy tools to help out. For more information contact Rev Dwayne at revdwayne@mccdc.com
People of Faith Addressing Gun Violence Gathering/Spiritual Colloquium
On Saturday, 09 March, 1 pm EST, Metropolitan Community Church of DC (MCCDC)474 Ridge Street NW | Washington, DC the Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas (VOACC) will be leading this gathering for faith leaders and people of faith passionate about making a difference in the community!
The focus of this event will be discussions on gun violence, and how to do more than just give our thoughts and prayers at Metropolitan Community Church of DC (MCCDC).
For more information about this event contact Rev Elder Dwayne Johnson at revdwayne@mccdc.com or Rev Jules Christian at enjoyingtoday@hotmail.com
Click here to register for this FREE event
Writing Ministry
MCCDC’s Writers’ Ministry will gather on Saturday, 17 Feb 10:00 via zoom link listed below. Whether you are an experienced writer or want to begin writing, or do more, please consider joining. For more information contact Greg Synder at gcsnyder01@aol.com.
Click Here to Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 865 7622 1632
Passcode: 146039
Bible Study, Labyrinths History & Walk
MCCDC’s Bible Study ministry will gather in person at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, 16 March 2024 and resume our annual Labyrinths Walk.
Learn about labyrinths history and walk the MCCDC Labyrinths!
Here are four ways to participate!
In Persona 474 Ridge St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically!
Meeting ID: 434 566 329
Call In /Dial 301 715 8592, Meeting ID: 434 566 329
Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com for more information
Sight and Sounds Theater
MCCDC’s Older Adults Ministry is sponsoring a bus trip to see the play
Daniel at Sight and Sound Theater
, located at 300 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks, Pa. We’ll depart from 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC at 1:00 p.m. and return at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
Tickets cost $160 and include round trip coach bus ride, ticket for premium theater seats, and a stop at Amish Miller Smorgasbord Restaurant (MEAL COST NOT INCLUDED).
Payments can be made in three installments of $54 each, or one payment of $160. Anyone using the payment plan must pay in full no later than May 31, 2024.
ALL PAYMENTS ARE FINAL AND NON-REFUNDABLE. Go to danieltrip.mccdc.com to pay
Questions? Contact Dale L. Madyun-Baskerville via email, oam@mccdc.com
A Special MCC Film Screening
You’re invited to see a special film screening of Angels & Saints – Eros & Awe A film about wholeness and uniting body & spirit.
The film can be viewed at your convenience from 14 February – 19 February 2024 .
Screening times for the film will be between the hours of: Wednesday, 14 February, 12:00 am ET / 5:00 am GMT through Monday, 19 February, 12:00 am ET / 5:00 am GMT .
There will also be two live, interactive Q&A and Panel Discussion with the Producer, Director, and MCC members lasting 60 minutes each on Saturday, 17 February 2024.
Morning Panel Discussions will be:
11:00 am ET / 10:00 am CT / 8:00 am PT / 1:00 pm BRT / 6:00 pm SAST / Midnight PHST / 4:00 pm GMT /
3:00 am next day AUS
Afternoon Panel Discussion will be:
8:00 pm ET / 7:00 pm CT / 5:00 pm PT / 10:00 pm BRT/ Sunday, 18 February 3:00 am SAST / 9:00 am PHST /
1:00 am GMT / 12:00 pm AUS
Click here to see Video Summary about the film!
Click here to register for this even
Mary’s House
Join The Villages at Mary’s House for one or more of our upcoming Free ONLINE Lunch, Learn, & Conversation sessions held on Wednesdays, 1:00-2:00p.m. ET.
***28 FEBRUARY: 16 BLACK QUEER TRAILBLAZER WHO MADE HISTORY”
***13 MARCH: WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: “IMPORTANT QUEER WOMEN TO KNOW IN HISTORY”
Here are three ways to participate
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
Meeting ID: 850 3826 7609 , Passcode: 323466
Dial in: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC), Passcode: 323466
For more information, please contact:
Darryl Walker, dwalker@maryshousedc.org or
Dr. Carla Sherrell–Program Manager, csherrell@maryshousedc.org
Sonnets & Soul Play
Sonnets and Soul-SP24 FINAL – Sonnets & Soul- FINAL- QR code
Your invited to join Howard University in the viewing of their musical Sonnets & Soul Play at 7 pm EST on the following dates:
21 to 23 February
17 February to 01 March
24 February at 4:00 pm EST
The musical location will be at Aldridge Theater located on Howard University (On Campus) 2455 6th St. NW., Washinton, DC 20059
Ticket Cost:
Students= $5.00
Staff, Alumni, Military, and Seniors= $10.00
General Admission= $20.00
For questions or more information contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com.
Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #95 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you.”
~ Walt Whitman
Dear God, thank you for trusting us to continue moving forward to accomplish the vision and mission of Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, regardless of doubts and fears that arise. Thank you for all spiritual places of worship of a beloved community that reaches across nations, countries, and continents to everyone. Through your unconditional love and forgiveness you made us worthy with the gift of eternal life.
We pray to always walk in your Light and keep our eyes on You and let the shadows of doubts and fears fall behind us. God, you are a way maker in all things that you have planned for us. We pray to remain to being immersed in your prosperity that surrounds us. Help us express love through your grace that does not have to be earned but we live in it according to your purpose.
We are grateful for talents, skills, time, treasures, and financial blessings to share willingly through the power of your grace and our abilities. Help us to remain steadfast and not grow weary of fulfilling the plans you have for us. With You, all things are possible when we believe, exercise faith, commitment, and perseverance. Thank you, in your many precious names. Amen.
“Blessed are those who persevere under trial! Once their commitment has been proven, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to the faithful.” James 1:12 (NIV) First Egalitarian Translation
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
?Bill Campbell ?Jerry Giem ? Tim Helm ?Rose Williams ?Cecilia Hayden-Smith and Esther Smith’s health ?Delores Fowler ?Veronica Franklin ?Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline ? Glenn Conway ? Anthony Goode ?Randy Punley ?Marcus Garnett ?Evelyn Jones ?Steve Sloane ? Jeffrey Luckenbach ? Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa ? Cynthia Melman ?Kim Battle ?Joshua Benkins’ father Isaac ?Mike Washington ?Buck Carlson ?Doris Carter Washington of Alexandria ?John Hylton ?Summer Allen? Ruth Kappy Makekodunmi
“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
Writing Ministry
Join other MCCDC writers in our monthly Zoom Writing Ministry meeting.
This month’s meeting is 17 Feb at 10:00 am EST . For info, contact gcsnyder01@aol.com.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
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