This Week’s Reflection
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” ~Isaiah 60:1
As we look towards our first Sunday of 2024, we enter the Season of Epiphany, a time to consider the themes of wisdom, guidance, enlightenment and discernment. Such themes inspire me to consider the importance of asking the right questions. This is one of the keys to discernment. In her reflection on the Season of Epiphany, Karoline Lewis asks, “What needs to be revealed this Epiphany?”
I’ve turned her excellent question into a prayer: “God, what do you seek to reveal to me? God, what do you seek to reveal to MCCDC?” Praying this prayer with sincerity and responding to what is revealed may be disruptive. We may be called to courageous action. We may be called to move through our fears to take on change. We may be called to pray like we’ve never prayed before. We may be called to new directions.
In Sunday’s gospel from Matthew 2: 1-12 the magi, the Wise Ones, travel from the east to Jerusalem, and from there to Bethlehem. Setting out on this journey they were guided by a star, “until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.” Then, they saw Jesus, his mother Mary, and they knelt down and worshipped. They offered gifts. Then, more guidance was revealed to them: they were warned in a dream to not return to Jerusalem where King Herod was plotting evil. Following the guidance from the dream, the Wise Ones “left for their own country by another road.”
In this Season of Epiphany, what new roads are being opened by God? What new directions await us in 2024? Let’s reflect on such questions this Sunday at 9a.m and 11a.m. EST in the sanctuary, online and on demand.
In preparation for this Sunday, I invite you to join me in reflection on this quote by T.R. Swears:
“God is more than a companion and more than a memory. God is the path itself. That is why all our journeys are sacred. The ground over which we travel, whether we realize it or not, is holy ground.”
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
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 board@mccdc.com with questions.
2024 Wisdom Gatherings “Reimagining What it Means to Reimagine Church”
Help determine the future of MCCDC.
We welcome your voice as we seek God’s direction for our future.
There are 3 sessions planned:
#1: Reviewing and Renewing the MCCDC Cultures(s)
• What Kind of Church Are We and Who Are We Called to be?
Zoom only:
• Wednesday January 10, 2024 from 6:30p.m. to 7:45p.m.
#2: Ministry and Programing Inward and Outward
Zoom only:
Wednesday January 17 from 6:30p.m. to 7:45p
#3:Moving Forward and Mobilization
Zoom AND In Person
Sunday January 28 from 12:30p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Here are three ways to participate:
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
Call In, +1 301 715 8592 US, Meeting ID: 864 8711 8559
In Person 474 Ridge St., NW, Washington, D 20001
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
Older Adult Ministry
The Older Adult Ministry will be holding it monthly meeting In Person, 2nd floor Chapel or Join via Zoom. 14 January 2023, at 12:30 PM. This month we will discuss 5 wishes and how to plan for that time..
Here are three ways to participate :
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
Call In, 301-715-8592, Meeting ID: 824 9552 3942
In Person 474 Ridge St., NW, Washington, D 20001
Save This Date !
MCCDC will have their Black History Concert on Saturday, 24th February at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.
Here are two ways to participate:
In Person 474 Ridge St., NW, Washington, D 20001 or join us live stream at live.mccdc.com!
2024 Book Study: Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul
Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, invites you to join him on a 6-week book study starting on Thursday’s, 11 January and ending on February 15, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm EST.
The book “Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul” by John Philip Newell, a famous Celtic Christian writer and teacher, reviews the lives and writings of 9 important figures such as Pelagius, a second-century Christian writer.
• The book can be purchase online at Thriftbooks.com, Christianbook.com, Bookshop.org, and Amazon.com.
• Participants are asked to register first by emailing Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline at writer@robinhawleygorsline.com who will email you the zoom information.
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 our history and walk the MCCDC Labyrinths! We will also offer a virtual experience via Zoom.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 DAVID 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 davidplay.mccdc.com to pay
Questions? Contact Dale L. Madyun-Baskerville via email, oam@mccdc.com
Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #92 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Every moment is a fresh beginning.” – T.S. Eliot
Dear God, thank you for this year of blessings that you bestowed upon Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and all spiritual places of worship throughout the world. Thank you for creating everything and saying “It is good.” We have been made worthy of your grace through your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray for peace and kindness within everyone’s heart to express your love to a world in need of peace. Help us to work willingly as your hands to continue feeding the hungry and healing the sick in your many names, teaching and preaching in gathering more souls for your spiritual realm.
We look to this year of 2024 with renewed faith and hope, trusting that you are with us always, in our triumphs, through periods of grief, and in all instances of our lives. We pray that our families be bonded by love—biological loved ones, church members, and family ties of people everywhere. Bless all that we live peacefully with each other and care for each other regardless of race, culture, color, nationality, or religious beliefs—that we unite together for a prosperous world of abundance, love, and peace that is so contagious it spreads from one soul to another infecting the world with nothing but goodness. Thank you, God, in your many precious names. Amen
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
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 * Vernessa D. Wilson * Family of Ms. Brittany Harrell * Veronica Franklin * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline * Glenn Conway * Anthony Goode * Randy Punley * Marcus Garnett * Renee Valentine’s brother * Arden Shutt * Evelyn Jones * Steve Sloane * Jeffrey Luckenbach * Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa * Cynthia Melman * Kim Battle * Joshua Benkins’ father Isaac * Mike Washington * Buck Carlson * Johanna Hardy * Doris Carter Washington of Alexandria * Melvin Moore Adams* John Hylton * Summer Allen
“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
Meets Monthy
For more information, contact Jacqueline Laughlin at yemayah@icloud.com.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
Watch on YouTube
