With authority Jesus gives orders to the storm: “Peace! Be Still” (Mark 4:39).
In Mark 4:35-41 the disciples are in desperate need of help. They are in a boat on the Sea of Galilee on their way to the land of the Gerasenes when gale-force winds crash against their boat. Soon they are swamped. They awaken Jesus who is calmly sleeping, despite the dangerous storm. With confidence Jesus speaks to the storm: “Peace! Be Still” (Mark 4:39). The result: the wind settles and all is calm. Except for the disciples. They are not calm. They are more afraid than they were before. Fear has a stronghold on their hearts.
In fear, they tremble with a question that echoes to this day: “Who then is this Jesus? Even the wind and sea obey him!” (Mark 4: 41). This question raises good questions for us. Is Jesus one who holds authority in our lives, beyond our attempts at control? Beyond control to places of acceptance, is there a better life, a full life? Is the full life that Jesus offers a life beyond the frenzied fullness promised by advertising? I admit that sometimes I’ve been drawn in by the shiny promises, and what was promised turns out to be false fullness.
In the midst of the oppressive strongholds surrounding them, Jesus invites the disciples to a different stronghold. Jesus invites them to live the invitation of Psalm 9: “God is a stronghold for the oppressed, a foundation in difficult times.” We join the psalmist, in a prayer the reveals the true colors of our faith: “Be gracious to me, O Beloved! Behold what I suffer out of fear O You, who awakened me from a living death.” In Nan Merrill’s rendering of Psalm 9, the poet continues: “I sing of Your glory, from the depths of my being. I rejoice and give thanks for Your faithful love.”
From a strong center, beyond storms and oppressive forces, we discover our true colors and live them fully.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Spiritual Engagement Hour
MORNING DEVOTIONS
Join us Onsite, Online and later On Demand for 9AM Spiritual Engagement Hour.
This Sunday Highlights:
+ Our conversation starter for this time of spiritual dialogue is Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, MCCDC Queer Eco-Theologian
+ Prayers and Poetry , including Dr. Robin’s poem, “Morning Devotions”
+Poetry from Mary Oliver’s award winning book, “Devotion”
+Dialogue about our morning routines and how they engage with our spirituality
Please join us at 9am ET
MCCDC Chapel Onsite, Online & On demand.
Here are three ways to participate:
* Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
* Call In, +1 301 7158592 Meeting ID:850 0797 0818
* In Person 474 Ridge St., NW, Washington, D 20001
Washington DC Pride Events
Pride season is here and a number of events are schedule to happen. Click on the link below to see what going on for Pride in Washington DC
Events Calendar – Capital Pride Alliance
Membership Class!
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member of MCCDC, please plan to join our next membership class after worship on Sunday, June 23, at 12:30.
You Can also join the membership class
via zoom at:Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
Call In, +1 301 7158592 Meeting ID : 827 9032 7417
On July 07,2024 at 10:30 am MCCDC will receive those who attend class into membership to our church . For more information contact Rev. Dwayne, at revdwayne@mccdc.com, or Rev Cathy, revcathy@mccdc.com, if you would like to attend or have questions.
Join the MCCDC Team!
MCCDC currently has an immediate opening for a part-time custodial position.
Responsible for cleaning and maintaining all areas of church facility. Some grounds work will be required. We offer flexible hours and fair pay. Contact Melvin Moore at 202-638-7373 or email churchoffice@mccdc.com Or Rev Dwayne Johnson at 202-638-7373 or email revdwayne@mccdc.com.
2024 MCC People of African Descent (PAD) Conference
Join the PAD Conference: The Next Generation 2024 July 26 to 28 in Detroit, Michigan, USA.
MCC Detroit will be co-hosting the this year Detroit Black Pride titled “Hotter Than July.”
Additionally, this year’s Black Pride will have a gospel theme to it featuring the artist B Slade featuring special guest Bishop Yvette Flunder
We are also honored to have our Moderator the Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston and her spouse Orgena Rose with us for the conference from Australia.
Click here for detail conference and cost information
Drama Ministry
Calling all persons for Drama Ministry! We are seeking participants for our summer drama & beyond!!!
We need Actors, Extras and Stagehands. Whether you attend online or in person, you are welcome! If you are interested, please contact Rev. Jules Christian at enjoyingtoday@hotmail.com or 336-419-7579!
Hospitality Ministry
MCCDC Hospitality Ministry needs your help!
Please donate:
· Donate/Volunteer your time once a month on Sunday to coordinate, setup or clean up during Hospitality time.
· Donate supplies:
· Food Items: Individually package cookies, Granola bars, Fresh fruit, Yogurt, Coffee, Sugar, Water, tea bags, and juices (Individually cartons)
· Dry Goods: Coffee cups, 8 inch plates, 6 inch plates, paper towels, Clorox Cleaning Spray, dish clothes and dish towels.
Drop off all supplies Sunday morning at the kitchen window. To Volunteer see Dale Madyun-Baskerville on Sunday morning or email oam@mccdc.com
God of My Understanding: Becoming a Spiritual Force
Jackie Lois invites you to journey with her through a series of short stories on what church looks like.
You will discover opportunities for spiritual growth and community that seeks to reach out to many people who never felt at home or previously rejected by church and organized religion.
Click Here to Order Your Book!
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 * Sherry Bradshaw prayers for healing.
“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!
You’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.
For more information contact gcsnyder01@aol.com.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
