This Week’s Reflection
I have also decided to stick to love. For I know that love is ultimately the only answer to our problems. And I’m going to talk about it everywhere I go. I know it isn’t popular to talk about it in some circles today. I’m not talking about emotional bosh when I talk about love, I’m talking about a strong, demanding love. And I have seen too much hate. . .hate is too great a burden to bear. I have decided to love.” ~Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As I read today’s headlines announcing the now daily stories of violence, injustice, climate crisis and economic disparity I said to myself: “I wish Dr. King was with us now!” I realize it does no good to wish. Love and equality are the result of actions, not wishes.
Dr. King purposed his life for good and the gifts of his life continue through those people of action who continue to work for equality. The result of his courageous life is a lasting legacy that continues to inspire action. I believe that MCC, founded the year of his assassination in 1968, is an ongoing part of his legacy.
What enduring gifts are we creating through our lives? Like Dr. King, we can decide today to “stick to love” in our actions and conversations knowing that hate is too great a burden to bear.
We live the enduring gifts of Dr. King when we decide to speak the truth that not all Muslims are terrorists, that not all police are brutalists, and that not all black men are criminals.
We live a legacy of compassion when we feed the hungry through SHARE and other programs that help address economic inequality.
We create enduring gifts when we educate ourselves on the work yet to be done and to advocate for fairness, socially and economically.
We live the legacy of Dr. King by building relationships with people beyond our zip codes, affinity groups, educational levels, and comfort zones.
Rev. Dr. Allan Boesak, an influential anti-apartheid activist in South Africa during his earlier years, and a liberation theologian today says, “God must raise up faithful people who have heard God’s voice in the cries of the oppressed, who take refuge in the love of God and from within that place of refuge find courage and step into the world to challenge the powers of evil.
As we remember Dr. King this Sunday at our 9:00 and 11:00 a.m Eastern services in the Sanctuary, online and on demand; we are grateful that he shared his life with others. Now, we seek to create enduring gifts through our lives. We endeavor to live the legacy of Dr. King and move into the world to challenge hatred in its subtle and blatant forms.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Senior Pastor
Planning Your Legacy
What will your Legacy be? Consider leaving a legacy gift to honor your life as a member of the MCCDC family. Your gift will ensure the continuation of our church, both now and in the future. Meet with our Generosity Team after Sunday worship services in the new year. We’ll host conversations at 12:30 p.m. Eastern in person on Sunday, January 22nd and via Zoom on January 29th. We’ll answer your questions about how to remember the church in your estate plans. Contact Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com for more information.
2022 Giving Statements Are Coming Soon
The MCCDC church administrator is preparing your giving statement for tax year 2022. MCCDC Giving statements will be emailed in phases between January 25, 2023, and March 3, 2023.
For those who do not have a working email address on file or who do not have access to email, the 2022 giving statement will be sent out via postal mail or you can pick up your statement in-person during a MCCDC Sunday worship service.
Please contact Chocolatte’ Miller at chocolatte.miller@outlook.com if you have questions or comments.
Save This Date !!! 25 Feb @6:00 PM
MCCDC will premiere our Borderfree Black History Concert on Saturday, February 25th at 6:00 p.m. Eastern. As with our Sunday worship services, you’re invited to participate online or in person at Fifth and Ridge St NW.
Barnabas Culture
One by the name of Joseph, in Acts 4:36 was called “Barnabas” by the Apostles, because he had an encouraging spirit. His words consoled and encouraged those who heard him. For those interested in learning more about Barnabas Culture, MCCDC Ministry Intern Rev. Teresa Tygart will host training sessions 7:00 p.m. Eastern, Thursday. Click Here to Join The Zoom Thursday Nights For more information or questions Email preachertygart@gmail.com.
Borderfree Worship Update
Effective Tuesday, November 1, MCCDC adopted a flexible masking policy. That means when you enter the church at 474 Ridge St NW, you have the flexibility to choose* to wear or not to wear a mask.
• · Please continue to social distance. Respect personal space.
• · Respect personal masking choices. Others may be at high risk.
• · Be responsible. If you don’t feel well, have tested positive for COVID, or are otherwise sick; stay home and join us online.
*Note: Individual ministries or other activities/events at MCCDC may still require masks under certain circumstances
Worship Volunteer
We still need volunteers to sustain in-person worship. Please visit volunteer.mccdc.com and fill out the form for the dates and positions in which you can serve your church. Have questions about roles and responsibilities? Contact Chocolatté Miller, chocolatte.miller@outlook.com
Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #46, by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“To rejoice in the prosperity of others is to partake of it.” ~W. Austin
Dear God, thank you for the gift of faith to trust you for everything with the hope that it all works together for the good. We struggle through obstacles that are hard but when we cast our burdens upon you and surrender our will and doubts unto you, it is your steady hand that pulls us through to victory. We pray to remain connected to your Divine favor, for through You all things are possible.
Thank you, God, for blessing us with a prosperous heart that continues giving generously of financial gifts, talents, time, and treasures in serving You. Thank you for a spiritual home where everyone can pray, encourage, and bless each other. We are grateful for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and all places of spiritual worship where we gather as one to worship You. Thank you in your many names. Amen!
“And Jacob said, ‘No please, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present from my hand, inasmuch as I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me. Please accept my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.’ Thus he urged him, and he took it.” Genesis 33:10-11 (NIV)
Support for Tim Helm
Beloved longtime MCCDC member Tim Helm is recovering from spinal and back wound complications at BridgePoint Hospital on Capitol Hill. Tim welcomes your calls in the afternoon and evening at (202) 368-9877.
Tim, our love and prayers are with you!
~Your MCCDC Family
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
Johanna Hardy• Jerry Giem at the recent passing of his partner Bob Jones • Tim Helm • Min. Diedre Gray • Mark Kelley and Bill Campbell • James Newkirk ? Denise Wright, her mother Lucy Mae Coombs and her aunt Lottie Mae King. • 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 • Michelle Lax •Anthony Goode • Valeria Myers’ children Chantelle & Donald • George Kerr, III • Randy Punley • Lynn Sulyma • 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 •Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother Earline • Angela Terrell • Carol Washington for the peaceful transition of her mother • Mike Washington •Angela Dodd for healing •Buck Carlson •Lolita Gleaton for healing from her cancer • Cameron & Sabrina Beauford for the health of their unborn baby • Mezyi Choi request prayer for her success healing from surgery
“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.
Barnabas Culture Sessions
Barnabas Culture, Session 7:00 p.m. Eastern, Thursday. Click Here to Join The Zoom Thursday Nights. For more information contact MCCDC Ministry Intern Rev. Teresa Tygart at Email preachertygart@gmail.com.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
