“New every morning is the opportunity to live in the sacred ?now of God’s presence.” ~D. D. Solanki
Every moment and every place holds sacred potential. Every encounter with our neighbors also holds opportunity. In our scripture for Sunday from Psalm 84 we receive an invitation to the sacred now. The sacred now is where we are going. It is also where we are. Our scripture reveals a both/and perspective.
Psalm 84 is a pilgrimage psalm. Our ancient forbears are journeying with holy longing towards the temple in Jerusalem. As they journey, they sing their longing for the living God. Is their song both lament and praise? They are headed to a holy place. However, where they are on the journey is also holy. From the depths of their inner selves they long for the altar of God. The altar of God is a place of beautiful focus. They also carry an altar within them, at the heart of their sacred center; this living altar is also a place of beautiful focus.
The psalmist describes these sojourners as those “whose hearts are the highways to Zion” (v. 5). This thought becomes a prayer in Eugene Peterson’s expression: “How blessed are all those in whom you live, whose lives become roads you travel.” What a powerful thought: our lives are roads where God travels. Thus, we never travel alone!
This inner altar that goes where we go is a place of resolve, even during times of grief and anxiety. “They go from strength to strength” (v. 8). The presence of God, this sacred now, equips us to meet the harsh realities of real life. And this presence also helps us to meet joy, carry joy and share it.
Holy God, alive in our hearts, and also all around us, help us to live with an awareness of your presence. Help us to make your presence known to others, even those we pass by, as we move with the energy of compassion. Amen.
?Join us on Sunday for the 9am ET engagement discussions (on site, online, on demand), 9am music rehearsal (on site), 10:30am ET worship service (on site, online, on demand). We look forward to interacting with you and worshipping with you
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Spiritual Engagement Hour
A Day Away by Maya Angelou
?Join us Onsite, Online and later On Demand for 9am ET Spiritual Engagement Hour.
This Sunday’s Highlights:
+ Our conversation starter for this time of spiritual dialogue is the question:
“During times of confusion, anxiety or fear, how do you regain perspective? ”
+ We’ll dialogue and share resources
+We’ll dialogue on Maya Angelou’s essay:
“A Day Away” from her beloved collection
Wouldn’t Take Nothing for the Journey Now
+Pastor Dwayne will invite dialogue on this quote by
Maya Angelou:
“ A day away acts as a spring tonic.
It can dispel rancor, transform indecision, and renew the spirit.”
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
Re-Imagine Ensemble
Join us onsite to sing and rehearse for worship.
Make new friends and enjoy a sense of musical belonging.
“Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” ~Colossians 3:16
MCCDC BIBLE STUDY SUMMER BREAK
Come join us for Bible Study AFTER Summer Break on 10 Sept 2024 Tuesday@ 7PM via ZOOM.
Go to calendar.mccdc.com for the Zoom
Link or email Dale Madyun-Baskerville,
with any mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com questions
Atlantic City Trip
MCCDC’s Older Adults Ministry will continue their annual day trip to the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
We’ll depart from the church at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 14th. Tickets cost $65 and include $15 for slots. To reserve your seat, visit oam.mccdc.com. Please pay no later than September 9th. Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville oam@mccdc.com with any questions.
Stronger Together: Being MCC in Politically Perilous Times in the U.S.
For U.S. Pastors, Pastoral Leaders, Network Leaders, and Lay Delegates:
?While on our journey of faith, those who live in the U.S. now find ourselves in politically perilous times. And, we know that MCCers are always STRONGER TOGETHER when we share our journey in faith, prayer, and love.
So the Council of Elders invite you to join us as we explore what we carry in our ‘spiritual backpack’ on this journey and choose to move from independence to interdependence through listening, prayer, action, and hope. We are indeed stronger together and even stronger with love.
Upcoming Schedule: August 31 / September 21 / October 26 / November 16 // 11AM ET / 10AM CT / 9AM MT / 8AM PT / 4PM BT
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
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.
Pathways to Generosity, Prayer #111
“There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself. It is the only true guide you will ever have. And if you cannot hear it, you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls.” ~~ Howard Thurman
Thank you, God, for the hidden treasures you placed within us and the willingness to share your abundance among people with a cheerful heart. We are grateful for your gifts of wisdom, understanding, love, faith, strength, forgiveness, kindness, and endurance given to everyone to express according to their ability to use them. Thank you for spiritual leadership, the generous financial resources, the talents and skills, the time and commitment to spread the gospel everywhere. We desire to continue using these gifts with thanksgiving to magnify your great works here on earth.
Thank you, God, for loving us unconditionally. We are grateful that you sacrificed your only Son Jesus, that everyone might receive the gift of eternal life. Thank you for all spiritual worship spaces throughout the world, and for granting us the grace to be a beacon of light to those who seek you. Each day is a new beginning to grow more in your likeness. We are grateful for the gift of hope that inspires all people to live in peace with one another. Thank you, in your many precious names! Amen.
“To God—whose power now at work in us can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine—to God be the glory in the Church and to Christ Jesus through all generations, world without end! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20 (The First Egalitarian Translation)
Clara Carter
MCCDC Prayer Supporter
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
Join MCCDC Bible Study of Jackie Lois book God of My Understanding starting 10 Sept 2024 at 7 PM.
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’ at the loss of his father Isaac *Mike Washington * Buck Carlson * Doris Carter Washington of Alexandria * John Hylton * Summer Allen * Ruth Kappy Makekodunmi * Sherry Bradshaw prayers for healing.
* Elaine Durden-Hunter loss of her sister and for healing.
“Church Ministries & Events”
Re-Imagine Ensemble
Join us 9 AM onsite at 474 Ridge ST NW, Washington, DC to sing and rehearse for worship.
Make new friends and enjoy a sense of musical belonging.
“Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” ~Colossians 3:16
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 For God
Join Re-Imagine Ensemble
Lift your voice in rehearsals at 09:00 am
On-Site 474 Ridge Street NW Washington, DC 20001
Email: pastors@mccdc.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!
