This Week’s Reflection
8[M]y siblings, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8
What a powerful message of hope. An invitation to engage the health and wellness of hope. These words, along with those of verse 1 on love (“My siblings, you whom I love and long for”), 4 on joy (“Rejoice in the Savior always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”), 7 on peace (“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds…”), are referenced as from the apostle Paul, and were sent from him to the growing church at Philippi during Paul’s incarceration. Through his words he encourages the community to not lose hope during his own and the community’s stressful and distressing times living under the weight of the personal and systemic pressures they are facing. Indeed, he not only offers a reminder of their mission and vision, but provides them with practices to utilize in maintaining hope over time in relationship to God and themselves individually, and communally.
While violent, destructive perspectives and acts, and their precursors, may be all around us, there also exist the power of fierce love and unflinching justice that can support us in remembering and engaging in the process of the wellness of hope. We can reflect on the courage of those who came before us, and of those who sit, stand, and roll beside us encouraging us to co-create and put into practice love and justice through our relationship with the God of our understanding.
Please join us Sunday, in-person or by live stream at 9a.m. and 11a.m. and later on demand, as we continue to explore the Wellness of Hope.
,
Blessings,
Dr. Carla Sherrell
Special Events
On 22 October there will two special events the first will be: Guest Speaker Rev. Shige Sakurai will preach on Traversing Trauma, a Journey to Joy at 9 am and 11 am services and second immediately following at 12:30 a panel presentation and discussion on Gender Identity and Advocacy will be led by Min. Diedre Gray, Rev. Elder Miller Hoffman and Rev. Shige Sakurai. Both events can be attended in person at 474 Ridge Street, Washington, DC 2001 or on line at live.mccc.com
MCCDC Leadership Opportunity
Are you looking for a new way to serve your MCCDC community? Can you envision yourself in a leadership position? Then we might have just the right opportunity for you!
The Board of Directors is looking for motivated and qualified candidates to run for two positions that will be open due to term expirations in 2023.
If you feel called and have been a member of MCCDC in good standing for the past six months, you are eligible to run. Please submit a brief resumé and letter of interest to revdwayne@mccdc.com and churchoffice@mccdc.com.
2023 Forum & Congregational Meeting
Mark your calendars! We will be holding our annual Form and Congregational Meeting on the below dates:
• 12 November: Forum In-Person & Zoom
• 19 November: Congregational Meeting In-Person & Zoom
We invite you to join other MCCDC members in electing new Board Members, recapping 2023 and planning how we’ll grow our generous home in 2024.
OVERFLOW SUNDAY
On 29 October, the 5th Sunday of the month MCCDC like you to consider a special Overflow Gift to MCCDC Church and ministries. As we come out of summer our expenses are below our income, compounded by critical capital repairs. Click here to read a special message from the board.
These gifts help us to adapt our changing times on line and in-person ministries. For example, 43 people recently enjoyed the Atlantic City Bus Trip for all ages sponsored by our Older Adult Ministry. Together we can address this challenge!
Pray this prayer: “God, what would you have me do?” Then simply respond in faith. Every gift of every amount will make a positive difference.
To give, visit donate.mccdc.com, text GIVE to 202-999-3841 or mail your gift to MCCDC, 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC 20001. Feel free to email questions or comments the Board at board@mccdc.com or Pastor Dwayne at revdwayne@mccdc.com. Let’s make October strong!
Email Scam Alert
Someone has been sending email claiming to be Rev. Dwayne and requesting people buy gift cards. This is a scam! (Rev. Dwayne has only one email address, revdwayne@mccdc.com).
If you received one of these emails DELETE the email or report it as spam to reportphishing@apwg.org or CLICK HERE TO REPORT IT TO GMAIL Abuse Web site
Older Adult Ministry
The Older Adult Ministry will be holding our quarterly meeting on 29 Oct 2023, at 12:30 PM in person, Church Chapel or join via zoom link below.
This meeting topic will be projected OAM schedule for 2024 and 10 Dec 2024 Christmas Pot luck.
· Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
· Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 824 9552 3942
· Dial (301) 715-8592 by phone, using the same Meeting ID
Contact Dale L. Madyun-Baskerville at baskerd6109@gmail.com
Mary’s House Lunch and Learning Workshop
Join Mary’s House for one of their FREE workshops listed below on key topics:
• October 25 – Medicare Open Reenrollment Period
• November 15 – Legal Hotline Services
FREE Lunch will be provided. Please email Dr. Carla Sherrell, csherrell@maryshousedc.org Your email is REQUIRED to CONFIRM your registration and your lunch.
Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #80 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” — Arthur Ashe
Dear God, thank you for creating us in your image. Guide us and help us to be willing to follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit according to your purpose as a beloved community. We are thankful for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and all spiritual places of worship where all can gather to worship in person and through various media connections to help spread the gospel of your grace and mercy to everyone.
Thank you for guiding and growing us to be good stewards of your prosperity in all areas of life according to the authority and ability you have given each of us. We are encouraged to continue sharing generously of our financial gifts, talents, time, and treasures, to continue gathering souls into your realm. We are grateful for the seed of prosperity within us to share with others, and helping people in need. Praise you in your many names. Amen!
Now to God who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. Ephesians 3:20
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
The Jackson Family in the passing of their beloved Denee Jackson * Bill Campbell * Jerry Giem * Tim Helm * Denise Wright, loss of her sister Felicia * Rose Williams * Cecilia Hayden-Smith and Esther Smith’s health * Delores Fowler * Vernessa D. Wilson * Family of Ms. Brittany Harrell * Kia Murphy * Veronica Franklin her brother Andrews as he transition to the Lord* 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 * Angela Terrell * Mike Washington * Buck Carlson * Lolita Gleaton for healing from her cancer * Mezyi Choir * Johanna Hardy * Doris Carter Washington of Alexandria * Loss of Melvin Moore Adams’ sister Krissandra Moore * 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!
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