This Week’s Reflection
“Now” is a “now” that will never come back. What I really want is to be able to listen to what the person is telling me right now. Rather than thinking about what to say or how to respond, why not start by just listening?” ~Mari Watanabe
One of the things I love about MCCDC is our open table for Holy Communion. One does not need to be a member of MCCDC or any church to join us for the nourishment and mystery of the Bread and Cup.This week I’m reflecting on our other tables. This is something to consider and pray about. How about the tables where we share meals, either at church, at cafes or at home? Are we truly open to the stories of everyone, including the stories that make us uncomfortable? How about the “tables” of our Welcome Hall at MCCDC? Is our hospitality radical, open to the core of true need?
In Matthew 5: 1-12 Jesus offers a message of blessing that informs how we think about our tables. Who is welcome? Who is blessed? Jesus says, “Blessed are the hopeless, the grieving, the humble, the hungry, the thirsty, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peace makers, the harassed and the insulted.” The table of Jesus is a table of blessing, and he expands the meaning of blessing to include everyone. The life message of Jesus is clear: there is room at the table.
One of the characteristics of this table is that it is a place to listen. Sometimes a person is present at the table yet not fully received. Have you ever been at a dinner where one or two people dominated the conversation and others, perhaps you, were left out?
This Sunday we begin a four-part November series entitled “Creating our Generous Future.” As we move towards the culmination of 2023 we seek to finish the year strong, and prepare to enter 2024. With generosity, we look to what the future is calling us to do and who the future is calling us to be. An open and generous table is at the heart of who we are.
In preparation for our Sunday worship at 9a.m. and 11a.m. in the Sanctuary, online and on demand, I invite you to join me in reflection on this quote by Henri Nouwen: “I think that generosity has many levels. We have to think generously, speak generously, and act generously. Thinking well of others and speaking well of others is the basis for generous giving. It means that we relate to others as part of our ‘gen’ or ‘kin’ and treat them as family.” Let’s work together to ensure that all our tables are open.
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Daylight Saving Time
Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour before you go to sleep this Saturday night.
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!
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
We will be holding our annual Form and Congregational Meeting at 12:30 EST 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.
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
MCCDC Seasonal Services
Please join us for the following Seasonal Services:
• 22 November at 06:30 pm EST Wednesday,Thanksgiving Eve Join Us on Zoom ONLY
• 24 December, 10 am Christmas Eve Morning
• 24 December, 5 pm EST Christmas Eve with Candles
• 01 January, 2024 at 10 am EST, New Year’s Eve Morning
Join us in person at 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC or live stream at live.mccdc.com
CHRISTMAS HOPE
Come Join MCCDC for our holiday concert on 2nd December at 6:00 p.m. Saturday!
You can attend in person at 474 Ridge street NW, Washington DC or watch it live stream at: live.mccdc.com
37th Walk & 5K to End HIV
Please plan to join MCCDC in the 37th annual Walk & 5K to End HIV on Saturday, December 2nd at 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Gateway DC Pavilion, 2700 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE. You can still participate virtually as well. Click here to donate or join MCCDC Team. Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at baskerd6109@gmail.com for more information
Mary’s House Lunch and Learning Workshop
Join Mary’s House for one of their FREE workshops listed below on key topics:
• November 08- Veteran Day Observance
• 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 #83 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
~ Nelson Mandela
Dear God, we come to you immersed in your prosperity with mind, body, and soul that enables us to enjoy the harvest of our labor, and share generously of our financial gifts, talents, time, skills and treasures as mindful stewards of your Beloved Community. Thank you that perseverance is not based on by how many times we may miss the mark or fall down but is determined by each time we get back up with renewed strength and faith to accomplish great works in your name. And for this we are grateful for all spiritual places of worship where everyone can gather to worship you in song and thanksgiving.
Thank you for empowering us to care and encourage each other on our life journey. God, we thank you in your many precious names. Amen!
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
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
