THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
The Gardener of Our Souls
“All pursuits are pointless and fruitless unless and until love and compassion are found and then are the foundation and destination of all you do.”
~ Rasheed Ogunlaru
There is little more frustrating than wasting two hours at an unproductive meeting. Or starting the day with a plan only to have it circumvented with trivialities, leaving one frustrated at nightfall. Sometimes a lack of productivity is simply frustrating. Other times it can have serious consequences. For example, the government’s inability to act quickly and productively to the toxic water crisis in Flint, Michigan will impact the health of thousands for decades.
This Sunday my message is from Luke 13: 6-9 which describes an unproductive fig tree and raises the question of what to do about it. The landowner argues it needs to be cut down because it is not serving its purpose; the fig tree is just taking up space that could be replanted for something more productive.
The gardener takes the opposite position, arguing for giving the tree a second chance.
While second chances always make for a good story, I believe there is more going on here. Maybe the gardener’s position is not so much an argument as it is an invitation. Between the lines are we invited to think of God as the Gardener of Our Souls? This scripture rubs against the values of relentless productivity and consumption that dominate our days and lives. It proposes the alternative of fruitfulness and fulfillment. We’ll explore this idea in this Sunday’s Spiritual Instruction entitled, “The Gardener of Our Souls.”
Get geared up for Sunday by attending the Black History Month Concert, “Shades of Blackness” featuring the MCCDC Worship Arts Ministry with Composer and Director Tyrone Stanley and Special Guests Charlesheia Chacha Glaze, Derek Edward Scott and Montrae Tisdale-Johnson. Bring your friends and family to this 5:00 PM concert; free admission with an offering to be received.
See you Saturday at 5PM and Sunday at 9AM and 11AM
By Faith,
Rev Elder Dwayne Johnson
An Invitation from Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE SURVEY
In 2015 we worked with Rev. Elder Don Eastman to focus on our future. His work with us included several congregational surveys and retreat weekends. All that information was the foundation for a drafting team that included our consultant Rev. Elder Don Eastman, Associate Pastor Rev. Cathy Alexander, Dale Madyun-Baskerville, Steve Jones, and myself. We used your comments and participation to NOW present to you for further comment our guiding documents which include our Mission, Vision and Values..
Please click here to take survey!
Tell us what you think! Place your mark on the future of MCCDC, this Beloved Community. It will only take a few minutes, yet it will be very helpful to the drafting team as we prepare proposed guiding documents to present to the Board of Directors for consideration. Upon Board approval of our guiding documents, Rev. Elder Don Eastman will work with us on strategic implementation.
I invite you to join me in this next step of creating our future together!
By Faith,
Rev. Elder Dwayne
THIS WEEK FEBRUARY 2016
MCCDC Black History Month Concert “Shades of BLackness”
Worships Art Ministry Under the direction of Tyrone Staley
THE MUSIC THAT SHAPED THE HISTORY OF BLACK FOLKS IN AMERICA FROM AFRICA TO THE PLANTATION, TO THE EMANCIPATION TO THE 60″S & MOTOWN TO GOSPEL AND SPIRITUALS
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2016 AT 5:00 PM,
The Black History Month Concert is FREE. A love offering will be taken.
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Please join the Tuesday Night Bible Study from 7-8pm in the Welcome Hall. 
A time of community, fun learning and sharing. For more information please contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Adult Sunday School is held from 10:15 to 10:50. Please bring your coffee or tea to the upstairs conference room for the brief yet powerful time together. For more information contact Rose Herring at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
UNID@s SPANISH SPEAKING MINISTRY WORSHIP FEBRUARY 28,2016 SUNDAY AT 1PM
Join the UNID@s Ministry FEBRUARY 28,2016 at 1pm in the Chapel for worship services.
CHURCH NEWS
MCCDC 45th Anniversary Celebration Gala
Join us for an evening of fine dining, dancing, memories and memory making with old and new friends.
Our 45th Anniversary Gala will take place on:
May 21st from 6:30-10:30 PM at the National Press Club.
Tickets are available online or at the information station starting March 6th.
Click below for Flyer!
MCCDC 2016 Anniversary Gala Flyer
45th Anniversary History Project
We want to hear from you because you have a story to tell the nations. We would like everyone to tell their story (in a page or less) and especially if you are a 20+ year member of MCCDC. Use the following questions as a guide:
• How did you find MCCDC?
• What were your feelings to find a spiritual home that let you know God loves and created you for who you are?
• What contributions (spiritual gifts) did you make to the ministry of the church?
• What would you share with people who are still looking for a safe and spiritual home?
• What are your hopes for the future of MCCDC?
Please send you writings by March 1st to Cecelia Hayden Smith and Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373. Cecelia Hayden Smith is at the church every Tuesday from 12:30 –
HAVE YOUR CAKE… AND EAT IT TOO!!!ORDER YOUR CAKE FOR PALM SUNDAY AND EASTER SUNDAY
PICK UP YOUR CAKES MARCH 20 – 27, 2016
A VARIETY OF WHOLE CAKES AVAILABLE!! SEE LIST BELOW! SIGN UP AT THE INFORMATION STATON OR CALL THE CHURCH AT 202-638-7373
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT MCCDC 45TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Regular Cakes $20.00
• Yellow Cake with Chocolate Icing
• Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Icing
• Plain Coconut Cake
• Pineapple Coconut Cake
• Lemon Pound Cake
• Pound Cake
Special Cakes: $30.00
• Carrot Cake
• Red Velvet Cake
• German Chocolate Cake
Pies: $7.00
• Sweet Potato Pie
The Election of the Moderator for Metropolitan Community Churches
The denominational Moderator’s Nominating Committee has announced the slate of candidates for MCC’s next moderator. General Conference’s Clergy House and Lay house will vote on our next moderator. The conference will be held July 4-8, 2016. Click Here to Read a message from the Moderator of the nominating committee and to see bios and statements from the 4 candidates:
***Rev. Elder Diane Fisher
***Rev. Elder Darlene Garner
***Rev. Elder Héctor Gutiérrez
***Rev. Dr. Irene Laudeman
MCC Statement of Faith
A revision to MCC’s statement of Faith will also be voted on at this year’s general conference. The denomination’s Commission on the Statement of Faith has published the next installment of theological conversations contained in the statement. Please take a moment to read it. Please click here to read
The current draft of the Statement of Faith is also posted for your review and consideration and comment. Click Here to Read
MCC Governing Board Nominating Committee
MCC will elect 5 members to the Governing Board at the July conference, 3 clergy and 2 laity. The Board is responsible for the governance of the denomination between triannual general conferences. If you are interested in running for the board please read information from the nominating committee and contact the chair of the committee, MCCDC Vice Moderator Mark Kornmann at mark@mccdc.com.Click Here to Read
If you have questions about General Conference please contact your MCCDC lay delegates or Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY DISCERNMENT FOR 2016
Do You CARE?
Are You Willing to serve?
Are you on the journey of spiritual maturity?
Are you able to set healthy boundaries?
Do you have a regular prayer life?
Do you have some time to commit?
Are you able to honor confidentiality?
Are you comfortable visiting hospitals and care facilities?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions perhaps you can consider PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY!
Come receive information about the Pastoral Care Ministry
and assistance with your discernment.
Meetings are being held on March 16, April 20 and May 18 @ 6pm. For more information, please contact any Pastoral Care Minister or Rev. Dwayne.
MCCDC Computer Training
The computer training theme this year is Using Social Media!! The classes will be focused on the basic use of these very popular tools. We hope you will be able to join us in the Computer Lab on the lower level at MCCDC.
~ 2/21 Facebook Basics
~ 3/20 Twitter Basics
~ 4/17 Facebook Basics
~ 5/22 Twitter
~ 6/19 Using Droid Smart Phones & Tablets
~ 7/17 Home Computer Security Basic
~ 8/21 Using Droid Smart Phones & Tablets
MCCDC CONTINUES STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE DRIVE FOR 2016
The Stewardship Drive provides a great opportunity for all of us to take time to reflect on how MCCDC is ministering to us, and pray about how we can best serve God and MCCDC through our time, talents, and treasure.
What is Stewardship? Stewardship can best be defined as behaving responsibly with something you have been given. It entails diligently seeking the best uses for the resources with which you have been entrusted.
How can I participate in this year’s drive? Simply complete a 2016 Pledge Form. The form will ask you to make a pledge regarding your contributions to the general operating fund for this year, as well as what ministry areas you are supporting or would like to participate in using your time and talents. Pledge forms can be placed in the offering plate or sent to the church office.
Click below for Pledge Drive form.
2016 Stewardship Pledge Form Final
How will members and regular attenders be recognized for participating in this year’s drive? Every member and regular attender who completes a pledge form will have a cross added to their name tags. The cross will serve as a reminder throughout the year of your commitment to God, MCCDC and your ministry through the giving of your time, talent, and treasure. Please contact Rev Cathy should you have questions or require additional information. revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
NEXT MEMBERSHIP CLASS TO TAKE PLACE MARCH 6
If you have questions about MCCDC and what membership is about, class will be held on March 6 from 12:30 to 2:30 in the chapel. All are welcome to attend. A light lunch will be served. PLEASE register so that we may have enough food and materials. Contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
CALLING ALL WHO LIKE TO SEW, CROCHET, KNIT…
If you like to make things with your hands, Rev Cathy would like to speak with you. There is a ministry of caring that you can accomplish from your home or in a group. Making prayer shawls, stoles or scarfs. If you are interested in pursuing your ministry passion in this way, please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
