Early in my life, I had learned that if you want something, you had better make some noise. You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless they have their freedom.
~Malcolm X
Persist, Resist, Assist! What do the days of sheltering in place, haltingly attempting to return to in person connections, demonstrations in the streets and cries for equity and justice have to do with the story of an encounter between Jesus and a Canaanite woman? There are many parallels it seems. Many oppressed people hunger for justice and equity. They cry out even when that hunger propels them to take to the streets for visibility and some sense of movement to tear down the systems and structures that have oppressive and inequitable policies and opportunities. They cry out and even come near to those who are powerful. They make their voices heard through the persistence of an ongoing message demanding justice and demanding to be seen. Often, those who are “in” or “in the know” with birthright, privilege and wealth receive the first or best opportunities to advance, to receive health care and basic necessities that make life livable.
This Sunday’s gospel lesson from Matthew 15: 21- 28 tells of an interaction between Jesus, his disciples and a Canaanite woman pleading for her child’s healing. She persists in her cries for Jesus’ help. Her persistent pleas became so annoying to them that the disciples want to silence her and move her out of the way. The woman resisted attempts at silencing. She defied social norms and boldly continued to seek an audience with and action from Jesus. She had faith enough to believe that Jesus could heal her child. Through their exchange she assisted Jesus to shift his perspective and remember all of God’s creation.
Persist, Resist, Assist! We too have a call from God to make the best difference we can, right where we are planted. Infused with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, let us each answer that call from God.
This Sunday we will hear sacred voices of our very own MCCDC Young Adults Brian Wenk and Monika Lawrence. They will share powerful perspectives on their lives as teachers and unique perspectives on the Canaanite woman. Join us for online worship at 9 AM or 11 AM.
Peace,
Rev Cathy
MCCDC Announcements
MCCDC Virtual Ministry Working Group Forming, Help Shape MCCDC’s Virtual Engagement and Ministry by Joining the Working Group!
*What does virtual ministry and virtual membership mean?
*What does meaningful virtual engagement look like?
* How do we live our Aspirations Virtually?
A Virtual Ministry Working Group is forming now and you are invited and encouraged to join!
Even prior to COVID-19, we as a community began taking steps to expand our ministry beyond the walls through our livestream, videos, and social media. We started to explore what would virtual membership look like and how we can engage members and guests online. The impact of COVID-19 has made the answers to these and other questions even more timely.
It is important, now more than ever, to develop our strategy for online ministry and membership – even when we are able to meet again in-person, the work we do now will help us as a community ensure we can re-imagine our ministry in a way that welcomes and engages everyone – regardless of whether they can participate in person or virtually.
If you are interested in joining the working group, or have questions, please contact Ministry Intern Dr. Carla Sherrell at drcarla@mccdc.com.
As the working group gets underway, look out for opportunities to provide input. And, if you have any initial ideas or questions now, we welcome your input.
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).
The MCCDC Drama Team Needs You!
No experience required! Just a willing learner. If you have a passion or artistic flare in front of camera come join the MCCDC Drama team! The Drama Ministry meets on Mondays at 6:30 om via Zoom and performs on the Second Sunday of each month. If you are interested, please contact Clara Carter at c4mcarter26@gmail.com.
Electronic Giving
Here is an opportunity to cover the electronic giving transaction fee so that 100% of your donation goes to MCCDC.
Beginning Sunday, May 24, 2020, each time that you make your donation electronically, you will have the option to add $2.00 to help cover the electronic giving transaction fee.
Just Place a check mark next to the statement:
I would like to add $2.00 to help cover the transaction fee so that 100% of my donation supports MCCDC
JOIN REV. DWAYNE IN PRAYER FROM NOON TO 12:30 PM Monday thru Saturday
Phone Number: 646-558-8656, Code: 407 740 6668
Bible Study
A time of community, fun, learning, and sharing!
Tuesdays from 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Via FREE ZOOM Video Conference Call
Click here to see the MCCDC 2020 Bible Study Schedule
Phone Call in number is: 301 715 8592 US,Meeting ID: 434 566 329
Password: Email Dale Madyun-Baskerville at mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com for login invitation
“Ministry Spotlight”
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
Click here to see more MCCDC Videos
LiveStream Volunteer’s Needed!
Volunteer! No experience is required. We will train you or someone you recommend. (Perhaps a student interested in picking up new skills?) Opportunities include:
o Producing the livestream itself on Sundays and for special events (greatest need)
o Assisting on Sundays by video recording and managing cameras
o Video editing (this requires access to your own computer and video editing software)
Share our message! Inspired by Rev. Dwayne’s spiritual instruction? Moved by a praise & worship song? Post it on Facebook. Send a link to friends and family. They can tune-in to our livestream or watch worship services on demand at livestream.com/mccdc, through our website at mccdc.com, or browse clips on our YouTube Channel.
Click here to visit MCCDC YouTube channel
Email Johanna at mccdclive@gmail.com or talk to any one of the AV team members to volunteer or for more information
The Soundboard Ministry Needs YOU
Soundboard volunteers are needed for 9 am and 11 am services. No experience needed!
You will be trained on a state of the art soundboard and learn how to set up mics for services.
Ideally, you will train at the 9 am service and continue training at the 11 am service, but we are flexible.
Please contact Michael Cunningham at mjcunningham2013@gmail.com or stop by to talk with any soundboard volunteer.
“CHURCH NEWS”
Coronavirus Hotline DC, MD and VA
Washington DC
After hours, please call the GW Hospital Emergency Department at 202.715.4000
GW Medical CLEVELAND PARK- Phone: 202.525.5287
GW Medical MCPHERSON SQ- Phone: 202.798.0100
1101 15th St NW
GW Medical RHODE ISLAND AVE- Phone: 202.544.7580
Click Here to go to DC Government Corona Virus Web Site
Maryland
Cough, fever, and shortness of breath, are the three symptoms together that raise the concern for coronavirus,
coronavirus hotline at 1-855-600-3453
Click Here to go to Maryland Government Corona Virus Web Site
Virginia
Cough, fever, and shortness of breath, are the three symptoms together that raise the concern for coronavirus,
coronavirus hotline at 1-855-600-3453
Click Here to go Virginia Government Corona Virus Web Site
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
* The family of Deloris Fowler’s sister,* Mrs. Jenifer Keys who transitioned * Jerry Giem’s Son * Jason and Nephew * Travis * Valerie Myers’ son Donald * Michelle Lax * George Kerr* III * Mama Cee’s sister and niece * Rose Williams * Randy Punley * Lynn Sulyma * Esther Smith * Marcus Garnett * Renee Valentine * Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother * Earline * T. Green * Evelyn Jones * Ted Shaffer, husband of Larry Harris * Bob Jones’ son Chuck & wife Karen * Steve Sloane * Glenn Conrad * Arden Shutt * Renee Valentine’s brother ** Kim Battle * Juanita Dara * Jeffrey Luckenbach * Anthony Goode * Keith Richardson
