This Week’s Reflection
“Are you struggling uphill? You may not realize that you are nearly to the top of your mountain. Keep climbing with hope in your heart.” ~Marlene Hibbard
When the uphill climb seems a struggle, how does one keep moving? Hope is fuel. Hope spurs motion beyond emotion.
Our scripture from Luke 13:10-17 for this Sunday is a message of hope. We meet a beloved daughter of Sarah and Abraham who does not know how beloved she truly is. For 18 years, she has carried the weight of oppression. Her physical presence, described as “bent over” and “unable to stand up straight” is assumed by many to be an outcome of her sin (a prevalent theology of that time period), thus she is excluded from full participation in community.
Those around her expect her to know her place—and to stay there. She is expected to keep her mouth shut and head down. She is not invited to sing the songs that others sing. She is not allowed to look those “above” her in the eye… for to do so would be an affront to their status, power and control.
When the uphill climb seems insurmountable, Jesus becomes her hope.
In a clarion call to healing and equality, Jesus overturns all assumptions and expectations when he says to her, “Beloved, you are free!” Jesus then offers her a healing touch, and immediately she rises up to praise God with all her dignity restored. Her praise creates energy that radiates out to inspire hope in others. Her praise connects her to her Creator. Her source of praise is rooted in her Eternal Source. Praise and hope become forces in her healing.
In her praise she not only receives hope—she becomes hope. Praise and hope become her way of life. Join us this Sunday at 9 and 11a.m. in person, online, or later on demand as together we sing praise and hope at our Borderfree Worship services.
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Senior Pastor
In-Person Re-Entry
We return to In-Person Borderfree Worship on Sunday. You’re invited to continue participating virtually via live stream or join us in person at Fifth & Ridge NW in Washington, DC. Masks are required.
Learn more at borderfree.mccdc.com and let us know if you’re planning to attend in person. Visit checkin.mccdc.com (preferred) or contact church administrator Melvin Moore Adams at churchoffice@mccdc.com or (202) 638-7373.
We still need volunteers to sustain in-person worship. Please visit volunteer.mccdc.com and fill out the form for the dates and positions in which you can serve your church. Have questions about roles and responsibilities? Contact Chocolatté Miller, chocolatte.miller@outlook.com
Thank You for your Generosity
Generosity Prayer #27 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“God, what is it You want to do through us?” —MCCDC—
Generosity Prayer #27
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“God, what is it You want to do through us?” —MCCDC—
Dear God, we are blessed! Thank you for the faith, courage, patience, wisdom, and endurance to handle the responsibilities of our daily routines. Each time we ask, God, what is it you want to do through me,[through us]—we are ever grateful for everyone sharing generously of their financial gifts, time, talents, and treasures to continue what you have purposed us to do through Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC.
Thank you for all Metropolitan Community Churches and other places of worship for continuing to spread the good news of your unconditional love and grace, and helping people where needed. We know that all good comes from you and we are thankful for the many ways you prosper us. We praise you with thanksgiving and singing! Amen.
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3rd John 1:2 (NKJV)
Celebrating David York
David York, husband of David North, director of the Mosaic Harmony community choir, passed away July 21st after a courageous three-year battle with cancer.
If you would like to honor David York, please consider donating to support the continued uplifting music of Mosaic Harmony. Click here to donate online or send a check to Mosaic Harmony, 2961A Hunter Mill Road #611, Oakton, VA 22124.
There will be a celebrations of life in Washington DC on Friday, August 19th.
Breast Cancer Walk
Please plan to join MCCDC in the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s annual “More than Pink” Walk to End Breast Cancer on Sunday, September 18th at 7:00 a.m.
You can join in person at Freedom Plaza, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenues NW or participate virtually.
Click here to join or donate to Team MCCD. Contact Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com for more information.
Barnabas Culture
One by the name of Joseph, in Acts 4:36 was called “Barnabas” by the Apostles, because he had an encouraging spirit. His words consoled and encouraged those who heard him. For those interested in learning more about Barnabas Culture, MCCDC Ministry Intern Rev. Teresa Tygart will host training sessions 7:00 p.m. Eastern, Thursday. Click Here to Join The Zoom Thursday Nights. For more information or questions Email preachertygart@gmail.com.
Research Study on LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Church
Are you an adult who identifies as LGBTQ+ and attends an open, welcoming, and affirming church? If so, please consider participating in a research study. Dr. Megan Yost at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania is seeking to learn about LGBTQ+ people who have found a home in inclusive, LGBTQ+ affirming congregations, because most other research on this topic has examined people who have left churches due to experiences with sexual prejudice.
Click here for detailed Participation involves completing an online questionnaire, which includes an essay (or spiritual autobiography). You will be offered $15 for participation.
Support for Tim Helm
Beloved longtime MCCDC member Tim Helm is recovering from spinal and back wound complications at BridgePoint Hospital on Capitol Hill. Tim welcomes your calls in the afternoon and evening at (202) 368-9877.
Tim, our love and prayers are with you!
~Your MCCDC Family
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
Vernessa D. Wilson for successful anticipated surgery, Jay Nitz, his sister Sherri and family for their mother’s peace and comfort in hospice * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline • Denise Wright, her mother Lucy Mae Coombs and her aunt Lottie Mae King • Bob Jones healing from his recent fall & Jerry Giem’s health • Michelle Lax • George Kerr, III • Dr. Veronica Franklin • Cecilia Hayden-Smith for healing from upcoming medical procedure, for Granny’s comfort and a painless transitioning • Esther Smith for continued health • Rose Williams continued healing • Tim Helm • Randy Punley • Lynn Sulyma • Marcus Garnett • Renee Valentine & Renee Valentine’s brother • Arden Shutt • Buck Carlson • Delores Fowler • Evelyn Jones • Steve Sloane • Glenn Conrad • Anthony Goode • Jeffrey Luckenbach • Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa • Kim Battle • Mark Kelly and Bill Campbell health • Joshua Benkins, for health of his father Isaac David Benkins • Elaine Durden-Hunter, for healing for her mother, Earline T. Green, and dog, Angel • Marvin White, whose step mother passed of C19 • Angela Terrell • Tim Helm • Mike Washington • Angela Dodd needs prayer for healing • Cameron & Sabrina Beauford, for the health of their unborn baby.
“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
Bible Study on Summer Break unitl 31 Aug 2022
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
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
