This Week’s Reflection
Jesus is radical. If you doubt this, I encourage you to read Luke 6:27-38. Here is just part of that teaching:
“To you who hear me, I say: love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.”
In our topsy-turvy, violence-laden, deeply divided world—in the midst of the rise of neo-fascism at home and abroad which requires total obedience to some supreme all-too human leader—such teaching is heresy.
Analysts say our democracy is being tested in ways that echo the Civil War. I say that even deeper, love is being tested. I am speaking not only of our personal love, but even more about love as the foundation of treating all beings, human and more-than-human, with dignity, care, and respect.
Jesus’ teachings also challenge us, his followers—his standards are so high. I know I fall short. I try to live this way, I try to follow Dr. King who says non-violence is the way, who says only love can drive out hate. But I fall short.
So what are we to do? Keep trying, keep showing up and doing our best, supporting each other, testifying as best we can. It helps too if we have a picture of what a world grounded in love looks like.
In my message, “Living Liberation: When Love Is Tested,” we will explore the verses from Luke as well as another text which paints a picture of this world of love, reminding us that God never gives up on us and is always available to help us create the change we need.
Please join us this Sunday at 9:00 or 11:00 a.m. Eastern via livestream, or later on demand, as we explore collective love as an MCCDC community living liberation.
Until then, may you know, and share, God’s love.
Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline
Writer-Theologian in Residence
Our church building is closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Our COVID-19 Advisory Team and Board of Directors will re-evaluate community risk after New Year’s.
Writers’ Ministry
Our Writers’ Ministry meets this Saturday,February 19th at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. Click here for the Zoom link and contact Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, Writer-Theologian in Residence, at writer@robinhawleygorsline.com for more information.
Black History Month Concert
MCCDC will premiere our Black History Concert on Saturday, February 26th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Watch this spot for more info and tune in at youtube.mccdc.com
Membership Class
Are you interested in learning about becoming a member of MCCDC? Welcome! Please plan to join our next membership class after worship on Sunday, February 27th, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Simply contact Rev. Dwayne, revdwayne@mccdc.com, or Rev. Cathy, revcathy@mccdc.com, to sign up or ask questions.
2021 Giving Statements Are Coming Soon.
MCCDC’s Church Administrator and Assistant Treasurer have finished emailing 2021 giving statements to everyone for whom we have a valid address. If you expected your statement via email and have not yet received it, please email treasurer@mccdc.com.
We continue sending paper statements via US Mail to those we cannot reach via email. Call 202-638-7373 with questions.
Ash Wednesday
Please plan to join your MCCDC family for a special Borderfree Worship service on Ash Wednesday, March 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Find us at live.mccdc.com, just as you do on Sunday mornings.
Congregational Forum & Meeting
Please plan to join us after worship Sunday, March 13th at 12:30 p.m. Eastern for MCCDC’s Congregational Forum. (We’ll separately send members an information packet with the agenda and reports from ministry leaders.)
Two weeks later, on March 27th, we’ll hold our Congregational Meeting to vote on church business.
Interactive Worship Features
Beginning this Sunday, we’ll offer a period of quiet reflection during our 9:00 a.m. Borderfree Worship. At 11:00 a.m., we’ll invite everyone to share comments or questions in the YouTube or Facebook chat. Our A/V team will relay messages to the pastors to answer during service. Please address ay questions to Rev. Dwayne and Rev. Cathy at revdwayne@mccdc.com or revcathy@mccdc.com
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
• Glenn Conway’s cousin Trey • Rev, Dennis Johnson • Delores Fowler •Dale Madyun-Baskerville’s brother, Mike Washington • Tim Helm • Maria Hill • Evelyn Jones • Bob Jones & son Chuck & wife Karen • Jerry Giem & son, Jason & nephew, Travis • Dr. Veronica Franklin • Valeria Myers’ children Chantelle & Donald • Michelle Lax • George Kerr, III • Kim Battle • Randy Punley •Cecilia Hayden-Smith and Esther Smith’s health • Rose Williams’ healing •Lynn Sulyma •Marcus Garnett •Renee Valentine & brother •Arden Shutt •Steve Sloane •Glenn Conrad •Anthony Goode •Jeffrey Luckenbach •Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa •Bill Campbell •Mark Kelly •Joshua Benkins’ health of Isaac David Benkins, father •Elaine Durden-Hunter healing for her dog, Angel •Angela Terrell •Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother, Earline T.Green •Donna and Karen Payne-Hardy at the death of Donna ‘s mother • Jason mother for continue healing
“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
Writer’s Ministry
The MCCDC Writers’ Ministry mission is to offer to our church and the world more reflections and devotionals throughout the year. If you’d like to join this project, now or in the future, please contact Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, Writer-Theologian in Residence, at writer@robinhawleygorsline.com
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
