“I am living breathing freedom.” ~Hiroko Sakai
When the Spirit sets us free, we are free indeed. I’m excited that this Sunday we return to the theme Courageous Faith. This series will prepare our hearts for the election and what follows the election. There are many unknowns. Many are living with anxiety. We need the Holy Spirit and we need each other to navigate the days and weeks ahead.
Freedom is a campaign slogan and a theme for many who are running for national and local offices. It is a powerful theme, resonating with our deepest longings. At heart, freedom is a spiritual theme. Freedom is a major theme for the sojourners of the Hebrew Scriptures, and it is a the heart of the ministry of Jesus. Beyond elections, there is a deeper freedom that is eternally sustaining. This Sunday, we’ll look at ways to be free from the inside out. We are free to reveal, to be bold, to transcend, to aspire, to unite, to build, to create and to bear witness. With the Holy Spirit, there is always something deeper going on.
Ephesians 3:17-19 is a prayer that calls us to be strong to grasp the breadth, length, height, and depth of Spirit-filled living. The Holy Spirit, the breath of God’s love, is not bound by limited thinking and is released through openness.
The Spirit helps us to reclaim our true identities beyond labels and assumptions. Our scriptures for Sunday from Hebrews 1:1-4 and Hebrews 2:5-12 invite us to peel off the layers and soar into the glory of lives well lived. Who are we? We are not who others may say we are. The poet testifies in Hebrews 2:6-8: “What are people that you are mindful of them, or mortals that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels. You placed on them a crown of glory and honor, putting all things under their authority.”
The Holy Spirit opens new possibilities for human flourishing, revealing our sacred birthright. With joy, we’ll explore our spiritual freedom this Sunday on-site and on-line at 10:30AM Eastern and later on demand.
In preparation for Sunday I invite you to join me in this prayer: “God of freedom, we are in awe that you, the Creator of the Universe, think about each of us. Your care reaches into our lives. Help us to fathom the stunning truth that you created us just a little lower than the angels. Help us to imagine who we are and who we can be through you. Help us to crown our lives with glory and honor. Inspire us to live with spiritual authority. Amen.”
Grace and peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Releasing Spiritual Power
Join us Onsite, Online and later On Demand for 9am ET Spiritual Engagement Hour.
This Sunday’s Highlights:
+ Our conversation starter for this time of spiritual dialogue is a spiritually powerful prayer by our own Clara Carter
+We’ll reflect on this quote by Dr. Howard Thurman:
“Do not be silent; there is no limit to the power that may be released through you.”
+ We’ll dialogue on questions raised by our content:
>What does it mean to release spiritual power in this world ?
>What’s the difference between power and spiritual power?
>What is the connection between spiritual power and spiritual abundance?
MCCDC Chapel Onsite, Online & On demand.
Here are three ways to participate:
* Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
* Call In, +1 301 7158592 Meeting ID:850 0797 0818
* In Person 474 Ridge St., NW, Washington, D 20001
Re-Imagine Ensemble
Join us onsite to sing and rehearse for worship.
Make new friends and enjoy a sense of musical belonging.
“Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” ~Colossians 3:16
Older Adult Ministry
The Older Adult Ministry will be holding its monthly meeting In Person, 2nd floor Chapel and Zoom 13 Oct 2024 at 12:30 PM
This month Guest Speaker is Adam Heller from Center for Aging Services.
Here are three ways to participate:
Join in person at 474 Ridge Street, Washington, DC or via zoom link below:
· Click here to open Zoom Link
· Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 824 9552 3942
· Dial (301) 715-8592 by phone, using the same Meeting ID
Writing Ministry
MCCDC’s Writers’ Ministry will gather on Saturday, 19 October, 10:00 am EST via zoom link listed below. Whether you are an experienced writer or want to begin writing, or do more, please consider joining. For more information contact Greg Synder at gcsnyder01@aol.com.
Click Here to Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 865 7622 1632
Passcode: 146039
38th Walk & 5K to End HIV
Please plan to join MCCDC in the 38th annual Walk & 5K to End HIV on Saturday, December 7th, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Anacostia Park
(Adjacent to the roller skating Pavillion)1500 Anacostia Drive, SE
Washington, DC 20020
Free, on-site parking available
Important Note: Roads into the park will close to traffic at 8:30am so plan your arrival accordingly.
You can still participate virtually as well.
Go to the below link to donate or join team MCCDC
http://www.walktoendhiv.org/goto/MCCDC2024
Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at oam@mccdc.com for more information.
Save this Date!!!
Come Join your MCCDC family for our Holiday Concert, 07 December at 6:00 p.m., Saturday!
Join us Onsite, at 474 Ridge street NW, Washington DC , Online and later On Demand at:live.mccdc.com
Stronger Together: Being MCC in Politically Perilous Times in the U.S.
For U.S. Pastors, Pastoral Leaders, Network Leaders, and Lay Delegates:
?While on our journey of faith, those who live in the U.S. now find ourselves in politically perilous times. And, we know that MCCers are always STRONGER TOGETHER when we share our journey in faith, prayer, and love.
So the Council of Elders invite you to join us as we explore what we carry in our ‘spiritual backpack’ on this journey and choose to move from independence to interdependence through listening, prayer, action, and hope. We are indeed stronger together and even stronger with love.
Upcoming Schedule: October 26 / November 16 // 11AM ET / 10AM CT / 9AM MT / 8AM PT / 4PM BT
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
Pathways to Generosity, Prayer #117
“Do not be silent; there is no limit to the power that may be released through you.”
~ Howard Thurman
Dear God, we come before you with thanksgiving for all that you have done for us. We are thankful for spiritual worship spaces throughout the earth where everyone comes together to fellowship in your many names to worship, pray, encourage each other, and invite people of all colors and communities into Your spiritual realm. Thank you for giving us the courage to lift our voices and be heard, to stand with integrity and trust that you are with us always. We rejoice that you are our Creator for in you, we are blessed with a new beginning each day. We desire to be like a tree planted by the waters that reaps a plentiful harvest in due season. We are thankful to be your instruments of praise synchronized to do your will and purpose.
Thank you for abundant living where the intangible becomes the tangible [Hebrews 11:1] not for selfish gains or personal gratification but where everyone can share generously of prosperity from their heart to perform loving deeds—spread the gospel, share financial gifts, talents, time and treasures, and help people in need. We seek to be humble, to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and to meditate daily upon your Word. Our hearts overflow with joy and gratitude for your Light that shines through us to magnify your glory in all that we are and in all that we are purposed to do, [Romans 8:28-29]. Thank you, in your many precious names! Amen.
“But their delight is in the law of the Lord, and in God’s law they meditate day and night. They shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf shall not wither; and whatsoever they do shall prosper.” Psalm 1: 2-3 (NKJV; alt.)
Clara Carter
MCCDC Prayer Supporter
Hospitality Ministry
MCCDC Hospitality Ministry needs your help!
Please donate:
· Donate/Volunteer your time once a month on Sunday to coordinate, setup or clean up during Hospitality time.
· Donate supplies:
· Food Items: Individually package cookies, Granola bars, Fresh fruit, Yogurt, Coffee, Sugar, Water, tea bags, and juices (Individually cartons)
· Dry Goods: Coffee cups, 8 inch plates, 6 inch plates, paper towels, Clorox Cleaning Spray, dish clothes and dish towels.
Drop off all supplies Sunday morning at the kitchen window. To Volunteer see Dale Madyun-Baskerville on Sunday morning or email oam@mccdc.com
God of My Understanding: Becoming a Spiritual Force
Join MCCDC Bible Study of Jackie Lois book God of My Understanding Tuesday night’s at 7 PM.
You will discover opportunities for spiritual growth and community that seeks to reach out to many people who never felt at home or previously rejected by church and organized religion.
Click Here to Order Your Book!
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
Joe Dawson * Betsy Kramer * Palestinian People in Gaza * Ukrainian People * Cecilia Hayden Smith and Esther Smith’s health * Michael Washington * Bill Campbell * Jerry Giem * Tim Helm * Rose Williams * Delores Fowler * Vernessa D. Wilson * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline * Glenn Conway * Evelyn Jones * Earline Budd *Prayers for Clara Carter sister: Phyllis Carter Lewism *Steve Sloane *Doris Washington * Viola-Cleo Bradshaw * Cordelia Vogel * Ruth Kappy Makekodunmi *Prayers for Clara Carter sister: Phyllis Carter Lewis
“Church Ministries & Events”
Re-Imagine Ensemble
Join us 9 AM onsite at 474 Ridge ST NW, Washington, DC to sing and rehearse for worship.
Make new friends and enjoy a sense of musical belonging.
“Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” ~Colossians 3:16
Spiritual Gifts, Get Involved!
You’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 For God
Join Re-Imagine Ensemble
Lift your voice in rehearsals at 09:00 am
On-Site 474 Ridge Street NW Washington, DC 20001
Email: pastors@mccdc.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
Join other MCCDC writers in our monthly Zoom Writing Ministry meeting.
For more information contact gcsnyder01@aol.com.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
