This Week’s Reflection
It is no secret that our nation, and so much of the world, is in social disarray. As one person said to me recently, “There’s no middle anymore.” In some ways, this is nothing new. All through our history, oppressing groups and oppressed groups have engaged in a contest over change. It continues today
However, when some try to repair, others resist—believing that change is no longer needed or was never needed. We are always, it seems, on this precipice, teetering back and forth between progress and regression.
All this seems more acute today than at any other time in my 70+ years. I say this, knowing much about our national history of social movements ever since the abolitionists started agitating against slavery.
But today, political and social discourse seems to be so hard-edged. We can’t disagree and also continue to engage in dialogue. Today, the goal is to shut down the other side. Political radicalization creates a lack of confidence in traditional sources of authority (see the attacks on Dr. Fauci, for example).
Okay, the situation seems dire. How do we respond?
I believe God calls us—all of us, not just humanity but all Creation—to a shared journey based on the reality that each of us, together, are essential parts of the inextricable, interweaving web of life. None of us is separate, none of us is an island.
That means we each and all are connected by divine borderfree spirit. That spirit dwells within us and among us and calls us, again and again, to live beyond the borders we and others create, and to create conditions that help all of us do that more and more.
Even as we are buffeted by forces that create and maintain borders to divide us, we are free to unite. In our gospel reading for this Sunday, the unbinding of Lazarus shows us that with God there is no border that is absolute. Not even death.
And in Revelation 21, we hear testimony about new heavens and new earth. God is always doing something new, and if we watch and listen and keep our minds and hearts open we can participate in the ever-evolving web of life.
I hope you will join me and others for worship this Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Eastern as we explore our freedom to unite within ourselves and with others, participating in the sacred work to help Eden thrive once again.
In the meantime, may your days be filled with hope and love!
Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline
Writer-Theologian in Residence
New Attender’s Pastor Social
If you have joined the MCCDC community in the last 2 years you are invited to attend a virtual social with Rev. Dwayne and Rev. Cathy. We would enjoy meeting you, getting to know you better, and welcoming you to the MCCDC family. The social will be held onSunday Oct 31st at 12:30 pm ET by zoom. Join Zoom Meeting Click Here to join the meeting.Meeting ID: 898 3899 9334 One tap mobile +13017158592
Meeting ID: 89838999334# US (Washington DC)
Congregational Forum & Meeting
We will hold our annual Congregational Forum this Sunday, November 7th, following worship at 12:30 p.m. ET.
The information packet with our agenda and reports from ministry leaders will be emailed separately.
On November 21 st, we’ll hold our Congregational Meeting for active members to approve the 2021 budget and elect new board members.
MCCDC Leadership Opportunity!
Are you looking for a new way to serve your MCCDC community? Can you envision yourself in a leadership position? And do you have a passion for innovation and hands-on implementation during this challenging time? Then we might have just the right opportunity for you!
The Board of Directors is looking for motivated and qualified candidates to run for seats on the Board of Directors this year. Two positions will be open due to term expirations in 2021. We are looking for a diverse group of people with the spiritual gifts of leadership, discernment, and compassion. We are especially looking for people with practical experience in strategic planning, financial management/fundraising/legacy planning, policy development, program oversight, or legal matters.
If you feel called and have been a member of MCCDC in good standing for the past six months, you are eligible to run. Please submit a brief bio and a letter of interest to the Board
You are also encouraged to talk to Senior Pastor Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson or Board Member Knut Panknin if you have questions or would like to receive more information.
Borderfree Worship RESUMES
We’ll resume “borderfree” worship this Sunday, 24 October You’re invited to continue attending virtually at the links below or join us in person at Fifth & Ridge in Washington, DC.
Learn more at borderfree.mccdc.com. Remember to let us know each week, using checkin.mccdc.com, if you plan to join us in the sanctuary.
We offer three ways to join our live stream:
· On our website: live.mccdc.com
· On Facebook: facebook.mccdc.com
· On YouTube: youtube.mccdc.com
Our 9:00 a.m. worship service features enthusiastic interpretation in American Sign Language (ASL). Our AV Ministry welcomes your feedback via email at mccdcav@gmail.com.
Membership Class
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member of MCCDC, a membership class will be offered on Sunday December 12th from 12:30 pm ET to 2 pm ET. Please contact Rev Dwayne (revdewayne@mccdc.com) or Rev Cathy (revcathy@mccdc.com) if you would like to attend or have questions.
C19 Booster Shots
COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are now available for anyone age 65+ who received the Pfizer vaccine more than six months ago. Most pharmacies offer walk-in service. (Guidance for Moderna and J&J recipients is forthcoming from the CDC.)
Booster shots are authorized for people 18-64 with underlying medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, obesity; people 18-64 who work in high-risk settings including healthcare, schools and grocery stores. Additional doses are also recommended for immunocompromised individuals.
Find your vaccine card or access your vaccine record by visiting myir.dc.gov (DC), md.myir.net (Maryland), vdh.virginia.gov (Virginia); call your healthcare provider to discuss your options for a booster, or visit vaccines.gov to find a location near you.
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
j.scales and family in the passing of their father • Francine Clark and the family of Rose Herring • The family of Louis Hicks, Sr. • Lilah Blackstone and the family of Terry Blackstone • Bob Jones &Bob Jones’ son Chuck & wife Karen • Jerry Giem & Jerry Giem’s son, Jason and nephew, Travis • Valeria Myers’ Daughter Chantelle & Son Donald• Michelle Lax • George Kerr, III • Dr. Veronica Franklin • Mama Cee’s sister and niece • Rose Williams • Randy Punley • Lynn Sulyma • Esther Smith • Marcus Garnett • Renee Valentine & Renee Valentine’s brother • • Arden Shutt • Buck Carlson • Delores Fowler • Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother, Earline T. Green • Evelyn Jones • Steve Sloane • Glenn Conrad • Anthony Goode • Jeffrey Luckenbach • Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa • Cynthia Melman • Kim Battle • ABilly Jones-Hennin • Bill Campbell • Mark Kelly • JoThe family of Joshua Benkins’ Aunt Ellen who passed and for the health of his Father Isaac David Benkins • Amy Stark, on the loss of her cat Rusty, Denise Wright at the passing hof her cousin Marlo Morris• Robin Anderson for the healing of her sister Pam• Tina Fulps at the passing of her friend Emily• Dentia Madyun-Baskerville and family at the passing of her Great Nephew Sejon Reed,•Elaine Durden-Hunter ask for ‘prayers of healing for her dog Angel. •Prayers for Collin Powell family during this time of sadness,
“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 REV. DWAYNE IN 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!
