This Week’s Reflection
“We are invited to grasp with our hearts the deep truth that our minds might never comprehend: the God of heaven and earth, the Creator of the sky and the stars, loves us more than we will ever fathom. This loving is not our doing but God’s. We can only accept it and serve as channels of God’s love and peace to one another.” ~Pat Luna
This Sunday is Baptism of the Lord Sunday. Our gospel text for the day from Matthew 3:13-17 presents Jesus at the Jordan river, coming to John to be baptized. Jesus, the one with a life purpose of blessing others, is blessed by John the Baptist. Baptism includes the enduring gift of perpetual blessings: blessings received and blessings given. As Jesus rises from the waters, he is saying to those gathered then and to us today: “Come in. The water is perfect. Be covered in blessing from head to toe, receive this gift to be a gift.”
Jesus rises from the waters of baptism to live a life of tender mercies, healing touches, forgiving words, and openings to the new things of God. Jesus was blessed to be a blessing, and so are we. From the blessing of baptism we become open channels of God’s love and peace.
Whatever our specific goals for 2023 might be, our shared purpose as Beloved Community includes a call to each of us to be a blessing every day to those close to us and to those around us. Even chance encounters at grocery store lines have eternal implications if we silently pray for those around us. They may never know that they have been silently blessed, yet the enduring blessing has touched them through us.
Perhaps God’s Spirit is directing you today to reach out to someone who comes to your mind and heart. How to bless this one? It could be a simple text will make their day. Or, maybe you’ll be prompted to invite them for coffee, to share the gift of time, to create a space for deep listening.
Jesus has a defining moment at his baptism. It is a moment when doing and being are intertwined with eternity. Moments will define us in the coming year. How can we define the moments? As we bathe our days in the baptism of prayer, all possibilities will come alive. At any given moment, the Holy Spirit may descend to transform the ordinary into transcendence.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “God has set eternity in our hearts.” As we consider 2023, let us consider eternity as we ask guiding questions to frame the year ahead.
In preparation for our worship this Sunday, I invite you to join me in reflecting on these questions:
What do I want to do in 2023 that will have enduring impact? Who do I want to be in 2023 that will
have enduring impact?
See you Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Eastern in the Sanctuary, and also online and on demand.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
MCCDC Senior Pastor
Planning Your Legacy
What will your Legacy be? Consider leaving a legacy gift to honor your life as a member of the MCCDC family. Your gift will ensure the continuation of our church, both now and in the future. Meet with our Generosity Team after Sunday worship services in the new year. We’ll host conversations at 12:30 p.m. Eastern in person on Sunday, January 22nd and via Zoom on January 29th. We’ll answer your questions about how to remember the church in your estate plans. Contact Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com for more information.
Bible in 90 Days
We invite you, your family and friends to join us on our every-other-year journey in reading the entire Bible cover-to-cover in 90 days. In 2023, participation will be virtual, so join us from wherever you are! To sign up or get more information, visit mccdc.com/b90 or email mccdcin90@gmail.com.
Older Adult Ministry
Our Older Adult Ministry will meet for Virtual Bingo via Zoom at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, 4th of December Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at for more information at mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com
Here are three ways to connect:
· Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
· Launch Zoom and enter Meeting ID 824 9552 3942
· Dial (301) 715-8592 by phone, using the same Meeting ID
Email Scam Alert
Someone has been sending email claiming to be Rev. Dwayne and requesting people buy gift cards. This is a scam! (Rev. Dwayne has only one email address, revdwayne@mccdc.com). Delete the email or report it as spam to . reportphishing@apwg.org. or report to GMAIL at the following link Click here to report to GMAIL
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.
Borderfree Worship Update
Effective Tuesday, November 1, MCCDC adopted a flexible masking policy. That means when you enter the church at 474 Ridge St NW, you have the flexibility to choose* to wear or not to wear a mask.
• · Please continue to social distance. Respect personal space.
• · Respect personal masking choices. Others may be at high risk.
• · Be responsible. If you don’t feel well, have tested positive for COVID, or are otherwise sick; stay home and join us online.
*Note: Individual ministries or other activities/events at MCCDC may still require masks under certain circumstances
Worship Volunteer
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
Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #45, by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Listen to the long stillness: New life is stirring; New dreams are on the wing; New hopes are being readied: Humankind is fashioning a new heart; Humankind is forging a new mind; God is at work; This is the season of Promise.” ~Howard Thurman
Dear God, we are thankful for all that you have done for us, with us, and through us this past year in gathering souls for a borderless worship space that is our spiritual home. We praise you with songs of thanksgiving for helping us through the rough times when darkness overcame us. Help us to continue trusting you and remain assured of your Omnipotent Presence that surrounds us.
Thank you for the faith-building opportunities that enabled us to share abundantly of financial gifts, talents, time, and treasures with Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC to bless others in need. We are grateful for the gifts and support of churches, organizations, and friends throughout the world. With hope, we look forward to this New Year with renewed strength in spreading the gospel of your generous love and forgiveness to all who will listen. Thank you in your many names. Amen!
“But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak” ~Isaiah 40:31 (GNB/GNT)
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:
Johanna Hardy• Jerry Giem at the recent passing of his partner Bob Jones • Tim Helm • Min. Diedre Gray • Mark Kelley and Bill Campbell • James Newkirk ? Denise Wright, her mother Lucy Mae Coombs and her aunt Lottie Mae King. • Rose Williams• Cecilia Hayden-Smith and Esther Smith’s health• Delores Fowler • Vernessa D. Wilson • Family of Ms. Brittany Harrell • Veronica Franklin• Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline • Glenn Conway • Michelle Lax •Anthony Goode • Valeria Myers’ children Chantelle & Donald • George Kerr, III • Randy Punley • Lynn Sulyma • Marcus Garnett •Renee Valentine’s brother • Arden Shutt • Evelyn Jones• Steve Sloane • Jeffrey Luckenbach • Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa • Cynthia Melman •Kim Battle • Joshua Benkins’ father Isaac •Elaine Durden-Hunter’s mother Earline • Angela Terrell • Carol Washington for the peaceful transition of her mother • Mike Washington •Angela Dodd for healing •Buck Carlson •Lolita Gleaton for healing from her cancer • Cameron & Sabrina Beauford for the health of their unborn baby • Mezyi Choi request prayer for her success healing from surgery
“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
Writing Ministry
Meets Monthy
For more information, contact Jacqueline Laughlin at yemayah@icloud.com.
Barnabas Culture Sessions
Barnabas Culture, Session 7:00 p.m. Eastern, Thursday. Click Here to Join The Zoom Thursday Nights. For more information contact MCCDC Ministry Intern Rev. Teresa Tygart at Email preachertygart@gmail.com.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
