“… resist fear and work for change. We are survivors, and we will persevere, sometimes with fear and trembling, but with persistence at every step. And resistance will be our dance.” ~Rev. Dr. E. Carrington Heath from Courageous Faith
Is perseverance a spiritual gift? I believe so. Such traditional spiritual gifts as administration, discernment, faith, hospitality and service will at times meet obstacles. It takes the spiritual gift of perseverance to keep the other spiritual gifts going. Sometimes the exercising of gifts will seem fruitless. Discernment may feel blocked. Hospitality and service may be taken for granted by others, often without a simple thank you from those blessed. It is such times that call for holding fast.
Our scripture for Sunday from Hebrews 4: 12-16 is a call to courageous faith that abides: “let us hold fast to our profession of faith” (v. 14). Our faith calls us to exercise moral courage for such a time as this. The early followers of Jesus experienced opposition, even suffering, as they lived their faith in word in practice. They exercised moral courage when they said no to empire and its oppressive power structures and yes to working for the good of the poor and others on the margins.
When things get tough, what keeps you going? How do you hold fast? Where do you draw your strength? We’ll talk about these questions on Sunday.
Indwelling God, you know those moments when we’re gasping for air, frustrated and overwhelmed. You remind us that Jesus too experienced such moments. We are grateful that your mercy meets the moment, and we once again can sing, “I feel like going on.” Amen.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Discernment
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 the question, “How do we approach discernment as a spiritual practice?”
+We’ll reflect on this quote by Najat Vallaud-Belkacem:
“It’s more necessary than ever before to ensure that discernment
and the development of a critical mind
guide our take on the world and inform our relationship
to the media and information.”
+ We’ll dialogue on questions raised by our content:
>Is discernment a solitary practice?
>What is the relationship between prayer and discernment?
>What do we need to pay attention to as part of discernment?
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
2024 Forum & Congregational Meeting
Mark your calendars! We will be holding our annual Form and Congregational Meeting at 12:30 EST on the below dates:
• 10 November: Forum In-Person & Zoom
• 24 November: Congregational Meeting In-Person & Zoom
We invite you to join other MCCDC members in reviewing 2024 MCCDC recapping and planning how we’ll grow our generous home in 2025.
Click here to MCCDC Calendar for the Zoom Link
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 #118
“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” ~ Dalai Lama
Dear God, we ask for so many things in life and sometimes we seem to take your gifts for granted. Thank you for the many opportunities to willingly share your abundant blessings—financially, and the sharing of time, talents, skills, and treasures with our churches, supporting our families, with charity organizations, and helping people where needed. We are grateful for the opportunities to share generously of God’s prosperity to help spread the gospel to everyone and help others in need. Thank you for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the gift of good stewardship.
We are thankful for the spiritual places of worship throughout the world where people gather to commune with You and pray for one another. Thank you for picking us up when we stumble. When we fall down, we thank you for the courage to get back up and continue trusting you that all works out for the good. Your presence surrounds us without end and is deeply felt within us. We are thankful for the sun, the moon, the beautiful earth with its vast oceans, mountains and valleys, all kinds of animals that walk, fly and swim, precious people of many colors and races, and faraway planets across deep space—all created by You. Your generous prosperity and love is without boundaries. Thank you, Lord, in your many precious names. Amen.
“Enter God’s gate with thanksgiving and the courts with praise! Give thanks to God! Bless God’s name!” Psalms 100:4 (The 1st Egalitarian Translation)
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!
