This Week’s Reflection
“Lord, we pray that the ropes that bind our nation together, though frayed, will never break; that the greatest of our natural resources—the love of our people—will abound, flowing even beyond our shores; that our flinty determination will cause sparks of innovation to fly but never set wildfires of anger that we are not big enough to extinguish. And most of all, that you will be with us, as you have always been. Amen.” ~ Joshua Dubois, Former White House Director of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
As we near July 4th, I believe that one way to observe this day is to call out to God in prayer. It is a time to pray for our nation and our world. It is a time to pray locally and globally for generous hearts to overcome nationalism and fear. It is a time to pray for God to bless America—-but not just America: God holds the whole world in loving hands, and only God can make our world whole. Perhaps one way to frame the day is to expand the description from Independence Day to Interdependence Day.
A repeated refrain in our scripture for Sunday from Psalm 13 is: “How long, O Lord?” The invitation of Sunday’s Psalm is to remain persistent in our prayers. Our prayers speak to our longing for full freedom.
“How long, O Lord? God, we pray and work for holy interdependence.” The invitation is to listen to the Inner Voice of Love that calls us to spiritual freedom. This gift of Spiritual Freedom is a place in the heart. It is beyond borders and metal detectors, eternally safe. Spiritual Freedom pops the bubble of self-protection and isolation.
“How long, O Lord? God, we pray that our nation would repent and turn to love.” We pray for freedom from the gods of greed, consumerism, celebrity worship, violence and the insidious “isms” that devalue gifts and create walls between peoples. Carl Jung describes “isms” as “the viruses of our day and responsible for greater disasters than any mediaeval plague. . .”
“How long, O Lord? God, we pray that our nation would transform into a force for global compassion rather than dominance.” To be free is to join in a circle of connected humanity. Such transformation is a deeper and wider, all-encompassing freedom.
This Sunday at 9a.m and 11a.m. Eastern we will gather in the Sanctuary, online, and later on demand as we are proud to be a people who work for true freedom.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Pride Month Remembrance
We invite you to remember or honor someone you love with a Pride Tribute. The names of those remembered will be included in our Sunday worship folder and at the end of our Sunday worship live stream. Suggested donations start at $25.00 per name. All gifts matter. Submit payment online at tributes.mccdc.com or mail a check payable to MCCDC to 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC 20001.
Live Stream Upgrade Completed
THANK YOU TO The Building Helping Transformational Foundation (BHTF) for Funding the upgrade of MCCDC Live Stream System.
We encourage all to stop in person and see this wonderful system upgrade.
Capital Pride Events
Visit this calendar for more information about other Capital Pride Events in the DMV area throughout the month of June!
MCCDC POOL PARTY
Join the Older Adults Ministry on Saturday, July 8th, at 3:00 pm at 8312 20th Avenue, Adelphi, MD 20783
(All ages are welcome)
Meats provided by OAM, Attendees asked to bring a side dish, dessert or beverage.RSPV: to Darryl Walker – email Darryl_1945@yahoo.com
Bible Study Summer Break
MCCDC Bible Study will be on summer break from 04 July to 05 Sept 2023.Bible Study will resume on 12 Sept 2023. Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville, baskerd6109@gmail.com, with any questions.
Mary House Lunch and Learning Workshop
Join Mary House for one of their FREE workshops listed below on key topics:
• 19 July Wills, Powers of Attorney
• 26 July Public Benefits (Social Security,
• SNAP, etc.)
• 16 Aug VA Benefits for Veterans and
• Surviving Spouses
• 23 Aug Tenants’ Rights and Protections
• 06 Sept The Rights of Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities
FREE Lunch will be provided. Please email Darryl Walker at dwalker@maryshousedc.org. Your email to Darryl is REQUIRED to CONFIRM your registration and your lunch.
Atlantic City Trip
MCCDC’s Older Adults Ministry will resume its annual day trip to the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. We’ll depart from the church at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 16th. Tickets cost $65 and include $15 for food and $20 for slots. To reserve your seat, click on link below:
oam.mccdc.com.
Please pay no later than September 1st. Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville, baskerd6109@gmail.com, with any questions.
Columbarium Expansion Committee
Volunteers are needed to write a proposal and oversee the contract to expand our current Columbarium located 2nd floor Memorial Chaplain.
To volunteer, call Darryl Walker at 202-297-6884 or email him at Darryl_1945@yahoo.com
Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #66 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dear God, thank you for granting us unlimited prosperity, and for helping us to deal with poverty-stricken mindsets that blind us to your Infinite goodness. Give us the faith to ask, seek and use the gifts you have placed within us to help benefit others.
Thank you, for helping us to trust you in all things; and that by your grace you always provide for our needs. Help us to live the Truth without complaints or arrogance. We are grateful for the prosperity flowing through Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, DC, and all places of spiritual worship to continue spreading the gospel into the furthest corners of the earth and helping people in need.
And God, thank you for granting us a willing spirit to share generously of our financial prosperity, talents, skills, time, and treasures to do the great work you have ordained us to do as stewards of your spiritual realm. We are grateful for the gifts of faith, endurance, and trust that keep us close to you. God, we thank you in your many precious names, Amen.
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)
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
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:
The Jackson Family in the passing of their beloved Denee Jackson * Azar Jackson Jr safe location. * Bill Campbell * Jerry Giem * Tim Helm * 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 * Kia Murphy * Veronica Franklin * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline * Glenn Conway * Anthony Goode * Randy Punley * 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 * Angela Terrell * Mike Washington * Buck Carlson * Lolita Gleaton for healing from her cancer * Mezyi Choir * Johanna Hardy * Doris Carter Washington of Alexandria * Loss of Melvin Moore Adams’ sister Krissandra Moore * John Hylton * Summer Allen
“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.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
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