But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. I run toward the goal, so I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done.” ~Philippians 3:13b-14 (Contemporary English Version)
In moving forward in faith and moving in faith, we are to set our focus on what is ahead and not was is behind or what is in the past. We all have a past, some experiences that we would love to forget and can’t move past. What is behind us is just that, behind us, and our past does not define us and who we are today. Moving and acting in faith allows us to grow and to mature into who
God wants us to be and calls us to be. The key is to not get stuck so that we are able to live fully and authentically. Use your faith through God’s grace to move forward as the Apostle Paul encourages in our text from Philippians 3 to run freely and boldly toward the goal with perseverance and faith.
Loving God, help us to move forward in faith, looking ahead in faith toward what you have called us to be. Amen.
I invite you to join us for Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m. ET, in person or online, or to watch later on demand.
Peace and Blessings!
Rev. Jo-Anne Ludy
MCC Baltimore
Church Calendar
Sunday, October 18
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
Monday, October 19
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Tuesday, October 20
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
—07:00 pm Bible Study Resumes
Wednesday, October 21
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Thursday, October 22
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Friday, October 23
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Saturday, October 24
No Events
Sunday, October 25
——10:30 am Unified Worship Service
MCCDC Board Corner
Mark Your Calendar!!!!
November 8: Congregational Forum
November 15: Congregational Meeting
Meeting will be On Site and Zoom.
Click Here to connect to the zoom session!
Forum/Meeting Highlights:
· Board of Director Elections
· Lay Delegate & Alternate Lay Delegate Elections
· Lay Delegate 2026 Special General Conference Voting Results
· Church Transition
· Senior Pastor Search
If you have any questions about this meeting, please contact MCCDC Board members at board@mccdc.com.
Board of Directors: Call for Nominations
The Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, DC (MCCDC) is now accepting nominations to fill three (3) positions on the Board of Directors for a three-year term.
Qualified members are invited to prayerfully consider offering their leadership to oversee the church’s legal, financial, and administrative stewardship.
The Board of Directors is charged with the legal, financial, and administrative oversight of MCCDC. Responsibilities include:
• Governance & Bylaws Developing and maintaining the church’s Bylaws,
• Legal & Organizational Stewardship Managing matters related to legal organization, incorporation, and risk management.
• Financial & Administrative Oversight Collecting and disbursing church funds.
• Property & Facilities Management Appointing Trustees of the Buchanan Memorial Building Fund to oversee maintenance
Eligibility Requirements
• Membership: MCCDC member in good standing for at least six (6) months.
• Experience: Demonstrated background in financial planning, administration, or policy development.
•
How to Apply
Members may nominate themselves or another eligible member. Please email a brief statement of interest outlining your qualifications and commitment to MCCDC’s mission to board.nominations@mccdc.com.
• Submission Deadline: October 25, 2026
• Election Date: November 15, 2026 (during the November Congregational Meeting)
Interested in being an MCC Lay Delegate?
The Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, DC (MCCDC) is seeking 2 Lay Delegates and 3 Alternate Lay Delegates to represent our congregation within the wider MCC movement. If you are a church member in good standing, we invite you to prayerfully consider this important leadership role!
The Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, DC (MCCDC) is seeking 2 Lay Delegates and 3 Alternate Lay Delegates to represent our congregation within the wider MCC movement. If you are a church member in good standing, we invite you to prayerfully consider this important leadership role!
Role & Responsibilities:
• Represent MCCDC at General Conferences and Regional/Network Gatherings.
• Stay informed on denominational priorities, policies, and elections.
• Report back to the Board and congregation within 60 days of gatherings.
Why Serve?
It is a wonderful opportunity to shape our local ministry, represent our community’s values, and grow spiritually as a leader.
How to Apply:
Please email your name, a brief statement of interest, and any relevant experience to the Board of Directors at board@mccdc.com.
Application Deadline: October 25, 2026
Transition Journey Continues
Join Us for a Church Transition Meeting on November 7th, 2026 to look at the way ahead.
MCCDC Board and Rev Elder Miller Hoffman invite you to this special gathering.
More Details To Come
All are welcome to participate with a curious and patient heart.
If you can’t attend, feel free to share your thoughts via email at revmillerjen@gmail.com with the subject line “MCCDC Share
All Saints Day Church Service and 55th Anniversary Celebration
On November 1, 2026, you are invited to celebrate MCCDC’s 55th Anniversary Celebration in observance of “All Saints Day.”
The church service will be followed by a 12:30 p.m. church luncheon held in the sanctuary that will be filled with good food, great company, and memorable moments.
Don’t miss this chance to connect, laugh, and honor over five decades of awesome memories. We can’t wait to see you for both the church service and the luncheon!
Date: Sunday, November 01, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM
Location: 474 Ridge Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
MCCDC ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
Tell Us Your MCCDC Story?
MCCDC would like for you to share your MCCDC story through a video.
• The video should run no longer than three minutes.
You can participate in this oral history project by creating a video recording of yourself answering the following questions:
1. What is your first and last name?
2. How were you first introduced to MCCDC?
3. Please share a favorite memory of a time spent here at MCCDC.
• All are welcome this means friends and members regardless of how long you have attended MCCDC.
• The Oral History Project runs from May through September 2026.
All participant must complete a wavier.
Click here to print and sign the wavier for your video story..
• For more information email Louis Hicks at oralhistory@mccdc.com if you would like to make a video.
Remembering Celebrations: A Hybrid Gathering! Come share in the joy of community, laughter, and storytelling!
The Generosity Team is delighted to invite the entire MCCDC family to a special hybrid gathering. Whether you join us in person or connect from home, this is a beautiful space to laugh, share stories of our blessings and celebrations, and enjoy meaningful fellowship together.
All are welcome to join us onsite or online!
• When: Thursday, October 29, 2026
• Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM EDT
• Where: Onsite at the MCCDC Chapel OR online via Zoom
• Zoom Link: Join the Gathering Virtually
• What to expect: Great stories, wonderful community, and shared food for those attending in person.
Have questions? Reach out to Rev. Cathy Alexander at revcathy@mccdc.com for more details. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
September 15 – October 15
Every year, we pause to celebrate and honor Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month. This special month recognizes the rich roots, histories, futures, and contributions—the diverse lived experiences—of Latino/a/e/x individuals and communities.
At MCCDC, we acknowledge that these experiences include an ongoing commitment to work for equity and justice, joy and peace. This sacred work has always occurred both within and beyond our church walls, echoing throughout MCC as a global spiritual community.
As we celebrate this month, let us all be encouraged to keep up that work in care and love. We invite you to join us in honoring our siblings, listening to their stories, and continuing our shared journey toward a more just and loving world.
Join Our Team as an Office Volunteer!
Are you looking to make a difference?
We are looking for some volunteers or better known as “office angels” to come in and work in the office during the week.
Office volunteers to assist with tasks like filing, answering phones, updating phone lists, and escorting contractors onsite.
We would love to get 4-5 volunteers so we could rotate the coverage in the office during the week.
If you are interested….
Please contact Tina Fulp at board@mccdc.com or Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com.
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
* Clara Carter’s sister, * Phyllis Carter Lewis * Joe Dawson * Betsy Kramer * Palestinian People in Gaza * Ukrainian People * Cecilia Hayden Smith and Esther Smith’s health * Bill Campbell * Jerry Giem * Tim Helm * Delores Fowler * Vernessa D. Wilson and Jackie Lois * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline * Glenn Conway * Evelyn Jones * Earline Budd * Prayers for our country * Kappy Brooks-Gordon * Michael Cunningham * Dr. Rev Teresa Tygart and partner Sue for healing * Cathy Batson’s Niece Lisa * Denita & Dale’s Daughter-in-law Marci Brooks for health * Emily Berry for healing * Elaine Durden-Hunter for the loss of her pet Angel. * Prayer for Denita & Dale’s friend Kendall Fulton as she continues her journey with cancer * Prayer for healing for Retired Rev Elder Dwayne Johnson * Beverly Barnett family due her passing, * Tim Helm for healing from surgery. *Prayer for healing for Robin Anderson * Prayers for Anthony McMillian due to recent loss of his daughter Nicole.
Open Hearts, Open Hands: Join Our New Communion Service Team
A new Worship Service Communion Team is forming, and we invite you to be a part of extending God’s radical welcome to our community—both onsite and online.
Whether you are looking for a deeper way to engage in worship or want to offer a ministry of presence, there is a place for you here.
You can serve in a variety of meaningful ways:
* Co-Celebrant: Stand at the altar and help lead the table.
* Prayer Server: Administer communion and offer prayerful support to those receiving.
* Elements Bearer: Hold the bread/wafer and juice during the service.
No prior experience is necessary! We will provide all the training you need. All that is required is a willing heart, an open spirit, and a little time to serve periodically during worship.
If you desire to show God’s love through prayer and presence, please prayerfully consider this opportunity.
Ready to learn more?
Please contact Rev. Cathy (revcathy@mccdc.com) and Dr. Teresa (preachertygart@gmail.com) for more details.
“Church Ministries”
MCCDC Voices
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
Please email at revcathy@mccdc.com for more information.
Scripture Reading
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 oam.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).
Please email at @mccdc.com for more information.
JOIN PRAYER FROM NOON TO 12:30 PM Monday thru Friday
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7078722334
Meeting ID: 707 872 2334
The dial in is 301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 7078722334
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.
Writing Ministry
Join other MCCDC writers in our monthly Zoom Writing Ministry meeting.
For more information contact writerministry@mccdc.com
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
