This Week’s Reflection
Look, I am sending my messenger before you who will prepare your way, a voice shouting in the wilderness: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make the paths straight.” ~Mark 1: 2-3
As we move to the second week of Advent, we will be lighting the second candle on the Advent wreath. The candle of Peace. With the wars, military actions, and unrest taking place in our world, it truly seems that these are chaotic times. We pray for peace, yet our prayers are needed not only for our large world, our prayers are also needed for the intimate places in our hearts and minds that need quieting as well.
One of the carols of the season is a song written by Unitarian Pastor Edmund Sears entitled It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. This song reminds us to pause, if we can, and receive what the angels have to offer. Those powerful, prayerful moments with the angels may help us to refocus our gaze and our attention, even in the midst of busy times, full schedules, or being overwhelmed by life conditions.
Take a listen to a version sung by Johnny Mathis It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
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-It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old
From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold
Peace on the earth, goodwill to all, from heaven’s all gracious king
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.
-O ye, beneath life’s crushing load, whose forms are bending low
Who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow
Look now for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing
O rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing.
We continue our time of preparation for the birth of the Christ child and the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love that this can evoke in our hearts, homes, and spirits. Purpose in your heart during this season to be those things, as you can, for yourself and for others. As you can, be hopeful, peaceful, joyful, and loving. God will help you, and we all will benefit.
Join your MCCDC family for service at 9am ET, 11am ET and on demand any time. This Sunday we will be celebrating a churchwide potluck at 1230pm ET. Please plan to come out for a meal if you are in the DMV area.
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Peace,
Rev Cathy Alexander
Associate Pastor
MCCDC Church Wide Christmas Potluck
Come Join your church family on 10 December at 12:30 pm/EST for a Potluck meal. The Older Adult Ministry and the Pastoral Care Ministry are sponsoring the meats.
The following items are still needed: soda, bottled water, four-10 lbs. bags of ice, paper plates, paper bowls, foil pans, Streno to heat food and napkins.
Coordinate with Cecelia Hayen-Smith at the welcome hall table on what you are bringing or email Dale Madyun-Baskerville at oam@mccdc.com.
MCCDC Seasonal Services
Please join us for the following Seasonal Services:
• 24 December, 10 am Christmas Eve Morning: In Person and Live Stream.
• 24 December, 5 pm EST Christmas Eve with Candles: In Person ONLY
• 31 December, 10 am EST, New Year’s Eve Morning:In Person and Live Stream.
Join us in person at 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC or live stream at live.mccdc.com
2023 Giving Statements Are Coming Soon!
The treasurer and assistant treasurer are preparing your giving statement for tax year 2023. Giving statements will be emailed in phases during the coming weeks. For those who do not have a working email address on file or who do not have access to email, the 2023 giving statement will be sent out via postal mail.
Please contact treasurer@mccdc.com with questions.
Christmas Reflection
During the holiday season we reflect on many events that has occurred throughout the year.
Please join us on Tuesday 12th at 7pm, via Zoom for a Special Bible Study to gather, grieve, honor and remember those who have lost loved ones during the holiday season.
Click here to join or go to calendar.mccdc.com and click on the dates listed above for the bible study zoom link.
Come for a time of community gathering, support and encouragement. Please contact Rev. Cathy (revcathy@mccdc.com) and Dr. Carla (drcarla@mccdc.com) for more information.
End of Year Gift
Make your End of Year Gift TODAY! Help MCCDC to go into 2024 year strong.
Go to donate.mccdc.com and select End of Year Gift from the menu. This gift will count toward your tax-free contribution for 2023.
2024 Book Study: Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul
Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline, invites you to join him on a 6-week book study starting on Thursday’s, 11 January and ending on February 15, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm EST.
The book “Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul” by John Philip Newell, a famous Celtic Christian writer and teacher, reviews the lives and writings of 9 important figures such as Pelagius, a second-century Christian writer.
• The book can be purchase online at Thriftbooks.com, Christianbook.com, Bookshop.org, and Amazon.com.
• Participants are asked to register first by emailing Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline at writer@robinhawleygorsline.com who will email you the zoom information.
Pathways 2 Generosity, Prayer #89 by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Stay close to anything that makes you glad you are alive.” ~ Hafez
Dear God, thank you for giving us the hope of peace in a chaotic world. Your son Jesus Christ is the great gift given to all so that everyone could be saved and have eternal life. We are so grateful for your unconditional and generous love. Help us to continuously show our generosity in many ways, for you are with us at all times, through grievous and joyful situations. Let us go forth courageously to accomplish your works through commitment, faith and patience. This is a season of hope, and a season of change.
We are grateful for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and all places of spiritual worship. Thank you for blessing us abundantly and for the commitment to share generously of our financial gifts, talents, skills, time, treasures, and goodwill to gather souls for your realm. We are grateful for the seed of prosperity within us to share with others, and helping people in need. Praise you in your many names. Amen!”
“May the God of hope fill you with such peace and joy , in your faith, so that you may be filled with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (First Egalitarian Translation)
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
Bill Campbell * Jerry Giem * Tim Helm * 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 * 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 * Mike Washington * Buck Carlson * Johanna Hardy * Doris Carter Washington of Alexandria * Melvin Moore Adams* 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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