“Within you dwells the Beloved, the Breath of your breath; Open your heart in the Silence and know the One in the many.” ~Nan Merrill from Psalm 82
At times it may seem we are defined by circumstances. Discouraging circumstances may lead one to say: “I am discouraged.” We need to be aware of our “I am” statements. One can honestly notice feelings of discouragement without allowing those feelings to turn into self-definition.
In Sunday’s scripture from Colossians 1: 1-14 we notice that Paul refuses to allow his circumstances to define him. Paul writes this letter from prison yet he is not defined by walls and bars. He is defined by his faith. And a primary characteristic of his faith is prayer. Paul writes to the people of Colossae: “We always give thanks to God, the Creator of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you” (Col. 1:3).
Prison walls cannot block prayer. Paul continues: “Since the day we heard about you, we haven’t stopped praying for you and asking for you to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, with all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Col. 1:9).
Beyond what was happening around him, Paul’s focus was on the powerful presence of God within him. And, his focus was also on empowering others: “We pray for you to bear fruit in every good thing you do. We pray that you will grow to know God better. We want you to be very strong, in keeping with God’s glorious power. We want you to be patient. We pray that you will never give up. We want you to give thanks with joy to the Creator” (Col. 1: 10b-12a).
God, teach us to pray. Transform our thoughts and prayers into actions to meet the current circumstances of fear and injustice. May our prayers define us as a people of strength. “I am strong in the Lord.” May our “I am” statements be drawn from our life in You. Amen.
By Faith,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
9 am Spiritual Engagement Hour
Spiritual Hunger
Join us on-site, on-line and later on-demand for 9 AM ET Spiritual Engagement Hour.
This Sunday’s Highlights:
+We live in times that are impacting mental health. At MCCDC we offer support.
We are aware of stigma and seek to create a space for open conversations
to help us learn from each other in a spiritual context.
+This Sunday we’ll draw from Joan Chittister’s book, “Called to Question.”
+To prepare, reflect on this quote from Joan Chittister:
“Spirituality is about the hunger in the human heart. . .
When we develop a spiritual life
that is beyond some kind of simple, unthinking attachment to an inherited group of behaviors,
the soul goes beyond adherence to a system to the growth of the soul.”
(called to Question, page 19)
+Bring your favorite poems or other writings.
We are aware of stigma and seek to create a space for open conversations
to help us learn from each other in a spiritual context.
+This Sunday we’ll draw from Joan Chittister’s book, “Called to Question.”
+To prepare, reflect on this quote from Joan Chittister:
“Spirituality is about the hunger in the human heart. . .
When we develop a spiritual life
that is beyond some kind of simple, unthinking attachment to an inherited group of behaviors,
the soul goes beyond adherence to a system to the growth of the soul.”
(called to Question, page 19)
+Bring your favorite poems or other writings.
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
2025 Special Congregational Forum & Meeting
Mark your calendars! We will be holding a Special Form and Congregational Meeting at 7 pm on the below dates:
17 July : Forum Zoom Only
24 July Congregational Meeting Zoom Only
This meeting is being held to review our finances .
Click here to JOIN MCCDC FOR Zoom Link
Join the Generosity Team
Help MCCDC Grow Financially, Spiritually and in Membership
Help MCCDC Grow Financially, Spiritually and in Membership
Your generous gifts and ideas will be a blessing
For more information email RevDwayne@MCCDC.com
MCCDC NEW GIVING SYSTEM
MCCDC continues to transition to a new giving system called SubSplash.
This change is intended to be more user friendly than our current easy tithe system.
Some SubSplash Features are:
* Web Giving
* Recurring giving
* Text GIVE4UNITY to 1-888-364-GIVE (4483)
* And phone App giving (Android and iPhone Friendly)
Click here to see a video on Frequently Ask Questions for SubSplash Giving system.
Contact MCCDC Treasure Chocolatte Miller with any questions or concerns at treasurer@mccdc.com.
Older Adult Ministry Annual Pool Party
Join the Older Adults Ministry on Saturday, July 12th, 3:00 pm at 8312 20th Avenue, Adelphi, MD 20783 (All ages are welcome)
Meats are being provided by OAM.
Attendees asked to RSVP to Darryl by July 09, 2025 with the side dish, dessert or beverages you intend to bring. Email Darryl Walker Darryl_1945@yahoo.com or call him at 240-472-4434.
Those who want to swim, bring a swimsuit and towel.
Good Trouble Protest
Your invited to join the Good Trouble Protest on July 17, 2025 remembering the 5 year anniversary of the passing of Congressman John Lewis.
Click on the links below to join in person or virtually. You must RSVP to join all in-person events or virtual events
Click on the links below to join in person or virtually. You must RSVP to join all in-person events or virtual events
Click here to RSVP and more information about the Baltimore Protest
Click here to RSVP and more information about the Cambridge, MD Protest
Click here to RSVP and more information about the Virtual Protest.
(Note: Picture of John Lewis has been released to public domain. Click here to read the release)
Invitation to Book Discussion Braiding Sweetgrass
Join Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline in a new book adventure, of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants written by Robin Wall Kimmerer
(Note: Time Magazine has named her as one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2025 in the category of Pioneer.)
This 6 week journey will meet via Zoom starting July 15 , 2025 at 7:00 pm and end on August 19, 2025. Each session will last 90 minutes
Participant are limited to 15 people so register early via email to Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline at writer@robinhawleygorsline.com.
The Zoom link will be sent at the time of registration.
Click here for exciting details about this book study
I look forward to seeing you soon.
In faith, hope, and love,
Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline
writer@robinhawleygorsline.com
Noah Play at Sight and Sound Theater Trip
MCCDC’s Older Adults Ministry is sponsoring a bus trip to see the play Noah at Sight and Sound Theater, located at 300 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks, Pa. We’ll depart from 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC at 1:00 p.m. and return at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, 13 September 2025.
Tickets cost $160 and include round trip coach bus ride, ticket for premium theater seats, and a stop at Amish Miller Smorgasbord Restaurant (MEAL COST NOT INCLUDED).
Payments can be made in three installments of $54 each, or one payment of $160
A ticket only option is available for $94.00 HOWEVER you will be responsible for your own transportation to and from Sight and Sounds. Anyone using the payment plan must pay in full no later than 10 August 2025.
ALL PAYMENTS ARE FINAL AND NON-REFUNDABLE.
Go to oam.mccdc.com to pay
Questions? Contact Dale L. Madyun-Baskerville via email, oam@mccdc.com
Pathways to Generosity, Prayer #149
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“The best portion of a good man’s life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.” ~ William Wordsworth
Dear God, thank you for your unfailing grace and mercy. Thank you for the gift of life and for all the great things that you have done, and are continuing to care for us. Let us not plunder your generous abundance for egotistical advantage or selfish gains or to oppress anyone. We rely on your strength to help us endure and remain faithful during pleasant times and chaotic upheavals, individually and globally. Teach us to love others as you love us, that we do not modify your divine purpose to align with temporal things that goes against your plan.
God, we are grateful for spiritual worship spaces everywhere, and for opportunities to spread the gospel, commune with all peoples regardless of race, cultural differences, multi-genders, religion, or skin color. Thank you for blessing us to share generously of our financial gifts, talents, time, and treasures to serve you and to help others. We pray that your love and kindness permeate everyone’s hearts throughout the earth. Thank you, in your many precious names! Amen.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrew 12:1-2 NIV
About
William Wordsworth was an English Romantic poet who, with Samuel Taylor Coleridge,
helped to launch the Romantic Age in English literature with their joint publication
Lyrical Ballads. Wikipedia
Born: April 7, 1770
Died: April 23, 1850 (age 80 years), Rydal Mount and Gardens, Rydal, United Kingdom
Influenced by: Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Shakespeare · See more
Children: Dora Wordsworth, Thomas Wordsworth · See more
Education:
Writing Ministry
MCCDC’ s Writing Ministry gather on the 3rd Saturday , of each month at 10:00 am EST via zoom link posted on MCCDC Calendar.
Whether you are an experienced writer or want to begin writing please consider joining us. Contact Greg Snyder at gcsnyder01@aol.com for more information.
Click Here to go to calendar.mccdc.com and
click on the 3rd Saturday for the Zoom Link
MCCDC Bible Study Summer Break
MCCDC Bible Study is on summer break starting July 01,2025. Bible study will resume on September 09,2025. Email Dale Madyun-Baskerville, with any questions at mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com.
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
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
* Daniel Scearce’s sister Ronda McBride * Clara Carter’s Health and her 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 * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline * Glenn Conway * Evelyn Jones * Earline Budd * Prayers for our country. * Prayer for the Hunter family * Kappy Majekodunmi,* Michael Cunningham * Dr. Rev Teresa Tygart and partner Sue for healing, *’Prayers for Rose William Family
“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 pastors@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 pastors@mccdc.com for more information.
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!
