This Week’s Reflection
When we are loved we are afraid love will vanish when we are alone we are afraid love will never return and when we speak we are afraid our words will not be heardnor welcomed but when we are silent we are still afraidso it is better to speak.~ Audre Lorde, The Black Unicorn: Poems
Today’s climate is changing and evolving on multiple levels; earthquakes and other natural events, Supreme Court Decisions that impact the lives of millions in good ways, yet in ways that attempt to disappear entire communities. Some of these decisions cause disruption on the political scene leading to the midterm elections, decisions around the globe, and decisions that will have impact on the long-term future of the MCCDC community.
How will we make wise, knowledgeable, Godly decisions about our location in the DC spiritual and LGBTQIA+ social justice arena and beyond? How can we, and do we, attend to our own personal spiritual growth and development? How can we contribute to the development and ongoing presence of our community in the midst of transition? In the midst of becoming who God wants us to be as a community of faith. What skills and spiritual gifts do you have that you can use in service to the Lord?
The writer of Psalm 116 encourages one place to start is by purposefully praising God and showing trust and gratitude. God can move in our hearts through this praise, and we can open ourselves to heartfelt listening in that trust and gratitude.
The writer states, , “I love the Lord because the Lord hears my requests for mercy. I’ll call out to my companion as long as I live, because the Lord listens closely to me. What can I give back to my savior for all the good things that have been done for me?” How can we show our trust and gratitude to God through our actions.
A song from this Psalm made famous by Whitney Houston tells the story of heart connection and love. Listen here.
He heard my cry,
And pitied every groan.
Long as I, I live,
And troubles rise,
I hasten to His throne.
This Sunday will be Sing Song Sunday. We will be singing songs of praise, hymns, spirituals, and gospel as well as reading poems and spending time in prayer.
Service begins at 10:30 am ET on Sunday. Please join us onsite, online, or later on demand.
Peace,
Rev Cathy Alexander
Associate Pastor
Church Calendar
Sunday, July 05
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
Monday, July 06
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Tuesday, July 07
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
—Bible Study on Summer Break
Wednesday, July 08
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Thursday, July 09
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Friday, July 10
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Saturday, July 11
No Events Scheduled
Sunday,July 12
——10:30 am Unified Worship Service
Sunday, July 05
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
Monday, July 06
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Tuesday, July 07
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
—Bible Study on Summer Break
Wednesday, July 08
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Thursday, July 09
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Friday, July 10
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev Jo-Anne Ludy
Saturday, July 11
No Events Scheduled
Sunday,July 12
——10:30 am Unified Worship Service
2026 Forum & Congregational Meeting
Mark your calendars! We will be holding a Forum and Congregational Meetings at 12:00 EST on the below dates:
· July 12, 2026: Forum In-Person & Zoom
· July 19: Congregational Meeting In-Person & Zoom
Here are two ways to participate :
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
On-Site 474 Ridge St., NW, Washington, DC 20001
MCCDC will be reviewing our current operating budget for 2026.
POC for this meeting is MCCDC Board members at board@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.
MCCDC’s New On-Site Check-In System
Exciting News at MCCDC!
We’re thrilled to announce our transition to a new automated check-in system!
How It Works:
Simply enter your phone number on the iPad to check in seamlessly.
If you’re not found, just fill out the system form, and next time, your phone number will do the trick!
For questions, email Sheila Chittams at board@mccdc.com
Join Our Team as an Office Volunteer!
Are you looking to make a difference? We’re seeking a dedicated office volunteer to assist with tasks like filing, answering phones, updating phone lists, and escorting contractors onsite.
If you’re interested, please contact Rev. Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com.
MCCDC ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
MCCDC 55th Anniversary team would like you to share your MCCDC story through video
All are welcome this means friends and members regardless of how long you have attended MCCDC .
The Oral Project runs from May through September 2026.
Email Louis Hicks at oralhistory@mccdc.com if you like to make an video.
Celebrating Our History: 55th Anniversary Wedding Photos Needed
Dear MCCDC Members and Friends,
Our beloved Church Mother, Cecilia Hayden-Smith, is gathering wedding pictures from our community to help document and preserve our rich collective history. Whether you were married recently or decades ago, your story is a vital piece of the vibrant tapestry that makes up Metropolitan Community Church of Washington D.C.
How You Can Help:
• What to Share: A favorite photo (or two!) from your wedding day.
• Who: This invitation is open to all current members and long-time friends of the church.
• Details to Include: Please include your names and the year of your wedding so we can accurately document our timeline.
•
How to Submit:
Please share your photos directly with Mother Cecilia Hayden-Smith by emailing oam@mccdc.com.
Thank you for helping us honor our past as we look forward to our future together!
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.
40th Annual Walk & 5K to End HIV!
Join the MCCDC Church Team for the 40th Annual Walk & 5K to End HIV!
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Anacostia Park
(Roller Skating Pavillion)
1500 Anacostia Drive, SE
Washington, DC 20020
Free, on-site parking available
Be part of a meaningful cause and help us make a difference!
CLICK HERE TO JOIN MCCDC TEAM OR DONATE
Komen Breast Cancer Walk!
Please plan to join MCCDC Breast Cancer team in the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s annual More than Pink Walk to End Breast Cancer on Sat. Oct. 11, 2025 at 08:am
Please plan to join MCCDC Breast Cancer team in the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s annual More than Pink Walk to End Breast Cancer on Sat. Oct. 11, 2025 at 08:am
National Harbor, MD
Southpointe at National Harbor
802 National Harbor Boulevard
Oxon Hill, MD, 20745
Click here to donate or join team MCCDC.
Contact Rev Cathy for more information at revcathy@mccdc.com
MCCDC Bible Study Summer Break
MCCDC Bible Study will be on summer break from July 01, 2026, through September 08, 2026. Bible study sessions will resume on September 15, 2026.
For any questions or further information, please contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com.
Writers’ Ministry
“Join MCCDC’s Writers’ Ministry! Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, come share and grow with us.
We meet every 3rd Saturday from 10 AM to 12 NOON via Zoom. For more info, contact gcsnyder01@aol.com. Let’s inspire each other
Click here to Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 865 7622 1632, Passcode: 146039
Grow Our Church
” Be a Part of MCCDC’s Growth! Join our Church Growth and Membership Team to connect with friends, family, and the community across the DMV and online.
Collaborate with fellow members to brainstorm new ways to reach and welcome people.
Contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com for more info. Let’s grow together in faith!”
Volunteer Worship Folder Team Members
” Share Your Talents! Join our Worship Folder Team to help prepare our weekly worship folders.
This role involves gathering information, designing, and producing folders with service orders, hymns, readings, and announcements. Interested?
Contact revcathy@mccdc.com. Let’s create meaningful worship experiences together!
Mental Health Awareness
Break the Silence, Begin Healing
Stigma grows in silence. Healing begins in community. Join us at MCCDC in creating cultures of reflection, open conversation, and action for mental health and wellness all year long.
Need Support?
* 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
* Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
* Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or Text 1-800-985-5990
* Safe Place® TXT 4 HELP: Text 44357 (under 18 years old, in some communities 21 and under)
* Trans Lifeline: Call U.S. 877-565-8860 Canada 877-330-6366
* The Trevor Project: Text START to 678-678 or call 1-866-488-7386; for LGBTQ+ youth (under 25 years old)
* Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1 or Text 838255
Together, we can make a difference. Reach out today.
Join the MCCDC Team!
“Join Our Team! MCCDC is seeking a part-time custodian to maintain our church facilities and assist with some grounds work. Enjoy flexible hours and fair pay. Interested?
Contact Melvin Moore at 202-638-7373 or email churchoffice@mccdc.com or revcathy@mccdc.com. Be part of our community!
“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 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
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!
