1Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see. 2The elders in the past were approved because they showed faith.
3By faith we understand that the universe has been created by a word from God so that the visible came into existence from the invisible. (Hebrews 11:1-3, Common English Bible)
This week, our lectionary reading invites us to reflect on faith. For many of us, this is an especially good time to do so. With all of the turmoil around us, a time to explore what faith is for each of us, how faith supports us, worries we may have about faith, and how we may live our faith in joy, personally and as community. As we consider faith, you may have been reminded of the early 20th century gospel anthem that we have sung in recent months here at MCCDC, “We’ve Come This Far by Faith (Albert A. Goodson).” This Sunday, we’ll sing the song, and we’ll be blessed by “Sacred Voices,” some of our community members and friends sharing testimony of their individual and MCCDC community faith journeys.
Hmmm. What is faith? The 11th chapter of the Book of Hebrews begins with powerful language defining faith (verses 1-3). Hope is included in the description of faith, and Theologian Bryan Whitfield indicates that faith moves hope from a dreaming state to one of greater substance and reality. Faith provides proof and thus greater solid ground. From that ground, action based on faith can occur moment-to-moment and provide movement forward into the future. For showing such faith in action, the elders named later in our Hebrews chapter (such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah), and those unnamed, were approved (commended) for they in many ways courageously “launch[ed] out into the unknown” by faith.
These elders are ancient role models of faith. Who do you think of when you consider role models and/or mentors of faith? They may be connected to the history of MCCDC and/or MCC. They may be connected to other faith communities you know of or have been affiliated with. Are there role models and/or mentors who arise in your thoughts who are not affiliated with faith organizations and yet do indeed embody lives of faith?
Where are you on your journey of faith? Where is your faith leading you? In what ways are you living and modeling your faith?
How are we models and mentors of faith as MCCDC communities?
Join us this Sunday at 10:30 ET onsite, online, and later on demand as we, in community, explore and celebrate faith. You are welcome here.
Blessings.
Dr. Carla Sherrell
9 am Spiritual Engagement Hour
This Sunday Spiritual Engagement Hour will be on break. You are encouraged to have your own devotional time. You are invited to join us next week at 9 am ET via zoom.
Worship Folder Coordinator
After many years of service Darryl Walker is stepping back as the Worship Folder Coordinator for MCCDC.
We invite you to share your talents in preparing worship Folders each week. This encompass gathering information, designing, and producing weekly worship folders or bulletins, which includes orders of service, hymns, readings, and announcements.
Pleases reach out to Rev Dwayne at revdwayne@mccdc.com or revcathy@mccdc.com if you are interested in this position.
Join the Generosity Team
Help MCCDC Grow Financially, Spiritually and in Membership.
Share your generous gifts and ideas with your church family.
For more information email RevDwayne@MCCDC.com or RevCathy@mccdc.com
Active Shooter Training
On August 16, 10:00 am Metropolitan Police Department MPD will be conducting active shooter training at MCCDC.
All are welcome to join in this training. POC for this meeting is Dale Madyun-Baskerville at oam@mccdc.com
Onsite, Online & On demand.
Here are three ways to participate:
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
Call In, 13017158592,, Meeting ID:89636076639,
In Person 474 Ridge St., NW, Washington, DC 2000
39th Walk & 5K to End HIV
Join MCCDC Team on September 20,2025 for the 39th Annual Walk & 5K to End HIV at Anacostia Park 8 am.
WHERE: Anacostia Park (Adjacent to the roller skating pavilion )
1500 Anacostia Drive, SE
Washington, DC 20020
Free, on-site parking available
Click here to donate or join team MCCDC.
Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at mccdchivwalk@mccdc.com for more information.
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.
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 #153
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“If you want love and abundance in your life, give it away.” ~ Mark Twain
Dear God, thank you for your generosity. Help us to willingly share of your generosity in ways that are pleasing to you. We are thankful for the willingness to share our abundance through the gifts of financial wealth, talents, skills, time, and treasures to spread the gospel and perform great works to glorify You. We are grateful for the timeless and immeasurable gift of compassion and grace you grant everyone each day. May we accept your generosity of goodness, and contagiously pass it to everyone we come in contact with just for the sake of Your love and kindness that surrounds us.
Let our hearts be glad for the opportunity to help someone through an act of compassion and kindness—a smile, words of encouragement, financial help if needed, a meal, a shoulder to cry on, a sympathetic ear, praying together with someone, or spend quality time with someone in silence. God, your generosity is so great that our gratitude is not able to exhaust the list of your goodness. Thank you, Lord, for all spiritual worship places for the gathering of your beloved community throughout the world. We are grateful to have direct communications with the Holy Spirit from our hearts wherever we may be. Thank you, God, in your many precious names! Amen.
“Jesus said, ‘If you want to be perfect [generous], go and sell what you own and give the money to poor people, and you will have your treasure in heaven. Then come follow [be with] me.” Matthew 19:21 (The First Egalitarian Translation)
About
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, who wrote under the pen name Mark Twain, was a prominent American author, humorist, and essayist. He’s best known for his novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885), which Ernest Hemingway called the greatest American novel. Twain’s works are known for their humor, vivid details, and memorable characters.
What was Mark Twain’s childhood like?
Twain’s childhood was not one of only carefree play. His father, a lawyer, faltered with various business speculations, and when he died in 1847, Twain—then only 12 years old—was compelled to cease formal study and begin apprenticing as a typesetter for local newspapers.
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!
