“The widow in Jesus’ parable represents not only the need to pray always, as Luke puts it, but also the Spirit’s incessant work of encouraging us to pray, the Spirit’s nagging persistence and unrelenting perseverance.” Margit Ernst-Habib
In Luke 18:1-8 we meet one who was persistent in her quest for mercy and justice. Her actions were a form of prayer. With a never-give-up attitude she bothered the ungenerous judge who initially denied her requests. Finally, the ungenerous judge said to himself, “Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming” (Luke 18:4-5).
The call of generosity is the call to meet human need. This call is grounded in prayer. Prayer opens us to the needs around us. Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow offers several reflection points.
The widow invites us to think of the people in our lives who have modeled persistence for us. In 2026, MCCDC will celebrate 55 years of ministry. Through the years we have shown up and acted up. Our founders were persistent in thriving in the midst of fear and homophobia. Today, we draw on the their persistent spirits to face the current assaults on human dignity against the poor, the migrants, the unhoused, and the many marginalized by roadblocks to education, health, and economic opportunity.
Generosity is God’s way of bringing love to the world. Rather than the careless ungenerous judge, we are invited to align our hearts with the heart of God who works through us to grant justice and grace to those who “cry out to God day and night” (Luke 18:7).
Join us Sunday at 10:30AM EST on-line, on-site, and on-demand as we consider how the path of prayer is an entry to persistent faith and overflowing generosity.
By Faith,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnso
Church Calendar
Sunday, October 19, 2025
—09:00 am Spiritual Engagement Hour Zoom
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
—12:00 pm OAM Meeting/Zoom
Monday, October 20
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Tuesday, October 21
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
—07:00 pm Bible Study
Wednesday, October 22
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
—06:30 pm MCCDC Mental Health Group
Thursday, October 23
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
—06:30 pm Generosity Team Meeting
Friday, October 24
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Saturday, October 25
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Sunday, October 26
—09:00 am Spiritual Engagement Hour Zoom
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
—12:00 pm Generosity Cook Out
9 am Spiritual Engagement Hour
Julian of Norwich on Powerfully Secured
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.
+To prepare, reflect on this quote from Julian of Norwich:
“In all this delight I was filled full of everlasting surety,
powerfully secured without any painful fear.
This sensation was so welcome and so spiritual that I was wholly at peace,
at ease and at rest,
so that there was nothing upon earth which could have afflicted me.”
+Bring your favorite poems or other writings.
+Source: “40-Day Journey with Julian of Norwich” page 32
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
Generosity Cook Out
You’re invited by the Generosity team to a fall cook out Sunday, October 26 at Noon
The Generosity team will provide the mains, dishes and you bring the sides.
Sign up for the side dish you like to bring in the welcome hall.
For more information email generosityteam@mccdc.com
Halloween Generosity Happy Hour
You’re invited by the Generosity team to a Halloween Eve Happy Hour Thursday, October 30 at 7PM to 8:30 EST
Come enjoy fresh donuts and Apple Cider, games, fun and friendship
For more information email generosityteam@mccdc.com
Board of Directors Elections/MCCDC Leadership Opportunity
Are you looking for a new way to serve your MCCDC community? Can you envision yourself in a leadership position? Then we might have just the right opportunity for you!
During the November 23 Congregational Meeting the Board of Directors will be holding an Election.
The Board of Directors is looking for motivated and qualified candidates to run for two three-year positions and one two-year position up for election.
If you feel called and have been a member of MCCDC in good standing for the past six months, you are eligible to run. Please submit a brief resumé and letter of interest to revdwayne@mccdc.com and churchoffice@mccdc.com.
Volunteer 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. Join the team on Thursday at 6:30 via Zoom.
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
Call In: 13017158592,,84890359051#
Meeting ID: 848 9035 9051
Share your generous gifts and ideas with your church family. Every gift matters and is greatly appreciated.
Click here to complete Many Paths of Generosity Intention Form
For more information email RevDwayne@MCCDC.com or RevCathy@mccdc.com
MCCDC Mental Health Support Group
Your invited to join the MCCDC Mental Health Group on Wednesday at 06:30 PM for the next 8 weeks to help face today’s stressful climate.
The group offers suggested ways to address and manage these feelings. The group meets in person only at MCCDC Chapel. If interested email Dr Veronica Franklin at 9540leavitt21@gmail
Suicide Prevention Awareness
Some Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know are struggling–having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, experiencing relationship problems, feeling overwhelmed, anxious, lonely, just need someone to talk to–these Helpline resources are available in support.
HELPLINES in operation 24 hours a day/7 days a week (Primarily US based)
· Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
· 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)
Join the MCCDC Team!
MCCDC currently has an immediate opening for a part-time custodial position.
Responsible for cleaning and maintaining all areas of church facility. Some grounds work will be required. We offer flexible hours and fair pay. Contact Melvin Moore at 202-638-7373 or email churchoffice@mccdc.com or Rev Dwayne Johnson at 202-638-7373 or email revdwayne@mccdc.com.
MCCDC Bible Study
Come join us for Bible Study on Tuesday@ 7PM. Go to calendar.mccdc.com for the Zoom Link or email Dale Madyun-Baskerville, with mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com questions.
Pathways to Generosity, Prayer #161
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 mercy and grace you grant everyone each day. We accept your generosity that abounds in so many ways, and we are committed to share it for the gathering of souls into your realm and to help people in need to magnify your love for all people throughout the earth.
Let our hearts be glad for the opportunity to help someone through an act of compassion and kindness—a smile, words of encouragement, a meal, a shoulder to cry on, a sympathetic ear, praying together with someone, or spend quality time with someone or sit in meditational silence with loved ones. 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.
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NIV)
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:
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 Majekodunmi, * Michael Cunningham *Dr. Rev Teresa Tygart and partner Sue for healing * Cathy Batson Niece Lisa* Denita & Dale Daughter-in-law Marci Brooks for health * Emily Berry for healing.
“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!
