“Somehow I have to trust that God is at work in me and that the way I am being moved to new inner and outer places is part of a larger movement. . .” ~ Henri Nouwen
The story of Mary is a story of willingness and trust, centered in joy. Scripture describes her as being “much perplexed” when the angel Gabriel comes to her with news that she is a “favored one” and that the presence of God is with her. One line that opens a window into her life is Luke 1:48 where she proclaims with awe to the Almighty: “For you have looked with favor upon your lowly servant. . .”
Why did Mary use the word “lowly” as part of her self-description? Perhaps, in considering her own life, all she could see was insignificance. Nazareth, her home town, was far from the center of power. Why would a powerful God choose a powerless place and a powerless person for divine revelation? Many continue to reflect on that question today. Mary, however, while acknowledging her confusion, landed in a place of trust saying, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
Mary trusted that God was at work in her. Mary opened herself to “being moved to new inner and outer places” (Henri Nouwen). At the time, she could not see the bigger picture or the larger movement. Yet she said yes and risked everything. She became part of the unfolding story of salvation that continues to unfold today. Mary embodied joy and was the Mother of Joy. Jesus, born of Mary, was the child of joy. With Jesus as the center of our joy, we abide in the deep, sustaining place. The manger of our heart is a place of welcome, warmth, and fullness.
We are invited into the unfolding story. The story continues to unfold through us each time we say yes to becoming a part of God’s joy in the world. How do we find the capacity to say yes? Like Mary, it is recognizing that God looks at us with favor. How would our lives be different if we fully believed that, not just with our heads but with our full bodies.
PAUSE:
Imagine God looking at you with favor. Hold that gaze.
ACTION:
Be aware of self-doubt and self-criticism. If you notice you are beating yourself up, return to the spiritual practice described in the PAUSE above.
PRAYER:
Loving and gracious God, indeed You are almighty. AND, You look at each of us with divine favor. May Your favoring gaze give us the confidence to overcome blocks and fears that undermine our love for You, others, and ourselves. With renewed confidence and purpose, help us to do what must be done to build a better world and to live The Prayer of Jesus for Your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Through Christ’s Hope
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Church Calendar
Sunday, December 14
—09:00 am Spiritual Engagement Hour Zoom
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
—12:00 pm MCCDC Christmas Potluck
Monday, December 15
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Tuesday, December 16
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
NO Bible Study -Christmas Break
Wednesday, December 17
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Thursday, December 18
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
—06:30 pm Generosity Team Meeting
Friday, December 19
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Saturday, December 20
—12:00 pm Prayer Call with Rev. Dwayne
Sunday, December 21
—No Spiritual Engagement Hour Zoom
—10:30 am Unified Worship Service
9 am Spiritual Engagement Hour
Henri Nouwen on Impatience
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 these lines from Henri Nouwen:
We want many things and we want them quickly.
And we feel that we should be able to take away the pains, heal the wounds, fill the holes,
and create experiences of great meaningfulness—now.
It is not difficult to discover how impatient we are.
We have plans and projects we are convinced we want,
and then we become irritated when something happens to get in our way.”
+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
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. *Elaine Durden-Hunter for the loss of her pet Angel. * Prayer for Denita & Dale friend Kendall Fulton as she continues her journey with cancer.
MCCDC Church Wide Christmas Potluck
The Older Adult Ministry will be holding a Church wide Christmas Potluck on
December 14 at 12:00 pm
Bring your favor dish to share, paper plates cups, ice, water or soda.
Bring a gift of $5.00 or less for the gift giving game.
Join in person at 474 Ridge Street,
Washington, DC , Main Sanctuary,
Signup at the welcome hall table on what you are bringing or email Dale Madyun-Baskerville at oam@mccdc.com.
Bible Study is on Christmas Break!!!
Bible study is on Christmas break from December16 to January 06, 2026???
Join The Search
Wanted! MCCDC Music Ministry Team Members to help find the next Part-Time Music Ministry for MCCDC Services.
Help take our worship services to new horizons through team work and vision on what music can be in our church.
Contact Rev Dwayne at revdwayne@mccdc.com for more information.
Grow Our Church
Join the MCCDC Church Growth and Membership Team to reach out to your friends, family and community throughout the DMV and on line.
Brain storm with fellow church members on how to better reach people.
Contact Rev Dwayne at revdwayne@mccdc.com for more information
Board of Directors Opening
The Board of Directors continues to look for a motivated and qualified candidates to apply for an appointment on the board of directors.
If you feel called and have been a member of MCCDC in good standing for the past six months, you are eligible for appointment.
Please submit a brief resumé and letter of interest strong>to revdwayne@mccdc.com and churchoffice@mccdc.com.
MCCDC Monthly Board Meeting
MCCDC will hold it monthly board meeting Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 06:30 pm
Click here to join the zoom zoom meeting
MeetingID: 879 5141 2353
Call In Phone number +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
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
Mental Health 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
Helpline resources are available in support
Some HELPLINES in operation 24 hours a day/7 days a week
(Primarily US based)
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Life Line | Call or Text 988 |
| Crisis Text Line | Text HOME to 741741 |
| Trans Life Line | Call U.S. 877-565-8860 Canada 877-330-6366 |
| LGBTQ+ youth (under 25 years old) | 1-866-488-7386 |
Some Worldwide HELPLINES in operation
Accessed by country search
| FIND A HELPLINE | Find a Helpline |
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 #90
by Clara Carter, MCCDC Prayer Supporter
“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” ~ Christian D. Larson
Dear God, thank you for a prosperous year this year for Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, and all places of spiritual worship. We look to the New Year with hope, with aspiration, and commitment for a larger gathering of souls for your spiritual realm, and sharing generously of our talents, skills, time, financial gifts, and treasures, helping others as needed. Thank you for giving the world a new hope through the birth of your son, Jesus, a Savior, your sacrificial gift that through his death, everyone may have eternal life. We pray to reap a more prosperous year for your glory that we fulfill your purpose for our lives.
We are grateful that you have been and are still with us through our triumphs, grieving for loved ones who have died, and our joyful times. You are with us in the realm of timelessness but always on time. When we have given up hope, you have saved us. Regardless of false prophets and our fears within this chaotic world, help us to continue trusting you, the One who dwells within us, for you are “greater than anyone in the world.” Thank you for helping us to move forward in faith to accomplish the vision and mission for your spiritual realm, an inclusive Beloved Community without borders all across the world. Thank you in your many precious names.
“Dear friends, you have already overcome these false prophets; because you are from God and have in you the One who is greater than anyone in the world.” 1 John 4:4 First Egalitarian Translation
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
“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
This week topic is: The Essential to Gods Worship
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!
