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HEARTS RAISED HIGH

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS:
APRIL 17-HOLY THURSDAY
APRIL 18-GOOD FRIDAY
APRIL 20-EASTER SUNDAY 



METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF WASHINGTON, DC
APRIL 17, 2014


 

EASTER LOVE REACHES OUT

 

 

"In our world of loneliness and despair, 
there is an enormous need for people

 who know the heart of God. 

The heart of God is a heart that forgives, that cares, 

and that reaches out and wants to heal."

                  ~ Henri Nouwen

 

We are included in the heart of God. Our Easter theme this year is "Hearts Raised High." Our hearts are lifted when we receive this truth: "I am God's beloved, deserving of love and respect, and God will use me to change the world."

 

 

Raised hearts help change the world by raising the hearts of others. Today I want to say thank you for helping to raise hearts globally through your prayer and financial support of MCC's Global Justice Institute. With generous hearts, our Board of Directors took a step of faith in designating our annual Easter Remembrances to the Global Justice Institute. In the past, these funds have been used for Easter decorations.  This year, over 60 Easter Remembrances will be included in our Easter Bulletin, and the impact is global.

 

Thank you for helping to support safe houses for those fleeing Uganda under attack for being LGBTQA. Your support also fosters conversations about HIV/AIDS in Costa Rica, strengthens activists in Russia and Ukraine facing new discrimination, and bolsters a global unhoused youth network.

 

Acts of giving are acts of Resurrection. This Sunday at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM invite your friends and family to our celebration of resurrection. With "Hearts Raised High" our joyous worship will include the Combined Choirs singing "It is Well," "My Tribute," and "O Happy Day." Another feature will be two compositions for organ by Bill Stanclift: "Resurrection" and "Celebration." We will also express gratitude to Minister of Music Justin Ritchie as he completes his faithful and inspiring service.

 

The message I offer from Colossian 3: 1-4 and John 20:1-18 will reflect on the essence of our resurrection hope. This hope is hearts raised high to lift a world that longs for connection, forgiveness, caring and healing. See you Sunday at 9AM and 11AM.

 

Faithfully,

 

Rev. Dwayne 

 
HOLY WEEK SERVICES 
Holy Thursday, April 17, 7PM 

 

 A key focus of the life and teachings of Jesus was his invitation to the feast of love where hunger and thirst is no more. He also invited his followers to extend the invitation everywhere. The theme of this informal and interactive service is "Love Reaches Out" and it will include music from the heart of love and inspiration from Matthew 22 and the writings of Anne Lamott and Wayne Muller. We will be seated in the round to visualize our call to draw the circle wider. All are invited to bring chocolate to the service to share with our neighbors as we invite them to worship with us on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

 



Good Friday, April 18, 7PM 

 

Jesus came to raise hearts high. Yet the journey to the higher place included loss, fear, betrayal and grief. This year our specially designed Good Friday service will tell the story in a fresh way through the interweaving of music, word, and sensory expression. It will offer windows into the soul of Jesus and insight into our own souls as we consider the depth of God's love.

 

 

Easter Sunday, April 20,  9AM & 11AM 

 

The past loses its hold. Fear releases its grip. Shadows shift to clarity. Easter Sunday at MC

CDC is a day of bold proclamation and joyful celebration. You will want to be here as we sing hallelujah and announce that "Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen indeed."

 

This year, MCCDC will look to the future as we receive new members on this special day. We will also be saying thank you to Justin Ritchie on his final Sunday with us as Minister of Music. He has given us a tremendous gift of excellence in worship and music that will continue to inspire.

 

I believe that now more than ever our world needs a church like MCCDC that will look forward in faith rather than backwards in fear. I believe that God is ready to do a new thing in us and through us. I invite you to join your MCCDC Community to experience Hearts Raised High through our special Holy Week Services.

                  

See You at MCCDC on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday!

 

Faithfully,


Rev. J. Dwayne Johnson

�Adoremos y Alabemos a Dios!

 

   

On April 26 and May 31, the MCCDC Spanish-Speaking Ministry will once again hold its monthly worship services at 6pm in the sanctuary here at MCCDC. The May 31 service will be celebrating DC Latino PRIDE with a special service called "La Misa." There will be special music and liturgy celebrating Latino PRIDE. If you are interested in being a part of the MCCDC Spanish-Speaking Ministry's activities with DC Latino PRIDE, please let us know as soon as possible. A special committee has been formed within the ministry just for this purpose, and we welcome more participants!

           

We will not only have wonderful music and worship but also fellowship after the service with delicious refreshments. Our services are mostly in Spanish; however, the Scripture readings and the sermon are usually translated into English. So whether or not you are a Spanish speaker, come and enjoy a truly wonderful multicultural experience! For more information, contact Tom Simmons, Ministry Intern, at frybreadguy51@gmail.com or (202) 638-7373.

 

Grupo de Oraci�n

"Donde est�n dos o tres reunidos en mi nombre, all� estoy yo en medio de ellos." Mateo 18:20

           

Every Sunday at 12:30 pm in the MCCDC chapel on the second floor, we have a regular prayer group. Come and pray with us! All are welcome!

 

Reuni�n

 

On Saturday, May 10, we will hold our monthly MCCDC Spanish-Speaking Ministry leadership team meeting at 7pm here at the church. We will be discussing a number of important items related to the growth of our ministry. All are invited to attend! For more information, contact Tom Simmons, Ministry Intern, at frybreadguy51@gmail.com or (202) 638-7373.

 

 

 

OLDER ADULTS MINISTRY SPONSORS MICROSOFT OFFICE COMPUTER CLASSES 

The Older Adults Ministry will be sponsoring Basic Microsoft Office Classes. Microsoft Excel 2003 Essentials will take place April 19 and May 3 from 10am-12noon. Sign-up sheets are at the Information Station or contact the church office at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.

 

 

READY TO CARE?

WILLING TO SERVE? 

 

Do you have a flexible schedule with time to commit?

Do you have a consistent prayer life?

Are you able to honor confidentiality?

Are you on the journey of spiritual maturity?

Are you comfortable visiting hospitals and care facilities?

Are you able to set healthy boundaries?

Is I Corinthians 13 one of your favorite scriptures?

 

If you answered yes to the above questions maybe

PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY  is for you!

 

UPCOMING PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY MEETINGS:

Training and Discernment Meeting April 23rd

Commissioning for 1 year term Sunday, May 4th

 

"These are the words of the Lord God: Now I myself will ask after my sheep and go in search for them . . . and rescue them,

no matter where they were scattered in dark and cloudy days . . .

I will search for the lost, recover the straggler, bandage the hurt,

strengthen the sick, leave the healthy and strong to play."

 

                                 ~Ezekiel 34:11-12, 16; NEB

 

MCC's TRANSFORMATIONAL SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT CURRICULUM

Creating a Life that Matters is a three-course curriculum which explores ways to rediscover relationship with the Sacred, with my Self, and with my Passion. 

  

These three courses correspond to the spiritual experiences of being changed, gifted and called. Graduates of Creating a Life that Matters will have been challenged to broaden their understanding of all that is Sacred; integrate their self-awareness into being authentic, aware leaders; and live their passion intentionally through the life and work of the church. 

  

Creating a Life that Matters integrates art, scripture, music, film, journaling, and diverse spiritual resources to augment our exploration of the Christian path. A Program of Metropolitan Community Churches � 2006 Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches

 

Courses are starting soon at MCCDC in partnership with MCCNOVA. If you are interested in becoming a part of this amazing event, please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373. 


  

LENTEN BIBLE STUDY CONTINUES THIS TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 7PM

 

"This year's Bible Study Theme is "Applying Our Faith". Our Lenten Bible Study Series will focus on developing your journey with God". Come join us as we discuss the following topics:

  • April 22: Discipline of Surrender
  • April 29: The Discipline of Service

PRIDE BIBLE STUDY BEGINS TUESDAY, MAY 6 THROUGH JULY 29, 7PM 

"This year's Bible Study Theme is "Applying Our Faith". Our PRIDE Bible Study Series will focus on Spiritual defensive ". Come join us as we discuss the following topics:

  • May 6: Homosexuality and the bible: You Tube debates & Coming out Stories
  • May 13-27: Homosexuality and the bible: How the Scriptures Changed My Mind- Film and Discussion
  • June 3-July 29: Book: BulletProof Faith- by Rev Candace  Chellew-Hodge (During this study,  the author of the book  is scheduled to Skype with the group and answer questions.")

BOARD NEWS
BOARD APPROVES REPLACEMENT OF SANCTUARY BARREL ROOF AND RECAULKING OF SANCTUARY WINDOWS
 
*The Board of Directors met on Tuesday, April 15 and took the following action:
 
*Approved the replacement of the Barrel Roof over the Sanctuary. The project was award to Maggio Roofing for $35,998.20. Work will begin late May or early June.
*Approved the bid from Wilcox Caulking Corporation for $17,241 to caulk the Sanctuary windows. Work will begin immediately.
*Board voted to allocate $500 towards the Christmas Toy Party and activities.
*Board approved a proposal to move the Sexton position from a contract to a part-time staff position.
 

*The Board would like to extend an invitation to our members, regular attendees, and special guest to our Easter Sunday Worship Services. 

 

 

 

 

*The Board would like to thank Justin Ritchie, Minister of Music, for his outstanding service and dedication to the Music Ministry and MCCDC. Over the past two years we have witnessed and been blessed with incredible voices and talent under his direction! Thank you Justin and congratulations to you and Jason on your upcoming marriage!

 

 

*WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! The Board is looking for help with this year's Audit. If you are a CPA or accountant and you are interested in helping review the MCCDC 2013 books, please contact the church office at churchoffice@mccdc.com or call 202-638-7373.

 

*The Board is looking for folks to serve on the MCCDC Nominations Committee. Please contact the church office or David Lord.

 

THE NEXT BOARD MEETING WILL BE TUESDAY, MAY 20 AT 7PM. 

 

REMINDER: MINUTES FROM THE APRIL BOARD MEETING ARE POSTED ON THE MCCDC WEBSITE (www.mccdc.com) AND ON THE CHURCH BULLETIN BOARD AND IN THE BINDER AT THE INFORMATION STATION.


FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO: 
MCCDC CHURCH INFORMATION
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF WASHINGTON, DC
  
EBLAST
mark@mccdc.com
MCCDC
202-638-7373
 
MCCDC WEBSITE
 www.mccdc.com

  

MCCDC ONLINE GIVING

  

 MCCDC TEXT GIVING
202-999-3841

  

MCCDC CONTACT INFORMATION: 
MAIN NUMBER
202-638-7373
 
CHURCH WIFI
Mccdc@474

EXTENSIONS:
800-Church Office
801-Senior Pastor
802-Minister of Connections
804-Bookkeeper
806-Music Minister
 
 
 
 
CALENDAR 
highlights

  

THURSDAY,
APRIL 17
HOLY THURSDAY
7PM
 
FRIDAY,
APRIL 18
GOOD FRIDAY
7PM
 
SUNDAY,
APRIL 20
9AM /11AM
WORSHIP SERVICE
REV. J. DWAYNE JOHNSON
EASTER
"EASTER LOVE REACHES OUT"

  

TUESDAY,
APRIL 22
BIBLE STUDY
"40 DAYS"
7PM
 
SATURDAY,
APRIL 26
SPANISH-SPEAKING SERVICE
6PM
INFORMATION STATION
 
 
 
EASTER SUNDAY AT MCCDC
STOP BY THE 
INFORMATION STATION:

1. Pick-up your Sunday Bulletin
 
2. Complete your attendance card
 
3. Complete your 2014 Stewardship Form
 
4. Stop by the Giving Kiosk
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF WASHINGTON, DC * 474 RIDGE STREET NW * 202-638-7373