Metropolitan Weekly Newsletter - Week of August 16, 2026
- Evan Taylor
- 10 hours ago
- 10 min read
Metropolitan,
Due to significant flooding in our church basement, our Wi-Fi and portions of our technology infrastructure have been temporarily disrupted. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and continued support of Metropolitan AME Church.
To give electronically in the sanctuary, please use your cellular data (mobile network) and scan the QR code in the sanctuary (located in the back and/or on the screens during giving).
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and are working diligently to restore full service as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your prayers, patience, generosity, and faithful support as we recover from this unexpected flooding and make the necessary repairs.
Due to ongoing restoration work in our basement, a portion of the main foyer has been temporarily sectioned off as the restoration staging area. We kindly ask all members and guests to adhere to the restricted area and follow posted signage. Douglass Hall's restroom will serve as the Men's restroom until further notice. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to restore the affected space.
We encourage your presence this week in Morning Meditations with Metropolitan starting at 6:50 am for music and meditation Monday through Friday; and the Men's Prayer Call at 7:30 am on Monday; Comfort, Care, Lament and Share is Thursday at 7pm on Zoom; Noon Day and Pastor's Study is on break.
Engage in ministry with us - Order Your Copy of the Women of African Methodism Anthology; SIGN KIND’s congressional petition supporting unaccompanied children's legal services; Living Beyond the Surface: Truth, Identity, and New Life Sermon Series (Aug. 2 - Aug. 30); Well and Whole Sunday (Aug. 16); Morning Meditations with Metropolitan (Aug. 17 - Aug. 21); Deadline to Apply for Faith Out Loud's Freedom Summer Fellowship (Aug. 21); Sign up to volunteer with the SAMs Food Bank (Aug. 22); Virtual Church Conference on Zoom (Aug. 24); Sign Up to Pack the Choir Stand with MCAM (Aug. 30); Register by August 28 to be a part of “Metropolitan on The Hill” office visits (Sept.9); Save the Date: National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Program with the Veterans Council (Sep. 9); New Members Class (Sundays Sept. 13 - Oct. 4); RSVP to attend a DMV-wide virtual teach-in with the Immigration Ministry (Sept. 17); Christian Education Sunday (Sept. 20); Sarah Allen Missionary Society Annual Day (Sept. 27); March On! Shall We Gather: Allyship, Music and the Power of the Collective Voice (Oct. 2); Save the Date: Step Up for Veterans and their Families Annual Sock Drive (Oct. 4 - Nov. 1); Homecoming Sunday (Oct. 25); Donor Sabbath (Nov 15); Ethel P. Hall Club Annual Day (Nov. 22); 50th Anniversary: The Messiah Comes (Dec. 6); YPD Annual Day (Dec. 13); Remembering Our Loved Ones: Memorial Service (Dec. 20).
Need to join via phone? You can dial in for an audio-only livestream at 1-929-205-6099, 975804722.
Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel and you'll be notified every time we are live. You can subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/metropolitaname.
Well & Whole Sunday | August 16
Join the Lorraine Gillian Health Commission and RAYAC following worship on Sunday, August 16, for Well & Whole Sunday in Douglass Hall.
This month’s gathering will feature a timely conversation about how alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription drug use can affect individuals, families, and communities. Metropolitan’s own forensic toxicologist Jocelyn Harris and pharmacist Pamela Waring will share expert insights, answer questions, and guide the discussion alongside interactive educational displays.
All are invited to stay for refreshments, fellowship, and community conversation as we continue caring for the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.
Transportation will be available on the first and third Sundays of each month. Services may be expanded to other Sundays based on the demand. If you are interested in transportation to and from the church, please contact Ellen and Tyrone Fizer at 301-579-2482. We look forward to serving you and helping you get to church with ease!
We are at a pivotal place globally, politically, and spiritually. Our world is beautiful yet broken; holy, yet not fully healed. We have weathered similar storms with grace and strength, and we shall do so again. This is our moment to proclaim the unlimited power and majesty of our God.
All encumbrances must be eliminated so we can be an even stronger voice and catalyst for justice, livable wages, affordable housing, and food security.
We must liquidate the mortgage we assumed several years ago to restore the beauty and physical health of our beloved Metropolitan. Once free, we will have additional energy and resources to further our work to make manifest God’s reign here on earth.
In this moment, Metropolitan has a mind to work.
The Freedom Table will be made available most Sundays in Lee-Glover conference room (except Sundays when there are post-worship events/activities) for families that need to step out of the Sanctuary for a freedom space for active students while still being able to watch service. Middle and high school students are needed to help set up and clean up in exchange for student service hours.
Please e-mail Youthministry@metropolitanamec.org for the Schedule and Volunteer information.
Comfort, Care, Lament and Share is Thursdays at 7pm., If you are in need of prayer, emotional support, or just looking for someone to hold space with, Sis. Satira, Sis. Flavia, or Rev. Brandon Cox will make ourselves available via email/Zoom as needed.
Housing Notice: Please note that there are individuals in our community currently seeking rooms to rent or housing. If you have leads or are able to assist, please contact the church office.
Please join us this week, Monday-Friday for “Meditations with Metropolitan.” Join us at 6:50am for music with the meditation starting at 7 am.
This week's meditation leaders are from Washington Interfaith Network.
Monday -Rev. Alison Dunn-Almaguer, Executive Director of WIN
Tuesday- Rev. Scott Bostic, WIN
Wednesday - Jack Wright, WIN
Thursday -Rev. Rob Keithan, All Souls Church Unitarian, Minister of Social Justice
Friday- TBA
As always, To sign up to offer a meditation or share your prayer requests, email the Morning Meditations team at prayer.metro1518@gmail.com.
The Men's Prayer Call is a sacred space where brothers can share and explore their relationship with God in Christ Jesus. All brothers are encouraged to join.
The call will be every Monday Morning from 7:30 am – 7:45 am on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 767 5679 7276
Passcode: y28Ma2
Train up your child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it. Church School meets each Sunday morning at 8:30 am, and concludes at 10am in Douglass Hall. There are classes available for EVERYONE! We will be excited to see you in attendance!
On June 26, the Supreme Court issued a decision permitting the federal administration to revoke Temporary Protective Status (TPS) documents and proceed with mass deportations of an estimated 350,000 Haitian refugees currently living under this designation. More than 2,300 people have died from gang violence alone in Haiti this year. Then, move our hope into action today by taking 2 minutes to participate in Faith in Action’s email campaign urging senators to support SB 4814 to extend TPS for Haitians for 3 years. Find helpful info in our resource folder here.
The Metropolitan AME Veterans Council is a ministry that supports military service members, veterans, and their families by providing information and prayerful support. All service members, veterans, and family members are invited to attend. Join us on the second Wednesday of each month at 6pm. For more information, please contact Dr. Bryon L. Garner at bryongarner@gmail.com.
The Metropolitan AME Veterans Council will have its 3rd annual National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Program on Wednesday, September 9th, 2026, at 6 pm ET. For more details, please contact Bryon L. Garner, PhD, at bryongarner@gmail.com.
The Metropolitan AME Veterans Council will collect socks for the Step Up for Veterans and their Families Annual Sock Drive beginning Sunday, October 4th, 2026, through Sunday, November 1st, 2026. For more details, please contact Bryon L. Garner, PhD, at bryongarner@gmail.com."
Grounded in faith, justice, and civic engagement, this fellowship prepares young adults to recruit, educate, and mobilize voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. A select cohort of fellows from 7 cities will spend 12 weeks working alongside Black churches, grassroots movement organizations, and community partners on the front lines of civic innovation and voter engagement. In Washington DC, the fellows will work primarily with The Washington Interfaith Network and Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Fellowship Details
Program Dates: On or about August 24 – November 6, 2026 (DC Specific Dates)
Compensation: $20/hour, 20-40 hours per week
Application Deadline: August 21, 2026.
Due to the urgency of this work and the upcoming election cycle, the timeframe between acceptance and the start of the fellowship will be brief.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should:
Be 18–28 years old
Be actively involved in a Black church or faith community
Provide a pastoral reference
Demonstrate a passion for justice, civic engagement, and community organizing
Be willing to canvass door-to-door
Have reliable transportation and the ability to travel locally
Have availability to commit to the fellowship up to 12 weeks
Successfully complete a background check upon request
Possess strong communication and relationship-building skills
Preferred Qualifications
Organizing, advocacy, or ministry experience
Familiarity with local community networks
Experience using social media for outreach and engagement
• • Digital Organizing and/or graphic design and video editing experience
Learn more about core responsibilities from the full opportunity posting and apply by clicking here or using the QR code on the flyer above.
Thank you for your work in the community and commitment to strengthening our democracy. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Rev. Gabrielle Fields of Faith Out Loud or Rev. Scott Bostic of the Washington Interfaith Network.
A call to engage from Metropolitan’s Immigration Ministry:
REGISTER by August 28 to be a part of “Metropolitan on The Hill” office visits on September 9 coordinated by Co-lead Rev. Kendal McBroom to advocate Congressional leaders to codify TPS for Haitians and curtail the power of ICE.
RSVP to attend a DMV-wide virtual teach-in on September 17 facilitated by Co-lead Sister Dora Muhammad on NEA guidelines to mitigate how schools have become ICE hunting grounds.
SIGN KIND’s petition to Congress for $65 million in federal payments owed to legal services providers for their work supporting unaccompanied children.
More info in our public resource folder here. To receive our monthly newsletter or join our monthly planning sessions, email us: immigration@metropolitanamec.org.
Congratulations to Rev. Thomas Brackeen on the release of his new docu-series project entitled Coach Thomas! Available now, follow the links below. The series shares a powerful testimony of faith, basketball, mentorship, and the journey of helping young people discover their voice, identity, and purpose. After the last episode is released, he will also be introducing a devotional book and a youth ministry curriculum from the series in the coming months. Episode 2 will be released soon.
The Youth and Family Ministry is in need of amazing people like you to serve for upcoming events and other additional projects. Please scan the QR Code and to share your interest and availability.
The Lamp Oil of Black Women and African Methodism anthology is now on sale!
The collection features section introductions from Bishop Francine A. Brookins, Bishop Erika D. Crawford and Rev. Debyii L. Sababu-Thomas, Ph.D., contributions from women and girls of Metropolitan ranging in age from 7 to 97 and three women clergy on Metropolitan's ministerial staff, a litany written by Rev. Evan Taylor, a foreword by Rev. William H. Lamar IV, and a special first note extracted from an interview with Rev. Dr. Marie Phillips Braxton conducted by Dr. Dora Muhammad, the editor of the publication.
The Sarah Allen Missionary Society Food Bank of the Metropolitan AME Church announces food bank operations will be held on Saturday, August 22nd from 9 am to 3 pm. The SAMS Food Bank is also accepting new food bank recipients.
Please see the link below to sign up for volunteer opportunities with the SAMS Food Bank. For more information, please contact Sister Virginia Boateng at vab-59@hotmail.com.
🎶 Pack the Choir Stand – 5th Sunday Community Choir 🎶
The Metropolitan AME Church Music & Creative Arts Ministry (MCAM) invites you to be a part of our 5th Sunday Community Choir as we come together to Pack the Choir Stand!
Thank you for your interest in joining this special worship experience. Our 5th Sunday Community Choir is an opportunity for members of every generation and every musical background to unite in one voice as we joyfully Lift Every Voice and Sing to the glory of God. Whether you are a seasoned vocalist, sing occasionally, or simply have a heart for worship, there is a place for you in this powerful expression of praise.
As we fill the choir stand, we also fill the sanctuary with a visible testimony of unity, faith, and the power of worship. Together, we will encourage one another, lead the congregation in heartfelt praise, and celebrate the goodness of God through music.
Rehearsal Schedule
Saturday, August 22 | 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, August 25 | 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 29 | 10:00 a.m.
Rehearsal Location
Metropolitan AME Church - Sanctuary - 1518 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Register Today
🎤 Click here to register: 5th Sunday Community Choir Registration
Have something to share with the congregation? Please send ALL announcement information to announcements@metropolitanamec.org. Blurbs should be no longer than 75 words. Announcements can be submitted by Tuesday for the following week OR by the 4th Sunday for the next month.
Stay connected to what’s unfolding in Metropolitan’s young adult community.
If you’re interested in leadership opportunities, faith formation, service projects, fellowship gatherings, and upcoming events, sign up to receive the RAYACNewsletter for monthly updates.
Be the first to know what’s happening—and how you can be part of it. Sign up here.
Do you have Instagram or Tik Tok? Be sure to follow our Youth and Family Ministry at @yafmamec to stay in the know!
Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in 1838. From its founding, Metropolitan AME Church, has and continues to do what other churches will not. We are known locally, nationally, and internationally, to be deeply spiritual and deeply engaged in the world. From anti-slavery leadership in the mid-19th century, in the harboring of runaway slaves, to organizing power, people and money toward the flourishing of all people in the District of Columbia today. Metropolitan has been not just a significant center of worship, but also an institution in the forefront of the civic, cultural, and intellectual life among African Americans and others. Today, Metropolitan is focused on theologically sound teaching and preaching in worship; combatting food insecurity through our Food Bank; addressing ecological devastation by addressing heat islands in metropolitan cities with Smart Surfaces Coalition; equipping parents and families with culturally responsive and biblically grounded teaching through the Sankofa project; and building Black Equity and Wealth through Homeownership, prioritizing community safety and holding political leaders accountable with Washington Interfaith Network.
-Pastor William H. Lamar IV
We're grateful for your generosity.
There are several ways to give:
via check mailed to Metropolitan AME Church, 1518 M Street NW, Washington, DC. 20005;
via Credit card: on our website and via Realm;
via Text: To text to give, text “metro1518” to 73256;
“Truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Let us continue to lift each other in prayer - please pray for those experiencing grief or in need of health, strength, and healing. Lord, hear the prayers of your people.
Have a prayer you would like to share in community, you can leave your prayers on our prayer wall here.
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