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MOBILIZER
Mobilize for Life Purpose!

August 8, 2012 
"My face is upward, my feet are forward, my eyes are focused,
my way is cloudy, my knees are worn, my seat uncreased, my heart burdened, my spirit light, my road narrow, my mission wide . . . "

-- A Magna Carta of Trust by an Out-of-Control Disciple
 from Leonard Sweet's Soul Cafe (March 1996 Vol. 2, No. 1)

I have been pondering these and other words from Leonard Sweet's A Magna Carta of Trust by an Out-of-Control Disciple for just over a week now.
 
I came upon them by "accident" as I was in preparing for our opening messages from John 6 and Sara Miles' Take this Bread. Specifically, I was exploring various perspectives on just what it is that Jesus is asking of the disciples who follow him as he feeds the hungry crowd of 5,000 with miraculously multiplying loaves of bread, and then proceeds to tell them, "It's not about the bread!" Which he follows up with, "I am the bread!" And then, eventually, "Eat my flesh and drink my blood."
 
Yeah. Personally, I feel for the disciples on this one.
 
"Are we to feed hungry people or not? Or is he saying we are supposed to tell them about Jesus so he can feed them? Is he asking us to give them communion? What does he want us to do, exactly?"

I'm thinking they might have been feeling a bit turned-around. A little undone. Sort of out of control.
 
Which I'm thinking IS what Jesus wants us to do, exactly: lose control.
Or, as you may have heard it: Let go . . . And let God.
  • Let go of our need to figure out "how" and "when" we will "be able" to feed people who are hungry . . . and let God provide for others through us as we just start giving.      
  • Let go of our need to do all and be all for everyone who comes to us hungering for something . . . and let God become real for others through us as we live out a real relationship with God.    
  • Let go of our need to "be right" and "do right" in order to gather at Jesus' table . . . and let God set the table which sets us all free through grace meeting us right where we are.
What does Jesus want us to do, exactly?

Let go of doing things our way, trying to save others and ourselves, by "figuring it out" and "getting it right." And then let God in, to live in and through us: out-of-control disciples, for the life of the world . . .
 
This Saturday we will once again offer our bi-annual Spiritual Leadership Retreat for anyone who is or hopes to be in any sort of service within and/ or beyond our community of faith. Rev. Dr. Michael Diaz and I will gather with up to 40 folks for a day of spiritual adventuring, exploring "What does he want us to do, exactly?" for ourselves . . .
  • What does it mean to be servant-leaders who "Let go and let God" live in and through . . . us as we continue to make history as MCC participates in Jesus' movement to welcome everybody at the table?   
  • What does it mean to be servant-leaders who "Let go and let God" live in and through us . . . to form truly inclusive community?       
  • What does it mean to be servant-leaders who "Let go and let God" live in and through us . . . as out-of-control disciples who face upward, have our feet forward, our eyes focused, our way cloudy, our knees worn, our seats uncreased, our hearts burdened, our spirits light, our road narrow, and our mission wide - so very wide - for the life of the world?
Join us this Saturday - and any Sunday - as we let go and let God in and through our lives together, and find out!
 
In the joy of grace,
Rev. Kristen

Rev. Kristen

Rev. Kristen Klein-Cechettini
Director of Life Development
TAKE THIS BREAD
Outreach Opportunities

Take This Bread
FEEDING THE 500


Our first outreach activity for our Take This Bread
Sermon Series in August is Feeding the 500.

We will be receiving food donations,
assembling the items into individual bags,
and distributing to 500 in need across Houston.

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ASSEMBLE BAGS

Saturday, August 11
9 - 10 am, Sanctuary
  Feeding the 500 Bags
Join us in the Sanctuary to help assemble food items into
500 individual plastic bags to provide to our congregation on Sunday. 

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TAKE A BAG AND FEED THE 500
Sunday, August 12

9 & 11 am, Sanctuary

Before leaving Worship, be sure to take a bag with you
and give it to someone in need during the week.

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Questions?
@ Resurrection MCC

Sitcom Spirituality: Gospel 70's StyleSitcom Spirituality: Gospel 70's Style continues this Wednesday, August 8 and each Wednesday throughout August, from 7 - 8:30 pm in the Gathering Place. In 30-minute increments, the sitcoms of the 70's such as Good Times, All in the Family, Sanford and Son, MASH, and The Jeffersons, made people consider who is our "neighbor" and how are we to live with our "neighbors" much less love them? With an incredible blend of humor and prophetic truth-telling, these sitcoms shed light-hearted insight into Jesus' gospel message! Join us - and Edith, Archie, JJ, Hawkeye, Radar, Lamont, Louise and more - as we consider loving God with all that we are, and our neighbor as ourselves ... 70's style! Join us for one, some or all sessions; all welcome! Details and RSVP on Facebook or RevMichael@ResurrectionMCC.org

Potatoe Patch

Friday Night OUT North is Friday, August 10, at 7 pm at the Potatoe Patch. Join one of our most popular social gatherings for delicious food and wonderful fellowship. While sharing a meal, you'll have the opportunity to make new friends and reconnect with others. Details and RSVP on Facebook or FridayNightOUTNorth@ResurrectionMCC.org.

 

Spiritual Leadership

Spiritual Leadership Retreat is this Saturday, August 11, 9:30 am - 6:30 pm  in the Gathering Place. Spiritual Leadership is a gift given from God, through us, for all of God's children. This retreat is a core component for the completion of the new Spiritual Leadership Certification process (which all recognized ministry leads are strongly encouraged to engage). It is open to all who serve - or hope to serve soon - at Resurrection MCC, in any capacity. We will share an exciting crash-course in "MCC 101" along with an intensive look at servant-ministry that is grounded in personal spiritual practice, facilitation of others' spiritual experience, and the development of an authentic personal leadership style. Registration is limited to 40 persons and all meals are included. This retreat will be offered every 6 months. Details and RSVP on Facebook or RevKristen@ResurrectionMCC.org.

 

Drum CircleImani Vida Drum Circle is this Saturday, 7:30 pm in Galveston. Join on the Galveston Seawall and "Beat the Heat" with drumming and dance including the backdrop of The Gulf and a tropical breeze. It promises to be enchanting, hypnotic and a whole lot of fun. So come on out and be a part of this fun experience. With the summer upon us, this is the place to be. So bring your drum, shakers, bells, claves, thumb cymbals, whistles and crank out some rhythms with us. You dancers be sure to dress up in your fancy costumes and bring your zills, bells and twirling lights. I am looking for all of you to join us and crank out some groovin' rhythms and dance the night away. Or you can just kick back, bring a picnic basket and relax and let the rhythms and sound of the waves carry you away. It is a family friendly environment so by all means feel free to bring the kids. Be sure to bring a lawn chair or stool and bottled water or Gatorade. The Drum Cicle will be located on 51st along the Seawall directly across the street from "The Olympia Grill" restaurant. Details and RSVP on www.meetup.com or DrumCircle@ResurrectionMCC.org

  

yoga

Yoga Connections is every Tuesday from 7 - 8:30 pm in the Activities Building. Join us as we get in touch with our mind, body, and spirit through Yoga! Connect with other folks in this non-competitive activity that is suitable for every person. If you are new to Yoga, you'll meet others of varying skill levels. Participants should bring a mat, towel, and water. There are several extra mats available for those that may be new to Yoga and want to try it out before buying one (reserve one on Facebook). Details and RSVP on Facebook or Yoga@ResurrectionMCC.org.

 

Rainbow of Hope N.A. is every Tuesday at 7 pm in the Gathering Place. Narcotics Anonymous is a Twelve Step recovery program that offers hope and freedom from active addiction in a safe space for the LGBTQ community. This support group meets regularly in order to help one another learn a new way of life through sharing experiences, strength, and hope. Anyone is welcome to come and learn more. For more information, call 832-326-6330.   

 

New Members Class

New Members Class is Saturday, August 18, from 9 am - Noon in the  Gathering Place. Are you ready to commit to being an active part of the movement that Jesus began 2,000 years ago - a movement of showing God's unconditional love to all people? Join us to discuss the mission, vision, and values of Resurrection MCC as you discover your connection to the world through our affiliation with Metropolitan Community Churches. You'll be introduced to our history, meet other new members, and learn what God is doing in the life of our church. Food will be provided. We welcome you to join our family of faith in purpose, service, and fellowship! Details and RSVP on Facebook or RevMichael@ResurrectionMCC.org.   

 

Empire Cafe

OUT to Brunch is Saturday, August 18, 10 am - Noon at Empire Cafe. All are  invited to join our sober social group for brunch each month. Whether you're sober yourself, a supporter, or simply someone who prefers coffee to Mimosas with your brunch, come meet new friends, and those you may already know, for brunch! Details and RSVP on Facebook or OUTtoBrunch@ResurrectionMCC.org.    

 Sunday Friendraiser Brunch

Sunday Friendraiser Brunch is Sunday, August 19, at 12:30 in the Activities  Building. For $6, enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner while meeting new friends and reconnecting with those you may already know.  

 

Meet You On the Journey

Meet You On the Journey is Sunday, August 19, at 12:30 pm in the Activities  Building. At the event, we will debut our new On the Journey magazine, complete with listings for programming coming September through December, 2012, as well as our enlightening personal "Spiritual Locator" tool! Details and RSVP on Facebook or RevKristen@ResurrectionMCC.org.  

 

Bowling Bonanza

Youth Ministries Program: Bowling Bonanza is Sunday, August 19, 12:30 -  2:30 pm at AMF Windfern Lanes. Mr. Joel and our Youth Ministry Program will host this after-church event for our families! Young people of all ages, together with their grown-ups (AKA parents), are invited to share some fun and games at the lanes! All are welcome; space reservation would be helpful. Details and RSVP on Facebook or Youth@ResurrectionMCC.org.  

 

Pool Party

Young Adults: End of Summer Water Bash is Sunday, August 19, 1 - 7 pm  at the home of Will Carr, 545 Studewood St. Calling all Future and Current College Students of All Ages! Come and enjoy some quality fun, food and laughter as we celebrate your successes! The Young Adults of Resurrection MCC would like to invite you to our pool party! Be sure to bring your own towel, chair if needed and a guest if desired. Food and drinks will be served.  Details and RSVP on Facebook or YoungAdults@ResurrectionMCC.org.

 

Out Later: Support for Gay Fathers outLatermeets every

Thursday, from 7:30 - 9 pm in the Gathering Place. This support group is for fathers who are living life after coming out later and focuses on life issues of parenting, divorce, family, dating, relationships, and other issues of concern to group participants. A private Facebook group is also available for events, conversation, and online support that is available to group members. Details on Facebook or OutLater@ResurrectionMCC.org.

 

Food PantryOur Food Pantry is in need of donations this Sunday. Please consider  bringing a couple items this Sunday and placing them in the shopping basket located in the Welcome Area. We are in need of all items that our pantry provides: Peanut Butter & Jelly, Canned Meats, Canned Vegetables, Canned Fruit, Canned Soup, Canned Chili, Spaghetti Noodles & Sauce, Macaroni & Cheese, Tuna & Hamburger Helper, Mashed Potatoes (instant), Beans (one pound bag or canned), Rice (one pound bag), Breakfast Cereal, Milk (individual packets or evaporated), Cornbread Mix, Saltine Crackers, Oatmeal, Grits, and Jello. Please consider bringing a non-perishable donation on Sunday and placing in the shopping cart located in the Welcome Area. You may also make a cash donation to the food pantry by writing "Food Pantry" on your Sunday offering in the memo line of your check or on the offering envelope and you may also make a donation online. If you'd like to print out a "Shopping List" just click here. Your generosity will provide life-sustaining nourishment to those in need. 

 

Resurrection Cobalt Blue Coffee Cup

Resurrection MCC First Impressions Ministries have volunteer opportunities available, especially at our Concierge Desk. With so many guests visiting with us on a Sunday, we are looking for warm and friendly folks to welcome them at our Concierge Desk, located in the Gathering place, after both Sunday Worship Services. Concierge Desk volunteers are able to serve one Sunday a month, providing radical hospitality to our first time visitors and helping them get connected. For more information or to get plugged in at the Concierge Desk, please email RevMichael@ResurrectionMCC.org.

Pastoral Search Committee

 

PSC Web Page: Please visit the Pastoral Search Committee (PSC) Web  page for new information and monthly updates. Simply go to ResurrectionMCC.org and click on the Pastoral Search Committee Logo or on the "Committee Updates" link. This Web page is the Committee's primary source of communication and will be updated throughout our process. We ask that you keep the PSC in your prayers. Specific questions about the process may be emailed to PSC@ResurrectionMCC.org.

Community Events

OutSmart Gayest & Greatest Readers Choice Awards voting is online now. Be sure to vote today for Resurrection MCC as your "Favorite Place to Worship!" It only takes a few moments to complete the online survey and winners will be published in the October issue. With over 60,000 readers, voting for Resurrection MCC is a quick and easy way to let the Greater Houston area know about our amazing, life-changing community of faith! Vote in just one, a few, or all of the categories. Deadline is August 31, 5 pm.

HRC Bowling Tournament is Sunday, August 12 from 1 - 4 pm at Palace Bowling Lanes, 4191 Bellaire Blvd, Houston 77025. Join Houston HRC for a fun afternoon of bowling. Play three games: two serious and one playful. Prizes will be awarded for the best score and the best dressed, so come dressed with energy. Bring your friends, family, kids, and straight allies. This is a welcoming event to share our support of HRC. Ticket includes 3 games of bowling, snacks, one free drink, and basic membership renewal. The deadline to register for bowling is Wednesday, August 8, and tickets are available online for $35. 15 volunteers are needed at 11:45 am to help with setup, registration, escorting bowlers to shoe rental and their lane, selling merhandise, and helping with food. If you would like to volunteers, please email Roy Alvarez, Jr., HRC Houston Volunteer at hrchoustonvols@gmail.com.