The echoes of "He is risen!" still resonate within our hearts, a powerful reminder of the ultimate victory over despair. As we step back into the rhythm of our week, may the joy of Resurrection Sunday continue to bloom in our lives, even amidst moments that might feel shadowed by sadness.

Think back to that first Easter morning. The disciples, just days before, had witnessed the agonizing crucifixion of their beloved teacher. Grief and disbelief must have weighed heavily upon them. The future felt uncertain, hope seemingly buried alongside GOD's body. Their Friday was undoubtedly one of profound sorrow.

Yet, what dawned on Sunday? A radiant, earth-shattering joy! The darkness gave way to the brilliant light of resurrection. The seemingly final chapter of pain was revealed to be a prelude to unimaginable joy.

Scripture is filled with such transformations. Consider Psalm 30:5: "Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning." This isn't a simplistic dismissal of our struggles, but a profound truth rooted in GOD's nature. Just as the sun inevitably rises, bringing a new day, so too does GOD's presence bring the promise of renewed hope and joy, even after the darkest of nights.

Think of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1. Her deep sorrow and fervent prayers in the temple eventually blossomed into the joy of holding her son, Samuel. Her tears were not the end of her story, but a pathway to a profound blessing.

Or consider the story of Naomi and Ruth. Naomi’s initial loss and bitterness, expressed in her desire to be called Mara ("bitter"), eventually transformed into the sweet joy of family and legacy through Ruth's unwavering love and GOD's providence (Ruth 4:14-17).

These biblical narratives remind us that sadness, though a part of the human experience, does not have the final word. Just as Easter Sunday followed Good Friday, moments of difficulty can give way to unexpected joy. This isn't about ignoring our pain, but about holding onto the unwavering belief that GOD's love and light can break through any darkness.

As you navigate the week ahead, remember the joy that burst forth on Easter morning. When challenges arise, when sadness lingers, may you find strength in the promise that with GOD, a new morning, filled with joy, is always possible. Let us live in the light of the resurrection, carrying its hopeful message into every corner of our lives.

Veronique L. Walker

RMCC NextGen

View Last Sunday's Service HERE

Sunday's Opening Song for Practice: Let Us Build a House

SUNDAY SERVICE

Sunday Service | April 27th, 2025

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY SERVICE ON YOUTUBE HERE

Board of Directors' News

Greetings from your Board members, who are working on many projects. Please click HERE to read the summary of the 3/24/25 monthly Board meeting.

The Board of Directors is elected by the congregation of RMCC to oversee the business and finances of the church. The Board meets monthly, with additional meetings as needed. All are welcome to attend and listen. If you wish to address the Board at a monthly meeting, please email Cathleen Sheil-Hopper, Clerk, cathleen@resurrectionmcc.org, to request that your topic be considered for the agenda. The next monthly meeting is scheduled for April 28, 2025.

Please note that our Text-to-Give function in our new software is active. Please follow these steps:

• Text “Give” to 855.734.2902
• You will receive a link to setup/personalize “text to give” providing your name and card information and the donor will give in the moment
• To “text to give” in the future, the donor will go back to that text trail and just simply text the give amount “ex. 10, 50, 100” (the donation will default to general fund) or text “options” and the system will prompt the donor with more giving options.

Please see Terry Zenn if you have questions. Terry@ResurrectionMCC.org

Now Accepting Applications for Deacons!

Resurrection MCC is seeking individuals to prayerfully consider serving as Deacons. This vital ministry role is rooted in service, care, and spiritual support for our congregation. Deacons assist pastors through prayer, visitation, communion, and ministry work—not as decision-makers, but as compassionate servants.

The application process includes a review of spiritual gifts, an interview, and pastoral approval. If you feel called to serve in this meaningful way, we invite you to apply today. Follow the two links below for more information. Deadline is May 4th.

RMCC Consideration for Deacon

RMCC Deacon's Ministry Application

For all application submissions, please send to deacons@resurrectionmcc.org. 

Now Accepting Applications for

2025 Nominating Committee!

We are now accepting applications for the 2025 Nominating Committee. If you are interested in serving, please contact Board Member Irene Gutierrez Fowler. The application deadline is Monday, April 25th, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

Email: Irene@ResurrectionMCC.org.

La Casa de Todos

Presencial o Online a las 13:00 horas

Bienvenido a nuestro servicio religioso en vivo todos los domingos en nuestro hermoso santuario. Nuestros servicios llenos de música celebran la adoración con expresión. Cada servicio es de aproximadamente 60 minutos. La comunión se sirve en todos los servicios de adoración y se puede recibir individualmente o con un pequeño grupo de amigos o seres queridos. En La Casa De Todos, celebramos una Comunión Abierta; no es necesario ser miembro de nuestra iglesia, ni de ninguna iglesia, para recibir estos dones de gracia, esperanza y amor.

UNASE A NOSOTROS PARA SERVICIOS VIRTUALES

Celebraremos el servicio en español en el Santuario para conmemorar los 8 años de Casa de Todos. Este evento especial es organizado en conjunto con los pastores de la Iglesia Comunitaria Metropolitana Resurrección, y nos honra dar la bienvenida al pastor Ulises López y a los distinguidos oradores invitados, quienes asistirán y dirigirán el culto. El predicador invitado, el obispo Shon Stewart, presentará el mensaje.

Este evento es una oportunidad significativa para reflexionar sobre el crecimiento y el impacto de Casa de Todos en los últimos ocho años. Contará con mensajes conmovedores y un culto inspirador que conectará con los asistentes, tanto hispanohablantes como angloparlantes, ya que el evento se llevará a cabo en ambos idiomas con un intérprete disponible.

Esperamos una gran asistencia y promete ser una experiencia inspiradora y enriquecedora para todos. ¡No se pierdan esta celebración de fe, comunidad y servicio!

REGÍSTRATE AQUÍ

Come join us!! This is a social group for those in the Houston area. Our purpose is connecting, making friends and sharing a meal together at a selected restaurant. We will rotate around the city to give all a chance to attend. All are welcome!

When: 7:00 pm each 4th Friday of the month, with consideration given to holidays.

Additional Info: Each person is responsible for the cost of their own meal and drink. We will be asking for RSVPs to make appropriate arrangements.

REGISTER HERE

Serving with Pride: Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

Apr 27, 2025

1–2:30pm

To honor and appreciate the dedicated volunteers making Pride Month possible, we are hosting a special luncheon designed to promote fellowship, express gratitude, and provide important updates on event planning and execution. This gathering will serve as a space to recognize the hard work of our volunteers, share progress on upcoming Pride Month activities, and ensure everyone feels supported and valued.

The luncheon will include a delicious meal, fun icebreakers to strengthen our volunteer community, and an open forum to address any questions or concerns as we move forward. Volunteers will also receive small tokens of appreciation as a thank-you for their dedication.

This is more than just a meal—it’s an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of service that makes our Pride Month events successful. Together, we’ll continue to build momentum and ensure that every step we take is stronger and more impactful. Let’s come together, share in gratitude, and keep the energy alive—because we Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop! 

REGISTER HERE

Resurrection MCC – IT'S TIME!

The Transition Team and Ministry Leaders have met, and it's time to begin preparing for the move! From now until April 30, 2025, we will be cleaning and organizing. Please assist your ministry in staying on schedule.

Celebrating La Casa De Todos 8th Year Anniversary

May 4th, 2025

1:00 PM

We will celebrate the Spanish service in the Sanctuary to commemorate 8 years of Casa de Todos. This special event is co-hosted with Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church pastors, and we are honored to welcome Pastor Ulises Lopez and distinguished guest speakers, who will be attending and leading the worship. Guest Preacher Bishop Shon Stewart will bring the message.

This event is a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the growth and impact of Casa de Todos over the past eight years. It will feature powerful messages and inspiring worship that will resonate with both Spanish and English-speaking attendees, as the event will be held in both languages with a translator available.

We are expecting a large crowd, and it promises to be an uplifting and enriching experience for everyone. Don't miss out on this celebration of faith, community, and service!

REGISTER HERE

Voting 411

September 27th

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join Resurrection’s Social Justice Ministry & Harris County Clerk's Election Office for an election education event to provide information relating to the Nov 4th 2025 Uniform Election. The presentation will provide information detailing what's on the ballot, discuss the importance of making a plan to vote, ways to ensure your mail in ballot is counted, teach participants how to operate the voting equipment and much more. 

REGISTER HERE

Tea Chat with Rev. Mona

February 5th to December 17th, 2025

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

In the Gathering Place

 "Discover the perfect blend of spiritual enlightenment and soulful conversations with weekly Tea Chat Bible Study Sessions! Together, we’ll explore God’s Word, reflect on its meaning, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. Join us as we infuse the essence of spirituality into every sip, guiding you on a journey of self-discovery and reflection. Let's put the 'tea' in spirituality together. Cheers to a harmonious mind, body, and spirit!"  

REGISTER HERE

The Galleria Group of RMCC Friends

Meets every Tuesday at 6:00 PM for dinner at Jason's Deli, located at 5860 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057. This informal gathering is an opportunity to connect, share a meal, and build community with friends from Resurrection MCC. Anyone interested in joining is welcome to simply show up or connect through the Church Center App. For more information, please see Joe Martinez or Larry Ponder.

2025 OWLS EVENTS (Older Wiser Leaders Serving)

1st Saturdays @ noon

2nd Thursdays @ noon

3rd Fridays @ 7pm

See Larry Ponder for more information

Join us after service for in-person Brunch Buddies, Sunday, April 27th, after service at Thai Spice, 4618 Dacoma St. View MENU.

Registration for General Conference is now open!

The MCC General Conference is gathering in Scottsdale, AZ, July 3-6. Be sure to register early for hotel as accommodations go fast! We can't wait to see you there!

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

ONLINE COMMUNITY

Wednesday Book Study: Love Is the Way by Bishop Michael Curry

On Zoom from March 26th to May 7th | 7-8:30 PM

Join Rev. Vicki and Cathleen Sheil-Hopper in a study based on the book Love Is the Way, by Bishop Michael Curry. Sharing stories of his life as the descendent of slaves and the son of a civil rights activist, Bishop Curry leads readers in an exploration of the power of love and community in facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. Now retired, Bishop Curry was the first African American bishop of the Episcopal Church. The group meets on 6 Wednesday evenings: March 26; April 2 and 9:

April 23, and 30; May 7. There will be no meeting on 4/16. 

Register on Church Center HERE

Register on Zoom HERE

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

Weekly Online Devotions

"Hope As Old As Fire” daily devotionals

by Bishop Steven Charleston

If you are looking for a way to connect to our Online Church, then join our weekly devotional series on Facebook beginning February 14, 2025!

We are embarking upon a new prayer and devotional series that will be both refreshing and reflective of our spiritual values—written by Bishop Steven Charleston, an elder of the Choctaw Nation and the retired Episcopal Bishop of Alaska.

HOPE AS OLD AS FIRE is a collection of brief daily spiritual meditations for persons of all faith traditions. It has become a spiritual classic read by thousands of people around the world. This is the first of four books, the beginning of a mystical revelation that continues to this day. The author is Steven Charleston, a Native American elder of the Choctaw Nation, a Zen practitioner for over forty years, and the retired Bishop of Alaska. Part poetry, part practical advice, part mysticism: HOPE AS OLD AS FIRE will speak to you in a new way each and every day. It is a book you will want to keep near you and share with friends. Each meditation was written spontaneously every day in a matter of minutes after the author's daily practice of traditional Native American prayer. As Steven Charleston says, "I wrote these meditations, but I am not the author."

Join us wherever you are in the world. Just need to follow our group Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/resurrectionmccdevotionalgroup

This group is moderated by Rev. Dr. Carol Kiesling of Taos, NM, Resurrection MCC Online 

All are welcome!

God Talk: Conversations About Faith, Society and

Self-Love with LBGTQ+ Christians

Weekly Thursdays 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm CST

“God Talk” is another way of saying ‘Theology’, in other words: how we think and talk about Divine Presence. Many LGBTQ+ people have been hurt by oppressive or toxic theology, the kind of messaging that describes God as condemning and cruel. These wide-spread messages are often subtle, perhaps from well-meaning sources, so we don’t even realize how we internalized them. The trauma can run deep! No wonder so many people have difficulty developing a relationship with the Sacred.

Resurrection MCC strives to build community to heal those wounds. This group is a safe haven to explore, question and discover how God works in and through us, regardless of who we are or the societal labels we carry. We will discuss our imaginings of the Divine in our lives and hear from people whose partnering with God brings meaning and hope into their lives. We seek to reframe our thinking and expand our imagination to move into a broader understanding of the God of Love. 

Facilitator:

Rev. Dr. Carol Kiesling - Taos, NM

Online Ministry

GODTALK YOUTUBE PLAYLIST

Have You Joined the Community?

Join the Online Community Facebook Group Here: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1708269556183327

PLEASE REGISTER

Weekday Devotional and Prayer is held every weekday at Noon on Zoom. During these virtual gatherings, we participate in a daily devotional, scripture readings, prayer, and a time to check-in with our church family.

NEW ZOOM LINK BELOW

Click HERE 

to launch Zoom at Noon on weekdays.

Join Host Liam Gabriel of RMCC as he explores the intersection of mental health and faith. Subscribe link and sample of a recent show can be found on Spotify with the links below:

PLAYLIST

SAMPLE SHOW FEATURING GUEST JARED PRICE

Join us for virtual Brunch Buddies on Sunday at 12:30 pm at the same restaurant venue as in-person.

Join the Zoom here at 12:30 pm

RECURRING MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES

Resurrection MCC's Social Justice Ministry is about celebrating the diversity within our church family, giving a voice and outlet of supported advocacy for, and on behalf of members inside our MCC community and the community at large. 

This is achieved through specific ministry campaign development in areas where a need has been identified under the overall scope of Social Justice Ministry.

Current Campaigns include:

• Voting & Legislative Engagement
• Civil and human rights issues
• Local Civic Engagement
• Advocating for the Marginalized and Oppressed
• Immigrant Justice
• Creation Care & Environmental Sustainability
• Protecting and advancing the rights, dignity and freedom of the LGBTQ community
• Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities  

Imani Vida Drum Circle

Imani means Faith in Swahili, and Vida means Life in Spanish. We are a group of diverse individuals of the Greater Houston Area who love to come together in community and make music together. We make music through all sorts of percussion instruments...hand drums, shakers, rain sticks and even the sound of foot-stomping music. Drummers of all skill levels are welcome. No prior drumming experience is required to participate in our circle. Dancers are welcome too! We only ask that you bring your desire to be apart of our community drum circle. Meets 1st Saturday of the Month at Resurrection MCC at 1:30 pm. 

For more information, please visit https://www.meetup.com/drummingcircle/

Rev. Vickey Gibbs Children's Church

Every Sunday at 11 AM

Fellowship for ages 0-12

Toastmasters is every Monday, from 6:30 - 8 pm in the Gathering Place. Impress your clients, your boss, or even a potential employer during your next job interview. Speak with confidence in one-on-one situations and in presentations for groups of 20 to over 200. Surprise yourself by becoming a member of Toastmasters and see how your personal goals will come true. With Toastmasters you will learn by doing as you improve your public speaking skills in a super supportive environment. Join us for our very own Toastmaster Club right here at Resurrection MCC. Contact Horacio Rodriguez at 954-662-4926 or FindYourVoiceToastmaster@gmail.com for details. Toastmasters.org

You'll never know what you're missing until you do it! We have a place for you in our volunteer ministries. What are you good at? What makes you happy? Do you have a skill or talent that will benefit others? Visit our Connect page on the website and learn more about our volunteer opportunities and how to join us!

VISIT THE CONNECT PAGE HERE

We build deep connections with a network of others that love praising God.

Join us as we commit ourselves to growing the ministry and glowing up!

Resurrection Choir Rehearsal - Thursday at 6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Ability to sing in tune is helpful.

RMCC Chimes Rehearsal - Thursday at 5:15 P.M. - 6:15 P.M.

Being able to read music is helpful.

For Dance, Theater, and other performance-based ministries, reach out directly to Cassandra White via email. Cassandra@ResurrectionMCC.org

Amazing things happen when we pray for one another in times of grief and celebrate together in times of joy. Send Requests online here: COMPLETE ONLINE FORM or by texting the word RMCCPRAY to 97000. We hope this electronic method will make it quick and easy to communicate the struggles and triumphs you are experiencing in a way that can provide our Pastoral Care Ministers with the information they need to support and encourage you along your journey. The form allows you to provide your name, contact information, the information about your prayer request or celebration, as well as an easy way to request a contact from a Pastoral Care Minister (only if you indicate you'd like a contact). Based on your preferences we can communicate by text, phone, video chat, or even in-person visits when necessary. We want to hear from you!

If you haven't downloaded the church app, it's important that you do! Each time you attend a service in person or virtually, please CHECK IN so we know you were here. Using the church app is easy! You can find detailed instructions here. We hope you will download it and stay connected!

Pride Charities, our partner agency which operates the food pantry at Resurrection MCC, relies on donations and financial support for the food needed to help the 175 families we assist each month. Please consider picking up a few extra Canned Fruit (Assorted) 15 or 20 oz, Peanut Butter 18 oz., Jelly (Grape) Squeezable Bottle, or any of the items found on this list. We are pausing clothes donations.

🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁Rainbow of Hope 🌈Narcotics Anonymous is every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00 p.m. on our campus in the Gathering Place. This Twelve Step recovery program 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. All are welcome to come and learn more. For more information, please contact Patrick at 281-908-9729.

re:MIND Depression & Bipolar Support Groups in-person meetings are now on Fridays at 12:00 pm in the Chapel. For more information on groups visit the website www.remindsupport.org . Online groups are available at https://www.remindsupport.org/online-support-groups/.

If you need assistance signing up please call 713-600-1131 or email info@remindsupport.org. 

Overeater’s Anonymous meets Saturdays at 9:30 am in the Chapel and will still offer the zoom meeting on Saturdays at 9:30 am on Zoom. Meeting ID: 402 391 084, Password: 176233. Phone in option (use same Meeting ID as above): +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston).