Scrolling through TikTok recently, I stumbled across a song that stopped me mid-scroll: “Left It in the River” by Jamie MacDonald. Some of its words brought me back to thinking about my own journey of baptism and how water has always symbolized my life.

I was christened in the Catholic Church as an infant during a water ritual where promises were made on my behalf. Later, in my Protestant upbringing, I went through confirmation, a curriculum of what the church thought I should know, ending with my repeating vows. At thirteen, I did not yet have the kind of relationship with God that I know now. That’s why this song speaks to me so deeply.

“My life was changed when I stepped into the water

…Hallelujah, I’ve been delivered.

Where is my guilt? Where is my shame?

I left it in the river, oh… I left it in the river, oh.”

When I hear those words, I think about what baptism truly represents: not just ritual, but surrender, cleansing, and the grace of a new beginning. Part of me longs to experience it again, not because it didn’t “count” before, but because now I fully understand the depth of being cleansed by the water.

This reflection is especially strong as we prepare to baptize Kash, Taylor, and Macy’s sweet boy and our grandson. Pastor Candace has expressed her joy and eagerness in leading this moment. Baptism for him will be a beautiful beginning, just as it has been for so many of us, and I pray that one day Kash will fully embrace the grace in those waters, too.

Another verse echoes this longing in me:

“I had burdens on my shoulders all my life…

I said a prayer from the banks of a river

God met me there, showing me something better.”

That lyric reminds me that every time we return to the water, whether in memory, ritual, or prayer, we leave something behind and rise renewed.

If you’d like to hear “Left It in the River” for yourself, it’s streaming everywhere music is played: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and even on K-LOVE Radio.

For me, it’s more than a song. It’s a reminder that the water has always been there—cleansing, promising, and carrying us forward into God’s grace.

I left it in the river,

Suzette Cotto

Online Ministry and Community

suzette@resurrectionmcc.org

View Last Sunday's Service HERE

This week's song: Bless Me

SUNDAY SERVICE

Sunday Worship Service | August 31st, 2025

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY SERVICE ON YOUTUBE HERE

Greetings from your Board members, who are working to support our church’s core values of Inclusion, Spiritual Transformation, Community and Justice! Please click HERE to read the summary of the 8/18/25 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 9/22/25.

Pastoral Search Committee Announced

Dear Resurrection MCC Family,

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the members of our Pastoral Search Committee. After receiving and carefully reviewing applications from many qualified congregants, we have prayerfully selected individuals to represent our congregation in this vital work.

With great anticipation, confidence, and prayer, the board has chosen these dedicated members to search, interview, and present candidates for our next senior pastor:

● Jules Czarnik

● Sharri McGlauthing

● Georgette Monaghan

● Craig Puckett

● William "Bill" Russell

We ask that you join us in lifting up the Pastoral Search Committee in your prayers. May God guide their steps, grant them clarity of thought, and bless them with keen discernment as they undertake this sacred responsibility on behalf of our entire congregation.

Faithfully yours,

The Resurrection MCC Board of Directors

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

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

DRAG BINGO

October 18th

Join Resurrection MCC on Saturday, October 18th, for our Annual Drag Bingo Fundraiser Event. This is a fun, campy, entertaining evening with food, drinks, prizes, 50/50 raffle, and more! We'll be entertained by some of Houston's most talented drag queens and kings, who will sing and dance for fundraising dollars. Our popular table runners will be serving up drinks and yummy food. Round up your besties and head over to 2025 W 11th St in the Heights. There's plenty of free parking and on-site security. 



Please note: Attendees must be 18 years or older, and a valid ID is required. 

Doors open at 5 pm 

Ticket Sales at 6 pm 

Games start at 7 pm

Get there early, as seating is first-come, first-served, and we always fill up!

To make this year’s event a success, we need about 50 volunteers. Opportunities include set-up on October 17 and food and drink support during the event on October 18. Please consider giving a few hours to help make Drag Bingo the biggest and best Resurrection event of 2025.

Melodies of Gratitude III

FREE CONCERT TO BENEFIT BARC AND SPECIAL PALS

Saturday, September 27th, from 5 to 7 pm

Join us on September 27, 5–7 PM at Resurrection MCC, for Wild Tunes’ annual FREE concert benefiting Houston’s animal shelters. Enjoy a heartwarming lineup of performers of all ages—music, dance, and more. Refreshments, including kid-friendly and adult beverages, will be available for purchase.

Double Your Impact: Thanks to an anonymous benefactor, every gift to Wild Tunes through Giving Tuesday (Dec 2) will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Plus, the Houston BARC Foundation will match donations benefiting BARC, helping even more pets.

Reserve free tickets & donate here

Voting 411

Sep 27, 2025

9–11:30 am

In The Gathering Place

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

4th Friday Night Out Houston

Barnaby's Cafe

8155 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055

Friday, September 26th from 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Looking to connect, make new friends, and enjoy great food in good company?

Join us for 4th Friday Night Out, a fun and casual evening of community at Postino in Houston’s Heights! This monthly social gathering is open to everyone—whether you're new to Resurrection MCC or have been with us for years.

We’ll share a meal, laughter, and conversation as we rotate to different restaurants across the city, making it easy for all to attend. All are welcome—come as you are!

Let’s enjoy a night out together in love, laughter, and connection.

REGISTER HERE

Community Meeting

September 18, 2025

Join us Thursday, September 18, from 5–7 pm in the Gathering Place for a community meeting hosted by the Harris County Clerk’s Office Elections Department in collaboration with the Social Justice Ministry. Learn what to expect in the upcoming November election, including voter turnout data, important dates, ballot items, and new laws impacting the election process.

REGISTER HERE

Communion Servers Training

Sep 14, 2025

12:30–1:30 pm

Office Conference Room

Communion Servers Training is a time to learn and prepare for the sacred role of serving Communion at Resurrection MCC. Rev. Mona will lead this training for all who feel called to participate in this meaningful ministry. Whether you are new or have served before, join us as we grow together in faith and service.

REGISTER HERE

Faith Builders

Every Sunday

From 9:45-10:45 AM

Every Sunday join Deacon Gina Wilson for "Faith Builders" from 9:45-10:45 am in the Bookstore lounge. Bring your bibles and explore and preview the Sunday scriptures. Begins July 27th.

Drop ins always welcome.

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

On the 2nd Sunday evening of each month until March 8th, 2026, we will gather to view episodes of THE CHOSEN. This group will be led by Larry Ponder and he will provide a short prep prior to the viewing and lead the group in a discussion following the episode for the evening.

A private Facebook group will be maintained for those who wish to continue the discussion after each session. Additionally, links to each video will be posted to the private group for those who miss a session or live out of the area and are unable to attend in person.  

REGISTER HERE

2025 OWLS EVENTS (Older Wiser Leaders Serving)

1st Saturdays @ noon

2nd Thursdays @ noon

3rd Fridays @ 7pm

See Larry Ponder for more information

BRUNCH BUDDIES

Join us after service for in-person Brunch Buddies, Sunday, August 31st, after service at Hibachi Grill Buffett, 5601 W 34th St. View MENU.

ONLINE COMMUNITY

Wednesday Book Study: Let This Radicalize You.

Wednesday's From August 6th to September 10th

7:00-8:30pm

Join Rev. Vicki and Cathleen Sheil-Hopper for a 6-week (8.6-9.10) discussion series on Let This Radicalize You by Kelly Hayes and Mariame Kaba, a pair of longtime activists and political educators. This book is a practical and imaginative resource for activists and would-be activists, offering ideas for acts of care, rescue and defense in the face of state violence and environmental disaster.

REGISTER HERE

Next Gen Presents: Vices Vs. Virtues -

A Discipleship Series for the Soul

Tuesdays, August 12th – November 25th | 6:30 PM CT | Zoom

This discipleship series invites us into a deep and honest exploration of the Seven Heavenly Virtues and Seven Deadly Vices. Together, we will draw from scripture, saints, mystics, psychology, music, and interfaith wisdom to uncover timeless insights about the human soul and how we live today.

 Across sixteen sessions, we will reflect on one virtue and one vice at a time. We will ask what tempts or traps us, what heals and transforms us, and how these forces show up in our minds, our communities, and our systems. We will consider the psychological roots of these patterns, the spiritual invitations hidden within them, and the ways they have been understood across cultures and traditions.

 Each session will include sacred readings, reflections from saints and mystics, insights from modern psychology and social justice frameworks, music to open the heart, meaningful conversation, and space to co-create devotional writings that speak to our real lives.

 This is a space to get curious, to reflect, to wrestle with big questions, and to connect more deeply with yourself and with others. We will not be looking for easy answers or moral perfection, but for clarity, compassion, and a more grounded understanding of the ancient wisdom that continues to shape the soul’s journey.

 Whether you come with faith, questions, wounds, or wonder, you are welcome in this space. Together, we will listen, learn, and grow as we reimagine what these virtues and vices can teach us today.

REGISTER HERE

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 dry goods, 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).