Hi, I’m Nelda Billescas, alias Coach B, Ms. B--daughter, sister, aunt, friend, author. I am all of these, but most importantly, I am a child of God. I am anything and everything that God needs me to be. I fall short sometimes; I am, in fact, human and blessed by grace. Today I want to talk to you about diversity and not putting God in a box.

While walking in Memorial Park, I witness the vast beauty of God’s creation: different colors and shapes of flowers, different colors and shapes of leaves, and different colors and shapes of animals, into which human beings are categorized. Each one of these marvelous creations is an intricate design by our Master Creator, all with their individualized purpose and divine plan. Yes, even plants and animals have their purpose in God’s creation.

Diversity, in its truest sense of the word, is a concept sometimes overseen as God’s gift to the Universe. The Maker of Heaven and Earth understood the importance and beauty of diversity and its place in creation. God’s creation is as vast as the stars in the sky, each one uniquely designed and making its own journey.

We try to make sense of our world through our experiences, but we fall short if our experiences are encased in only what we have seen around us. We are more than our color, our culture, and our last name. We are human beings beautifully designed with our brilliant colors armed with Spiritual Gifts to fulfill God’s purpose. Our society has taught limited views of diversity that often focus on division rather than on God’s incredible creation of human unity.

God’s amazing love is displayed all around us and abroad. September 15th marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating Latin cultures all around the world. Different Latin countries celebrate their rich heritage to educate others on their history, thereby making our differences commonalities.

We are so different physically yet so similar in our DNA. Unwrap the outward beauty and you will find internal structures that make us all the same.

Each of us experiences and perceives God in our own way. Is God male, female, non-binary, black, white, or a glistening bright light? Will you be disappointed and ask to return where you came from or will you celebrate God’s diversity and enter God’s loving, open-minded, outside-the-box world?

Why wait for confirmation? Just remember that God does not make mistakes. Thus, you are wonderfully and divinely made.

I invite you to open a box and read the scripture:

“A new command I give you, love one another as I have loved you, so shall you love one another.” -- John 13:34

Amen!

Deacon Nelda Billescas

View Last Sunday's Service HERE

Join us in singing "Because of Who You Are" this Sunday!

THIS WEEK'S SERMON

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY SERVICE ON YOUTUBE HERE

TOWN HALL

We've begun the work!

Our first Visioning Sessions were an amazing conversation about the future of RMCC and the opportunities to grow in ways that our people have imagined. 

We're communicating an update with a Town Hall on 9.29.24 to keep the vision moving. 

Join Rev. Dr. Darren Phelps and the Board for discussion of the three previous Visioning Conversations immediately after church in the Sanctuary.

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION LINK

VIRTUAL REGISTRATION LINK

CHURCH FINANCIAL REPORT

Board of Directors' News

Please click HERE to read the summary of the 8/26/24 Board meeting, with news about: fundraising, Drag Bingo, community outreach activities,  congregational visioning sessions, nominations for Board of Directors, and more.

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 speak to the Board at a meeting, please email Cathleen Sheil-Hopper, Clerk, cathleen@resurrectionmcc.org or Raymond Turner, Vice Moderator, raymond@resurrectionmcc.com, to request that your topic be considered for the agenda.

A Fabulous Night of Drag Bingo

Oct 19, 2024

6–10pm

Join Resurrection MCC on Saturday, October 19th for our Annual Drag Bingo Fundraiser Event. This is a fun, campy, entertaining evening if food, drinks, prizes, 50/50 raffle and more! We'll be entertained by some of Houston's most talented drag queens and kings, singing and dancing for fundraising dollars. Our popular table-runners will be serving up drinks and yummy food. Round up your besties and bound on over to 2025 W 11th St, in the Heights. There's plenty of free parking and on-site security. Please note: Must be 18+ to attend and an ID is required. Doors open at 6 and games start at 7. Get there early as seating is first come, first served and we always fill up!

Please Register

Drag Bingo Volunteers Needed

October 18th, 2024 Setup:

4:00 to 7:00 PM

October 19th, 2024 Event Take-Down/Food Runner/Bartender Helper:

4:30 to 7:00 PM

Drag Bingo is RMCC's largest fundraiser. We invite the community as well as congregants to come and play and we always fill the Activities Building to capacity!!

We need around 50 volunteers to make this event successful, The positions include set-up the day before (October 18th) and food and drink runners the day of the Drag Bingo event (October 19th).

We hope we can count on you to commit a few hours to supporting Drag Bingo making this the biggest and best Resurrection event of 2024.

REGISTER HERE

Finding Home Membership Class

October 13, 2024

12:30 - 2:00 PM

Have you found your church home yet? We would love to have you in our church family. Join us on 10/13 for a new member class and become part of our hopes and dreams for the future.  

PLEASE REGISTER

What is Church Sterwardship

Oct 12, 2024

9am–1pm

A stewardship training will be conducted by Dr. Renae Phillips. The goal of this training is to provide our congregants with clear information about stewardship and how to create an effective stewardship training program for our congregation. A common question asked is, what is church stewardship? Simply put, Christian stewardship involves the responsible management of the resources God has graciously given. Often associated with giving or tidying, stewardship goes beyond financial contributions—it encompasses time, talents, people, and finances. Reverend Phillips will guide us through the necessary steps and essentials to develop this stewardship plan for our church. We are called to use our time, talents, and treasure to honor God and His Kingdom. After the training, we plan to form our team and begin implementing the RMCC plan. 

PLEASE REGISTER

Woodlands Pride

October 12, 2024

11 am - 5 pm

The Woodlands Pride is an annual LGBTQ+ pride festival and celebration that takes place in The Woodlands, Texas. It aims to promote inclusivity, acceptance, and support for the LGBTQ+ community in the area. The festival typically features live music, entertainment, food vendors, and more. RMCC will be hosting a booth during this pride festival. We need you to volunteer for the booth. Please register and someone will be in touch with next steps!! 

PLEASE REGISTER

4th Friday Night Out Houston

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

10601 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042

Sep 27, 2024 | 7–9 pm

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.

PLEASE REGISTER

Annual Pet Blessing

October 5th, 2024

10:30 - 11:30 AM

We celebrate all of creation, including our furry, feathered, and scaled friends, those with tails, and those without! In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, join us to bless your pet(s). For those that cannot attend IN-person, please send a picture and the name of your pet(s) to scootknowsgeorge@yahoo.com by Thursday, 5:00 pm October 3rd. We will meet between the Bookstore and the Activities Building.

St. Francis left a luxurious life and devoted himself to Christianity after reportedly hearing the voice of God, who commanded him to rebuild the Christian church and live in poverty. He is the patron saint of animals and the environment because he loved all creatures and is said to have even preached to birds.

PLEASE REGISTER

The Widening of God's Mercy: Sexuality Within the Bible

October 2nd to November 20th

7:00 - 8:30 PM

Weekly zoom class discussing The Widening of God's Mercy: Sexuality within the Biblical Story. The authors—a father and son—point out ongoing conversations within the Bible in which traditional rules, customs, and theologies are rethought. They argue that God has already gone on ahead of our debates and expanded his grace to people of different sexualities. 

They remind us of a dynamic and gracious God who is willing to change his mind, consistently broadening his grace to include more and more people. Those who were once outsiders find themselves surprisingly embraced within the people of God, while those who sought to enforce exclusive boundaries are challenged to rethink their understanding of God’s ways. 

Join facilitators Rev Vicki and Cathleen Sheil-Hopper Wednesday nights from 7-8:30 pm, 10.02.24-11.20.24.

 A fresh, deeply biblical account of God’s expanding grace and mercy, tracing how the Bible’s narrative points to the full inclusion of LGBTQ people in Christian communities.

REGISTER HERE

Voting is a Matter of Faith

RMCC’s Social Justice Ministry is working to ensure our congregants have the opportunity to become engaged with the upcoming election. Volunteer opportunities range from voter registration & driving voters to the polls, to actual voting, and spreading the word to friends and neighbors. There are many ways for you to become involved!

If you wish to volunteer for any of these and other voting related activities, or have any questions or suggestions, please contact Bob Stubblefield at bob.rmccjusticeministry@gmail.com and watch for more info in the Mobilizer.

Latinx Conference 2024 - Empower, Encourage, Enlighten

September 27 to 29, 2024 • MCC San Antonio, TX, USA

This event is designed to: Inspire latino/a/e/as/xs leadership development to build vibrant latinxs faith communities that are empowered to transform the world.

We are MCC Latino/a/e/os/as/xs people and allies who bring robust life, faith and social experiences called to...

• Provide training, mentoring and resources.

• Enhance strengths and skills while embracing cultural heritage.

• Cultivate a culture of holistic wellness to uplift our latinxs identities.

PLEASE REGISTER

Next Gen Presents: Navigating the Bible

This is a first-timer's bible study; we will start by debunking any bible myths and talking about the bible and go into more in-depth study.



The first session is Sept 3rd through Nov. 26th. Every other week, we will break for Christmas and restart in the new year. 

The class will be virtual and begin at 6:30 pm.

Leader will be Liam Gabriel with support from Veronique Walker and Nelda Billescas.

PLEASE REGISTER

Tea Chat with Rev. Mona

Discover the perfect blend of spiritual enlightenment and soulful conversations with our Weekly Bible Study! Dive into the depths of our Bible Study while sipping on a cup of tranquility. 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!

PLEASE REGISTER

God Talk: Conversations About Faith, Society and

Self-Love with LBGTQ+ Christians

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

4/4/24 - 11/21/24

This is a great way for online participants to have conversations!

“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. Conversations will be led virtually with Resurrection MCC Online Group leader Carol Kiesling and occasional guest panelists. This is a Zoom meeting. You will receive the Zoom link in an email once you have registered. The link is the same very week. Please note that this forum is recorded and available for replay on YouTube.

Facilitator:

Carol Kiesling (RMCC Ministry Intern from Taos, NM)

Have You Joined the Community?

Join the Online Community Facebook Group Here: 

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

PLEASE REGISTER

THE CHOSEN - Video Discussion Group

On the 2nd and 4th Sunday evening from June 9, 2024 to November 23, 2025, 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. 

We'll share more information when it is available!

Weekly Online Devotions - "On the Wings of Prayer”

Daily Prayers

by Dr. Kathy Culmer

If you want to connect to our Online Church, join our weekly devotional series on Facebook beginning February 14, 2024! We are embarking upon a new prayer and devotional series that is bound to be both refreshing and reflective of our spiritual values. Written by Dr. Kathy Culmer, On the Wings of Prayer: Daily prayers, thoughts and meditations to lift your spirits, will offer us hope and comfort during a time when so much in our world can make us feel challenged and estranged.

This is a Facebook group dedicated for those individuals who want to connect online for weekly devotions and spiritual connection. The first devotion will be released Wednesday February 14, 2024, and thereafter, a new post will be released weekly through February 2025.

Be sure to access the devotions on Facebook, where you can leave a comment about how each devotion has inspired and encouraged you for the week.

JOIN THE GROUP HERE

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/

Brunch Buddies Lunch Cancelled

We will be particpating in the Town Hall Meeting

Join Us!

September 29th, 2024

12:30 - 2:00 PM

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

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.

Click HERE to launch Zoom at Noon on weekdays.

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!

Resurrection Choir rehearsal - Tuesday at 6:30 P.M.

Sanctuary Choir rehearsal - Tuesday at 7:00 P.M.

Gospel Ensemble rehearsal - Tuesday at 7:00 P.M.

Ability to sing in tune in all choirs is helpful.

Choirs alternate weekend service performances.

RMCC Chimes - Tuesday from 5:15 to 6:30 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

Cassandra White, Director of Worship Arts, thanks you in advance.

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 packs of Canned Fruit, Peanut Butter, Grape Jelly (Squeezable Bottle) or any of the items found on this list. We are pausing clothes donations.

Text Giving is a great way to give electronically. The first time you'd like to give in this way, just text the word GIVE to 281-346-9444. You'll receive a text back asking for the amount of your donation. After you've entered that, you'll receive a link to provide your name, email address, as well as your debit/credit card or bank account information. That's it! And the next time you'd like to give, all you need to do is text a dollar amount to that same phone number, hit send, and you're done! If you'd like to contribute to a special fund, send a text with the words GIVE LIST to 281-346-9444 and you'll receive a reply asking how much you'd like to give, and then another text asking to which of our special funds you'd like your donation applied (i.e. General Gifts & Tithes, Foundation First Activities Building Fund, Texas Winter Storm Relief, Pride Charities Food Pantry, La Casa de Todos).

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).