Finding Peace in the Midst of the Storm

As we journey through the Advent season, let us pause to reflect on the theme of peace. In the midst of life's storms, it can be challenging to find tranquility. However, our Heavenly God promises us peace that surpasses all understanding.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts 1 be troubled and do not be afraid.” - John 14:27 

This verse is a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, we can find solace in God’s peace. It's a peace that transcends our circumstances, a peace that calms our anxious hearts and stills our troubled minds.

As we navigate the challenges of this week, let us cling to God’s promises. Let us remember His faithfulness and His unwavering love. It is through God’s grace that we can find the strength to persevere and the peace to endure.

Here are a few practical ways to cultivate peace in your life:

1. Spend Time in God’s Word: Daily Bible reading can nourish your soul and fill your heart with God’s peace.
2. Prayer: Consistent prayer allows you to communicate with God, sharing your burdens and seeking His guidance.
3. Meditation : Take time to quiet your mind and focus on God’s presence.
4. Acts of Kindness: Serving others can bring joy and fulfillment, helping you to forget your own troubles.
5. Rest: Ensure you get enough sleep and take breaks to recharge.

May you experience the peace of God that surpasses all understanding this week and always.



Blessings,

Veronique Walker

View Last Sunday's Service HERE

Join us in singing "Happy" this Sunday.

Be Part of the Transition & Stewardship Team

We invite you to join the Transition & Stewardship Team and play a vital role in shaping the future of our congregation. This is an opportunity to contribute your ideas, skills, and passion as we plan for the next chapter of our community.

Sign-ups will take place on December 15th, immediately following the Congregational Meeting.

Together, we can ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for our church. Your voice matters—join us!

THIS WEEK'S SERMON

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY SERVICE ON YOUTUBE HERE

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

Board of Directors' News

Please click HERE to read the summary of the 11/18/24 monthly Board meeting, with news about: stewardship, the potential sale of the church property, a special Congregational Meeting on December 15, the Meet Me At the Manger fundraising campaign, new Board members, 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.

Congregational Meeting

December 15, 2024

12:30 PM

The Board of Directors has called a Special Congregational Meeting on December 15, 2024, immediately following service. All members are encouraged to attend, either in person or online, and are asked to register through the link provided in the Mobilizer or in a special email to be sent the week of Dec. 2. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and VOTE on: 1) an offer that has been received for the sale of the church property; and 2) the proposed revision of the RMCC Bylaws. An email will provide members with the proposed Bylaws changes, so that they can review them and ask any questions (via email) prior to the meeting on the 15th. Any questions about the meeting should be addressed to: Cathleen Sheil-Hopper, Clerk, cathleen@resurrectionmcc.orgVote on the Sale Contract and Bylaws

Members in good standing, please check your email for further details and meeting packet coming soon.

In Person Register HERE



Virtual Register HERE

Join Us For An Inspiring Christmas Eve Candle Light Service

Tuesday, December 24th | 6:30 PM

2025 W. 11th St. Houston, TX 77008

Enjoy a theatrical presentation of "Love Came Down: A Message of Hope and Love" A moving presentation of the Christmas Story brought to you by our Worship Arts Ministry. Our beautiful Sanctuary is flocked in Christmas regalia in preparation for receiving and celebrating the birth of Jesus. Join us for worship, music, hope and joy - and a beautiful candle lighting ceremony conclusion.

In Person and Livestreamed HERE

Join Us For Our Joint Christmas Church Service!

Sunday, December 29th | 11:00 AM

Special Guest Bishop Shon D. Stewart

2025 W. 11th Street Houston, TX 77008

Join us for a special Joint Christmas Church Service on Sunday, December 29th, at 11:00 AM, as we celebrate the joy and meaning of the season together. We are honored to welcome Bishop Shon D. Stewart as our special guest, bringing an inspiring message to this memorable service. Bring your family and friends to share in worship, reflection, and community as we close out the Christmas season with faith and fellowship. Everyone is welcome.

In Person and Livestreamed HERE

Meet Me at the Manger

You are invited to participate in making a Christmas gift to Resurrection MCC. This year we ask you to do one of two things to make this year’s gift impactful:

• Make a gift that is $1 more than the largest gift you give this season as a way of putting Christ first in your generosity;

• Bring a gift that is one additional month of your usual generosity, a 13th month.

Thank you for supporting the good works of Resurrection MCC this Christmas!

DONATE HERE

Pictures With Santa

December 15th, 2024

10:30 am – 1:30 pm

Children's Ministry time with Santa. Children will have crafts, snacks and time with Santa. Santa will read a story and visit with the children. The children will have the opportunity to take a picture with Santa. Then after, Santa will be available to take photos with everyone that attended service. Registration is preferred but not necessary.

REGISTER HERE

Resurrection MCC Deacon's Toy Drive

*GIFTS NEED TO BE RETURNED THIS SUNDAY 12/15 WITH POST IT NOTE*



The Deacon's Toy Drive will start collecting unwrapped toys November 17th, please be sure and stop by the Toy Drive Tree and pick up a "post it" toy request(s). All unwrapped toys must be brought back by Sunday December 15th.

Pennies From Heaven

Donations for a sun shade in the childrens playground

Your spare change can create change! Bring your spare change for the church and drop it in our 5-gallon collection containers at each entrance until December 31, 2024.

All donations will go toward installing a much-needed sun shade in the children's playground—providing a safe and comfortable space for our kids to play year-round.

Thank you for your generous hearts and unwavering support! Together, we can make a lasting impact.

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

Campus Care Day

December 21st, 2024 at 9 AM

Help ready the church for upcoming events! Meet up in the Admin. Office at 9 AM

Questions? See Ken Thompson in Operations or email Ken@ResurrectionMCC.org

FALL 2024 OWLS (Older Wiser Leaders Serving)

SATURDAY DEC 7 - Game Day @ noon

FRIDAY DEC 13 - Christmas Party @ 7 pm

See Larry Ponder for more information

God Talk: Conversations About Faith, Society and

Self-Love with LBGTQ+ Christians

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

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:

Rev. Elect 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

Weekly Online Devotions - "On the Wings of Prayer”

Daily Prayers by Dr. Kathy Culmer

Facilitator: Rev. Dr. Carol Kiesling

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

RMCC Group Cruise

From June 16th, 2025 at 9:00 am to June 21st, 2025 at 12:00 pm

You must contact Bonnie Bueno and mention 

"RMCC GROUP."

Phone: 1-800-819-3902 Ext: 85153

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

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

OWLS will be participating in the Special Congregational Meeting after service on December 15th, 2024 at 12:30 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.

NEW ZOOM LINK BELOW

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 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 grean beans, canned chili, canned pork & beans, canned pasta sauce, canned corn, 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).