Preserving the church for all generations entails honoring its rich traditions while also embracing diversity and inclusivity. Cinco de Mayo, although not inherently tied to church practices, can serve as a reminder of the importance of cultural celebration and community engagement within religious institutions.

To preserve the church for all generations, it's essential to maintain core teachings and practices while remaining open to adaptation. Just as Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexican heritage and resilience, churches can celebrate their own cultural and spiritual legacies while also welcoming diverse perspectives and experiences.

To incorporate unity amongst our members of different backgrounds, be with us this Sunday as we Incorporate elements of Cinco de Mayo celebrations into our church service. We celebrate our uniqueness by embracing cultural diversity and promoting inclusivity for all generations.

For the continuing growth of the greater church, it is important to remain relevant and accessible to people of all generations. Just as Cinco de Mayo serves as a reminder of the strength found in unity and diversity, churches can draw inspiration from such celebrations to create welcoming and vibrant communities that endure through the ages.  

Join us as this Sunday as Rev. Elder Velma Garcia brings us a new message of unity and inclusivity through diversity for all generations.

To view Sunday’s sermon click HERE 

Respectfully,

Rev. Mona S. Lopez M.Div.

Director of Spiritual Care

Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church

Chaplains International

RevMona@ResurrectionMCC.org

The purpose of this session is to let the congregation ask questions relating to the sale of the property and give feedback back on what they would like to see in the new property and location. All questions will have complete answers presented at the Town Hall Meetings on May 19, 2024. The Exploratory Committee will be there to listen, take notes and bring your questions back to the board. 

Thursday, May 2nd, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Sunday, May 5th, 12:30 - 2:00 pm

Board of Directors' News

Please click HERE to read the summary of the 4/22/24 Board meeting, with news about: the events planned for Pride month; the proposed sale of the church property, the Pastoral Search Committee, and more.

The Board of Directors has been elected by the congregation of RMCC to oversee the business and finances of the church. The Board meets monthly, with additional meetings if 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.

Next monthly Board Meeting: Monday, May 20, 2024, 6:30 PM in the Conference Room.

Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart

by Brian McLaren,

May 29-July 10

Join Cathleen Sheil-Hopper and Rev Vicki Sheil-Hopper for a discussion on the latest book by Brian McLaren, author and activist. He explores the complexities of hope, grief, and the need for new ways of thinking amidst the realities of our time.  

7:00-8:30 pm, May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3,10, 2024 

Virtual

PLEASE REGISTER

Next Gen Game Day

May 26, 2024

12:30–2:30pm

The RMCC Next GEN Group will be hosting Game Day in conjunction with their regularly scheduled 4th Sunday Meet & Greet day to engage the young adults in our congregation in fellowship. Pizza and snacks will be provided. Be sure to register on the Church App to get a headcount. We will need plates and napkins and access to purchasing drinks from the bookstore.

PLEASE REGISTER

You are invited to a reading of a 10-minute play by Marion Arthur Kirby, titled "Finding Mrs. Wilson: A Story of Love, Loss and Remembrance. Marion would like feedback on his play and he will entertain questions after the reading.

PLEASE REGISTER

Holistic Harmony

May 18, 2024

6–7pm

Resurrection MCC Chapel

A unique spiritual experience that combines ancient wisdom with modern practices, offering a sanctuary for all seekers. Join us for a holistic, inclusive spiritual service offering guided meditations, inspirational readings, sound healing, and more! Embrace a diverse community where all are welcome to explore their spiritual journey. Come as you are, and let your spirit soar with us! 

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)

Rev. Denise Junious is the Clergy Sponsor.

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!

Donate /Volunteer for our Rainbow Royalty Event!

June 12th, 2024, 12:00 PM

The primary objective of "Rainbow Royalty - A Red Carpet Affair" is to provide a sophisticated and festive experience for individuals to come together and celebrate Pride Month in a memorable way. Through an evening of dancing, entertainment, and charitable giving, attendees will create lasting memories while supporting our growing church. 

PLEASE REGISTER

Gathering donations and seeking volunteers for the Pride Kick-Off Tie Dye Social, which will provide a fun and engaging platform for individuals to personalize their attire for the upcoming Pride Parade. The event will foster a sense of fellowship and get the community fired up about Pride month.

REGISTER HERE

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

Talking Across the Divide

Join Rev. Vicki Sheil-Hopper and Cathleen Sheil-Hopper for their next Wednesday night Virtual Book Study, Talking Across the Divide by Justin Lee 

Group discussion based on a book about how to communicate in real and respectful ways with people you disagree with and maybe change the world.

 Meetng Dates: April 3, 10, 17, 24: May 1, 8, 15, 7:00-8:30 pm

REGISTER 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/

Invitation to Join Bell Choir

You are invited to learn and practice playing the chime instruments. It's an opportunity of delightful celebration in musical expression. Rehearsal times vary. It's helpful if you can read music but not necessary; just as long as you can count & tap your foot simultaneously.

Come with an open heart and a willing spirit! Email Teri@resurrectionmcc.org for more information.

PLEASE REGISTER

Join us after service for in-person Brunch Buddies, Sunday, May 5th, after service at Spaghetti Western, 1951 W. TC Jester.

View MENU

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

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

You know you love to sing, but worry if you are good enough to sing in a church choir. God thinks so, and so do we! Our choirs and musical groups are more than singing songs. We build deep friendships and a network of others that love doing what you love doing. Join us!

Sanctuary Choir - Traditional church music, more secular and familiar.

Gospel Ensemble - Woven with Gospel music and traditional African themes

Resurrection Choir - Combines modern and traditional music, and sacred genres, combining membership from both Sanctuary Choir and Gospel Ensemble

Practice:

Tuesday evenings 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm for Sanctuary Choir and Gospel Ensemble, and 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm for Resurrection Choir.

Choirs alternate weekend service performances.

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

Contact Cassandra White, Worship Arts Coordinator HERE for more information.

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 extra bags of rice, beans, cereal, Vienna sausages, canned chicken, canned spam/lunch loaf, canned corn, canned green beans, canned peas, or any of the items found on this list. We are now accepting clothes at this time. To keep you, our volunteers, and our community safe, please place your donations in your trunk or back seat, pull up outside the pantry, stay in your vehicle, and our volunteers will remove the items from your vehicle. Volunteers will also be working inside the Clothes Closet this Saturday from 9 - Noon If you'd like to help sort, hang, and organize clothes, please be sure to wear a face mask. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided to you.

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. Online meetings are available at www.supportgroupscentral.com/reMIND. Click ‘Not Yet a Member’ and set up a free user account. Find a meeting and click ‘Register’ to sign up. Please note: If all spots are filled, click ‘Join the Waitlist’. You will receive an email reminder the day before and 15 minutes before your scheduled meeting. Please confirm or cancel. Meeting dates will be updated monthly. If you need assistance signing up please call (888) 799-0907 ext. 2 or email info@remindsupport.org. Spaces are limited so sign up today! Spanish Support Groups are available here.

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).