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"Lift every voice and sing" – these powerful words open what is known as the Black National Anthem, a hymn that has served as a beacon of hope and resilience for over a century. Written during the Jim Crow era, Lift Every Voice and Sing emerged as a testament to the African American experience and the enduring faith that sustained communities through profound challenges.
James Weldon Johnson, a renaissance man of his time – educator, writer, civil rights activist, and diplomat – penned the hymn poem in 1900. Its debut was extraordinary – more than 500 school children recited it at Jacksonville's Stanton School, where Johnson served as principal, during a celebration of President Abraham Lincoln's birthday. The melody, composed by his brother J. Rosamond Johnson, transformed the poem into a hymn that would spread rapidly through Southern schools, churches, and communities.
By 1919, during a period of intense racial tension and violence in America, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) designated it as the "Negro National Anthem." This was particularly significant as James Weldon Johnson served as the NAACP's executive secretary from 1920 to 1930, becoming the first African American to hold this position. Under his leadership, the NAACP fought against lynching, segregation, and racial discrimination while advocating for voting rights and equal education.
The hymn's final stanza particularly moves us with its plea for justice and liberation:
- God of our weary years, God of our silent tears,
- Thou who has brought us thus far on the way;
- Thou who has by Thy might Led us into the light,
- Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
This past Sunday, our Resurrection Choir delivered a powerful arrangement of another historically significant spiritual, Come By Here (also known as Kumbaya My Lord). This song emerged from the Gullah-Geechee people, descendants of enslaved West Africans who maintained strong cultural ties to their African heritage in the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia. The Gullah people preserved their unique creole language, traditions, and spiritual practices despite the brutal conditions of slavery.
"Kumbaya" comes from the Gullah phrase "come by here," and the song dates back to the 1920s, when it was first recorded by folk music historians. It began as a simple, earnest prayer – documenting the Gullah people's faith that God would "come by here" to comfort those who were suffering, support those who were praying, and stand with those who were crying out for justice. The song gained widespread popularity during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, where it became a powerful anthem of unity and hope.
Kyle Pederson's contemporary arrangement, which you'll hear in Sunday's service recording, honors these historical roots while reminding us that God accompanies us through life's peaks and valleys, present in our moments of hope and challenge.
Daily, we ask God to "come by here" and guide us toward a brighter future. We seek justice for all marginalized people and liberation for those bound by physical and mental constraints, including those trapped by systematic structures that suppress rather than lift voices. These aspirations align perfectly with Resurrection MCC's core values:
* Inclusion: Embracing all people as God's beloved children, following the example of Christ's radical welcome
* Community: Building connections that sustain and uplift each other, just as these songs have united communities for generations
* Spiritual Transformation: Opening ourselves to God's ongoing work in our lives, as expressed in these timeless spirituals
* Justice: Working actively for the dignity and equality of all people, continuing the legacy of those who sang these songs before us
As we raise our daily prayers for God to "come by here," we rest in the assurance that God remains unchanging – yesterday, today, and forevermore. And yes, God is here, present with us always.
Let us continue to lift every voice and sing until earth and heaven ring!
In Christ’s liberating love,
Sharri L. McGlauthing
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View Last Sunday's Service HERE
Sunday's Opening Song for Practice: Every Praise
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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
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CHURCH BOARD NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS | |
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Board of Directors' News
Greetings from your Board members, who are working on many projects. Please click HERE to read the summary of the 1/27/25 monthly Board meeting. Some of the issues the Board is currently working on include fundraising, the sale of the property, the search for a new Senior Pastor, and the church’s response the challenges faced by the many people in our communities whose lives have been harmed by current governmental policies regarding immigration.
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 February 24, 2025.
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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
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Events and Giving Opportunities | |
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Walk to End HIV
Join Resurrection MCC on Sunday, March 9, 2025, for the Walk to End HIV, gathering at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston at 9:00 AM, with the program starting at 10:00 AM and officially ending at 12:30 PM. This important event raises awareness and funds for those affected by HIV, and Resurrection’s AIDS Benevolence Fund is once again a beneficiary. Fundraising continues through April 2025, providing an opportunity to support this vital cause beyond the event day. Join us as we walk together to make a difference in the fight to end HIV.
DONATE HERE
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The Houston Bar Association will be conducting a FREE Will-A-Thon at Resurrection MCC. There are two sessions, one on 3/1 and one on 3/22. The first session will be a "client" meeting with attorneys for a one-on-one session to go over what is needed to create a will and answer questions. The second session is to have your will signed by the attorney, client, and witnessed by a Notary.
These sessions are "pro-bono" which means there is no charge to the client. Please see the Church App for all of the details. Register early, space is limited.
PLEASE REGISTER
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4th Friday Night Out Houston at Barbecue Inn
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
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AIDS Walk Bead Assembly
Join us on February 22, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at Resurrection MCC in the Gathering Place for the AIDS Walk Bead Assembly. Volunteers will gather to assemble bead necklaces that will be distributed during the AIDS Walk as a symbol of unity, remembrance, and support for those affected by HIV/AIDS. This is an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, connect with others in the community, and help raise awareness in a tangible way. Whether you have been involved in advocacy for years or are participating for the first time, your time and effort will make a difference. Everyone is welcome to join in this act of service and solidarity.
REGISTER HERE
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RMCC NextGen Game Day
Feb 23, 2025
1–3pm
In the Gathering Place
Join RMCC NextGen for an afternoon of fun, food, and fellowship! We’re bringing out the board games and serving up delicious pizza for a casual and laid-back game day. Whether you’re a master strategist, a trivia buff, or just in it for the laughs, there’s a seat at the table for you!
This is the perfect chance to unwind, connect with friends, and meet other young adults in a fun and welcoming environment. Bring your favorite game or jump into one of ours—let the good times roll! We can’t wait to see you there!
REGISTER HERE
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PRIDE Volunteer Lunch & Learn
In the Gathering Place
Feb 16, 2025
1–2:30pm
Join us for an engaging Lunch and Learn as we prepare to make this year’s Pride Month celebrations the best yet! During this session, you’ll:
Learn about the exciting events we have planned, including the Tie Dye BBQ, Laces and Legends Sneaker Ball, and the Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop Parking Lot Festival.
Explore the different volunteer opportunities available for each event and discover the role that suits you best.
Get inspired by our theme, "Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: Stronger With Every Step," and find out how you can contribute to making these celebrations a true reflection of our community’s strength and unity.
Whether you’re interested in helping with setup, event coordination, or simply lending a hand where needed, there’s a place for you to get involved! Lunch will be provided, so come ready to enjoy good food, great company, and an inspiring afternoon.
Let’s work together to make Pride Month 2025 unforgettable!
Dominique Williams - Pride Month Committee Ministry Leader
How do attendees participate in this event? In person or Hybrid (a Zoom link will be provided)
REGISTER HERE
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Tea Chat with Rev. Mona
Resumes February 5th Following Virtual Grief Sessions
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
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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.
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2025 OWLS EVENTS (Older Wiser Leaders Serving)
1st Saturdays @ noon
2nd Thursdays @ noon
3rd Fridays @ 7pm
See Larry Ponder for more information
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OWLS Out On The Town - Galveston on the Strand
March 6, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM
Join the Resurrection MCC OWLS (Older Wiser Leaders Serving) for a day of fellowship and exploration in Galveston on the Strand on March 6, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends, experience the coastal atmosphere, and appreciate the beauty of the island. Whether you are looking to browse the local stores, savor a delicious meal, or simply take in the sights, this outing will be a relaxing and enjoyable time together.
REGISTER HERE
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Join us after service for in-person Brunch Buddies, Sunday, February 16th, after service at La Hacienda, 1431 W 26th St. View MENU. | |
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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
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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!
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Wednesday Night Group Study: Fierce Love by Rev Dr Jacqui Lewis
February 5th to March 12th
7-8:30 PM
Fierce Love, by Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis. Available in Kindle, Audio, Hardcover and Paperback.
Description: “A healing antidote to our divisive culture, full of evocative storytelling, spiritual wisdom, and nine essential daily practices – by the first female, Black senior minister at the historic Collegiate Churches of New York.
Readers say the book is powerful and engaging. It includes stories and wisdom from the author, who is a model of living a life full of love… facing challenges, healing ourselves and the world around us.
Join Rev Vicki Sheil-Hopper 409-599-0434 revvicki@resurrectionmcc.org rev.vicki.sheilhopper@gmail.com and Cathleen Sheil-Hopper 713-304-9913 cathleen.sheilhopper@gmail.com for this Wednesday night study. Class will run from February 5th - March 12th no class on March 5th (Ash Wednesday).
REGISTER HERE
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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.
12/26/24 SESSION REPLAY - "How do you perceive 'Beauty'"
Facilitator:
Rev. Dr. Carol Kiesling - Taos, NM
Online Ministry
Have You Joined the Community?
Join the Online Community Facebook Group Here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1708269556183327
PLEASE REGISTER
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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 continuing through 2025! 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. A new post will be released weekly through 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
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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.
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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
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RECURRING MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES | |
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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
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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/
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Rev. Vickey Gibbs Children's Church
Every Sunday at 11 AM
Fellowship for ages 0-12
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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 | |
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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
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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
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Cold Drinks, a Snack, Books, and More!
The bookstore is open before and after each Sunday church service. Our books are carefully curated to fuel your spirit.
Come on in and say hello. We are happy to have you.
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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 Cornbread, Dried Spaghetti, Dried Beans, Rice, or any of the items found on this list. We are pausing clothes donations. | |
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🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁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).
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