Greetings dear ones from Costa Rica!

I am so very blessed to be able to be connected with many of you through our online church and in online groups.

“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39.

I so love Jesus commanding us with these two things that are very important for us to remember each moment of our lives including when we are glowing and feeling full and very blessed and when we are down and not knowing where to turn or what to do.

There are definitely times that these are easy, then times that we may remember to love God with our hearts, souls and minds yet forget or are unable to love ourselves much less our neighbors. I know that I have had challenges with these yet am grateful when I remember or am reminded how very special I am and each and every person and creature are!

As we walk through life knowing that we are connected to God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit helps us to have the ability to have the fullest and best lives and therefore able to bless God, ourselves and all others with our love from deep within our hearts, souls and minds!

As we leave this year and walk into and greet the New Year may we each love ourselves deeply and completely and our neighbors and all as well! Remember that you are loved and special and I am most grateful for you being in my life whether it is virtually or in spirit!

Sandy Hardwick-Pettis

RMCC Online Moderator

View Last Sunday's Service HERE

Sunday Service Song: Guide My Feet

SUNDAY SERVICE

SundayService | January 4th, 2026

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY SERVICE ON YOUTUBE 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, or 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

CHURCH BOARD NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

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 summaries of the Annual Congregational Meeting, held on 11/16/25, and the 10/27/25 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 called as needed. All are welcome to attend and listen. If you wish to address the Board at a monthly meeting, please email Jackie Marshall, jackie@resurrectionmcc.org, to request that your topic be considered for the agenda. The next monthly meetings are scheduled for 11/24/25 and 1/26/26. There will be no monthly meeting during December.

Save The Date

Anti-Racism Retreat

Saturday January 24th, 2026

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION SURVEY

Please join us in our ﬁrst step towards Collective Liberation by taking this survey.

This survey is anonymous to give all participants space to speak freely about their experiences.

TAKE SURVEY HERE

PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE

We are pleased to share that the Senior Pastor Application is now live on the Resurrection website. Individuals who previously expressed interest have been notified, and the application process is officially open to all.

The Pastoral Search Committee (PSC) continues to meet weekly, working diligently together and in consultation with Rev. Cathy Alexander and Rev. Dexter Brecht from the MCC denomination to guide the process forward.

Throughout this journey, we hold both our congregation and the future pastor in prayer, trusting that the right candidate will be revealed in God’s time.

In Service,

Pastoral Search Committee

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

SPANISH SERVICES

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

EVENTS AND GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

Faith Builders

Every Sunday, join Deacon Gina Wilson for "Faith Builders" from 10:00 -10:45 am in the Bookstore lounge. Bring your Bibles and explore and preview the Sunday scriptures.

Drop-ins are always welcome.

Tea Chat with Rev. Mona

Continuing on January 7th, 2026

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!"

2026 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 for in-person Brunch Buddies on Sunday, January 4th, after service at Jax Grill, 1613 Shepherd Dr. View MENU.

ONLINE COMMUNITY

Wednesday Book Study: No Cure for Being Human by Kate Bowler

Wednesday's from November 19th, 2025 to January 28th, 2026

7:00-8:30 pm

Join Rev. Vicki and Cathleen Sheil-Hopper for a discussion of Kate Bowler's book, No Cure for Being Human (and Other Truths I Need to Hear). The group will combine discussion with meditation exercises. 8 Wednesday evenings, 11/19/25 through 1/28/26,7:00 - 8:30 pm. (Group does not meet on 11/26, 12/24, 12/31.)

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 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

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

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.

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 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).

COMMUNITY EVENTS ON THE RMCC CAMPUS

Jan 9