As we continue our journey through this challenging season, let us draw inspiration from the resilience of Elijah, as described in 1 Kings 17:10. In this verse, Elijah is instructed to seek sustenance from a widow's meager supply of flour and oil, which miraculously remained replenished despite the drought. Elijah's faith in God, even in the face of extreme hardship, serves as a powerful example for us today. Just as Elijah's situation seemed hopeless, so too may ours feel overwhelming at times. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that we must remember the lessons shared by Reverend Dr. Phelps.

The lesson of "sometimes our best is our last" reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming circumstances, we must continue to give our all. It is in these moments of adversity that our true character and resilience are revealed. Let us draw strength from the knowledge that our efforts, no matter how small they may seem, can make significant impacts.

Moreover, we must cultivate a deep trust in God's divine plan. In the words of the Reverend, "We must trust God to be GOD." By surrendering our worries and doubts to Him, we can find peace and strength even in the darkest of times. Let us remember that God's love for us is unwavering and His grace is sufficient for all our needs.

Finally, we are encouraged to examine the factors that shape our perspectives. What is fueling our thoughts and emotions? Are we allowing fear, doubt, or negativity to consume us? Let us strive to replace these harmful influences with hope, faith, and gratitude. By focusing on the positive and trusting in God's promises, we can cultivate a resilient spirit that will carry us through any challenge.

As we continue to navigate this period, let us embrace the lessons of resilience, trust, and positive thinking. Together, we can overcome adversity and emerge stronger than ever before.

Veronique L. Walker

RMCC Board Of Directors

Veronique@ResurrectionMCC.org

View Last Sunday's Service HERE

Join us in singing this Sunday!

THIS WEEK'S SERMON

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY SERVICE ON YOUTUBE HERE

UPCOMING PREACHERS

VISIONING SESSIONS

Please join us in helping to shape the vision and path of Resurrection MCC over the next few weeks.

We are inviting you to one of three listening sessions scheduled for August 18th, August 25th or Virtual Only on September 8th. The virtual session on September 8th is open to church members and online friends with an interest in seeing us bloom and grow as a people of faith. 

Our Guiding Question: What are we holding on to that is keeping the church from evolving? 

Registration is required ONLY for the Virtual Session on 9/8. You must register by Tuesday, September 3rd. A Zoom link will be sent to those registered for the September 8th meeting. 

The live sessions will be held directly after service in the Gathering Place. Lunch will be served. 

 A Zoom link will be sent to those registered for the September 8th meeting. 

VIRTUAL REGISTRATION LINK

WATCH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM 8/18 👇👇

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.

Bob Stubblefield (Chair), Janice Macejewski, Howard Maggard, Craig Puckett, Ross Shull, Esmeralda Porras, Elvis Sevilla

Applications are open to apply for a Board of Directors position. Please visit this page on our website for information on how to apply:

BOD NOMINATIONS PROCESS AND APPLICATION

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY OCTOBER 1st, 2024

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

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.

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.

Voting 411

Sep 21, 2024

9–11:30am

Join Resurrection’s Social Justice Ministry & Harris County Clerk's Election Office September 21, 2024, 9-11:30 am in the Gathering Place for an election education event to provide information relating to the Nov 5th 2024 Presidential Election. The presentation will provide information detailing what's on the ballot, discuss the importance of making a plan to vote, ways to ensure your mail in ballot is counted, teach participants how to operate the voting equipment and much more.  

PLEASE REGISTER

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

4th Friday Night Out Houston

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

10601 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042

Sep 27, 2024 | 7–9pm

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

The False White Gospel, August 7-September 25

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Join us for The False White Gospel. A weekly discussion of the materials included in this text. This book isn’t only for Christians but for all faith traditions, and even those with no faith. When we see a civic promotion of fear, hate, and violence for the trajectory of our politics, we need a civic faith of love, healing, and hope to defeat it. And that must involve all of us–religious or not. Learning to practice a politics of neighbor love will be central to the future of democracy in America. 

Registration link - https://rmcc.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2390371

Join facilitators Rev Vicki and Cathleen Sheil-Hopper Wednesdays, 7-8:30 pm. 

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)

Raymond Turner 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!

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/

Join us after service for in-person Brunch Buddies, Sunday, September 15th, 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

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).