[Please Note, if you received and opened the email dated 10/30 before this one, the opening blog message was inadvertently added out of schedule. This is the correct content. Our apologies to Rev.Mona for the error. This past Sunday's sermon that correlates to the content here is linked below.]

The theme of change in relationships resonates deeply with Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." This verse invites us to experience the goodness of God firsthand, reminding us that genuine transformation often begins with a profound encounter.

In the context of relationships, this season of change can be seen as an opportunity for growth and renewal. Just as we are encouraged to "taste and see," we can explore the depth of our connections with others. Change may come in many forms—new beginnings, challenges, or healing from past hurts. Each transition offers a chance to reflect on the goodness present in our relationships, fostering gratitude and deeper understanding.

When we approach our relationships with an open heart, we can discover the blessings hidden within challenges. Just as Psalm 34 emphasizes the importance of seeking refuge in God, we can find solace and strength in our connections. By prioritizing communication, empathy, and vulnerability, we can navigate the complexities of change together.

This season invites us to cultivate a spirit of patience and trust, knowing that every relationship can bear fruit through perseverance. As we lean into the goodness of God, we can also extend that grace to those around us. Change, while daunting, can lead us to richer, more authentic relationships when we embrace it with faith and a willingness to learn.

In the end, tasting and seeing the goodness in our relationships means recognizing the divine hand at work, guiding us through every transition, ensuring that we emerge stronger and more united in love. Resurrection we got this.

Rev. Mona Lopez

Director of Spiritual Care

RevMona@ResurrectionMCC.org

View Last Sunday's Service HERE

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

Your Board members have been busy organizing events, including: the Annual Congregational Forum (ACF) and Annual Congregational Meeting (ACM), to be held on Sundays, 11/3 and 11/10/24. (See information elsewhere in this Mobilizer and our recent email for how to register to attend the ACM and ACF in person or online). Other recent projects include: Drag Bingo (10/19/24), one of our biggest annual fundraisers; and participation in The Woodlands Pride Festival (10/12/24).

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 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.

Check here next week for a summary of the Board’s 10/28/24 monthly meeting.

Resurrection MCC's Annual Thanksgiving Lunch

From 11:30 - 12:30 pm

Bring family, friends, neighbors - ALL are welcomed!

Sign ups for food, cash donations and volunteers that day will be held in the Gathering Place each Sunday in November. Folks can also register on line for the above items.

PLEASE REGISTER

What is Church Sterwardship

November 16th, 2024

9 A.M. to 1 P.M.

A stewardship training will be conducted by Dr. Renae Phillips. The goal of this training is to provide our congregants with clear information about stewardship and how to create an effective stewardship training program for our congregation. A common question asked is, what is church stewardship? Simply put, Christian stewardship involves the responsible management of the resources God has graciously given. Often associated with giving or tidying, stewardship goes beyond financial contributions—it encompasses time, talents, people, and finances. Reverend Phillips will guide us through the necessary steps and essentials to develop this stewardship plan for our church. We are called to use our time, talents, and treasure to honor God and His Kingdom. After the training, we plan to form our team and begin implementing the RMCC plan. 

PLEASE REGISTER

Annual Congregational Meeting November 10th

Annual Church Meeting, November 10, 12:15, After Worship, All are welcome. Voting moves quickly during this meeting and is limited to those who have joined RMCC as official members.  

PLEASE REGISTER

Annual Church Forum,

November 3, 12:30 pm, after Worship. 

All are welcome to this informational meeting with Q&A celebrating our church ministry and looking ahead to our ministry in 2025 including introduction of Board of Directors candidates and the proposed 2025 budget.  

PLEASE REGISTER

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.

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

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)

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.-Elect 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

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!

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/

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 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 packs of Soup (Assorted) 10.5 oz, 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).