Except for a couple of hiatuses, I’ve been a churchgoer my entire life. I began as a member of the Church of Christ, baptized into the congregation that still sits on my late grandfather’s land in rural Alabama. Although I loved the a cappella singing of hymns in four-part harmony, I didn’t cotton to that church’s theology—so I found my solace in the music. My Uncle Joe, our song leader, took notice of my voice, encouraged my singing, and invited me to help him choose music and even to lead singing occasionally. This was my first foray into church leadership.

When I went away to college, my fraternity visited a different church each Sunday. I soon determined that my favorite was the First United Methodist Church. I loved the historic old building with its octagonal sanctuary, high vaulted ceilings, and stained-glass windows. I loved the messages from the preacher; this was the first church where I ever heard the phrase, “God is love.” Mainly, though, as with the church of my upbringing, I was drawn to the music. A grand piano, an organ, and sometimes other instruments supported the full choir—and they wore robes! I heard tunes familiar and new, their sounds swelling to fill that grand old space. I felt myself singing out more enthusiastically than ever. A lady in front of me turned around one Sunday as church ended and said, “You need to be in the choir!” I don’t know whether she said anything to him, but pretty soon, the choir director invited me to attend choir practice. He declared me a bass and seated me right next to section leader Pat Fagan. I was hooked at that first practice. Pat found a choir robe in my size and I began singing with the First Methodist choir every Sunday. Soon, the director gave me some solos and I joined the church’s small acting company where I landed some roles in musical theatre productions. I was in heaven.

Several years later, I changed jobs and moved to South Carolina, where I became Dean of Admissions at a small Lutheran college. I didn’t know much about Lutherans; however, it seemed important that I learn quickly in order to perform my job well, so I read the Small Catechism and started visiting Redeemer Lutheran Church in the quaint college town of Newberry. Gloria, my secretary, was a member of the choir there and she pretty much dragged me to choir practice with her. The music was very similar to that of the Methodists and I fit into the choir easily. The choir director was also a music professor at the college, which led to some on-campus singing opportunities for me.

From South Carolina, my career path took me next to Atlanta, where the welcoming reputation of Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church on Peachtree Street called me to return to Methodism. I soon made many friends there, joined the choir, and became part of the church’s weekly cabaret night. I was a member of Saint Mark’s for nearly 10 years before changing my life entirely and moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico. That’s where I found the Church of Religious Science—a truly different theology for me, based on the Science of Mind and the work of Ernest Holmes. The music at this unusual church housed in a former car dealership consisted of a flamboyant pianist whose genre comprised jazz, blues, and Broadway showtunes. Before long, I was on stage next to her, singing all those familiar songs. Once again, as with the church of my childhood, I wasn’t sure about the theology, but the music sustained my spiritual appetite.

While living in Santa Fe, I fell in love with David, the man who’s been my husband for nearly 26 years. He lived in El Paso at the time, so we had a commuter relationship for 18 months before I moved in with him. Mostly Catholic, El Paso’s church offerings evaded me, but two years later, we

moved to Dallas for David’s job promotion and I tiptoed into the world of Metropolitan Community Churches when my friend Reverend Dr. Cindi Love began the MCC of Greater Dallas, an offspring of the famous Cathedral of Hope. Following my pattern, I became involved in the music department right away. The first Sunday that I had a solo, I looked out into the audience and saw David sitting there. Being raised Buddhist, he had declared to me that church was not for him—but there he was. And there he stayed, Sunday after Sunday for the rest of our years in Dallas, for our three years back in El Paso, and then here to Resurrection in May of 2011. The music kept sustaining me, yet this time there was a difference: The theology of Metropolitan Community Churches and its founder Reverend Troy Perry adds to the sustenance.

Through all these years of churching, I have often heard that people start going to church for many reasons, but they KEEP GOING to church for one or two reasons: good preaching and good music. We’ve certainly had both of those in great measure here at Resurrection, even in this limbo period approaching two years without a senior pastor. I don’t fancy myself much of a preacher, so I do what I can by exercising my musical muscles here. In my nearly 14 years at Resurrection, I’ve enjoyed so many opportunities to sing, from Broadway revues to Drag Bingo to Pride parades, to concert musicals to weddings and funerals, to Good Fridays, Maundy Thursdays, Easters, Christmas Eves, and seven hundred Sunday mornings.

So yes, our music sustains me. More than performance, for me it’s an experience of worship. Literally, I can often feel myself being lifted, out of my body, held up by an unseen, intangible power, floating. Sometimes I hear sounds coming out of my mouth that I didn’t know I could make or getting through a piece of music that had seemed so difficult in rehearsal. Sometimes I wonder how it is that I am able to even do this—especially at times I’d rather stay in bed or be on vacation. My best guess: It’s a gift. God blesses me with the gift of music so I can be sustained and assured in a world of uncertainty, and so that I can give it to others who need, want, crave that same sustenance and assurance.

“Blessed Assurance”—the song that has awakened me every morning for years—tells me who and why I am and that I am loved and cherished no matter what, no matter where. Whether everything around me crumbles or flourishes, I can just sing and all is right, all is joyful, all is divine.

Sustaining the notes,

Van English

Worship Arts Department

Resurrection Choir

Pastoral Search Committee

View Last Sunday's Service HERE

Sunday's Opening Song for Practice: Just a Closer Walk With Thee

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

Greetings from your Board members, who are working on many projects. Please click HERE to read the summary of the 2/24/25 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 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 March 24, 2025.

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

Easter Bonnet Gala

April 19th, 2025 | 5:00 - 9:00 PM

Slip into your finest attire and the grandest, most stunning bonnet in true style. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with fun, laughter, and excitement.

Not only will we be hosting our enchanting Easter Bonnet Contest, but we’ll also be celebrating RMCC’s 53rd anniversary with a special performance by musical guest Marco Perfetti, along with surprise performances by fabulous Drag artists! 

Join in the fun—fabulous prizes will be awarded to the top 5 best-decorated bonnets! This is an event you won’t want to miss. A suggested donation of $20 is appreciated, with all proceeds benefiting RMCC, an affirming sanctuary. 

Below are the ticket purchase options:

1. Ticket purchases online https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6c044762-4efa-4dd7-883b-e41cf132d1a1&locationId=c2fa0612-7877-4174-948c-9ecfa72ff78f&fundId=6d0e20ba-1fa4-43d6-99bd-9ee0de911b78 

2. Text to Give – select “Easter Bonnet Gala”

3. Ticket purchases via $zelle – giving@resurrectionmcc.org (add note – Easter Bonnet Gala)

4. Ticket purchases via Cash App - $RMCC2025 (add note – Easter Bonnet Gala)

REGISTER HERE

Serving with Pride: Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

Apr 27, 2025

1–2:30pm

To honor and appreciate the dedicated volunteers making Pride Month possible, we are hosting a special luncheon designed to promote fellowship, express gratitude, and provide important updates on event planning and execution. This gathering will serve as a space to recognize the hard work of our volunteers, share progress on upcoming Pride Month activities, and ensure everyone feels supported and valued.

The luncheon will include a delicious meal, fun icebreakers to strengthen our volunteer community, and an open forum to address any questions or concerns as we move forward. Volunteers will also receive small tokens of appreciation as a thank-you for their dedication.

This is more than just a meal—it’s an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of service that makes our Pride Month events successful. Together, we’ll continue to build momentum and ensure that every step we take is stronger and more impactful. Let’s come together, share in gratitude, and keep the energy alive—because we Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop! 

REGISTER HERE

Children's Easter Eggstravaganza

Apr 20, 2025

11am–1:30pm

Children's Easter Eggstravaganza - Join the children of Resurrection MCC, Casa de Todas, and Freedom Church in our Rev Vickey Gibbs Children's Center for an Easter Egg Hunt along with games, crafts and treats. No registrations required.



The "preferred room" will be our Rev Vickey Gibbs Children Center and attached playground. The food provided will be Easter themed snacks/drinks and filled Easter eggs from the hunt. All set up and tear down will be handled by the Children's Ministry.

Deacon's Seder Service

Apr 17, 2025

7–8pm

RMCC Deacons will host a Seder Service on Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Gathering Space. Participants will have an opportunity to meditate on the events preceding Good Friday, experience traditional Seder Service rituals representing the liberation from Egypt by partaking of symbolic foods depicting Exodus and the Passover, and explore the similarities between Judaism and Christianity. Registration is limited to 30 participants. 

REGISTER HERE

Social Justice Advocacy Day

5th Sundays, 3.30, 6.29, 8.31, 11.30

10-11 AM

The Social Justice Advocacy Day is a Justice Ministry initiative to engage and educate our congregation and community on important social justice issues. By setting up a dedicated time & space for advocacy (ea 5th Sunday), we're providing a space and platform for advocates to share their causes and for the congregation to take action. Whether it's through signing letters, scanning QR codes, or e-advocacy, each action taken is a step towards raising awareness and making a difference. It's a proactive step in fostering a culture of advocacy and visibility within the ministry and the church at large. This initiative not only amplifies the voices of those fighting for justice but also serves as a powerful reminder of the collective impact we can have in our communities. 

REGISTER HERE

English:

Join us for an informative Immigration Forum – Understanding Immigration Law on Saturday, March 29th, from 12 PM to 2 PM at Resurrection MCC, 2025 W 11th St., Houston, TX 77007. This event will be held in person and streamed online for those unable to attend in person. The discussion will cover important immigration topics, including asylum issues, vacation travel, family separation, and parole-in-place, helping to separate fact from fiction. This hybrid event will provide valuable insights from legal experts, and a Zoom link will be provided for virtual attendees.

Español:

Foro de inmigración - cómo entender la ley de inmigración

Únase a nosotros para un Foro de Inmigración – Entendiendo la Ley de Inmigración el sábado 29 de marzo, de 12 PM a 2 PM en Resurrection MCC, 2025 W 11th St., Houston, TX 77007. Este evento se llevará a cabo en persona y en transmisión en línea para aquellos que no puedan asistir físicamente. La discusión abordará temas importantes sobre inmigración, incluyendo asuntos de asilo, viajes de vacaciones, separación familiar y parole-in-place, ayudando a diferenciar entre hechos y mitos. Este evento híbrido contará con la participación de expertos legales, y se proporcionará un enlace de Zoom

REGISTER HERE | REGÍSTRATE AQUÍ

Immirgation Forum Child Care

Mar 29, 2025

12–2pm

Child care for 3-8 year olds. Limited space available.

REGISTER HERE

4th Friday Night Out Houston at Luby's

11250 Northwest Fwy, Houston

Mar 28, 2025

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.

REGISTER HERE

Ministry Leader Meeting

March 22nd from 9 AM - 12 PM

Calling all ministry leaders for a mandatory meeting to talk about the transition process. This meeting will be held in the RMCC Gathering Place. (In person only)

Tea Chat with Rev. Mona

February 5th to December 17th, 2025

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

RMCC Group Cruise

June 16th, 2025

Resurrection MCC is embarking on a group Carnival Cruise on June 16, 2025. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow travelers and enjoy a memorable experience at sea. To book your spot, contact Bonnie Bueno and mention "RMCC GROUP" at 1-800-819-3902, Ext: 85153.

REGISTER HERE

RMCC Cruise Information Dinner Meeting

Come join us as March 21st as we discuss reserving a cabin, learning about the ship's amenities, what to pack, excursions and more. Please register so we know how many packets to prepare. Lyndon's has great BBQ and giant homemade onion rings! 

5320 Holister Street

REGISTER HERE

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.

2025 OWLS EVENTS (Older Wiser Leaders Serving)

1st Saturdays @ noon

2nd Thursdays @ noon

3rd Fridays @ 7pm

See Larry Ponder for more information

Join us after service for in-person Brunch Buddies, Sunday, March 23rd, after service at Jax Grill, 1613 Sheherd Dr. View MENU.

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

ONLINE COMMUNITY

Wednesday Book Study: Love Is the Way by Bishop Michael Curry

On Zoom from March 26th to May 7th | 7-8:30 PM

Join Rev. Vicki and Cathleen Sheil-Hopper in a study based on the book Love Is the Way, by Bishop Michael Curry. Sharing stories of his life as the descendent of slaves and the son of a civil rights activist, Bishop Curry leads readers in an exploration of the power of love and community in facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. Now retired, Bishop Curry was the first African American bishop of the Episcopal Church. The group meets on 6 Wednesday evenings: March 26; April 2 and 9:

April 23, and 30; May 7. There will be no meeting on 4/16. 

Register on Church Center HERE

Register on Zoom HERE

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

NextGen Presents: Liberation - Ancient and New

March 4th - April 22nd

Tuesdays on Zoom

Join the NextGen Bible Study for an exciting new series! We will explore how the story from the Exodus from Egypt has affected liberation and human rights movements from biblical times to current day. Let’s learn from the past how to organize for justice, equity, and fight in the timeless cause of liberation for all cultures and peoples. This study will meet one hour weekly from the first Tuesday in March to the Tuesday after Passover. 

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. DOWNLOAD

Join Zoom meeting HERE

Meeting ID: 830 9260 2489

Passcode: 024599

REGISTER HERE

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!

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

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

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 Cornbread, Dried Spaghetti, Dried Beans, Rice, 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).