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Usually, during these ‘good ‘ol dog days of summer,’ I’d be commending everyone for making it through the 89th Texas legislative session and offering a rundown on which bills make it to the Governor’s desk, and which didn’t. I would be singing praises on how our Social Justice Warriors traveled to the Capitol and engaged with lawmakers on pressing public policy issues affecting the most vulnerable Texans. I would be reflecting on how working in community with other faith traditions embodies the shared value of our faiths. I was overjoyed seeing how we answered the call to serve, give of ourselves, and leverage our power and privilege for the common good.
And we had some wins. Out of over 200 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills filed this 2025 session, 94% of them did not make it to the finish line. Bill tracker Thankfully, several of the very worst ones filed, like HB 3399 (expanding trans healthcare ban to adults), SB 240 (trans bathroom ban), and HB 3817 (criminalizing trans existence) died. But then they didn’t.
With Governor Greg Abbott calling a special Legislative Session, these bills will probably be resurrected and placed on his agenda, along with a lot of other anti-trans, purely partisan measures. Funny, in a non-humorous way, that, as of this writing, our state legislators seem to have no appetite in budgeting for the financial impacts of all those federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and CHIP in the One “Big Blasphemous Bill.” Are we prepared for the repercussion of our representative’s cuts to essential services to the poor, disabled elderly and youth? Who Would Jesus Cut?
And this was before the devastating Guadalupe River Flooding Disaster, which is being met with climate change denialism. Which was before a new call for Texas to redistrict, allowing lawmakers to pick their voters before the 2026 elections in an already gerrymandered state. And when I look at these mass deportations, I ask myself, “By what right do we withhold kindness and mercy from others who are made in God’s image? By what right do we accept mercy from God, yet fail to show mercy—and kindness—to others?
The prophet Isaiah’s message for a rebellious Judah pretty much sums it up.
“Your leaders are rebels, the companion of thieves. All of them love bribes and demand payoffs, but they refuse to defend the cause of orphans or fight for the rights of widows." (Is 1:23)
“Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless." (Is 10:1-3)
Jesus began his ministry with a mandate to care for the poor. In Luke 4:17-19, we read that Jesus went to the synagogue on the sabbath as was his custom and had them unroll the scrolls until they found a passage from the book of Isaiah where it was written:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
This was Jesus' mission statement—the opening proclamation of his ministry. Of all the texts that Jesus could have read aloud to the congregation, he selected one of the most powerful passages in the Hebrew scriptures to call our attention to the plight of those who suffer.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ “Here am I, send me” was the prophet Isaiah’s response. And like Isaiah, advocacy and interfaith public policy groups across the state responded. The prophetic call to “do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God” could not be conducted without working to influence public policy.
I’m so proud of our voter mobilization efforts (all those phone calls and post cards); and I love going on about how some of our Resurrection Social Justice Ministry Warriors had trekked to Austin to engage lawmakers on pressing public policy issues affecting the most vulnerable Texans. Our focus embraced issues that prevent others from flourishing including advocating for protecting HIV prevention and care in Texas, promoting LGBTQ rights, migrant justice, religious freedom, voting rights, climate justice, and issues of gun violence.
So, we have more work to do. Storytelling and sharing one’s narrative can be a powerful approach aimed at humanizing the real-world impact of their policies. Encouraging active engagement calls for individuals and communities to actively work towards a more just, equitable and loving society. This calls for fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the common good. Rather than seek power over others, Christians are called to imitate Christ and his “upside-down” kin-dom, where power UNDER others is the way.
What if we began to live our lives believing that even small actions we consistently take now—a practice of faithful resistance—can reverberate through our communities, congregations, denominations, nation, and world? Changes we make to our organizations and institutions now can dramatically alter their functioning for decades.
The Apostle Paul offers a prayer of encouragement in his letter to the Philippians—one that helps us turn our gaze outward to those sharing this struggle.
And this is my prayer: that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what really matters, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. – Philippians 1:9–11
So, stay tuned, stay connected, stay engaged, and join the Social Justice Ministry to ensure the voices of the poor, oppressed, children and the disabled are represented. Sometimes politics, like the good Lord, moves in mysterious ways.
| | Sunday Service | July 27th, 2025 | | 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 summary of the 6/23/25 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 7/28/25.
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Join Our 2025 Pastoral Search Committee
We invite you to prayerfully consider serving on our 2025 Pastoral Search Committee as we seek God's guidance in finding our next Senior Pastor.
If you feel called to participate on this important committee, please email your application request to pastoralsearch@resurrectionmcc.org. All applications should be received by July 31, 2025.
Have questions? We'd love to connect with you! Contact Sharri McGlauthing at sharri@resurrectionmcc.org or reach out to any Resurrection MCC board member.
DOWNLOAD PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE APPLICATION
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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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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 | | |
Finding Home
August 10th From 12:30-2:30pm
In The Office Conference Room
Want to learn about finding a new church home? Do you have a desire to be engaged with a faith based community? If so, then meet us at 12:30 pm in the office Conference Room for Resurrection MCC's Finding Home class. This class is specifically for all people who would like to become a member of Resurrection MCC and make our church their new church home. A light lunch will be provided to in person attendees.
This will be a HYBRID class which means if you cannot attend in person, you can join on Zoom. The Zoom link is in the registration confirmation email.
PLEASE REGISTER
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OWLS Movie Night
Older Wiser Leaders Serving
August 8th From 7-10pm
In The Gathering Place
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Faith Builders
Every Sunday
From 9:45-10:45 AM
Every Sunday join Deacon Gina Wilson for "Faith Builders" from 9:45-10:45 am in the Bookstore lounge. Bring your bibles and explore and preview the Sunday scriptures. Begins July 27th.
Drop ins always welcome.
REGISTER HERE
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4th Friday Night Out Houston
Cleburne Cafeteria
3606 Bissonnet St., Houston
July 25th From 7-8:30pm
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!
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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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
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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.
REGISTER HERE
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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
| | Join us after service for in-person Brunch Buddies, Sunday, July 27th, after service at Spaghetti Western, 1951 W. TC Jester View MENU. | | |
Wednesday Book Study: Let This Radicalize You.
Wednesday's From August 6th to September 10th
7:00-8:30pm
Join Rev. Vicki and Cathleen Sheil-Hopper for a 6-week (8.6-9.10) discussion series on Let This Radicalize You by Kelly Hayes and Mariame Kaba, a pair of longtime activists and political educators. This book is a practical and imaginative resource for activists and would-be activists, offering ideas for acts of care, rescue and defense in the face of state violence and environmental disaster.
REGISTER HERE
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Book Discussion on Genderqueer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe
July 16 & 23, 2025 | 7-8:30 P.M.
Join Rev. Vicki and Cathleen Sheil-Hopper for a Zoom discussion on the graphic novel Genderqueer: A Memoir, one of the most frequently banned books in the U.S. The author, Maia Kobabe, who uses e/em/eir pronouns, has written an autobiography describing eir journey of self-identity. This will be a 2-week discussion series.
REGISTER HERE
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Next Gen Presents: Vices Vs. Virtues -
A Discipleship Series for the Soul
Tuesdays, August 12th – November 25th | 6:30 PM CT | Zoom
This discipleship series invites us into a deep and honest exploration of the Seven Heavenly Virtues and Seven Deadly Vices. Together, we will draw from scripture, saints, mystics, psychology, music, and interfaith wisdom to uncover timeless insights about the human soul and how we live today.
Across sixteen sessions, we will reflect on one virtue and one vice at a time. We will ask what tempts or traps us, what heals and transforms us, and how these forces show up in our minds, our communities, and our systems. We will consider the psychological roots of these patterns, the spiritual invitations hidden within them, and the ways they have been understood across cultures and traditions.
Each session will include sacred readings, reflections from saints and mystics, insights from modern psychology and social justice frameworks, music to open the heart, meaningful conversation, and space to co-create devotional writings that speak to our real lives.
This is a space to get curious, to reflect, to wrestle with big questions, and to connect more deeply with yourself and with others. We will not be looking for easy answers or moral perfection, but for clarity, compassion, and a more grounded understanding of the ancient wisdom that continues to shape the soul’s journey.
Whether you come with faith, questions, wounds, or wonder, you are welcome in this space. Together, we will listen, learn, and grow as we reimagine what these virtues and vices can teach us today.
REGISTER HERE
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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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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
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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
| | 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
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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
| | 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
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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.
| | 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 dry 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).
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