As I sit down to write this, I am reflecting on it this week. (I'm going to give you a peek into my thoughts, which is kind of a scary place to venture into, I'll admit.) It is a momentous week in a time of turmoil. Trying to take it all in and make sense of it becomes overwhelming. How do I see God's plan in what is happening around us? As a church in which justice is a fundamental tenet of our mission, we cannot help but be anxious about events. We exercise our civic franchise and hope that enough of others doing the same agree with us. But in the end, regardless of how it has played out, what is God's intent for us?

If events played as we hoped? Then what?

If events do not go as we hoped? Then what?

A fundamental concept that I try to keep in my thoughts as I struggle with things happening in the world around me is that, when it comes down to it, I believe the Lord doesn't really care what happens to nations. We have been raised hearing "God bless America." But does He? He doesn't care what happens to political parties. In Isaiah 40, the prophet tells the Jews that the nations that are troublesome to them are nothing compared to God. "15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust…17 Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing…23 He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing."

No, He cares about what happens to each of us. It is more important that we " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40) Our personal relationship with the Lord is the foundation of faith and salvation. "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? (Matthew 16:26)

We have our worldly hopes and dreams. Our faith mission compels us to seek love, fairness, justice, and care for all. But through it all, we cannot lose sight of our personal walk with the Lord. We cannot confuse worldly success for God's approbation. We strive and speak for justice but we must always do so in the name of the Lord. And the struggle for love and justice is never-ending either on the world stage or in our own lives. I believe we seek justice and promote fairness not to gain power but to live the charge the Lord has given us – to love our neighbor.

I've heard that a society becomes great when older men plant trees, knowing they will never sit under their shade. That is what I see us doing - planting for the future.

I see this not only in our civic life but also in the life of Resurrection. We are planting for the future, planting hope, and watering with love so that our church's tree of life will continue to grow and provide shade of acceptance, love, and family.

A lot to consider. A lot to sort out in our hearts and minds. But to struggle in the service of the Lord, in my mind, is the most worthy of all.

And I want to leave you with a final thought. Another civic event is being celebrated now. Something easily overlooked with all that is going on. As a nation, we honor our veterans on Veterans Day. I encourage each of us to take a moment to truly give thanks to those who have chosen to put their life in the service of the people of this country. Psalm 46:9 could have been written for soldiers: "He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire". Soldiers don't seek conflict. A soldier serves for many reasons, but its base is love of country. And every veteran and serving military member I know doesn't stand on the front lines because they hate what's in front of them. They do it because they love what's behind them. John 15:13 states, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." For it is through their service and sacrifice that we have the capability to follow the mission of our church. To carry on the struggle in service of God.

May God bless you. May God shine his countenance upon you. And give you peace.

Bill Russell

Board Member,

Assistant Treasurer

Bill@ResurrectionMCC.org

View Last Sunday's Service HERE

Join us in singing "I Thank God" TRIBL this Sunday!

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

Please click HERE to read the summary of the 10/28/24monthly Board meeting, with news about: stewardship training, the Annual Congregational Meeting, the Meet Me At the Manger fundraising campaign, 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.

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.  This is a ZOOM meeting that requires registration to join the meeting.

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

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

Meet Me at the Manger

You are invited to participate in making a Christmas gift to Resurrection MCC. This year we ask you to do one of two things to make this year’s gift impactful:

• Make a gift that is $1 more than the largest gift you give this season as a way of putting Christ first in your generosity;

• Bring a gift that is one additional month of your usual generosity, a 13th month.

Thank you for supporting the good works of Resurrection MCC this Christmas!

DONATE HERE

Resurrection MCC Deacon's Toy Drive



The Deacon's Toy Drive will start collecting unwrapped toys November 17th, please be sure and stop by the Toy Drive Tree and pick up a "post it" toy request(s). All unwrapped toys must be brought back by Sunday December 15th.

Thank you!

Pennies From Heaven

Your spare change can create change! Bring your spare change for the church and drop it in our 5-gallon collection containers at each entrance until December 31, 2024. Thank you for your generous hearts and unwavering support!

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

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

FALL 2024 OWLS (Older Wiser Leaders Serving)

SATURDAY OCT 5 - Game Day @ noon

FRIDAY OCT 18 - Game Night @ 7:30 pm

SATURDAY Nov 2 - Game Day @ noon

FRIDAY NOV 8th - Firepit in Parking Lot @ 8 pm

SATURDAY DEC 7 - Game Day @ noon

FRIDAY DEC 13 - Christmas Party @ 7 pm

See Larry Ponder for more information

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).