Where does your power come from? The answer is not as simple as it may seem. Last week taught us that we have come to rely more and more on our electric company to keep the power running in our homes, workplaces, and our places of worship.

Everything changes when we are without electricity, and staying safe and well takes on a whole new meaning and level. Many of our people, as well as our church building, have been without power for the past several days due to the recent weather events, and some people are still waiting for a resolution. In our city, we have weathered many storms, and this one took shape in its own way. Many trees were uprooted, and branches broken, more than we have seen in past storms. When we look out at the front yards of homes, apartment buildings, and local parks, we will likely be reminded of the magnitude of this past week’s storm.

Let us also be reminded of a greater source of power in our lives, one that we can rely on to help us be resilient during times of much interruption and loss. May the divine power of the Holy Spirit be with you through these next few weeks as you seek full restoration to your lives. May you find solace in knowing that we are all going through this time together and that you are not alone. Your church family cares about your safety and well-being. May the grace of God keep you! May the power of God watch over you!

To hear last Sunday’s sermon click HERE

Rev. Denise Junious

Associate Pastor

RevDenise@ResurrectionMCC.org

Board of Directors' News

The Board of Directors has been 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.

Next monthly Board Meeting: Monday, May 20, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Conference Room. Click HERE for the proposed agenda.

Pride Kick-Off! It’s a Tie Dye Social!

Jun 2, 2024

12:30–2:30pm

Get ready to splash some color and kick off Pride month in style at our Tie Dye Social extravaganza! Join us for an afternoon of vibrant fun as we gather to tie dye our t-shirts in preparation for the upcoming Pride parade. Bring your own items to dye or get creative with our iconic Resurrection MCC white t-shirts. Let's celebrate love, diversity, and self-expression as we gear up to paint the town rainbow! Don't miss out on this opportunity to craft your own Pride parade masterpiece and make a statement that shines bright on the streets. See you there, ready to dye the town fabulous! #PrideKickoff #TieDyeParty" 

REGISTER HERE

Rainbow Royalty ~ A Red Carpet Affair

Saturday, Jun 15, 2024

7 pm – 11 pm

Step into a world of glamour and celebration at Rainbow Royalty: A Red Carpet Affair, hosted at Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church on June 15th from 7-11 pm.

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with great music, a delicious catered meal, fun photo booths, raffles, giveaways, and more. Embrace love, justice, and equality in style, and join us as we dance the night away in celebration of love in all its glorious splendor!

$25/Individual | $50/Couple

Includes 2 drink tickets per person

2 Step Registration Process:

STEP 1

REGISTER HERE

STEP 2

PAY HERE:

Please prepay for tickets through our church payment software

which tracks tax-deductible donation receipts

by visiting the website payment portal HERE and choosing

PRIDE MONTH ACTIVITIES FUND

OR

Text GIVE LIST to 281-346-9444 and choose PRIDE Month Activities Fund

Donate /Volunteer for our Rainbow Royalty Event!

June 12th, 2024, 12:00 PM

The primary objective of "Rainbow Royalty - A Red Carpet Affair" is to provide a sophisticated and festive experience for individuals to come together and celebrate Pride Month in a memorable way. Through an evening of dancing, entertainment, and charitable giving, attendees will create lasting memories while supporting our growing church. 

PLEASE REGISTER

Pride Meets Tribe ~ Parking Lot Festival

Jun 23, 2024

12:30–5pm



Resurrection MCC Parking Lot

The "Pride Meets Tribe" Parking Lot Festival is a dynamic celebration of diversity, unity, and inclusion. This vibrant event brings together individuals of all backgrounds to honor Pride Month and support the LGBTQ+ community in a festive and welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. From games and vendors to entertainment and interactive activities, attendees will experience a day filled with joy, connection, and celebration. 

Next GEN Sponsoring

PLEASE REGISTER

Neon Boots RMCC Happy Hour

Jun 21, 2024

6–9pm

11410 Hempstead Rd, Houston, TX 77092

The RMCC Deacons are hosting a Neon Boots Happy Hour to celebrate Pride Month to engage our congregation with community partners. The event will allow us to meet in fellowship and welcome others to our church. Lite bites and karaoke will be provided! 

PLEASE REGISTER

Children's Ministry Pictures with Dad

Jun 16, 2024

12:30–1:30pm

Dads have the opportunity to take a photo with their child(ren) in our Rev Vickey Gibbs Children's wing after service on Sunday, June 16, 2024 - Father's Day. A backdrop will be set up and a finished 4x6 photo will be provided. 

REGISTER HERE

Tea Chat with Rev. Mona

Wednesdays, May 22 - June 26

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Gathering Place

Discover the perfect blend of spiritual enlightenment and soulful conversations with our Galatians Tea Sessions! Dive into the depths of Galatians 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

Next Gen Game Day

May 26, 2024

12:30–2:30pm

The RMCC Next GEN Group will be hosting Game Day in conjunction with their regularly scheduled 4th Sunday Meet & Greet day to engage the young adults in our congregation in fellowship. Pizza and snacks will be provided. Be sure to register on the Church App to get a headcount. We will need plates and napkins and access to purchasing drinks from the bookstore.

PLEASE REGISTER

Finding Mrs. Wilson: A Story Of Love, Loss And Remembrance

May 26th, 2024

12:15-12:45 pm

You are invited to a reading of a 10-minute play by Marion Arthur Kirby, titled "Finding Mrs. Wilson: A Story of Love, Loss and Remembrance. Marion would like feedback on his play and he will entertain questions after the reading.

PLEASE REGISTER

Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart

by Brian McLaren,

May 29-July 10

Join Cathleen Sheil-Hopper and Rev. Vicki Sheil-Hopper for a discussion on the latest book by Brian McLaren, author and activist. He explores the complexities of hope, grief, and the need for new ways of thinking amidst the realities of our time.  

7:00-8:30 pm, May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3,10, 2024 

Virtual

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)

Rev. Denise Junious is the Clergy Sponsor.

Have You Joined the Community?

Join the Online Community Facebook Group Here: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1708269556183327

PLEASE REGISTER

THE CHOSEN - Video Discussion Group

On the 2nd and 4th Sunday evening from June 9, 2024 to November 23, 2025, we will gather to view episodes of THE CHOSEN. This group will be led by Larry Ponder and he will provide a short prep prior to the viewing and lead the group in a discussion following the episode for the evening.

A private Facebook group will be maintained for those who wish to continue the discussion after each session. Additionally, links to each video will be posted to the private group for those who miss a session or live out of the area and are unable to attend in person. 

We'll share more information when it is available!

Weekly Online Devotions - "On the Wings of Prayer”

Daily Prayers

by Dr. Kathy Culmer

If you want to connect to our Online Church, join our weekly devotional series on Facebook beginning February 14, 2024! We are embarking upon a new prayer and devotional series that is bound to be both refreshing and reflective of our spiritual values. Written by Dr. Kathy Culmer, On the Wings of Prayer: Daily prayers, thoughts and meditations to lift your spirits, will offer us hope and comfort during a time when so much in our world can make us feel challenged and estranged.

This is a Facebook group dedicated for those individuals who want to connect online for weekly devotions and spiritual connection. The first devotion will be released Wednesday February 14, 2024, and thereafter, a new post will be released weekly through February 2025.

Be sure to access the devotions on Facebook, where you can leave a comment about how each devotion has inspired and encouraged you for the week.

JOIN THE GROUP HERE

Resurrection MCC's Social Justice Ministry is about celebrating the diversity within our church family, giving a voice and outlet of supported advocacy for, and on behalf of members inside our MCC community and the community at large. 

This is achieved through specific ministry campaign development in areas where a need has been identified under the overall scope of Social Justice Ministry.

Current Campaigns include:

• Voting & Legislative Engagement
• Civil and human rights issues
• Local Civic Engagement
• Advocating for the Marginalized and Oppressed
• Immigrant Justice
• Creation Care & Environmental Sustainability
• Protecting and advancing the rights, dignity and freedom of the LGBTQ community
• Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities  

Imani Vida Drum Circle

Imani means Faith in Swahili, and Vida means Life in Spanish. We are a group of diverse individuals of the Greater Houston Area who love to come together in community and make music together. We make music through all sorts of percussion instruments...hand drums, shakers, rain sticks and even the sound of foot-stomping music. Drummers of all skill levels are welcome. No prior drumming experience is required to participate in our circle. Dancers are welcome too! We only ask that you bring your desire to be apart of our community drum circle. Meets 1st Saturday of the Month at Resurrection MCC at 1:30 pm. 

For more information, please visit https://www.meetup.com/drummingcircle/

Invitation to Join Bell Choir

You are invited to learn and practice playing the chime instruments. It's an opportunity of delightful celebration in musical expression. Rehearsal times vary. It's helpful if you can read music but not necessary; just as long as you can count & tap your foot simultaneously.

Come with an open heart and a willing spirit! Email Teri@resurrectionmcc.org for more information.

PLEASE REGISTER

Join us after service for in-person Brunch Buddies, Sunday, May 26th, after service at Jax Grill, 1613 Shepherd Dr.

View MENU

Join us for virtual Brunch Buddies on Sunday at 12:30 pm at the same restaurant venue as in-person.

Join the Zoom here at 12:30 pm

Toastmasters is every Monday, from 6:30 - 8 pm in the Gathering Place. Impress your clients, your boss, or even a potential employer during your next job interview. Speak with confidence in one-on-one situations and in presentations for groups of 20 to over 200. Surprise yourself by becoming a member of Toastmasters and see how your personal goals will come true. With Toastmasters you will learn by doing as you improve your public speaking skills in a super supportive environment. Join us for our very own Toastmaster Club right here at Resurrection MCC. Contact Horacio Rodriguez at 954-662-4926 or FindYourVoiceToastmaster@gmail.com for details. Toastmasters.org

Weekday Devotional and Prayer is held every weekday at Noon on Zoom. During these virtual gatherings, we participate in a daily devotional, scripture readings, prayer, and a time to check-in with our church family.

Click HERE to launch Zoom at Noon on weekdays.

You'll never know what you're missing until you do it! We have a place for you in our volunteer ministries. What are you good at? What makes you happy? Do you have a skill or talent that will benefit others? Visit our Connect page on the website and learn more about our volunteer opportunities and how to join us!

VISIT THE CONNECT PAGE HERE

You know you love to sing, but worry if you are good enough to sing in a church choir. God thinks so, and so do we! Our choirs and musical groups are more than singing songs. We build deep friendships and a network of others that love doing what you love doing. Join us!

Sanctuary Choir - Traditional church music, more secular and familiar.

Gospel Ensemble - Woven with Gospel music and traditional African themes

Resurrection Choir - Combines modern and traditional music, and sacred genres, combining membership from both Sanctuary Choir and Gospel Ensemble

Practice:

Tuesday evenings 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm for Sanctuary Choir and Gospel Ensemble, and 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm for Resurrection Choir.

Choirs alternate weekend service performances.

For Dance, Theater, and other performance-based ministries, reach out directly to Cassandra White via email.

Contact Cassandra White, Worship Arts Coordinator HERE for more information.

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 cans of luncheon loaf, vienna sausages, chicken breast and tuna or any of the items found on this list. We are pausing clothes donations until August.

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. Online meetings are available at www.supportgroupscentral.com/reMIND. Click ‘Not Yet a Member’ and set up a free user account. Find a meeting and click ‘Register’ to sign up. Please note: If all spots are filled, click ‘Join the Waitlist’. You will receive an email reminder the day before and 15 minutes before your scheduled meeting. Please confirm or cancel. Meeting dates will be updated monthly. If you need assistance signing up please call (888) 799-0907 ext. 2 or email info@remindsupport.org. Spaces are limited so sign up today! Spanish Support Groups are available here.

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).