This week, as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of the power of a life lived in song. Reverend Dexter Brecht's challenge – "Sing, Sing, Sing; Sing the song God has for your life" – resonates deeply.

Just as Dr. King, guided by his faith and the words of prophets like Isaiah, sang his song of justice and equality, we too are called to discern and sing the song God has placed on our hearts for our community.

In his powerful prophecies, Isaiah speaks of a future where justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. He paints a vision of a community where the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. This vision, born from faith, fueled Dr. King's tireless pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

How then, can we, as a community of faith, come together to sing in harmony and fulfill God's plan for our church?

Listen Deeply: Spend time in prayer and reflection. Listen for the unique song God is calling us to sing. What are the specific needs and challenges facing our community? How can our church respond with compassion and action?

Embrace Diversity: Just as a symphony requires the harmonious interplay of various instruments, our community thrives on the diversity of its members. Let us celebrate our differences and learn from one another, recognizing that each voice contributes to the beautiful melody of our collective song.

Step Out in Faith: Singing our song requires action. Let us translate our faith into tangible service. Volunteer at local shelters, advocate for policies that uplift the marginalized, and build bridges of understanding within our community.

Celebrate Every Victory: Every act of love, every step towards justice, is a note in the symphony of our collective song. Let us celebrate these victories, however small, and draw strength and inspiration from them as we continue to sing.

As we embark on this journey of singing our song, let us remember the words of Isaiah: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

May God bless our efforts as we strive to build a more just and loving community, singing our song in harmony with the divine.

Veronique Walker

RMCC NextGEN

View Last Sunday's Service HERE

Sunday's Opening Song for Practice: This Is The Day the Lord Has Made

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

CHURCH BOARD NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Board of Directors' News

Happy 2025! There was no monthly Board of Directors meeting during December, to allow everyone time for rest and celebration with loved ones during the holiday season. The Board continues to conduct the church’s business behind the scenes.

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 or Raymond Turner, Vice Moderator, raymond@resurrectionmcc.com, to request that your topic be considered for the agenda.

Please click HERE to read the summary of the 11/18/24 monthly Board meeting. The next monthly meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2025.

Spanish Services

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

Free Music Concert featuring Marvin Matthews, recording artist.

2025 W. 11th St., Houston, TX 77008

Resurrection MCC - Activities Building

Feb 8, 2025 | 7 PM

Light Bites Served

Admission: Free

(A love offering will be collected during the event.)

Marvin Matthews has ministered in some of the finest churches in America; he has toured Korea, Japan, and all of Europe; and he has led praise and worship at various conferences including M.O.P.S. (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers), the Ohio Christian Educators Association, J & J Music Conferences for music industry professionals, The National Children’s Pastors Conference, the Southern Baptist Conservatives Convention, the Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Atlanta, and Sydney, and many other national and international gatherings.

Marvin has appeared on many television programs, including Cornerstone in Pittsburgh, Daystar in Dallas -Fort Worth, and “The Hour of Power” with Dr. Robert Schuler. Bill and Gloria Gaither have featured Marvin on several of their “Gaither Homecoming” shows.

A tireless concert artist, Marvin has performed with Debby Boone, Andrae Crouch, Mark Lowry, Little Richard, Karen Wheaton, Deniece Williams, CeCe Winans, and the late Bob Hope. He has been featured on most major Christian networks, including The Word Network, TBN, and CBN.

His exuberant personality combined with his unique vocal talent and compassionate spirit crosses all bridges. He’s a natural, whether on a concert stage performing with a symphony or standing in front of a church congregation. His enthusiasm envelops the listener.

Marvin desires to affect change and provide a place of joy where hopelessness has prevailed. To paraphrase the lyrics of his hallmark song, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow”, Marvin “sings because he’s happy and he sings because he’s free.”

God vigorously uses Marvin’s musical talent, but much more, God uses Marvin’s heart—a heart that has developed in this contemporary gospel artist over the years. The only thing greater than Marvin’s voice is his love for Jesus, his family, and the body of Christ to whom he ministers.

RMCC NextGen Game Day

Feb 23, 2025

1–3pm

In the Gathering Place

Join RMCC NextGen for an afternoon of fun, food, and fellowship! We’re bringing out the board games and serving up delicious pizza for a casual and laid-back game day. Whether you’re a master strategist, a trivia buff, or just in it for the laughs, there’s a seat at the table for you!

This is the perfect chance to unwind, connect with friends, and meet other young adults in a fun and welcoming environment. Bring your favorite game or jump into one of ours—let the good times roll! We can’t wait to see you there!

PRIDE Volunteer Lunch & Learn

In the Gathering Place

Feb 16, 2025

1–2:30pm

Join us for an engaging Lunch and Learn as we prepare to make this year’s Pride Month celebrations the best yet! During this session, you’ll:

Learn about the exciting events we have planned, including the Tie Dye BBQ, Laces and Legends Sneaker Ball, and the Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop Parking Lot Festival.

Explore the different volunteer opportunities available for each event and discover the role that suits you best.

Get inspired by our theme, "Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: Stronger With Every Step," and find out how you can contribute to making these celebrations a true reflection of our community’s strength and unity.

Whether you’re interested in helping with setup, event coordination, or simply lending a hand where needed, there’s a place for you to get involved! Lunch will be provided, so come ready to enjoy good food, great company, and an inspiring afternoon.

Let’s work together to make Pride Month 2025 unforgettable!

Dominique Williams - Pride Month Committee Ministry Leader

How do attendees participate in this event? In person or Hybrid (a Zoom link will be provided)

4th Friday Night Out Houston - Barbecue Inn

Jan 24, 2025

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!

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.

PLEASE NOTE: ZOOM REGISTRATION IS ALSO REQUIRED FOR WEBINAR ACCESS:

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ZOOM

Are you ready to transform your social media presence into a powerful tool for ministry? Join us for From Social Media to Social Ministry: A Course in Digital Discipleship, where we’ll explore how to meet people where they are—online—and share the love of Christ in meaningful, impactful ways.

This two-session virtual course will guide you through the essentials of digital discipleship, equipping you with practical strategies to engage, connect, and inspire your online community.

Session Details:

Date: January 28th & February 4th
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CST
Location: Virtual (register on the church app to receive the join link)

Discover how to turn clicks into conversations and likes into lasting relationships. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your ministry in the digital age!

Tea Chat with Rev. Mona

Resumes February 5th Following Virtual Grief Sessions

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!"

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, January 26th, after service at Star Sailor, 1710 W 18th Sreet. 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

Virtual Grief Sessions with Rev. Mona Lopez

After Service and Wednesday 7:00 - 8:30 PM

From Jan. 22nd to Jan. 29th

Experiencing the loss of a loved one is difficult. Each of us knows these times as needing support and care.

The recent loss of Susan Broussard has affected many of us, and we want to create time on Sunday to care for you.

This session is open to all and is for you to experience some moments of support to remember Susan or any loved one for whom you have experienced a loss.

Hosted by Rev. Mona Lopez, and guest Bishop Shon Stewart of Freedom Church, we will host an online session Wednesday evening 1/22 and 1/29 instead of Tea Chat class for those who cannot attend the in-person sessions after service.

Please register your attendance here - the Zoom link will be emailed to you on Wednesday for those who have registered, or you can use the link below.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89978459191

Beginning Our Spiritual Journey in the New Year

Class will be on Wednesday Evenings: Jan 8, 15, 22 and 29.

On Zoom, from 7:00pm – 8:30pm CST

Who are we? Where are we now? Where are we going? As Individuals, Small Groups, Church, and Community we will seek the answers.

Join Rev Vicki Sheil-Hopper 409-599-0434 revvicki@resurrectionmcc.org rev.vicki.sheilhopper@gmail.com and Cathleen Sheil-Hopper 713-304-9913 cathleen.sheilhopper@gmail.com for this Wednesday night study.

Wednesday Night Group Study: Fierce Love by Rev Dr Jacqui Lewis

February 5th to March 12th

7-8:30 PM

Fierce Love, by Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis. Available in Kindle, Audio, Hardcover and Paperback.

Description: “A healing antidote to our divisive culture, full of evocative storytelling, spiritual wisdom, and nine essential daily practices – by the first female, Black senior minister at the historic Collegiate Churches of New York.

Readers say the book is powerful and engaging. It includes stories and wisdom from the author, who is a model of living a life full of love… facing challenges, healing ourselves and the world around us.

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.

12/26/24 SESSION REPLAY - "How do you perceive 'Beauty'"

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

Weekly Online Devotions - "On the Wings of Prayer”

Daily Prayers by Dr. Kathy Culmer

Facilitator: Rev. 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

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

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 Jell-O, Oatmeal, Cereal Mashed Potatoes Mac & Cheese, Saltine Crackers, 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).