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Love Lights the Way
“There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
-From The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman
The period between Halloween and Thanksgiving has always been a time full of promise for me. Where I grew up, in the New York City area, November arrived with crisp Autumn breezes. By the end of the month, the air was chilly and we were in our Winter coats. Here in Houston, we simply hope that the November temperatures will drop down to slightly more comfortable levels as we mark the change of the seasons.
This time is about coming full circle, as we do each year. In our church community at Resurrection MCC, we held our Annual Congregational Meeting last Sunday. We elected new Board of Directors members and Lay Delegates. We read reports from different ministries and voted on a new budget. We let go of the old and made plans for the new year. Soon we will prepare for our Thanksgiving meal, to be followed (on December 3) by the first Sunday of Advent, marking the beginning of a new liturgical year.
As the days grow shorter, we are moving toward a season of light. Think of Advent candles, the star of Bethlehem, candles lighting the sanctuary on Christmas Eve as the congregation sings “Silent Night.” It is easy to get caught up in the frantic, non-stop activity of the holiday season and to miss out on the opportunity to reflect and savor the change that is in the air. The traditions and rituals of the holiday season, at their best, are ways to strengthen us, to reinforce our bonds of family, friendship and community. At the same time, the holiday season can be painful for many of our friends who are dealing with isolation, health issues, difficult family situations, and all kinds of other problems. We live in difficult times.
Every day we hear about suffering in the world. We deal with challenges in our personal lives. Right now, I find comfort and inspiration in the MCC vision of “transforming ourselves as we transform the world.” This work of transformation requires us to dig deep, to seek the source of strength and light within each of us. My prayer for us is that we learn to be brave enough to embrace the light of love that is always there – and to share it with the world.
Watch last week's service Weaving A New Creation - Hate Tries, Love Wins HERE
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Raymond Turner, Board Member and Co-Chair of the Pastoral Search Committee shares with us his announcement of the application dates of August 7- February 1, 2024 (Extended) for Senior Pastor Applicants.
Please feel free to share this information with qualified, interested individuals.
Shareable YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/ZVjn7Ckati0
Pastoral Search Committee Page:
https://resurrectionmcc.org/resurrection-mcc-pastoral-search/
Application Materials:
https://resurrectionmcc.org/pastoral-search-application-materials/
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Campus Care Work Day
The Campus Care Team is responsible for assessing the condition of the facilities and site. The team meets monthly to plan and execute maintenance projects around our campus. The team also plans and participates in our monthly All Church Work Days. Meetings held on the First Tuesday monthly from 6:00- 7:00 pm in the Conference Room.
Campus Care Day is usually the 3rd Saturday of each month. Times are for 3 hours and scheduled seasonally.
PLEASE REGISTER
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OWLS Christmas Party
The OWLS will gather in The Gathering Place for their Christmas Party December 8th from 7:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m.
PLEASE REGISTER
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Faith after Doubt Wednesday virtual book study, 11/15/23 - 1/17/24
This is a book study using the author's own story and the stories of a diverse group of struggling believers, that show how old assumptions are being challenged in nearly every area of life. Brian McLaren proposes a four-stage model of faith development in which questions and doubt are not the enemy of faith, but rather a portal to a more mature and fruitful kind of faith.
Wednesdays 11/15, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 01/03, 01/10, 01/17. 7-8:30 pm
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Led by Rev. Vicki and Cathleen Sheil-Hopper
PLEASE REGISTER
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God Talk: Conversations About Faith, Society, and Self-Love for LGBTQ+ Christians
SPECIAL GUEST:
November 16, 2023
Rev. Jerry Monroe-Maynard
As a Two-Spirit Indigenous Person (Xochihua) Father Jerry strives to offer healing medicine at the intersections of church & society through pastoral care & public witness in Houston, TX. Currently serving as the Interim House Chaplain of +KINDRED Church.
A public theologian, Dr. Jerry’s essays and articles cover timely and timeless topics including postmodernism, protest/movement chaplaincy, queer hermeneutics, digital ministry, practical spirituality and much more.
For several years, Dr. Jerry has facilitated trainings in-person & online with different nonviolence/peace organizations offering an integrated approach to faith-based social action.
Father Jerry holds a Doctorate of New Theology from The New Theology School where they serve as The Berrigan Brothers Professor of Social Justice specializing in contextual & constructive theologies. Other academic achievements include holding a Master’s Degree in Contextual Ministry from Northwind Theological Seminary with a concentration in Postmodern Ministry & Leadership with master-level certifications as a Coach & Trainer. Father Jerry is a member in good standing of the American Academy of Religion.
Join the Facebook Group Here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1708269556183327
This is a new virtual class for our MCC Online Community on Facebook, open to all.
Facilitators:
Carol Kiesling (RMCC Ministry Intern from Taos, NM)
Alex Martinez (RMCC Young Adults from Houston, TX)
are co-hosting this series.
Rev. Denise Junious is the Clergy Sponsor.
PLEASE REGISTER
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Pride Charities Fundraiser Event
Caring Cabaret
"Let's Hear It for the Boys!"
Sunday, November 19, 3 pm
Ovations Night Club
2536 Time Blvd., Houston
For Ticket Information, Email Roger Woest: rwoest@hotmail.com
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Social Justice Ministry Meeting
Virtual
Monday, November 20, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
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
PLEASE REGISTER
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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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Devotional & Prayer Facebook Group
Every Sunday and Wednesday
New Facebook Devotional Discussion Group: "Called Out"
The experience of growing up "different," having one's identity and relationships questioned or downright rejected, shapes the faith of LGBTQ Christians in ways those outside the community cannot fully understand. LGBTQ Christians need spiritual resources that speak to the unique joys and challenges of their journey.
E. Carrington Heath offers one hundred devotions on such topics as trauma, and more to nurture the faith of our LGBTQ siblings and help friends, family, and allies grow in understanding and faith.
Each Sunday and Wednesday, a new devotion from the book will be posted and discussed online. Join the group for notifications of devotion posts.
Join Our Facebook Devotional Community & Discussion Group
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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
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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 | |
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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.
Click HERE to launch Zoom at Noon on weekdays.
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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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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.
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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.
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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 extra bags of rice, beans, cereal, Vienna sausages, canned chicken, canned spam/lunch loaf, canned corn, canned green beans, canned peas, or any of the items found on this list. We are now accepting clothes at this time. To keep you, our volunteers, and our community safe, please place your donations in your trunk or back seat, pull up outside the pantry, stay in your vehicle, and our volunteers will remove the items from your vehicle. Volunteers will also be working inside the Clothes Closet this Saturday from 9 - Noon If you'd like to help sort, hang, and organize clothes, please be sure to wear a face mask. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided to you. | |
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). | |
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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).
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