September 11, 2011 Prelude / Preludio Forever Blest We Satisfied Gather by Martha Carson From many places we gather here. Our Community Gathers / Nuestra Comunidad Se Reúne This is a high point Rev. Elder Lillie Brock of our week. We see our friends. We make new Our Community Remebers / Nuestra Comunidad Recuerda John Layson friends. And we spend time with The Friend -- the Exchange of Peace / Saludo de Paz loving Christ who meets us where + we are, as we are. Welcome Song / Canción de Bienvenida In this Sanctuary Let us build a house where hands will reach beyond the wood and stone, we worship, and through worship To heal and strengthen, serve and teach, and live the word they've known. the courage within Here the outcast and the stranger bears the image of God's face, us is kindled to Let us bring an end to fear and danger: inspire courageous All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place. living beyond this place. + Call To Experience Rev. Kristen Klein-Cechettini PROGRAM Call to + OpeningMUSIC ❘Hymn/“WE ARE Himno THE CHURCH de Entrada ALIVE” JACK HOGGATT-ST.JOHN & DAVID PELLETIERWe ©1980 are❘ MCC the SAN Church FRANCISCO AliveHYMNAL #176 Experience One traditional element of worship is known as the ❘ Call To Worship, W a practice that orship Services intentionally invites us to come into the presence of God. For the next 8 weeks we will intentionally call ourselves to experience the presence of God.

+ Please rise in body or spirit.

2003 MCC World Jubilee & 21st General Conference ❚ LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE ❚ CCLI#599527 47 Contemporary Word / Lectura Contemporánea Tony Stegall (9 am) Eli’jah Carroll (11 am) Edge of Glory An excerpt from Edge of Glory From the album, performed by Lady Gaga Born This Way by Lady Gaga, Edge of It's hard to feel the rush / to brush the dangerous Glory was inspired I'm gonna run right to the edge with you / where we can both fall far in love by her grandfather's death and speaks of I'm on the edge of glory / and I'm hanging on a moment of truth … a spiritual place of Out on the edge of glory / and I'm hanging on a moment with you glory that is ours to I'm on the edge, the edge, the edge / the edge, the edge, the edge experience even while I'm on the edge of glory / and I'm hanging on a moment with you we are on Earth. I'm on the edge with you …

+ The Community Prays / Oración Comunal Rev. Michael Diaz

The Ancient Word The altar today will be filled with the different forms of the almond tree and its fruit. In the ancient Hebrew world the almond tree was known as the "awakening" tree. The Ancient Word / Lectura Bíblica Rose Wall (9 am) Jessica Jackson (11 am)

Jeremiah 1:4-12 Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’ Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a child.’ But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am only a child”; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.’ Then the Lord put out a hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, ‘Now I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.’ The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Jeremiah, what do you see?’ And I said, ‘I see a branch of an almond tree.’ Then the Lord said to me, ‘You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.’

The Ministry of Music / Selección Musical Mass Choir Count Your Blessings by arr. by Lori Goss

2 Call to Engage / Sermón Rev. Elder Lillie Brock So You Think You Can Morph?

We Offer Ourselves / Ofrenda Mark Eggleston

Offertory / Ofertorio Mass Choir It is well with My Soul We by Phillip P. Bliss, arr. Cathy Moklebust Receive All congregations in MCC practice an open communion. You Communion / Comunión Rev. Michael Diaz, Rev. Janice Ladd, Cassandra White do not need to be a member of this church One : Come just as you are, hear the spirit call. Come just as you are; or any church to come Come and see, come, receive, come and live forever more. to the table and receive communion. All: Life everlasting and strength for today; taste the living water During Communion you and never thirst again. Come, just as you are, hear the spirit call. will be offered bread and cup with a brief blessing. Come just as you are. Come and see, come receive, come and live forever more. We use grape juice for the cup so that all may participate. Gluten-free wafers Communion Songs / Cantos de Comunión are available from the communion server on the far right. Simply say, Awesome Power "Gluten free." Awesome power, boundless grace. Todas las congregaciones None can fathom all Your ways. de ICM (Iglesias de Truth and love are found las Comunidades In Your heart alone, Metropolitana) practican Righteousness surround Your throne. una comunión abierta. Creemos en el amor de Holy, holy, holy Lord, Most High. Dios incondicional para Holy, holy, holy Lord, Most High. todas las personas. Words & Music by John G. Elliott Si deseas tomar la comunión en español, Glorify Thy Name por favor dirígete hacia Jehovah, we love you, we praise you, we adore you al ministro de comunión Glorify thy name in all the earth. localizado hacia la izquierda y pídele, “En Glorify thy name. Glorify thy name español, por favor.” Glorify thy name in all the earth Jesus, we love you… Spirit, we love you… Words & Music by Mark Altrogge © 1987 People of Destiny International CCLI License #1025612

As the Deer As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after thee. You alone are my heart's desire and I long to worship thee. You alone are my strength, my shield; To you alone, may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart's desire, and I long to worship thee. Words & Music by Martin Nystrom © 1984 Maranatha! Music CCLI License #1025612

3 Just a Closer Walk with Thee I am weak, but Thou art strong; We Jesus, keep me from all wrong; Sing I’ll be satisfied as long We sing as a As I walk, let me walk close to Thee. body during the distribution of the (Chorus) elements. If you Just a closer walk with Thee, do not wish to sing, please be in an Grant it, Jesus, is my plea, attitude of prayer for Daily walking close to Thee, those who wish to Let it be, dear Lord, let it be. meditate during this time. Through this world of toil and snares, If I falter, Lord, who cares? God, open us to your Who with me my burden shares? living presence None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee. (Chorus) through your life at this table. When my feeble life is o’er, Time for me will be no more; Receive the living Guide me gently, safely o’er sacrifice of our awakened life. To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore. (Chorus)

+ Prayer of Thanksgiving / Acción de Gracias Rev. Janice Ladd Prayer If you are in need of prayer support, Call to Embody / Anuncios Rev. Lillie Brock you can find prayer Mark Eggleston partners available during our time of communion or after Sending Forth / Bendición Rev. Lillie Brock worship in the right One heart, one spirit, one voice to praise you, we are the body of Christ; wing of the Sanctuary. One goal, one vision, to see you exalted, we are the body of Christ; And to this we give our lives, to see you glorified; One heart, one spirit, one voice to praise you, we are the body of Christ We are the body of Christ

Postlude / Postludio Lady Gaga (CD) Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga

Worship Arts Second Sunday FriendRaiser TODAY, 12:30-2:30 The Worship Arts Department Ministry is proud to present Lois Albez and friends. Professional bassist, guitarist and singer Lois Albez offers her music gifts to Resurrection MCC on Sundays. Lois and friends will WOW us with music that will dazzle our senses. Come and enjoy fun, food and fellowship as we enjoy delicious music from one of our own. You won’t want to miss it!

4 Executive Team Rev. Elder Lillie Brock Welcome! Consulting Pastor [email protected] (x101) If you are attending Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church for the first time, we are glad to have you here! We invite you to join us each week as we worship God and learn Rev. Janice Ladd more about Christian living in an inclusive way. All are welcome. Executive Pastor Make sure to visit the Concierge Desk, located in our Welcome Area, to receive a [email protected] (x104) gift from us. You will find friendly volunteer hosts waiting to greet you. Rev. Michael Diaz Worship Services Director of Connections [email protected] (x105) Resurrection MCC is proud to offer a variety in our worship services. Our two Sunday services, at 9 & 11 am, are identical in form, however they contain different elements from Mark Eggleston diverse religious traditions each week. Director of Outreach [email protected] (x106) A Special Welcome to First-Time Families! Joy Jolley Our nursery staff would love to meet you and your infants & children aged one month Director of Operations through three years! The nursery is located to the right of the Sanctuary entrance and is [email protected] (x102) open during both the 9 & 11 am services. Children and youth aged 4 - 17 years are invited to join our Youth Ministries Program during Rev. Kristen Klein-Cechettini the 11 am service in the Activities Building (located across the breezeway from our main Director of Life Development parking lot). Sign-in begins at 10:45 am. All children must be registered and signed-in to [email protected] (x107) attend. Parents are welcome to join the children for Communion at Noon in the Activities Building. Snack & sign-outs begin at 12:15 pm. Cassandra White Director of Worship (Interim) Sanctuary Choir Director About Us… Gospel Ensemble Director Resurrection MCC is a Christian church that follows God's call to justice for all people. We [email protected] (x109) build on a rich history of social justice for, and on behalf of, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. Since its founding in 1968, Metropolitan Community Churches have been at the vanguard of civil and human rights movements as an international advocate for Professional Stipend vulnerable people in places where religious orthodoxy, sexism, transphobia and homophobia can result in violence and death. MCC has been on the forefront in the struggle towards Joel Hammett marriage equality in the US and other countries worldwide and continues to be a powerful Organist & Accompanist voice in the LGBTQ equality movement. MCC’s ministry reaches over 43,000 members in over 250 churches in 22 countries worldwide. Debbie Mansfield Metropolitan Community Churches are on a bold mission to transform hearts, lives, and Nursery Coordinator history. We are a movement that faithfully proclaims God's inclusive love for all people and [email protected] proudly bears witness to the holy integration of spirituality and sexuality. Because of our faith we are called to: do justice, show kindness, and live humbly with God (Micah 6:8); Sara Navarro explore life's questions with open hearts and minds; raise our voices in sacred defiance Graphic Design [email protected] (x112) against exclusion, whether religious, political or systemic; reach out to those with no hope; equip new generations of remarkable, far-reaching spiritual activists. Joel Palomares The Mission of Resurrection MCC is to demonstrate God's unconditional love Youth Ministries Program Coordinator to all people through Christian action. [email protected] The Vision of Resurrection MCC is to ATTRACT people into a relationship with Rose Wall God through radical INCLUSION into God's family, transform them to Christ-like HeavenSound Handbells Director MATURITY, and MOBILIZE them for their life purpose. At Resurrection MCC, every member and friend is a minister of the church. We envision Anthony White a Christian community that values diversity and is as diverse and all-encompassing Gospel Ensemble Pianist as creation. Through salvation, service, study, and tithing, each member and friend Jose I. Zuniga will live and grow in faith and be spiritually fed. We embrace four core values: Facilities Technician Core Values Volunteer Inclusion Love is our greatest moral value and resisting exclusion is a primary focus of our ministry. Rev. Pat Farnan We want to continue to be the conduits of a faith where everyone is included in the family Volunteer Clergy of God, and where all parts of our being are welcomed at God’s table. [email protected] Community Rev. Mona Lopez Offering a safe and open community for people to worship, learn and grow in their faith is Volunteer Clergy our deep desire. We are committed to equipping ourselves and each other to do the work [email protected] that God has called us to do in the world. Spiritual Transformation Worship | Sunday, 9 & 11 am Providing a message of liberation from the oppressive religious environment of our day or Children & Youth Worship | Sunday, 11 am to those experiencing God for the first time is what guides our ministry. We believe that when people are invited to experience God through the life and ministry of Christ, lives will Nursery | Sunday, 9 & 11 am be transformed. Social Action Resurrection MCC 2025 West 11th St, Houston, Texas 77008 Working to talk less and do more, we are committed to resisting the structures that oppress Phone 713-861-9149 / Fax 713-861-2520 people and standing with to those who suffer under the weight of oppressive systems, www.ResurrectionMCC.org being guided always by our commitment to Global Human Rights.

5 Are you familiar with the television reality show called So You Think You Can Dance? If you are, then you know that dance troupes and individual dancers from many different places, show up to face a panel of judges who ultimately decide whether the contestants can REALLY dance or not. It's true, isn't it, that we often THINK we are doing something really well until we are forced to explore and expand our understanding of what is possible? We all know it's true but it's not always easy to face it. I want to ask each of you to join me in a journey that will invite you to . . .

EXPERIENCE God in new ways FILM SCREENING: Wednesday ENGAGE your spiritual life with intention September 14 7 pm | Sanctuary EMBODY the compassion of Christ in the world

Throughout September and October we will revisit the most basic parts of the spiritual life and challenge ourselves to understand and know them more profoundly. We will stretch, expand, and enlarge our capacity to be in relationship with God and with each other. Interested in This is a journey worth taking no matter where you believe yourself to be in this experience we call "being ministering human." I invite you, I urge you, I challenge you and I to those even dare you . . . incarcerated So You Think You Can . . . ? ? THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Blessings on the journey, 6:30 PM Do you feel called to reach out to folks incarcerated in our county jails? If you'd like to learn more, join Rev. Michael on Thursday, September 15, at 6:30 pm for a Community Outreach Gathering put on by the Harris County Sheriff's Office. The gathering will take place at Rev. Elder Lillie Brock St. John's Downtown Church at 2019 Crawford St. An Consulting Pastor initial orientation will be given as well as an overview of ministry opportunities for local churches. Please RSVP to [email protected].

6 Friday Night Use your cellphone to “Friends by the Fire” text RMCC to 90210 Summertime! to be signed up for our alerts Friday We'll text you during the week to inform and remind SEPTEMBER 16 you of our weekly activities for our sermon series. 7 - 9 pm, Outside Join us for our last "Summertime" Friends by the Fire of the year, sponsored by our Landscape and Facilities Team. Bring a chair as we share stories and laughs. We will provide hot dogs to roast. Please bring a soda or bottle of water. To ensure we have plenty of hot dogs, please RSVP to [email protected]. School Supplies Drive for Sinclair Elementary School Please bring back next Sunday, September 18, and place in the collection boxes located in the Welcome Area & Narthex Items Most in Need: Composition Books Dry Erase Markers Crayola Markers Pencils Sinclair School Profile Bingo Night 539 Students at Big Tex BINGO 15% Bilingual 21% Limited English Friday 72% Free/Reduced Lunch SEPTEMBER 16 51% at Risk 7:30 PM Sinclair Elementary Communications Magnet Program provides students in grades K-5 with an opportunity to Big Tex Bingo develop a wide range of vital skills through experiences in written, visual, and oral communication. Experienced 13030 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, 77014 teachers instruct classes in the project-based learning method in Television Multimedia, Video Production, Bring your friends and family and join Resurrection for a night Multimedia Publishing and Drama/Broadway Production. of fun! Over $5,000 is given away nightly (bingo prizes and Students are provided with the opportunity to apply pull tabs). Big Tex offers a full service snack bar, daily food these skills through real-life applications in the production specials, beer, margaritas and more. of videotape projects, newspapers and magazines, Resurrection MCC and Pride Charities are two of the and in-house television news programs (KSCM News) organizations who share in the profits from Big Tex Bingo, produced daily. www.BigTexBingo.com 281-586-0700.

8 MEMBERS newCLASS Opportunity to serve on the MCC Board of Pensions, USA Our MCC clergy are the lifeblood of our community. The Saturday MCC Pension Plan is one way we show them we care about their future. The Board of Pensions is an active board which not only oversees the clergy pension plan, September 17 but strives to improve and expand it as well. 9 am - Noon We have 1 opening on our National Board, which carries a Gathering Place four year term. The current opening is a non-clergy position. Investment knowledge, marketing, communication and/or Join us to discuss the mission, vision, technological skills would perfectly complement our Board and values of Resurrection MCC, as make up. Please contact us for more information. The successful candidate will be appointed by the Governing you discover your connection to the Board and Moderator. world through our affiliation with the Metropolitan Community Churches. Our deadline to receive resumes/references is Join this family of faith in purpose, October 5, 2011 service, and fellowship! Please RSVP Please send to: to [email protected] Devon Avery, President, UFMCC BOP or 713-861-9149 x105. [email protected] The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People

10 Week Offering Begins Wednesday September 21 YOGA CONNECTIONS 7 - 8:30 pm | Gathering Place

Each Tuesday, beginning This 10 week offering will consider what living "a spiritual September 20 life" can really look like for people like us - people who 7 - 8 pm | Gathering Place live ordinary lives, yet have a whisper or ache or call in that "God-place" which won't quite leave us alone, or Yoga means to yoke or join. Join us as we join with maybe who heed the God-call for some time only to find God through Yoga! Connect with other folks in this non- ourselves secretly wondering "Is this all there is?" During competitive activity that is suitable for every person. If you the Fall season join us we experience the call and wonder are new to Yoga, meet others that are of all levels and of spiritual renewal by jumping in to engage the spiritual learn the benefits and how it can help your overall health disciplines for ordinary people found in The Life You've and well-being. Please bring a mat and towel. Everyone Always Wanted by John Ortberg. Join us for one, some or is welcome. For more information, contact Yoga@ all sessions, as we practice transformation from the inside ResurrectionMCC.org. out! RSVP to [email protected].

9 Fishers Net Prayer Ministry Children's Choir Rehearsal A Dialogue With God by Ron Reeser Taking time to rest is important for our physical, mental and spiritual health. Unless you live without electricity, it is hard to get away from all the social and nonsocial bombardment of information flowing at us in a constant pulse, making our surroundings seem to go faster and faster. Even convenient devices that are supposed to save us time, seem to add more and more tasks to our to-do lists, making our surroundings seem even more chaotic than without them! We need rest as individuals and rest as the body of Christ. We need times to escape. Sometimes we need to escape to Jesus in order to hear God's voice above the roar of the noise, making sure the roar around does not become a roar within. You see, typically God does not yell at us like a cleaning product commercial, but God's voice whispers to us like the wings of a butterfly. When we take the time to pray our thanksgivings, petitions, supplications and meditate on the Word of God and God who lives within us, our heart and soul will heal, mend and be restored as God intends. Sundays Dear Sustainer and Creator God, my prayer for myself and all God's children is that we find time and make time within our Activities Building #104 busy lives to rest and meditate on the Word of God and on God within us. Help us to block out the noise around us and help us 10:30 am - 11:00 am to hear God within us, in Christ's name, amen. Do you have a prayer request? Send your requests to Prayers@ 1st - 7th grades welcome ResurrectionMCC.org. Requests are immediately prayed over by the Fishers Net Prayer Team. If you would like to join the Our children will bring this year's Christmas musical, Fishers Net Prayer Family (become a team member) or the Fishers Net Extended Prayer Family (join our email list), please "Shepherds, Sheep, and a Savior," on Christmas Eve at contact us at [email protected] and one of our 5 pm. We look forward to singing with your children! team members will then contact you. If you have questions, please contact Jules or Eve at Growing stronger in Christ and realizing our Prayers together. [email protected]. ~ Fishers Net Prayer Ministry ~

Board Member on Duty Flowers in the Sanctuary Consider donating flowers in memory of a loved one Kecia Bullock and Mary Wagner or to celebrate a special day. Email the date and message to Board Minutes Available Upon Request. [email protected] or call 713-861-9149 x112. Financial Report For YTD Ended September 4, 2011

General Giving Projected Received

General Tithes & Offerings $629,423.08 $545,224.46

Capital Giving Projected Received

Imagine Capital Campaign Contributions $76,146.92 $62,451.68

Imagine Campaign Fundraising - Gutter Replacement $24,230.77 $27,268.77

10 Providing Spiritual Advertise with Us! Direction for individuals As low as $25/week. and groups at [email protected] Resurrection MCC.  Sliding Scale fees available  for Resurrection  members and friends.  First session is free.  Cathleen Sheil, MA  Certified Spiritual Director ♦  [email protected] ♦  713-304-9913 ♦  ♦  ♦  

  Custom Painting and Design    All Interior and Exterior Painting Front Door Restoration Color Consultation Pressure Washing Sheetrock Repair/Custom Textures Many Specialty Services Available Accent Walls/Faux Finishes High Standards/Friendly Service Nurseries/Murals Free Estimates Kara N. Poole 

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Tammy S. Fountain, LPC, ATR-BC Wellness Center 832-863-8221 2025 W. 11th Street Children, Adolescents & Adults. LGBTQ Solutions for Living Well Depression, Anxiety, Perfectionism, Trauma, Addiction, Codependency, Individual, family, and couples therapy available. Request MCC Rates. Relationships. There is hope forchange, empowerment and living Beginning in August authentically! Grief & Loss Recovery Group Connections: Wednesday nights, 5:30-6:50pm, 14 consecutive weeks A 12-Session Psychoeducational Grieving is a natural process and the result of losing a loved one, pet, Shame-Resilience Curriculum physical or mental ability, job, relationship, or aspirations. This group teaches about the stages of grieving, and allows then to transform Call Tammy at 832-863-8221 for more information emotionally, behaviorally & spiritually. Participants are encouraged Course developed by Brene Brown, PhD, to accept their loss, understand their process and develop skills LMSW, researcher, educator & writer. Learn to practice throughout their lifespan. identify and overcome shame through exercises, Space is limited, MCC rate available handouts and lecture. 11 This Week @ ResurrectionMCC.org

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11

9:00 am Sunday Worship Sanctuary 10:15 am Fishers Net Prayer Ministry Chapel 10:15 am Children's Choir Rehearsal Activities Building 10:15 am Usher Team Leaders Meeting Work Room 10:45 am Youth Ministries Program Activities Building 11:00 am Sunday Worship Sanctuary 12:30 pm Brunch, Live Band & Fall Programming Activities Building

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 12 7:00 pm Night OUT at the Ballpark Minute Maid Park

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13

7:00 pm Gospel Ensemble Rehearsal Music Room 7:00 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal Sanctuary

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 14

7:00 pm "Call Me Troy" Film Screening Sanctuary

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 15

12:00 pm Houston Library Children's Book Sale Activities Building

FRIDAY OFFICE CLOSED SEPTEMBER 16 8:00 am Houston Library Children's Book Sale Activities Building 7:00 pm "Friends by the Fire" Outside SATURDAY OFFICE CLOSED SEPTEMBER 17

9:00 am New Members Class Gathering Place 10:00 am Houston Library Children's Book Sale Activities Building 1:30 pm Praise Dancers Rehearsal Sanctuary

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18

9:00 am Sunday Worship Sanctuary 10:15 am Fishers Net Prayer Ministry Chapel 10:15 am Children's Choir Rehearsal Activities Building 10:45 am Youth Ministries Program Activities Building 11:00 am Sunday Worship Sanctuary 12:30 pm Congregational Forum Sanctuary 12:30 pm HeavenSound Handbells Rehearsal Music Room