We Gather We've Waited for This Day; We're Gathered in Your Name, from Many Places We Gather Here

July 2, 2017 + Opening Song / Canción de Apertura Open Up the Heavens We Gather We've waited for this day; We're gathered in your name, From many places we gather here. This Calling out to You. Your glory like a fire, is a high point of our Awakening desire, Will burn our hearts with truth. week. We see our You're the reason we're here. You're the reason we're singing. friends. We make new friends. And we Open up the heavens; We want to see You. spend time with The Open up the floodgates: A mighty river, Friend -- the loving Flowing from Your heart, Filling every part of our praise. Christ who meets us, as we are. In this Sanctuary we worship, Your presence in this place, Your glory on our face, and through worship We're looking to the sky. Descending like a cloud, the courage within us You're standing with us now; Lord, unveil our eyes. is kindled to inspire You're the reason we're here. You're the reason we're singing. courageous living beyond this place. Open up the heavens; We want to see You. Open up the floodgates: A mighty river, Flowing from Your heart, Filling every part of our praise. Open up the heavens; We want to see You. Open up the floodgates: A mighty river, Flowing from Your heart, Filling every part of our praise. Show us, show us Your glory. Show us, show us Your power. Show us, show us Your glory, Lord. Show us, show us Your glory. Show us, show us Your power. Show us, show us Your glory, Lord. We want to see You, we want to see You. Open up the heavens; We want to see You. Open up the floodgates: A mighty river, Flowing from Your heart, Filling every part of our praise. Open up the heavens; We want to see You. Open up the floodgates: A mighty river, Flowing from Your heart, Filling every part of our praise.

Words and Music by Andi Rozier, James McDonald, Jason Ingram, Meredith Andrews, & Stuart Garrard © 2012 Word Music, LLC (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) Open Hands Music, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing, Stugio Music Publish- ing (All admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC), and Harvest Bible Chapel Publishing

Our Community Gathers / Nuestra Communidad Se Reúne Rev. Vickey Gibbs Announcements / Anuncios Mark Eggleston + Exchange of Peace / Saludo de la Paz Rev. Vickey Gibbs

+ You are invited to rise in body or spirit. / Usted está invitado a levantarse en cuerpo o espíritu. + Gathering Song / Canción de Reunión Take Heart No shame, no fear, No more condemnation Freedom is here, Our hope and our salvation No name compares, No love that is greater Jesus is here, Our God cannot be shaken Oh-oh Take heart, the Love has come, Take heart, our God is for us We stand in the Savior’s love, The only love that will last forever No sin too great, Nothing that God can’t conquer God's love remains, Our God is so much stronger Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh Take heart, the Love has come, Take heart, our God is for us We stand in the Savior’s love, The only love that will last forever We are more than conquerors, God has overcome the hate We are more than conquerors, So take heart, take heart. We are more than conquerors, God has overcome the hate We are more than conquerors, So take heart, take heart. We are more than conquerors, God has overcome the hate We are more than conquerors, So take heart, take heart. Take heart, the Love has come, Take heart, our God is for us We stand in the Savior’s love, The only love that will last forever The only love that will last forever. The only love that will last forever.

by Israel Houghton, Joshua Dufresne and Colin Edge

Contemporary Word / Lectura Contemporanea Annette Beall

The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo

The eye can see what we have in common or focus on what keeps us apart. And the heart can feel what joins us with everything or replay its many cuts. And the tongue can praise the wind or warn against the storm, can praise the sea or dread the flood. It's not that there are no differences - the world is made of infinite variety - rather it is the seizing of differences, the fearing of difference, that keeps us from feeling grace. Paradoxically, everything in life touches the same center through its uniqueness, the way no two souls are the same, though every soul breathes the same air. When we fall into the illusion that one creation is better than another, we remove ourselves from the miracle of being and enter what the sixth-century sage Seng-Ts'an called the mind's worst disease: the endless deciding between want and don't want, the endless war between for and against.

One: In these human words, God's voice is heard. All: Amen.

2 Children's Blessing / Benedición de los Ninós (11 am) Sharri McGlauthing Communion As we gather, break bread, and tell stories of hope through prayer, Anthem / Selección Musical Forever Blest song and ritual in the practice we call "communion," we bear Freedom Band witness that "Life is by Daryl K. Williams and John Darin Rowsey stronger than death. People can change with God’s help. And God is worthy of our thanks and + Scripture Lesson / Lectura Bíblica Albert Cepeda praise." All are welcome at the table: you do not need to be a member Galatians 5:13-14 of this or any church to gather as God's children at the table of Life. It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy A brief blessing is offered with bread and your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how unfermented juice, freedom grows. For everything we know about God's Word is summed up in a available to all. Gluten- single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That's an act of true freedom. free bread is offered at the far right; Spanish blessing offered at the far left. One: This is the word of God for the people of God. All: Thanks be to God. Amen. Please honor this time of sacred community with singing, quiet meditation or prayer that we might each receive the spiritual nourishment we seek ... Special Music / Música Especial Gospel Ensemble Faithful is Our God Comunión by Jules Bartholomew Al reunirnos, partir el pan, y contar historias de esperanza a través de la oración, el canto y el ritual en la práctica que Sermon / Sermón Angela Whorton llamamos "comunión", damos testimonio de que "la vida es más Allegiance: Indivisible With Justice fuerte que la muerte. Las personas pueden cambiar con la ayuda de Dios. Y Dios es digno de nuestro agradecimiento Moment of Reflection / Momento de Reflexión Mark C. Brown y alabanza. "Todos están invitados a la mesa: no es necesario ser miembro de esta iglesia o cualquier reunir como hijos de Dios en la mesa de la Vida.

Invitation to Give / Invitación a dar Mark C. Brown Una breve bendición se ofrece con el pan y el jugo, al alcance de todos. Pan sin gluten se ofrece en el extremo derecho; bendición españoles Offertory / Ofrenda Gospel Ensemble ofrecen en el extremo izquierdo.

The Lord Is My Shepherd Por favor respetar este by Unknown Arr. Sissy Houston tiempo de comunidad sagrada con canto, la meditación o la oración silenciosa para Prayer of Receiving / Oración de Recepcíon Mark C. Brown que podamos recibir cada uno el alimento espiritual que buscamos.

3 Communion / Comunión Rev. Vickey Gibbs

Communion Songs / Cantos de Comunión What a Friend We Have in Jesus by Charles Crozat Converse and Joseph Medlicott Scriven

I'm Pressing on the Upward Way by Johnson Oatman, Jr.

There's Just Something About That Name Words and music William and Gloria Gaither

Prayer of Thanksgiving / Acción de Gracias Rev. Vickey Gibbs

+ Closing Song / Canto de Salida

I'll Fly Away Some glad morning when this life is o'er, I'll fly away; To a home on God's celestial shore, I'll fly away. I'll fly away, O glory, I'll fly away; When I die, hallelujah, by and by, I'll fly away. When the shadows of this life have gone, I'll fly away; Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I'll fly away. (Chorus) Just a few more weary days and then, I'll fly away; To a land where joy shall never end, I'll fly away. (Chorus)

+ Benediction / Bendición Angela Whorton

+ Postlude / Postludio Joel Hammett

4 Executive Team Rev. Troy Treash Senior Pastor Welcome! [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 Rev. Vickey Gibbs and learn more about Christian living in an inclusive way. All are welcome. Associate Pastor [email protected] (x107) Make sure to visit the Concierge Desk, located in our Welcome Area, to receive a gift from us. You will find friendly volunteer hosts waiting to greet you. Mark C. Brown Director of Worship Arts Worship Services [email protected] (x109) Resurrection MCC is proud to offer variety in our worship services. Our two Sunday services, at 9 & 11 am, are identical in form, however they contain different elements from diverse religious traditions each week. Shiv Dharan Director of Operations [email protected] (x102) A Special Welcome to First-Time Families! Our nursery staff would love to meet you and your infants & children aged one month Mark Eggleston through three years! The nursery is located to the right of the Sanctuary entrance and Director of Communications is open during both the 9 & 11 am services. [email protected] (x106) Children and youth aged 4 - 12 years are invited to join our Youth Ministries Program during the 11 am service in the Activities Building (located across the breezeway from Angela Whorton our Sanctuary building). During the 11 am Worship service, children will be invited to Director of Connections the front of the Sanctuary for a brief blessing, and volunteers will then escort them to [email protected] (x105) the Activities Building. About Us… Professional Stipend & Volunteers Resurrection MCC is a Christian church that follows God's call to justice for all people. We build on a rich history of social justice for, and on behalf of, lesbian, gay, bisexual, Alan Cunningham transgender, and queer people. Since its founding in 1968, Metropolitan Community Audio Engineer Churches have been at the vanguard of civil and human rights movements as an international advocate for vulnerable people in places where religious orthodoxy, Joel Hammett sexism, transphobia and homophobia can result in violence and death. MCC has Organist & Accompanist been on the forefront in the struggle towards marriage equality in the US and other countries worldwide and continues to be a powerful voice in the LGBTQ equality movement. MCC’s ministry reaches over 43,000 members in over 250 churches in 22 Christy Irvin countries worldwide. Gospel Ensemble Pianist Metropolitan Community Churches are on a bold mission to transform hearts, lives, Debbie Mansfield and history. We are a movement that faithfully proclaims God's inclusive love for all Children's Coordinator people and proudly bears witness to the holy integration of spirituality and sexuality. [email protected] Because of our faith we are called to: do justice, show kindness, and live humbly with God (Micah 6:8); explore life's questions with open hearts and minds; raise our voices in sacred defiance against exclusion, whether religious, political or systemic; Georgette L. Monaghan reach out to those with no hope; equip new generations of remarkable, far-reaching Usher Coordinator spiritual activists. Sara Navarro Our MISSION is to demonstrate God’s unconditional love to all people through Graphic Designer & Teen Coordinator Christ-like action. [email protected] (x112) Our VISION is to boldly experience, engage, and embody our faith to transform ourselves and the world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love. Rev. Ulises Perez At Resurrection MCC, every member and friend is a minister of the church. We envision Spanish Language Minister a Christian community that values diversity and is as diverse and all-encompassing as [email protected] creation. Through salvation, service, study, and tithing, each member and friend will live and grow in faith and be spiritually fed. Steven Shannon Sanctuary Choir Director Core Values [email protected] INCLUSION John Taylor Love is our greatest moral value. Inclusion is a primary focus of our ministry. We believe Altar Ministries Coordinator that all people, as they are and where they are, should be welcomed at God’s table.

Cassandra White COMMUNITY Gospel Ensemble Director Our deep desire is to offer a safe and open community for people to worship, learn, [email protected] share, and grow in their faith. We are committed to equipping ourselves and each other to do the work that God has called us to do in the world. Worship | Sunday, 9 & 11 am Children & Youth Worship | Sunday, 11 am SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION Nursery | Sunday, 9 & 11 am A message of liberation guides our ministry. We believe that when people are invited to experience God through the life and ministry of Christ, lives are transformed.

ResurrectionMCC JUSTICE 2025 West 11th St, Houston, Texas 77008 We are committed to uplifting all people and standing with those who suffer under the www.ResurrectionMCC.org weight of oppressive systems. We are guided by our commitment to global human rights. 713-861-9149 5 Good Christian Sex: Why Chastity Isn't the Only Option - And Other Things the Bible Says About Sex CAMPUS WEDNESDAYS CARE TEAM JULY 12 MEETING 7 - 8:30 pm • Gathering Place MONDAY We’ll move beyond the deep-seated cultural feelings of shame that have long fueled the conflict JULY 10 between Christianity and sex -- and the belief that 6:15 - 7:30 pm • Workroom there is only one right and valid way to practice one’s sexuality -- using enlightening stories and examples The Campus Care Team is responsible for assessing from theology to show how sex is powerful and holy. the ever-changing conditions on our campus and Christians have been told to adhere to one singular grounds. We meet monthly to plan and execute path when it comes to sex: abstinence and purity. much needed maintenance projects in and around Yet this limited focus ignores the reality that people’s our church home. All are welcome to attend this meeting and see if this ministry is a fit for your Spirit! sexual and romantic lives differ widely. Dinner served at 6:15 pm [email protected] [email protected]

SECOND THURSDAYS JULY 13 Untethered Soul: The Journey FIRST SUNDAYS Beyond Yourself TODAY by Michael A. Singer 10 am - 1 pm • Gathering Place 6:30 - 8 pm • Conference Room

Free testing for HIV (results in 60 seconds) & Syphilis Book clubs have become a popular way for readers (results in 2 weeks). Knowing your status is the best to discuss books in an informal setting. Join us as we way for you to stay healthy and avoid spreading dive in and discuss a different book each month. Books sexually transmitted illnesses. Get tested and take available in Inspirations bookstore. At this month's control. Testing provided by Fort Bend County meeting, we'll pick books for the next six months. Clinical Health Services. www.facebook.com/FortBendClinic [email protected]

6 SOCIAL SATURDAY JULY 15 11:30 am - 1:30 pm • Gathering Place FRIDAY, JULY 14 Join us for a presentation by Naushaba Patel, Women's 7 - 9 pm Health Education and Outreach Specialist at the Montrose Center. She works with the Lesbian Health Del-Mar Lanes Initiative (LHI), which, for over 25 years, has sought 3020 Mangum, Houston 77092 to eliminate barriers to healthcare and promote good health and wellness for LGBTQ women, and also works Let’s go bowling! Prizes will be given for various fun with AssistHers, which has for over 20 years worked categories. It should be a great evening with lots of to create a community of caregivers and support for laughs! Cost is $10 per person, which includes two hours of bowling, bowling ball, and shoes. Food and lesbian women struggling with serious illnesses, to drinks are available at the snack bar. help them to live as normally as possible. Come and learn about resources, enjoy fellowship with other Pre-registration required at OWLS, bring a covered dish, break bread, make new www.ResurrectionMCC.org/bowlarama. friends, have great conversations, and have plain old This event is limited to 20 people. fun. We look forward to seeing you! [email protected] [email protected]

THIRD SATURDAYS JULY 15 JULY 16 9 am - 1 pm • Gathering Place 9 - 10:30 am • Chapel Learn more about who we are at Resurrection MCC in this introductory class. We'll discuss the mission, During All Church Work Days, we get together to vision, and values of Resurrection MCC. Learn more love on, clean up, organize, and maintain our church. about our history, and discover the many ways people Join us at 9 am in the Welcome Area to choose an are making an impact in our faith community. At the end of the class you will be gien the opportunity to indoor or outdoor project. Lunch and laughs will be become a member if you feel God's call on your heart held in the Gathering Place from Noon - 1 pm. to do so. The class is open to those wishing to become members and those who simply want to learn more about Resurrection MCC. Light breakfast provided. [email protected] [email protected]

6 7 WEDNESDAYS YAASS: JULY 19 - AUGUST 23 ENJOYING A SUCCESSFUL Gathering Place LIFE - RELATIONSHIPS It is commonly thought in secular society that the SATURDAY Bible is one of the greatest hindrances to doing justice. Isn’t it full of regressive views? Didn’t it JULY 22 condone slavery? Why would we look to the Bible 11 am - 1 pm • Gathering Place for guidance on how to have a more just society? Being transparent and unconditional in relationships. We’ll challenge these preconceived beliefs and This will be a collaborative group conversation about present the Bible as a fundamental source for enjoying time with others and the ships of life. There promoting justice and compassion for those in will be a panel discussion with relevant and authentic need. Come explore a life of justice empowered by dialogue with the end goal of knowing how to steer an experience of a generous, gracious justice. life’s ships safely and effectively. All are welcome. [email protected] [email protected]

TICKETS SALE NOW!

THE CONCERT Friday, August 4 Saturday, August 5 FRIDAY 7 - 9 pm • Sanctuary In the wake of last year’s production of Jesus Christ JULY 21 Superstar, you will enjoy the hair-raising music 7 - 10 pm • Gathering Place of the Broadway hit Hairspray. Songs from the musical will be performed by the talented singers Bring a snack and a tablegame to share with the of the Worship Arts Department and the concert is group. Meet new friends and catch-up with old produced by the Sanctuary Choir. Tickets are $30 friends. BYOB. This is a casual Friday evening of in advance in Inspirations Book Store and online at fun with friends! Hosted by Kent Biggs and Horacio www.ResurrectionMCC.org/hairspray. Tickets are Rodriguez. $40 at the door. [email protected] [email protected] 8 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Resurrection MCC depends on your time and your talents to minister to over 1,000 people each month! There are a few ministries which are currently most in need of your support. If you are interested, or have questions about what SMALL GROUP STUDY may be required, please email Connections@ Do you have at least 5 friends, a TV/notebook and ResurrectionMCC.org. Your email will be 90 minutes a week for 6 weeks? Are you interested forwarded to a ministry team lead who will be in exploring who God is and how God works in the in touch. world? If so, email RevVickey@ResurrectionMCC. org for instructions on how to access this wonderful Bookstore Cashier study based on the book and movie, The Shack. Children's Teachers & Assistants Coffee Talk Host Based on the movie in theaters this past March, The Shack, is a 5-week study designed to help people Communion Server (English & Spanish) experience the life-changing goodness, grace, and Concierge Desk presence of God. Using engaging scenes from the film, paired with relevant Scripture, these resources Greeter are an invitation to experience the ultimate truth Prayer Wall about love, loss, and forgiveness. Readers (English & Spanish) Watch the trailer at Usher www.ResurrectionMCC.org/shack

FORMATION HIV / AIDS COLLABORATION CLASS BENEVOLENCE FUND SATURDAY, JULY 8 9:30 am - 3 pm • Activities Building Operated by Pride Charities, the HIV/AIDS Starting a nonprofit takes a big heart, but the Benevolence Fund provides critical financial support process to do so can be tedious and bewildering. to those affected by HIV and AIDS. Many of their The checklist can pile up quickly. This means a lot of clients are struggling to receive all the support they nonprofits find themselves struggling to get off the need from agencies in our area. With your help, this ground, or generate enough donations to remain fund provides assistance with rent, utilities, phone, open. Come and find out what you need to know to medication, and other expenses. If you are in need form your own efficiently. of financial support, please contact Pride Charities [email protected] at 346-313-3956 or [email protected].

9 LA CASA DE TODOS GRUPO DE ESTUDIO BÍBLICO Special Congregational (SPANISH BIBLE STUDY) JUEVES MEETING 7 - 8:30 pm • Capilla SUNDAY ¿Te gustaría conocer más sobre la Biblia? ¿Quieres conocer el mensaje de Dios para tu vida? ¿Sabes que Dios te ama, sin importar a quién ames? El JULY 16 propósito será que por medio de clases dinámicas 12:30 pm • Sanctuary y prácticas podamos llegar al conocimiento de las In accordance with our bylaws, the Resurrection verdades espirituales de una manera sencilla, para MCC Board of Directors is calling this Special poder entender, practicar y vivir en la conciencia Congregational Meeting. We encourage all voting de que Dios nos ama y no rechaza a nadie por su members to make an effort to be present to be orientación o por ser diferentes. Buscamos llegar a informed, to ask questions, and to vote. The agenda la comunidad TLGBQ+ Latina, para ir formando una is limited to one item: addressing the issue of the comunidad de fe que responda a sus necesidades church mortgage and pending balloon payment y en su propio idioma. due in July of 2019. [email protected]

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Houston THURSDAYS Miss Your Face 7 - 8:30 pm • Workroom in This Place Free and confidential support group for individuals living with, or family and friends affected by, de- As ministers of Resurrection MCC, we have an pression and bipolar disorders. We help individuals, exciting new way to reach out to those you have family members, and friends understand these two been missing in Worship. Located in the Sanctuary, difficult, yet treatable, mental disorders. In addition, there is a wooden box with cards and pens that you DBSA works to educate the public about depression can use to write down the name of someone you and bipolar disorders, confront social stigma, and haven't seen in a few weeks. Then, we'll send an advocate for the rights of people living with mental email to let them know they are missed. We'll even disorders. include a brief message, if you'd like. Thank you for helping to demonstrate God's love. [email protected] [email protected]

10 YOGA CONNECTIONS

Instructors Alternate Weekly: Darrin Brindle, Robin Mack, and Special Guests TUESDAYS 7 - 8 pm | Activities Building Please bring water and towel. Yoga mats available to borrow. Beginner to Intermediate skill levels. Details & RSVP: [email protected]

IN.formation is a peer led support group focused on creating a gender inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, Celebrating Your Birthday! spouses and partners. We would like to send you birthday greetings on your special day so please take a moment to complete your Support Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Monday profile in ACS so that we are able to celebrate your from 7:00 to 8:30 pm birthday with you. It is easy to do. Just go to our Web 7:00 pm to 7:45 pm Transgender/GNC Support site at www.ResurrectionMCC.org click on the "My 7:00 pm to 7:45 pm Spouses and Partners Support 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm Both groups meet together Journey" logo and create or update your profile.

General Fund Giving Report For YTD Ended June 25, 2017

Anticipated Actual General Offerings $370,162.71 $346,409.07 Ministry Plan Need is the Fundraising* $17,000.00 $26,345.80 weekly amount needed Events/Leases $93,594.00 $74,937.47 per the budget approved by the congregation to Total Income $480,756.71 $447,692.34 achieve our 2017 ministry Variance ($33,064.37) plan goals and strategic Attendance Week Ended YTD Average growth initiatives. Worship 404 403 Programming 505 366 Total Weekly Attendance 909 769

* In 2017, the anticipated fundraising amount will be adjusted according to the actual dates when the fundraising events occur.

11 This Week @

ResurrectionMCC.orgThis schedule lists open offerings for which all are invited to participate. This is not a comprehensive list of all events on campus. COFFEE TALK Every Sunday After Worship Gathering Place SUNDAY JULY 2 9:00 am Worship Service Sanctuary Coffee Talk is an opportunity to make friends over 10:00 am HIV/STD Testing Gathering Place conversation and breakfast snacks every Sunday! 10:15 am Coffee Talk Gathering Place We hope you will find this as a great way to meet 11:00 am Worship Service Sanctuary new friends and reconnect with those you already 11:00 am Generation Faith Teens Activities Building know. We are in need of finger foods each Sunday. Please consider bringing and sharing your favorite 12:15 am Coffee Talk Gathering Place sweet or savory dish at Coffee Talk. Contact 12:30 am Brunch Buddies Welcome Center [email protected] with questions or offerings. MONDAY OFFICE CLOSED JULY 3 No Events Scheduled TUESDAY OFFICE CLOSED JULY 4 No Events Scheduled WEDNESDAY OFFICE CLOSED JULY 5 6:30 pm Overeaters Anonymous 12-Step Meeting Chapel 7:00 pm Good Christian Sex Gathering Place NEXT WEEK: GOLDEN CAFE THURSDAY OFFICE CLOSED JULY 6 7:00 pm Depression Bipolar Support Group Gathering Place BRUNCH 7:00 pm Grupo de Estudio Biblico Chapel FRIDAY OFFICE CLOSED JULY 7 BUDDIES No Events Scheduled TODAY • 12:30 PM SATURDAY OFFICE CLOSED JULY 8 Berryhill 6:30 pm Overeaters Anonymous 12-Step Meeting Chapel 702 E 11th St, Houston, 77008 1:00 pm Hairspray Set Construction Gathering Place www.berryhillheights.com • 713-225-2252 SUNDAY JULY 9 Join us at a nearby restaurant every Sunday. The 9:00 am Worship Service Sanctuary restaurant name and address will be printed in this 10:15 am Coffee Talk Gathering Place location in the bulletin each week. Whether you're 11:00 am Worship Service Sanctuary a long-time congregant or a first-time visitor, 11:00 am Generation Faith Teens Activities Building consider yourself invited to become a Brunch 12:15 am Coffee Talk Gathering Place Buddy! Hosts: Larry Lopez and Bill Schwaiger 12:30 am Brunch Buddies Welcome Center 7:00 pm The Mankind Project Support Group Chapel [email protected]