Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church: Recent Episodes
Resurrection MCC
Resurrection MCC of Houston, Texas is a Christian Church with a primary outreach to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community. Our mission is to demonstrate God’s unconditional love to all people through Christian action. Started in 1972, Resurrection MCC envisions a Christian Community that values diversity and is as diverse and all encompassing as creation. Metropolitan Community Churches are on a bold mission to transform hearts, lives, and history. We are a movement that faithfully proclaims God’s inclusive love for all people and proudly bears witness to the holy integration of spirituality and sexuality.
A time of compassion from a father towards two sons offers insight into the core calling of all believers - inclusivity. It's is God’s vision that all would be included in the family of God. We are to welcome everyone at the table of life and actively remove barriers that keep someone from experiencing God’s love and grace. Scripture: Luke 15:11-32
A time of confrontation between Jesus and the religious authorities offers insight into the character of God. It is God’s intent for all to be welcome at the table in a shared search for wholeness. Together and with God’s help, we will find the missing pieces. Sources: A reading of Luke 15v1-10 from Eugene Peterson’s The Message, 1900. A reading from Jane McAlister Pope’s “Come to Church and Join the Dance,” from the Charlotte Observer, August 10, 2000. Adapted. Scripture: Luke 15: 1-7
A time of desperation leads the Psalmist to discover that God works through difficult situations to “weave new threads of love.” Our God, who is a “Weaver of Love,” invites us to join in the weaving, knitting together to co-create with God a more compassionate community. Sources: Reading from Susan S. Jorgensen & Susan S. Izard from Knitting into the Mystery, 65-66. Reading of Cathleen O’Meara Murtha’s “Prayer for Healing” from Knitting into the Mystery, 116. Adapted reading from Janet Bristow’s “Ariadne’s Blessing” from Knitting into the Mystery, 121. Reading from Pamela Cooper-White from “Shared Wisdom” from Pray for One Another (Weavings), 31. Reading from Evelyn Underhill from Essential Writings, 39. Scripture: Psalm 139
If we go to Starbucks or Burger King we expect to have it our way. The temptation is to bring the same “consumer” mentality to worship. The result is that the style of worship becomes more important than the substance of worship. Rev. Dwayne challenges the church to “step out in faith” with a renewed focus on worshipping God rather than worshipping worship. Sources: 1. Adapted readings from Robert Morris’ “The Radiant Silence: The Wonder of Ordinary Prayer” from Weavings XX:1; 12, 13.
We gather because we are a community of faith, e.g., the body of Christ. By gathering, we are able to connect to the power of our roots, i.e., the people of faith who have gone before us. We tap into this power by our willingness to rely on God through failures, disappointment, personal hardship or disaster. We gain access to God's strength, encouragement, and perseverance by learning from our cloud of witnesses and by trusting God to help us to complete our races. References: Gary Comstock, Gay Theology without Apology, p. 135, 137 Women's Bible Commentary, p. 458
What does a bedpan have to do with faith? What does doubt have to do with faith? Rev. Dwayne reflects on these questions to inspire us towards the lifetime adventure of “Living Without Walls.” Sources: 1. Adapted reading from Inyanla VanZant’s daily meditation, “Until Today (August 20 entry).” 2. Adapted reading from David Lose “The Faith Journey” on “30 Good Minutes” Program #5017, February 2, 2007. Scripture: Hebrews 11: 1-3
Rev. Dwayne takes a fresh look at Luke 11: 1-13, arguing that this scripture has been commonly misinterpreted to support “name it and claim it” theology and/or to support the view that God expects our persistence before God will answer our prayers. Rev. Dwayne contends that God is not behind the door, irritated by our knocking, but rather God joins us in the “knocking” and is “persevering” with us as we face difficult demands and circumstances. Sources: 1. Adapted reading from Joy Douglas Strome’s “Prayer Power” from Christian Century, July 10, 2007; 19. 2. Adapted reading from Linda and Dwight Vogel’s Syncopated Grace, 47. 3. Adapted reading from James Loney’s “Cell Group” from Christian Century, July 24, 2007; 22-23. Scripture: Luke 11: 1-13
The story of the Good Samaritan shows what it means to love neighbor. The story of Jesus’ visit to Mary and Martha shows what it means to love God. We see that the real “main course” is not what Martha is so frantically preparing in the kitchen. Rather the real “main course” is Jesus and Mary “attending” to each other in deep relationship. Sources: 1. Adapted reading of Luke 10: 38-42 from Eugene Peterson’s The Message. 2. Adapted reading from “Kitchen Relief” by Joy Douglas Strome, Christian Century, July 10, 2007. 3. Adapted reading from “His Name is Glenn” by Tina Foster Caldwell from Weavings, Volume XVIII, Number 5, September/October 2003; 36-38. Scripture: Luke 10: 38-42
In Luke 10, Jesus teaches that the essence of the Christian faith is to love God and love neighbor. The story of the Good Samaritan challenges our assumptions of what “neighboring” means and offers a challenge to confront hate crimes. Sources: 1. Adapted readings from Leonard Sweet, “What Is a Good Samaritan?” from Homiletics July 16, 1995. 2. Adapted reading from “Statement of Mr. David Ritcheson Hearing on H.R. 1592, the ‘Local law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007’ to the House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security Tuesday, April 17, 2007. Scripture: Luke 10: 25-37
With the screaming of talk radio and the mudslinging of politics, it is time for a restoration of civility through gentle strength. Gentleness is not weakness. In Galatians 6, Paul calls Christians to move beyond the angry and divisive rhetoric of fear-based religion to a restoration of love-based Christian maturity. Rev. Dwayne invites each individual to decide on a specific action that will help restore wholeness to the church, community, or world. Sources: Adapted readings from John S. Mogabgab’s “Gentleness” from Weavings, Volume XIX, Number 4, July/August 2004, 2-3, and an adapted reading from Kent Amos, “U1: Relaunch!” from Fast Company, July 2000, 128. Scripture: Galatians 6: 1-6; 16.
While many profess to follow Jesus, do we get around to it or is there a firm commitment on our part? In Luke 9, Jesus again reminds the disciples of his upcoming death. The Gospel writer reminds us to, “keep the main thing, the main thing.” Rev. Bernie invites each individual to keep moving forward with faith. By moving forward, we experience new levels of happiness, fulfillment and joy. Scripture: Luke 9:51-62
God breaks through our individual walls to meet us where we are, freeing us to then break through the walls that separate us from each other. Includes an adapted reading from Dawn Marie Turner’s “Let the Walls Come Down,” and an adapted reading from former National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director and past MCC Interim Executive Director Kerry Lobel, from a keynote address given at the 5th International Bisexual Conference held in Cambridge, Massachusetts in April, 1998. Also an adapted reading from Kristen Ingram’s “Slowly Waking to Justice” from Weavings Volume XVII, Number 6 November/December 2002.
To be mindful is to take the intent of love and make it real through remembering, honoring, and cherishing. The cosmic becomes intimate through God’s mindfulness of us. Our response is to become mindful of God and others, thereby releasing love in tangible ways. This message was inspired by and includes adapted readings from Mark Ralls’ “Mindful”, a reflection on Psalm 5 published in the May 15, 2007 Christian Century. An adapted reading from “Morning With God” from the Spiritual Formation Bible’s reflection on Psalm 5 is also included. Rev. Dwayne shares a story from “About Alice” by Calvin Trillin. Scripture: Psalm 5
What is a “Spirit Life?” It is a transforming life that reveals Christ to others. It also a life lived on God’s “Plan A,” even when recovering from bad choices or facing difficult situations. Life takes many twist and turns that may not seem to make sense. This message will help you to “connect the dots” and recognize that the Holy Spirit is with you on the journey. This message includes adapted readings from “Rise to New Life,” by Melanie Lee Carey, and May Angelou’s “In the Spirit” from Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now. Scripture: Galatians 1: 15-24
Jesus invited the disciples to follow him. They did. Now Jesus is leaving them. Who will they follow now? The Spirit. Rev. Dwayne offers three “spiritual tools” to follow the Spirit and make stronger choices for stronger lives. This message includes adapted readings from Pierre Wolff’s “Discernment: The Art of Choosing Well,” and Roberta Bondi’s “The Word of God and the Stillness of God” from the January/February 2007 Weavings. Scripture: John 16: 12-15
The fire and wind of Pentecost make for great drama—yet it all may seem a bit overblown and surreal for our real lives and real fears. Jesus presents another approach to the Holy Spirit in John 14. The Holy Sprit that Jesus presents doesn’t blow and burn around us...rather, this Spirit lives within us. This is a real Spirit of Peace for real lives. This message includes a reading from James McGinnis’ “Go Out into the Deep” from Weavings, March/April 1999. Also included is an adapted reading from Joan Puls book, “Every Bush is Burning.” Scripture: John 14: 25-27
We don’t need to be behind bars to be in prison. We can be confined by our attitudes, limiting beliefs and circumstances. The greatest “prison” of all is fear. Rev. Dwayne presents the very practical “Spiritual Breakout Cycle” as a way to move towards well being, even during difficult circumstances. This message includes adapted readings from Eugene Peterson’s “The Message,” Henri Nouwen’s “Turn My Mourning Into Dancing,” and Rev. Nancy Wilson’s Public Statement a “Call to Vigilant Prayer and Action on Behalf of Jamaica’s LGBT Community.” Scripture: Acts 16: 22-34
It all boils down to love. Yet it is difficult to choose for love at each moment...especially when we are not treated lovingly. Yet with practice, we can learn to love more completely and forgive more fully. Rev. Dwayne offers practical strategies to make love a constant and consistent choice. This message includes adapted readings from Philip Gulley’s “For Everything a Season,” Pamela Hawkins' “Holy Friendship” and Don Miguel Ruiz’ “The Mastery of Love.” Scripture: John 13: 31-35
Saul had a purpose: to arrest Christians. Yet on the road to Damascus, Saul experiences a “re-purposing” that eventually leads him to change his name to Paul and become a powerful witness for love. The scripture is Acts 9: 1-6 with readings from “Nothing is Wasted By God” by Rev. Dwayne Johnson, and a quote from USA Today, October 7, 2006. Includes a brief interview with Winifred Boyd about the death of her son, Andy, from AIDS.
Do you ever feel like it hurts too much to hope? This is how Thomas felt. Then, he received a new vision that changed him forever. This message is from John 20: 19-31, with readings from an essay by Rev. Dwayne Johnson, “Hope Without Fear.”
Rev. Dwayne explores how part of Mary died when Jesus died. Yet this “dead place” in her lives again when her grief turns to awe as Jesus calls her name. The scripture text is John 20: 1-18. This message includes reading from “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” by E. Lynn Harris.
It is difficult to move forward when stuck on the past. The call of Philippians 3: 7-14 is to shift from holding on to the past to being held by Christ. Readings from The Message (Philippians 4: 7-14) and Larry Harp’s “Leaving the City of Regret” (www.inspirationalstoires.com).
Whatever your day job may be, we are all have one job in common: Minister of Reconciliation. You can find the job description in 2 Corinthians 5: 16-21. Sources: “Embodying Forgiveness” by Gregory Jones, 180-181; “Limbo” by A. Manette Ansay, 74-75. “Embracing the World” by Jane Vennard, 27-28.
Lent is a time to consider our hungers, thirsts, and cravings. Our stomachs may be full, yet what about our hearts? What about our relationships? What about our lives? Rev. Dwayne Johnson challenges us to rethink what it means to be full and satisfied. Scripture Text: Isaiah 55: 1-9. Adapted readings from Eugene Peterson’s The Message, Williams Sloan Coffin’s “Why Haven’t We Don More Already? (Living Pulpit, Jan-Mar 2007, 25), “Help” (The Sun, Feb 2007, 29) and Henri Nouwen’s “Love Deeply” from The Inner Voice of Love, 59.
During this time of Lent, Rev. Patrick talks about how important it is to STOP and listen to the many ways which God and the Divine speak to us throughout our lives. God speaks to us through so many different ways (including our pets) and it is so important to take the time to stop, reflect and connect with the Spirit. Mindfulness and awareness are the focus of the sermon including the text, "Be Still and know that I am God." Scripture Text: Psalm 46:10-11 and Mark 4:35-41.
Rev. Dwayne Johnson completes the seven-part Creating A Life That Matters series with an affirmation that such a life is a process of ongoing transformation. One key to ongoing transformation is to listen to the voice that matters: the voice of Christ that guided the disciples from the mountain of transfiguration to a lifetime of ministry. The message includes readings from 2 Peter 1: 16-19 from The Inclusive New Testament, from Basil Pennington (Weavings XVI: 4, pp34-35; adapted), from Heidi Neumark (Christian Century, February 6, 207, “Altitude Adjustment” p 16; adapted) and from Henri Nouwen (The Innver Voice of Love, pp 89-90; adapted). Scripture Text: Luke 9: 28-36
What matters to us and what matters to God may not be the same thing. Our values are often influenced by the messages of our surrounding cultures that value power, money, and position. Jesus redefines what matters In Luke 6: 17-27 with a calling to the beauty of internal and eternal values. This message includes readings from “Inside Out Upside Down” by Rev. Dwayne Johnson. Scripture Text: Luke 6: 17-27
In Luke 5: 1-11, Jesus calls us to create a life that matters by living out our call. Jesus challenges us to “go deeper” and “don’t be afraid” as we embrace new visions for our lives and communities. This message includes readings from “Christ Appears” by Rev. Dwayne Johnson.
The Fountain - They matter. Creating a life that matters calls for us to move beyond a childlike existence of care receivers to become care givers. Relationships rooted in love help us mature from “you matter” to “we matter” to “they matter.” Adapted readings from Elie Wiesel, Night (Bantam Books, 1986), p. 62; Carter Heyward, “The Enigmatic God,” The Witness, April 1974, p. 5; Natasha Bedingfield song, “Unwritten” from album, “Unwritten;” and Scripture text: 1 Corinthians 13 from The Message.
The Well - They matter. Creating a life that matters calls for us to move beyond a childlike existence of care receivers to become care givers. Relationships rooted in love help us mature from “you matter” to “we matter” to “they matter.” Adapted readings from Elie Wiesel, Night (Bantam Books, 1986), p. 62; Carter Heyward, “The Enigmatic God,” The Witness, April 1974, p. 5; Natasha Bedingfield song, “Unwritten” from album, “Unwritten;” and Scripture text: 1 Corinthians 13 from The Message.
The Fountain - You matter. You matter to God. Our deep significance is best lived out in community rather than isolation. Adapted readings from Judith Brain (Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary, July 9, 2001), Yvette Flunder (Where the Edge Gathers) and 1 Corinthians 12: 18-27 from The Message. Scripture text: 1 Corinthians 12: 27-31.
The Well - You matter. You matter to God. Our deep significance is best lived out in community rather than isolation. Adapted readings from Judith Brain (Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary, July 9, 2001), Yvette Flunder (Where the Edge Gathers) and 1 Corinthians 12: 18-27 from The Message. Scripture text: 1 Corinthians 12: 27-31.
The Fountain - You matter. It is clear that you matter because God has given you unique gifts. When you boldy live your gifts you show who God is. Includes a reading from "The Message" and the story of “The Stone Cutter” by Roberto Assagioli.
The Well - You matter. It is clear that you matter because God has given you unique gifts. When you boldy live your gifts you show who God is. Includes a reading from "The Message" and the story of “The Stone Cutter” by Roberto Assagioli.
The Fountain - You matter. You matter to God. Once you know you matter to God, you will live with a new confidence and courage. The opinions of others will no longer have the power to distract you from creating the life that you’ve always wanted. Baptism is a sacrament that grounds this powerful understanding in God’s grace. Adapted readings from Iyanla Vanzant’s “Until Today” and MCC Moderator Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson. Scripture: Luke 3: 21-22
The Well - You matter. You matter to God. Once you know you matter to God, you will live with a new confidence and courage. The opinions of others will no longer have the power to distract you from creating the life that you’ve always wanted. Baptism is a sacrament that grounds this powerful understanding in God’s grace. Adapted readings from Iyanla Vanzant’s “Until Today” and MCC Moderator Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson. Scripture: Luke 3: 21-22
Christmas Eve - God chose to enter a world that hides behind "DO NOT TOUCH" or "YOU BREAK IT YOU BUY IT" signs. As children we were told to "look, but don't touch." Jesus says, "See And Touch." Scripture: John 1:14. An adapted reading from Gerrit Scott Dawson, "Small Talk" Weavings XIX, Number 1, p20 & 22, and a reading from Dr. Stephen Estep.
The Fountain - David's experience with God was so real it could be tasted. Rev. Dwayne extends a challenge to not just taste life with God---but savor it and share it. Scripture: Psalm 34: 1-8. A reading adapted from Dr. Stephen Estep., another inspired from "A Tree Full of Angels," by Marcrina Wiederkehr, and a final reading adapted from, "Yours Are the Hands of Christ," by James C. Howell.
The Well - David's experience with God was so real it could be tasted. Rev. Dwayne extends a challenge to not just taste life with God---but savor it and share it. Scripture: Psalm 34: 1-8. A reading adapted from Dr. Stephen Estep., another inspired from "A Tree Full of Angels," by Marcrina Wiederkehr, and a final reading adapted from, "Yours Are the Hands of Christ," by James C. Howell.
The Fountain - The wonderful scents of the season remind us to spread God's love as the greatest gift of all -- like "an aroma that brings Christ to everyone." Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2: 14-16. Readings from Dr. Stephen Estep.
The Well - The wonderful scents of the season remind us to spread God's love as the greatest gift of all -- like "an aroma that brings Christ to everyone." Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2: 14-16. Readings from Dr. Stephen Estep.
The Fountain - Experiencing the Real Presence of Christ will create more love to share that the holidays may become Holy Days. Scripture: Daniel 7:13-14. Reading from Mother Teresa as quoted by James Roose-Evans, “The Inner Stage” [Cambridge, Mass.: Cowley Publication, 1990], 130, adapted.
The Well - Experiencing the Real Presence of Christ will create more love to share that the holidays may become Holy Days. Scripture: Daniel 7:13-14. Reading from Mother Teresa as quoted by James Roose-Evans, “The Inner Stage” [Cambridge, Mass.: Cowley Publication, 1990], 130, adapted.
The Fountain - You'll need grace to for the Holidays to not become Hell Days but rather become Holy Days. God offers full grace--not half grace. Scripture: Hebrews 10: 14-18, and a reading from Romans 8: 31-15; 37-39 (The Inclusive New Testament), and from, "A Path With Heart," by Jack Kornfield, and "How to Recognize Grace," by Marilyn Chandler McEntyre.
The Well - You'll need grace to for the Holidays to not become Hell Days but rather become Holy Days. God offers full grace--not half grace. Scripture: Hebrews 10: 14-18, and a reading from Romans 8: 31-15; 37-39 (The Inclusive New Testament), and from, "A Path With Heart," by Jack Kornfield, and "How to Recognize Grace," by Marilyn Chandler McEntyre.
The Fountain - Beat the "Gift Giving Anxiety Syndrome" through the tool of True Giving.
Scripture: Mark 12: 41-44, and a reading from The Message & My Grandfather's Blessings by Naomi Remen.
The Well - Beat the "Gift Giving Anxiety Syndrome" through the tool of True Giving.
Scripture: Mark 12: 41-44, and a reading from The Message & My Grandfather's Blessings by Naomi Remen.
The Fountain - Rev. Dwayne looks at the Biblical story of Ruth & Naomi as not only a story of love -- but a story of risk, change, and transformation. Take the challenge to put your future on the line and live your deepest values.
Scripture: Ruth 1: 6-18, and a reading from Thomas Merton's, "Thoughts In Solitude," and an adapted reading from Marsha Sinetar's, "Ordinary People As Monks and Mystics."
The Well - Rev. Dwayne looks at the Biblical story of Ruth & Naomi as not only a story of love -- but a story of risk, change, and transformation. Take the challenge to put your future on the line and live your deepest values.
Scripture: Ruth 1: 6-18, and a reading from Thomas Merton's, "Thoughts In Solitude," and an adapted reading from Marsha Sinetar's, "Ordinary People As Monks and Mystics."
The Fountain - Scripture: Mark 10: 46-52, with a reading from Henri Nouwen entitled, "Let Jesus Transform You."
The Well -Scripture: Mark 10: 46-52, with a reading from Henri Nouwen entitled, "Let Jesus Transform You."
The Fountain - Rev. Dwayne explores the power of praise...with the idea that the real power of praise is revealed during the most difficult times.
Scripture: Psalm 104: 1-5, with readings from, "The Message," and an adapted reading from, "God Calling."
The Well - Rev. Dwayne explores the power of praise...with the idea that the real power of praise is revealed during the most difficult times.
Scripture: Psalm 104: 1-5, with readings from, "The Message," and an adapted reading from, "God Calling."
The Fountain - Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, and a reading from, "One Day My Soul Just Opened Up," by Iyanla Vanzant.
The Well - Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, and a reading from, "One Day My Soul Just Opened Up," by Iyanla Vanzant.
The Well - Scripture: John 7:37-39, and a reading from, "The Inner Voice of Love," by Henri Nouwen and, "Until Today," by Iyanla Vanzant.
The Well - Scripture: Mark 7:24-29, Psalm 20:1-5 and readings from, "A Guide to Prayer For All Who Seek God," by Norman Shawchuck and Rueben P. Job.
Rev. Dwayne shares a message exploring the movie, "The Devil Wears Prada."
Scripture: Hebrew 12:14-17 and a reading from, "Something More: Excavating Your Authentic Self," by Sarah Ban Breathnach, and quote from Bill Hybels.
Moderator Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson challenges us to put the “move” back into “movement.”
Scripture: Acts 3:11-16, Luke 4:14-19
Rev. Dwayne explores the movie Brokeback Mountain and challenges us to move beyond the “brokeback” places in our lives.
Scripture: Colossians 3:12-15, Mark 2:1-12.
Movie based on novel, "Close Range: Wyoming Stories," by Annie Proulx.
Rev. Dwayne explores the movie Brokeback Mountain and challenges us to move beyond the “brokeback” places in our lives.
Scripture: Hebrew 12:1-3, Luke 13:6-9, and a reading from, "Kitchen Table Wisdom," by Rachel Naomi Remen.
Movie based on novel, "Close Range: Wyoming Stories," by Annie Proulx.
Rev. Dwayne explores the movie Brokeback Mountain and challenges us to move beyond the “brokeback” places in our lives.
Scripture: Jude 20-21:24-25, Matthew 4:8-11, and a reading from, "One Day My Soul Just Opened Up," by Iyanla Vanzant.
Movie based on novel, "Close Range: Wyoming Stories," by Annie Proulx.
Rev. Dwayne explores the movie Brokeback Mountain and challenges us to move beyond the “brokeback” places in our lives.
Scripture: Scripture: Romans 15:1-6, Mark 9:17-24 and readings from, "Prayers for Bobby: A Mother's Coming to Terms with the Suicide of Her Gay Son," by Leroy Aarons.
Movie based on novel, "Close Range: Wyoming Stories," by Annie Proulx.
Rev. Dwayne explores the movie Brokeback Mountain and challenges us to move beyond the “brokeback” places in our lives.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-19; Matthew 23:35-28 and readings from, "We Were Baptized Too: Claiming God’s Grace for Lesbians and Gays," by Marilyn Alexander and James Preston.
Movie based on novel, "Close Range: Wyoming Stories," by Annie Proulx.
Rev. Dwayne shares a message on our core value to “build bridges that liberate and unite.”
Scripture: Ephesians 1:4-6, Matthew 8:5-11
Rev. Ladd shares a message on our core value to “reclaim our holy identity.”
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, 1 Peter 2:9
Rev. Tracye shares a message on our core value to “tell our story of God’s transforming grace.”
Scripture: Romans 12:1-2, Mark 10:28-31