We Stand Together
| Following Jesus is a Call to Action. Most say it’s not a spectator’s sport, and I would certainly agree. With all the changes happening in today’s world, we can feel pulled in so many directions. It’s like whack-a-mole. Alone, it feels daunting, but you’re not alone. Repeat… you are not alone. How do we navigate the rapid changes in our national and state public policy that have put our most marginalized communities at risk? We do this in community. We do this by faith. We do this by getting involved. We do this by embodying Christ in the world. We answer Jesus’ Call to Action. Who are the co-conspirators God is asking you to join hands with? While the new administration is executing mass deportation raids, culling the letters D, E, I, T, and Q ( Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Transgender, Queer) from the governmental vernacular, making declarations redefining gender distinctions, and stripping food, medical aid, and HIV preventive services from vulnerable populations, I invite you to explore what you can do. What tools and gifts do you bring to this challenge? Have faith. There are ways right now that Jesus is calling you to take action. The 89th Texas Legislature’s regular session is already underway. State politicians will soon vote on new laws that could significantly change our everyday lives—and be replicated across the country. There are already dozens of bills awaiting legislative action: Anti-LGBTQ, especially anti-trans and anti-drag bills Voucher bills that will strip billions from public schools Bills that inhibit ballot access Anti-immigrant, anti-climate justice, and anti-gun violence bills Bills blurring the lines between church and state Who better to defend our civil rights than you—an informed and engaged voter of faith?Several organizations are tracking these bills and guiding you on how to contact your legislator to voice your concerns or offer praise. Two organizations I would suggest are: Texas Impact’s TX Impact Legislative Action Center Equality Texas’ Equality Texas Bill Tracker If you’d like to join others in visiting your Texas legislators in person, Equality Texas and other organizations are hosting several Legislative Advocacy Days with round-trip chartered bus transportation from Houston to Austin. For more information, please visit Equality Texas Legislative Visits. For those looking to connect locally, I’d like to highlight two events specifically impactingResurrection MCC: The Walk to End HIV and the Upcoming Immigration Forum The 36th Annual Walk to End HIV fundraiser is essential this year, with likely cuts to lifesaving programs like the Texas HIV Medication Fund. On Sunday, March 9th, we’ll once again be lacing up our sneakers and gathering at Sam Houston Park in Downtown Houston to raise funds for local HIV services. A portion of the proceeds will benefit RMCC’s AIDS Benevolence Fund. To donate, create a walk team to raise funds, or participate in the walk, please visit WalktoEndHIV2025. Immigration Forum: Understanding Immigration Law Immigration Control and Enforcement is now operating in sensitive areas, including schools, hospitals, and places of worship. Resurrection MCC was founded over half a century ago as a safe haven for the oppressed, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. We continue this advocacy work by hosting an Immigration Forum: Saturday, March 29th, hosted by the Social Justice and La Casa de Todos Spanish Ministries. topics include Asylum, DACA, family preparedness and guardianships, family separation, and Parole-in-Place. This is available for in-person participation and streamed online with interpretation. For event registration, please visit Event Registration. Let Your Light Shine In every moment, we can find the opportunity to show Love in Action. God is always at work through the message of the gospel. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus proclaimed: “You are the world’s light—a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds flow for all to see so that they will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matt 5:14-16, TLB) Let it shine. That light—let it shine. In the practice of our faith, there is a place for worship, praise, solitude, Bible study, and contemplation. But ultimately, our faith is not meant to be kept quiet or hidden.Whether grounded in the belief that each person is formed in the image of God or simply by uplifting the inherent worth and dignity of every person, our call requires us to uphold a love ethic and the human right to thrive. Our faith is meant to be lived out in the real world. Following Jesus is a Call to Action. Justice is what God’s holiness looks like in public. Who are the co-conspirators God is asking you to join hands with? Be encouraged. Know your role.Know what you’re supposed to do. And if you’re questioning how to help, ask God and the Holy Spirit to guide you, to lead you. Tap into the organizations and the people you know. Ask what you can do to help bring justice, peace, and equity to the world today. Following Jesus is a Call to Action. How is God calling you to live out your faith in the world today? Be Courageous, My Friends, |
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| Bob Stubblefield Social Justice Ministry AIDS Walk bobfight4justice@gmail.com |
| View Last Sunday’s Service HERE Sunday’s Opening Song for Practice: What A Mighty God We Serve |