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A cornerstone of COR, of course, is our Worship Ministry, which has several important facets and many ways for members to be involved. We invite you to find the place that’s right for you.
The City of Refuge church is committed to providing a distinctive, praise-filled and empowering form of worship, as we serve God and our culturally and economically diverse congregation.
On most Sundays, Pastor Russell Thompson and the City of Refuge Worship Team leads our congregation into the presence of the Lord as a preparation for the Word and Work of the Holy Spirit. Their talents are also featured during such as Resurrection Day (Easter) and Christmas. In addition the team provides worship leadership at various outreach venues, including the Jester III Unit of the Texas State Prison System and the Star of Hope. In addition, they visit and lead prayer and praise activities for members who have special needs and are unable to attend regular services.
The Voices of Refuge is our Gospel Music Worship Team - a blend of youth and adults who love to worship within this historical and powerful music genre. Gospel music is one of America’s most celebrated contributions to worship in the Body of Christ! Gospel music brings a distinctive depth and richness to our worship experience. It also touches and inspires everyone in our diverse congregation. Membership in the Voices constitutes a rare and wonderful worship opportunity.
Modern video and audio technologies play critical roles in the Worship experience at City of Refuge. The purpose of “Sound & Media” is to make sure that the Word and Worship of every service and event in our building is heard clearly, experienced fully and later made available to others, inside and outside our COR family.
The CD Ministry is a unique opportunity for outreach as well as discipleship, with recordings of each worship service being made accessible immediately after each service. Past services are available upon request by phone, email and through this website. Additional elements of this ministry are currently in development. CDs constitute great ways to minister to someone else in the community, a shut-in member or friend, and as discipleship tools for personal or group Bible study.
Stories are historically the most powerful modes of communication. The City of Refuge Drama Ministry brings stories to life, in our own theater setting and in others! This ministry bonds members in a special form of service, expressions of members’ God-given talents as actors, singers, directors and stage assistors.
The rehearsal and production process is an opportunity for mentorship between novice and experienced theatre artists and a great outreach to non-churched participants. The goal of this ministry is to touch hearts and transform lives through the experience of stories. Try it. You’ll like it. Guaranteed.

Pastor Rufus Smith IV
Upreach Elders
Dr. Mark Frnka
Russell Thompson, Jr.
Ted Doolittle
Upreach Deacons
Sandra Organ-Solis
Joyce Coleman
Julie Griswold
Worship Pastor
Russell Thompson, Jr.
Worship Assistant/ Drama Ministry
Martha Doolittle
COR Worship Band
Michael Calloway
Voices of Refuge
Talitha Taft
Dance Ministry
Sandra Organ-Solis
Media Ministry
Liubin Yang
Robin Murphy
Elaine Chang
Doug Hanson
Joel Thomas
Lauren Weber
Sound Technician
Eric Anthony
Worship CD Ministry
Adam Stone
Joel Thomas
Phone Tree
Jane Puthaaroon
Ushers
Dr. David Hong
For more information or to participate in one of our Worship Ministry Areas, contact Elder Russell Thompson, II at 713-664-5033 ext 3.