Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action

This was my first pride parade, and I was not in the best of moods about being in a gay parade. I anticipated an unfavorable reception from the crowd, or at best, only some support. I did not expect what happened; the crowd was wildly supportive and very emotional. Instead of “boo’s” or negative shouting the exact opposite happened. I was overwhelmed with joy. The church universal has sinned against the gays to the point that persons are asked to leave (silently or openly) from churches. The church universal seems to have developed a harshly negative connotation to gay with vehement opposition. I did not attend because I was a supporter, but because I was asked to represent my church. Now I may be radical enough to call myself a supporter. I say radical since other than gays themselves, I never hear people say or show through their actions that they support gays; I can count those people on my hands.
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The Austin District and the Amos Commission are pleased to host the second in a series of opportunities to gain the practical skills necessary to address The United Methodist Church’s four areas of focus. The event, to be held June 27 from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Memorial UMC, will feature keynote speaker Robert Linthicum and will focus on ways that individuals and local churches can work to end poverty and the killer diseases that accompany poverty.

Linthicum is a Presbyterian pastor and a renowned writer and community organizer with a passion for urban renewal. His keynote address and workshop times will offer practical advice about how congregations can strengthen their communities by working for Biblical justice.

My Job: Risk-Taking Justice and Mercy offers a sweeping view of Biblical justice and the skills and information necessary for congregations—in both urban and rural settings—to address poverty and health issues.

Besides Linthicum, other presenters include representatives from Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Texas Impact and the United Methodist Committee on Relief as well as representatives from local churches who have already begun to organize their communities so that they can impact poverty. Breakout sessions will be organized around three main concerns: poverty, global health and the environment. Participants will have the option to take an in-depth look how each of these issues can be addressed globally, in an urban setting or in a rural setting.

The event is free, though registration is required by June 15 in order to provide you with lunch or to guarantee childcare. For more information contact (512) 444-1983 or admin@umcad.org or visit www.umcad.org.

We will start decorating the trailer at 4 pm at Grace United Methodist Church at 205 East Munroe Street, Austin TX, 78704.  Paul Hudson has volunteered to bring the trailer and tow vehicle.  He is also coordinating the sound system.  If you can’t meet us there look for the float at the south end of the 1st Street Bridge before the start of the parade at 8:30 pm.