Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action

August 25 – 28:  Sing a New Song (Huron, Ohio) 

650 United Methodists will organize for justice and inclusion for all God’s children as they celebrate in joyful worship designed by Mark Miller and Tanya Bennett.

In word and song, at rest and play, through action and organizing, being church together, “We are called to act with justice, we are called to love tenderly, we are called to serve on another, to walk humbly with God!”

Janice & Rowland Curry, Anne Mund, Joy Butler, and Robbie Ausley are planning to attend.

Thursday, September 8 – 7:00 p.m

Interfaith Pride Worship Service – UUMC

Save the date for this special Interfaith Pride Worship Service, including a large Shower of Stoles installation and reception in Fellowship Hall following the evening service.

Saturday, September 10 – 10am-12:00pm

Austin Pride Parade – Downtown Austin

MFSA will carry our banner along with a number of Austin churches and a classic convertible.  Join us as we confront a serious issue and have fun doing it!

Friday, September 23

Michelle Alexander, Associate Professor of Law at The Ohio State University, and author of The New Jim Crow, Mass Incarceration in an Age of Colorblindness, will be speaking in Austin.  She is sponsored by University UMC & Methodist Women, NAACP, Wesley United Methodist, Center for African American Studies/non-violence project at UT, and other groups.  There are two events, both on Friday, September 23.

2:00 pm at University UMC – A coffee with Professor Alexander and local clergy and others.  She will speak briefly, and there may be a panel discussion.

7:00 pm at Wesley United Methodist – Professor Alexander will talk about her book and relevant topics about incarceration.

October 18 or 19 (Date still not firm)  

Witness to Innocence 

Witness to Innocence is the only organization founded by and for exonerated death row survivors.  Members of Witness to Innocence bring a powerful voice to the discussion about abolition like no one else can.  This program represents an exciting new partnership between United Methodists and Witness to Innocence that can help the church transform and save lives.  The speakers, all professionally trained storytellers, will share their journeys from death row to freedom and their take on the current state of the American criminal justice system. This will be an unforgettable experience for our members and community supporters.

Sunday, October 30, 1:00pm

Texas Premier – “Incompatible with Christian Teaching” –  First UMC, Austin

“Incompatible with Christian Teaching” is a documentary film detailing the stories of clergy and laity, and GLBT and straight allies. Some have been arrested while others have been tried by the Judicial Council. Each has demanded that the church live into the true meaning of the Gospel.

http://annepbrown.com/Film%3A_Incompatible_with_Christian_Teaching.html