The Red Bench: Interfaith Conversations that Matter is a dialogue program centered on moderated small group discussions that are genuinely respectful and safe. No one has to be an expert – individual participants are invited to share from their personal experiences and listen with their hearts.
The Red Bench meets at the “Family Life Center” of First United Methodist Church at 1300 Lavaca Street in downtown Austin. A light meal is served from 6:30-7:00 PM and the conversation runs from 7:00-8:30 PM.
The Fall 2012 season will begin on Thursday, September 27 at 6:30 PM. (Please note the change of time and day for this dialogue!) Heading into the political season we will be focusing on “Drawing the Line: Religion and the State.”
RSVP for this conversation at Meetup.com.
In October we will move back to our usual “last Tuesday” date and will meet on Tuesday, October 30 at 6:30 PM. Our topic will be “Civility & Polarization.” RSVP for this conversation at Meetup.com.
We will close out our fall programs on Tuesday, November 27 at 6:30 PM with a conversation about “Authenticity.”
RSVP for this conversation at Meetup.com.
For those interested in being trained as a Red Bench Table Host, we will be conducting a Host training session on Tuesday, September 11th from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM. RSVP for this training at Meetup.com.
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Before you vote…Attend iACT’s Health and Housing Forum
by Tom Spencer, CEO of iACT
We are so blessed to live in Austin, Texas! Our economy continues to outperform the rest of the nation and we live in a beautiful community brimming with genuinely creative and hospitable souls. However, many of our neighbors are feeling less welcomed than before… housing prices are pushing working families out of our city and decent healthcare is beyond the reach of thousands more.
This November, Austin voters will be asked to approve two ballot propositions that can help address these pressing moral concerns: An Affordable Housing Bond Package and an initiative that would create a new University of Texas Teaching Hospital.
In order to help keep our faith community partners informed about these issues, iACT in partnership with The Seton Healthcare Network, will be holding a Health and Housing Forum for clergy and all interested Austin citizens during the lunch hour on Monday, October the 8th, 2012 from noon – 1:30 PM. We are inviting you to come, enjoy a wholesome meal, and learn about the difference that communities of faith can make in addressing these crucial concerns. The Health and Housing Forum will be held at the Dell Children’s Medical Center Auditorium, 4900 Mueller Blvd., Austin, Texas 78723.
Please mark your calendars now for this important community forum! You may RSVP by sending an e-mail to iact@interfaithtexas.org or by calling Jason Erick Taylor at (512) 386-9145 x 303
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Night Under One Sky
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum.
“We may be of different tribes, but we all live under one sky.”
A Night Under One Sky is a sacred evening of dining and dialogue in celebration of the relationships we have and those we hope to build. A Night Under One Sky has become a truly beloved tradition in our community. It celebrates the notion that there is common ground we can all walk in search of peace and harmony in this world. The setting is magical. The food is delightful. The music is inspiring. The conversation is uplifting.
This year, A Night Under One Sky will feature a special guest: Rev. Dr. Wes Magruder, senior associate pastor at First Rowlett United Methodist Church in Rowlett, Texas. Rev. Magruder recently attracted international attention when decided to join his friend, Imam Yaseen Shaikh of Plano, in observing the Ramadan fast. He wrote about the experience on his personal blog, offering insights into the practice of fasting and how his interaction with his Muslim friends deepened his Christian faith. For more information contact Simone Talma Flowers at (512) 386-9145 x302 or send an e-mail to stalma@interfaithtexas.org
Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action 
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