Recap of MFSA Activities – Annual Conference 2018

July 18, 2018 — Rio Texas MFSA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Texas MFSA had a significant presence at the Rio Texas Annual Conference in early June. We sponsored a luncheon with 185+ attendees, with Rev. M Barclay speaking.
We also had an information table and book fair in the exhibit area.
Rev. Richard Bates presented awards at the MFSA Luncheon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rev. Gloria Lear (First UMC Corpus Christi) got the “Building a Just Community – Lifetime Achievement” Award.

Rev. Cliff Krcha (First UMC Odem) received the “Building a Just Community – Genesis” Award.

Rev. John Elford (University UMC Austin) received the “Champion of Clergy Equality” award.

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Exciting Changes at MFSA National Office!

July 18, 2018 — Rio Texas MFSA
Bridget Cabrera named MFSA Executive Director

Known in the United Methodist progressive movement for her integrity, prophetic witness, and collaborative spirit, Bridget has had extensive work experience in the United Methodist Church serving as an Executive Staff member of United Methodist Women, Deputy Director of Reconciling Ministries Network, and a leader in the Love Your Neighbor Coalition. Cabrera earned her undergraduate degree from The University of Alabama and MDiv from Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

See her introductory letter.

 

National Office Moves to Detroit Central UMC Facility

As announced in January, the national MFSA office is moving to offices within Detroit’s Central UMC.  This move results in part from a strategic planning process that identified a recommitment to local church and community-led grassroots organizing.  The new address is:

Methodist Federation for Social Action
23 East Adams Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
313.965.5422 ext. 121

New Website Under Construction

Also this summer, the MFSA national website is being revamped.  So be patient; your Rio Texas Executive Committee has seen previews, and it looks promising!

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Become a Justice-Seeking Congregation!

July 18, 2018 — Rio Texas MFSA

Last summer MFSA piloted a new opportunity for congregations to declare their commitment to intersectional movements for justice and connect with our justice-seeking witness.  As Justice Seeking Congregations covenant to call themselves, their congregations and the church to expand its understanding of the call of the Gospel to be the inclusive, anti-racist/anti-oppressive, justice seeking, risk taking Body of Christ.  They live out our belief that to be faithful witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to be involved in the transformation of the world.  They believe transformation is possible and hold these values as we seek sacred change in our congregations, communities, denomination and our world.  Watch Rev. Lydia Munoz, MFSA Board Member and Lead Pastor of Church of the Open Door UMC in Eastern Pennsylvania share why her congregation felt called to become a Justice-Seeking Congregation here.

Join the movement today.  Become a Justice-Seeking Congregation today!

 

http://mfsaweb.org/wp-content/uploads/MFSA%20Justice%20Congregations.pdf?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=4b8dd9bb-02f0-4320-b86b-e8e4da5a6bc8

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2018 RMN Convocation

July 18, 2018 — Rio Texas MFSA

After much anticipation, it is with joy that we are able to share that we have a new location for For Everyone Born – 2018 Convocation!

Join us and hundreds of other United Methodists at the St. Louis Airport Hilton in St. Louis, MO on July 26-29.

It will be a powerful experience to gather so close to the site of the 2019 General Conference as we work for justice and dream about what it means to be a church that is “For Everyone Born.”

We look forward to being able to share the agenda and registration with you soon, but until then, plan to see us in St. Louis! https://rmnetwork.org/event/for-everyone-born/

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