Chapter Meeting Thursday November 12 – What Is Life Like for an African American in Austin in the 21st Century?

November 11, 2015 — Rio Texas MFSA

noracism (1)Come to the November meeting of the Rio Texas chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action to get a glimpse of reality for our black sisters and brothers.  A panel of three African-American United Methodists (Willie Johnson, Adama Brown, and Jarell Wilson) have agreed to talk about some of their personal encounters with racism in recent years.  Under the skilled facilitation of Jeremy Solomons (http://jeremysolomons.com/info/),  the panelists will educate all of us about the discrimination and prejudice they continue to experience.

Please join as we continue our focus on Racism and White Privilege.

The program will be at Saint John’s UMC, 2140 Allandale Road, on Thursday, November 12 beginning at 7:00p.  Come at 6:30p for snacks and mingling.

Spread the word…………all are welcome!

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Rio Texas MFSA to Focus on Racism and White Privilege in 2015-2016

September 3, 2015 — Rio Texas MFSA

Robert Jensen to Speak on Racism and White Privilege

Saint John’s UMC – 2140 Allandale Rd. – Austin

Robert-JensenRobert Jensen, a professor in the School of Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin, will speak on racism and white privilege at the September 10 meeting of the Rio Texas MFSA. Jensen is the author of the 2005 book, The Heart of Whiteness: Confronting Race, Racism and White Privilege, and the recent article “Two Things White People Should Never Say” in YES! Magazine. Jensen’s book has been described as “an honest look at U.S. racism and the liberal platitudes that attempt to conceal it”.

At UT, Jensen teaches courses in media law, ethics, & politics.  In his research, Jensen draws on a variety of critical approaches to media and power. In addition to teaching and research, Jensen writes for popular media, both alternative and mainstream. His opinion and analytic pieces on such subjects as foreign policy, politics, and race have appeared in papers around the country. He contributes to local organizing in Austin, TX, through his work with the Third Coast Activist Resource Center, http://thirdcoastactivist.org/. Jensen’s articles can be found online at http://robertwjensen.org/.

Please join us to delve into this social justice issue.

Snacks and mingling begin at 6:30p; the program will start at 7p.  Hope to see you there!

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May Meeting To Focus On Austin JFON

May 6, 2015 — Rio Texas MFSA
JFON

The May meeting of the Rio Texas Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) will take place Thursday, May 14, at Saint John’s UMC, Austin.  The program will focus on the Austin Region Justice for Our Neighbors (ARJFON) clinic, which is part of a national United Methodist network of legal clinics based in United Methodist churches around the country.  Kevin Reed, who serves as the chair of the ARJFON board, will share the journey that the Austin program has been on since its beginning in 2012.

The goal of the JFON clinics is to provide hospitality and compassion to low-income immigrants through immigration legal services, advocacy, and education.  The Austin clinic is hosted on the last Saturday of each month at Servant Church, and the legal staff is housed at Parker Lane UMC in south Austin.

Please join us to learn about this much-needed ministry.  Snacks and mingling begin at 6:30p; the program will start at 7p.  Hope to see you there!

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No Chapter Meeting In April

April 9, 2015 — Rio Texas MFSA
earth-day-2015Since this is an extremely busy month for social justice events, and we are sponsoring the BOPA recycling event, there will be no formal chapter meeting of the Rio Texas MFSA Chapter in April.Members and friends are encouraged to participate in one of the many social justice opportunities highlighted in this newsletter. Remember Earth Day on April 22 and every day!
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Gather at the River! August 6-9, 2015

April 9, 2015 — Rio Texas MFSA

GATHERlogoWEB2Thursday, August 6 – Sunday, August 9, 2015

Pre-day forum begins at 9AM on Thursday

Event begins with Worship at 7PM Thursday

www.gather2015.org
#gatherUMC 

Gather at the River is a national conference that will meet at Travis Park United Methodist Church, an historic, open and justice-seeking community of faith in downtown San Antonio, steps away from the renowned River Walk entertainment and cultural district. Housing and additional meeting space will be at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel next door.

Early registration deadline extended to April 16!

Methodist Federation for Social Action and Reconciling Ministries Network members and friends in the Rio Texas Conference are preparing to provide extravagant hospitality for Gather at the River participants. Gather at the River will also include the participation of kindred groups in the Love Your Neighbor Coalition. Gather at the River is a multi-generational gathering. Program activities for children (ages 3-rising 6th grade) and youth (middle and high school) will be led by professionally-trained staff.

Register Now at www.gather2015.org !

The lineup of worship leaders, preachers, speakers, and entertainment is AWESOME!

Worship Leaders:  Marcia McFee & Mark A. Miller

Preachers:  Rev. Peter Storey, Rev. Theon Johnson, Nikilas Mawanda, Rev. Sarah Thompson Tweedy

Speakers: Bishop Minerva Carcaño, Rev. Grace Imathiu, Bishop Melvin Talbert, Rev. Frank Schaefer

Workshops:  Music, Worship, LGBT Issues, Anti-Racism, Israel/Palestine, Preparing for Gen Conf

Entertainers:  Jennifer Knapp, IlluMen, Campanas de América

Youth & Children’s Programs:  Shelley Walters, Carol Kohrs

Hosts:  Chett Pritchett (MFSA), Matt Berryman (RMN)

If you have been to convocation or one of the joint MFSA/RMN events such as Sing a New Song in 2011, you know what a treasure it is to have this conference in our backyard!

Place the dates, August 6 to 9, 2015 on your calendar now!
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Chapter Meeting in March Features PLUM Cares!

March 11, 2015 — Rio Texas MFSA
 

Plum Care Logo finalPLUM Cares is a collection of non-profits and community projects centered at Parker Lane United Methodist Church

The March meeting of the Rio Texas Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action will feature John and Lee Ann Musler, members of University UMC-Austin, who will share their story about becoming involved with PLUM Cares, the justice ministries of Parker Lane United Methodist Church in Southeast Austin.  What started as a small outreach to area residents has mushroomed into vital ministries, including a ministry to immigrants. See the description of the participating non-profits and their work at: http://www.plumcares.org/on-going-efforts-and-non-profits.html.

The MFSA meeting will take place on Thursday evening, March 12th at Saint John’s UMC, 2140 Allandale Rd.  Refreshments begin at 6:30 and the program starts at 7:00.  Come and hear about the wonderful ministries at PLUM Cares!

You are also invited to attend the Lenten Dinner prior to the MFSA meeting in the Great Hall at Saint John’s, 5:30-7:00pm. At the dinner on Thursday, March 12, Rev. Ralph Underwood and Rev. Paul Escamilla will speak on the Parable of the Pharisee and Publican, Luke 18:9-14. Read more about the dinner and make a reservation at http://stjohnsaustin.org/content.cfm?id=512

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Chapter Meeting in February Features Austin Interfaith

February 11, 2015 — Rio Texas MFSA

Austin Interfaith2Austin Interfaith’s Call to Action

Thursday, February 12

7:00pm

Kathleen Davis, a long-time organizer with Austin Interfaith & the Industrial Areas Foundation, and a candidate to be the new Lead Organizer for Austin Interfaith, will be the featured speaker for the February 12th Rio Texas MFSA meeting at St. John’s UMC.  Austin Interfaith is a non-partisan, multi-issue organization of 30+ institutions including congregations, public schools, and workers’ associations that work together to address public issues.

Ms Davis will be discussing Austin Interfaith’s member organizations, their issues and accomplishments for 2014, as well as the issues and directions for 2015. Three of our Austin United Methodist congregations – Saint John’s, Trinity, and University – are members of Austin Interfaith.

Please join us at 6:30p for snacks and mingling; the program starts at 7p.  For more information, contact Anne Mund ennadnum@hotmail.com.

Hope to see you there!
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Chapter Meeting in January Examines Social Issues for Annual Conference, General Conference

January 7, 2015 — Rio Texas MFSA
umc_logoHave you ever wondered how policy of the United Methodist Church gets made? Have you ever wondered if you could make a difference?

The answer is, Yes, you can make a difference!  “Any organization, clergy member, or lay member of the UMC may petition the General Conference” (¶507, The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2012).

Please join us for the next meeting of the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) on Thursday, January 8, at Saint John’s UMC, 2140 Allandale Rd, Austin.  We will be discussing MFSA’s plans for legislation that may be introduced at the 2015 Rio Texas Annual Conference in Corpus Christi and at the 2016 General Conference in Portland, Oregon.  Jay Brim, the Rio Texas Conference Chancellor will be present to discuss the process, schedule, and possible topics that may be addressed.  As he is a delegate to the 2016 General Conference, we will also be asking Jay for insights on that worldwide meeting.

Please join us at 6:30p for snacks and mingling; the program starts at 7p.  For more information, contact Anne Mund ennadnum@hotmail.com.

Hope to see you there

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MFSA Annual Conference Luncheon

January 7, 2015 — Rio Texas MFSA

MINERVA-CARCANO-IMMIGRATION-facebook

As we announced in December, our speaker for the 5th Annual MFSA Peace and Justice Luncheon at Annual Conference in Corpus Christi will be Bishop Minerva Carcaño!

Bishop Carcaño is a native of Edinburg, Texas, and is currently serving as Bishop to the Los Angeles Area, the California-Pacific Conference. She is a fierce advocate for human rights and social justice.

Look for more about our presence at Annual Conference, or better yet, help us plan this important witness.  Contact Anne Mund ennadnum@hotmail.com for more info.

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MFSA Chapter Meeting in November Features Texas Impact

November 11, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA

Thursday, November 2014

Saint John’s UMC, Austin – 2401 Allandale Rd.

6:30p Snacks – 7:00p Program

BeeThe 84th Session of the Texas Legislature will convene on January 13, 2015 … just around the corner.  Issues affecting all of us will be part of the legislative discussions.

The November meeting of the Methodist Federation for Social Action, Southwest Texas chapter, will inform attendees concerning 2015 legislation of importance to people of faith in Texas.  The program will be presented by Bee Moorhead, Executive Director of Texas Impact, a statewide, religious grassroots network whose members include individuals, congregations, and governing bodies of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. Our own Southwest Texas Conference of the UMC is a member of Texas Impact.

The meeting will be held Thursday, November 13 at Saint John’s UMC.  Please join us at 6:30p for snacks and mingling; the program starts at 7p.  Bring your friends and neighbors of all faith traditions to hear this informative presentation.  For more information, contact Anne Mund ennadnum@hotmail.com.

Hope to see you there!

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MFSA Leaders Meet in Austin

November 11, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA

DSC08086

The national Board of Directors and Program Council of the MFSA met in Austin Oct 29 – Nov 1.  The group consisted of 30 attendees from 17 states, who were housed in 13 host homes.  The meeting space at Saint John’s UMC allowed these groups to discuss plans and activities leading up to the 2016 UMC General Conference.

The SWTX Chapter’s Executive Committee served as the planning team for this event.  Special thanks to Anne Mund for coordinating home stays for the attendees, Al Lindsey for arranging transportation and making certain no one got left at the airport, and Janice Curry for organizing breakfast and lunch for the leadership.  Al Lindsey and Karen Hale opened their beautiful home to all of us for dinner on Thursday, and Paul and Liz Escamilla allowed us to socialize at their home after dinner on Halloween.  Our out-of-town guests were truly appreciative of our radical hospitality.  See photos at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/swtexasmfsa/

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MFSA Leaders Meet in Austin Oct. 30 – Nov. 1

October 9, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA

No Chapter Meeting in October –
You Are Invited to Attend the MFSA National Board Events

MFSA facebook bannerIn lieu of a monthly chapter meeting in October, you are invited to attend the National MFSA Program Council and Board of Directors meetings and social gatherings in Austin from Wednesday, October 29 – Saturday, November 1.

Meetings to be held at Saint John’s UMC

The Program Council is comprised of representatives from each chapter in the country, focusing on programs and activities, and is scheduled to meet as follows:

Thursday, Oct. 30 – 9am to 5 pm

Friday, Oct.  31 – 9am to noon

The Board of Directors is the decision-making body of MFSA, and will meet as follows:

Friday, Oct. 31 – 9am to 5 pm

Saturday, Nov. 1 – 9 am to 3 pm

Agendas found here:  ProgramCouncilAgenda Oct 2014;  BoardAgenda_October 2014

Both groups will meet at Saint John’s UMC, 2140 Allandale Road, Austin. These meetings will be open to all observers. Please contact Rowland Curry, rcurry@austin.rr.com, for further information.

Meals and Social Gatherings

Breakfast and Lunches will be served at Saint John’s.  If you are interested in dropping by to share a meal, see the schedule to be posted soon on our website. https://swtmfsa.wordpress.com

Dinner on Wednesday (10/29) will be a welcoming meal for the participants as they arrive and meet their overnight hosts. Contact Janice Curry jlcurry@austin.rr.com for the time.

We hope that you will be able to attend one or more of these gatherings
to welcome MFSA representatives from around the U.S.

Please join us for dinner on Thursday (10/30) evening at the home of Al Lindsey and Karen Hale, 4711 Lookout Mountain Cove at 6:30pm for a time of conversation and fun. Please RSVP to Janice Curry jlcurry@austin.rr.com.

Friday night’s dinner will be at El Mercado at 5:30pm. An after-dinner gathering is being planned. More information to follow. You are invited to attend. Please RSVP to Anne Mund at ennadnum@hotmail.com.

Volunteer Opportunities

Overnight Hosts – We are looking for volunteers for home stays for approximately 35 adults.  If you have an extra bedroom and would be willing to host one or more of these folks from chapters throughout the nation, please let Anne Mund (ennadnum@hotmail.com) know.

Transportation – Please contact Al Lindsey at alind88@gmail.com if you can help transport attendees to or from the airport. Participants will be arriving and leaving at various times, so we can connect you with someone according to your schedule.

Meal Preparation – We will also be seeking volunteers for meal preparations for breakfast, lunch, and Wednesday dinner.  If you are available to help, please contact Janice Curry (jlcurry@austin.rr.com).

Thanks for helping to make this a successful planning event for the National MFSA!

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Meet the New Capital District DS, Rev. Teresa Welborn, at MFSA Meeting

September 8, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA

twelborn

Thursday, September 11, 7pm

Saint John’s UMC, 2140 Allandale, Austin, TX

The first meeting of the SWTX Methodist Federation for Social Action for 2014-2015 will be Thursday, September 11 in the Fellowship Hall at Saint John’s UMC.  The featured speaker will be Rev. Teresa Welborn, the new District Superintendent of the Austin District.  Teresa will tell us about her background and experience, her visions for the District’s future, the challenges the District is facing, and the formation of the new Capital District (our new name as of January 1, 2015), its new territorial boundaries and new member congregations, including Hispanic UMCs in our area.

Please join us at 6:30p for snacks and mingling with old friends and new; the program begins at 7p.   And new this month:  childcare will be provided!  E-mail jessica@stjohnsaustin.org to indicate how many children you will bring and their ages.  We hope to see you there!

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Next Chapter Meeting May 8

May 7, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA

MFSA May Chapter Meeting

Thursday, May 8

The Unification to Form the Rio Texas Conference:
What Will the Tapestry Woven by the Unification Look Like?

Join MFSA on Thursday, May 8, at Saint John’s UMC to hear Rev. Edward Garcia, pastor of Emmanuel UMC, share the story of the Unification of the Southwest Texas Conference and the Rio Grande Conference to form the Rio Texas Conference of the UMC.  Rev. Garcia has been active in the Unification decision-making progress.

Riotx-districts-2014In June 2013, both conferences approved the Unification Implementation Team’s recommendations for the transition to the new conference. In February 2014, the conferences voted to name the new conference “Rio Texas”.

Some questions we will want to ask Rev. Garcia include:

  • Why are the two conferences uniting?
  • What is the mission and vision of the Rio Texas Conference?
  • Will programming remain the same?
  • Where does the Unification stand today?

Please join us on Thursday, May 8, at Saint John’s UMC, 2140 Allandale Rd. for snacks at 6:30pm and the program at 7:00pm.

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Next Chapter Meeting May 8

April 28, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA

We will not have a monthly chapter meeting in April.

Our May 8 meeting will feature a conversation with Reverend Edward Garcia, Pastor of Emmanuel UMC in Austin.  We will be discussing the Unification Plan for the Southwest Texas and the Rio Grande Conferences.  Specifically, what is the role of the Transforming Communities Team, including the role of the restructured Board of Church and Society in the Unification Plan?

The meeting will be held at Saint John’s UMC – Austin on May 8 at 7:00 pm, with social gathering at 6:30.  Look for more details in the next e-News.

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