Report on Busy Week for SWTX Chapter

April 28, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA

Meeting With Central Texas Chapter

On March 27, the Southwest Texas Chapter joined the Central Texas Chapter for a meeting on immigration issues at the Palm Valley Lutheran Church in Round Rock.  The speakers from the Austin Workers Defense Project discussed the plight of both documented and undocumented construction workers in the Austin area.  Immigration reform is sorely needed.  Please go to WDP’s web site for additional information and upcoming events.

BOPA Recycling

DSC04067MFSA sponsored our 6th annual BOPA (Batteries, Oil, Paint, Antifreeze) recycling event on Saturday at Crestview UMC.  We had 86 vehicles bringing items from 14 different zip codes.  (We do not have the official counts yet, but we collected well over 400 gallons of paint, plus hundreds of pounds of batteries!)  Thanks to the Crestview United Methodist Men and Rev. Linda Elford, as well as many MFSA volunteers. Thanks to Kerry Stevens for leading this event!

An Unreal Dream – The Michael Morton Story

Our MFSA Chapter teamed up with Saint John’s UMC’s Risk-Taking Mission & Service committee to provide a screening of An Unreal Dream: The Michael Morton Story at Saint John’s on Sunday evening.  This inspiring film portrays the harrowing true tale of Michael Morton of Georgetown.  Wrongly convicted of the brutal murder of his young wife, Morton spent twenty-five years in the Texas prison system.  Collaborating with his attorney and the Innocence Project, Morton was cleared through DNA testing.  In the process he brought to bear the plight of America’s unjust imprisonments.

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Chapter Meeting Thursday, March 27 Joint Meeting of SWTX MFSA and Central TX MFSA

March 5, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA

mfsa plumblineThis combined meeting of both Chapters will be held at Palm Valley Lutheran Church, 2500 Palm Valley Blvd.(aka Hwy 79), Round Rock, TX.

The Thursday, March 27, meeting will replace our usual 2nd Thursday MFSA Chapter meeting.

Jose Orta, LULAC* member and community activist (from Taylor) will present the program focusing on conditions of immigrant workers (documented and undocumented).
*League of United Latin American Citizens

He may be joined by a representative from the Austin Worker’s Defense League.

One unique aspect of this meeting will be the presence of the Hispanic community served by Palm Valley Lutheran Church.  One of the Central Texas MFSA members goes to that church and arranged for us to meet there.  (An added benefit is that if one likes to practice your Spanish, this will be a good opportunity to converse with a number of Spanish-speaking people.)  We should also be able to provide updated info about the Austin JFON, as they hope to open their clinic sometime in April.

Refreshments at 6:30; program at 7:00

Carpool will leave Saint John’s UMC, 2140 Allandale at 5:45pm on Thursday, March 27. If you are interested in carpooling, please contact Jan Dawes, jdawes@grandecom.net or 512-450-1620.
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Summary of February 13 Chapter Meeting

March 5, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA
40778_10150245520365481_1191201_nThanks to Carolyn Boyle for her presentation about Texas Parent PAC, for which she is a founding member.  Texas Parent PAC is a bipartisan political action committee for anyone who supports high quality public education. Endorsed candidates reflect traditional mainstream American values that honor and support children and their families, quality public education, strong communities, unlimited opportunities, and maximum citizen participation in our democracy. All endorsed candidates support the Texas Parent PAC Guiding Principles.  Read more about Texas Parent PAC at http://www.txparentpac.com/.
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Bishop Talbert to Celebrate at UUMC Austin, Followed by Lunch & Conversation at Trinity, February 9

February 4, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA

talbert weddingThe Southwest Chapter of MFSA invites you to join us for lunch and A Conversation with Bishop Talbert on Sunday, February 9, at Trinity UMC, 4001 Speedway-Austin, TX. Bishop Talbert will discuss the events surrounding his ministry of “Biblical Obedience” and the future of LGBTQ issues in the UMC.

Lunch will be served starting at 12:15P.M.  The conversation with Bishop Talbert will be from 1:15 to 3 P.M.  No reservations are required.  All are welcome to attend these events. If you would like to help with the luncheon event at Trinity UMC or have questions, please contact Janice Curry, jlcurry@austin.rr.com.

Bishop Talbert to Celebrate Reconciling Ministry Anniversary
at University UMC, Austin
Sunday, February 9 – 8:30 & 11:00am

talbertRetired Bishop Melvin G. Talbert will be joining University United Methodist Church to celebrate our Reconciling Ministry anniversary on Sunday, February 9, 2014. Bishop Talbert will be in the UUMC pulpit at the 8:30 and 11 A.M. services delivering his message on Biblical Obedience.

Bishop Melvin G. Talbert has served The United Methodist Church as a mentor, pastor, conference staff member, district superintendent, general secretary and bishop. An institute was created in his name by Black Methodists for Church Renewal to engage and encourage young lay and clergy to reach their leadership potential.

Talbert has been an advocate for peace and for the oppressed and marginalized. He has fought to help The United Methodist Church and society address racism. He is committed to racial, gender and sexual orientation inclusiveness, stating that there is room at God’s table for everyone.

The celebration will include an installation from the Shower of Stoles project in the sanctuary, an extraordinary collection of over a thousand liturgical stoles and other sacred items representing the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of faith. These religious leaders have served in twenty-seven denominations and faith traditions, and come from six countries on three continents. This collection celebrates the gifts of GLBTQ persons who serve God in countless ways, while also lifting up those who have been excluded from service because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Project bears witness to the huge loss of leadership that the church has brought upon itself because of its own unjust policies.

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Chapter Meeting Thursday, February 13 One Woman’s Story of Advocacy for Texas Public Schools

February 4, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA

Texas Parent PAC – Supporting Public Education

Thursday, February 13 at Saint John’s UMC, Austin

6:30pm – Snacks & Conversations

7:00pm – Program

On Thursday, February 13, join MFSA to learn about the power of political activism.  Carolyn Boyle, a member of Saint John’s UMC, is one of the founders of the Texas Parent PAC, a bipartisan political action committee for parents, grandparents, parents-to-be, and anyone who supports high quality public education. Carolyn is a long-time advocate for public education, former PTA President, and Coordinator for the Coalition of Public Schools.

40778_10150245520365481_1191201_nCarolyn and four other mothers, who were fed up with the Texas Legislature’s treatment of public education, formed the Texas Parent PAC in 2005.  The statewide PAC seeks to elect more state legislators with the courage to stand up for children and neighborhood public schools. Endorsed candidates understand that children are our future, and lawmakers must adequately invest in education to ensure prosperity in Texas.  The group has a track record of success, helping to elect 23 new members of the Texas Legislature. In each election cycle, Texas Parent PAC supports an equal number of candidates from both major political parties.  Endorsed candidates reflect traditional mainstream American values that honor and support families, communities, democracy, and quality public education. For more information about Texas Parent PAC, visit http://www.txparentpac.com/.

Come be inspired by Carolyn’s story of activism.  Join us for snacks and conversation at 6:30pm and the program at 7:00pm.  
Brief Chapter Business Meeting on February 13

At our Chapter meeting, we will elect Chapter officers.
Nominations for officers, as recommended by the Executive Committee, are shown below.
Additional nominations will be taken from the floor during the meeting.

President:                  Anne Mund
Vice President          Rowland Curry
Secretary                   Deana Henry
Treasurer                   Janice Curry

In addition, the Treasurer’s Report will be provided to those in attendance.

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MFSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE LUNCHEON SCHEDULED

February 4, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA

Peace and Justice Luncheon

Anthony Graves, exonerated death row inmate, will be the speaker at this year’s SWTX MFSA Peace and Justice Luncheon
in Corpus Christi, SWTX UMC Annual Conference, June 12-15 (day to be determined).

antony_gravesAnthony Charles Graves was convicted of the August 18, 1992 mass murder of six people in Somerville, after being implicated in the crime by Robert Carter – the father of one of the victims. Carter was executed in May 2000 for his part in the crime – and in his final statement took sole responsibility for the crime.

After spending 12 years on Death Row, Graves’ conviction was overturned on March 3, 2006 by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals when, in an a unanimous opinion, a three judge panel held that the state’s case had hinged on Carter’s perjured testimony, and concluded that the Prosecutor, Charles Sebesta, had intentionally withheld evidence that could have helped Graves; most notably that Carter had recanted right before he testified at Grave’s August 1992 trial.

Graves was held for an additional four years in solitary confinement in the Burleson County jail awaiting retrial until October 27, 2010, when he was released after all charges were dismissed by Burleson County Special Prosecutor Kelly Siegler, who concluded, “He’s an innocent man. There is nothing that connects Anthony Graves to this crime.”

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Join MFSA at the MLK March in Austin – Monday, Jan. 20

January 9, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA

photo 5

Join SWTX MFSA on Monday, January 20 at 9am at the MLK Statue on the UT Campus to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.  After a brief ceremony, we will march to the Capitol for the celebration. For those who want to march on to Huston-Tillotson University, there is a community festival planned.  http://www.mlkcelebration.com/celebration-events/march-and-festival/.

Contact Janice Curry at jlcurry@austin.rr.com if you are interested in carpooling to the march from Saint John’s, or if you have questions. Hope to see you there.

Participation in these festivities will replace our regular January 2014 MFSA chapter meeting.

Have you considered what commitments you’ll make to combating racism in 2014?

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November MFSA Chapter Meeting Summary

December 7, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA
At our November MFSA Chapter meeting, Break the Chains: Ending Human Trafficking, a panel of leaders from local organizations shared suggestions for ways individuals and organizations can help end this horrific practice.  Our speakers included the following:

Central Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking Representatives – http://www.ctcaht.org/;

Allies Against Slavery – John Nehme, CEO http://www.alliesagainstslavery.org/

Refugee Services of Texas – Kay Mailander

UT School of Social Work – Institute of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Dr. Bruce Kellison (also a member of University UMC)

Restore a Voice –  Larry Megason, Executive Director  http://restoreavoice.org/

Against Cruel Trafficking – Lizzie Jesperson, President of UT student group http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sa/vieworgs.php?org=5340

International Justice Mission – Trevor Russo, President of UT student group http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sa/vieworgs.php?org=5512

Among the suggestions for getting involved were prayers, monetary donations to any of these organizations, volunteering time, eating at Cabo Bob’s Burritos restaurant (2828 Rio Grande in Austin) on evenings when they share their profits with International Justice Mission, and supporting a refugee family or survivor this Christmas http://refugeeservicesoftexas.org/ways-to-help/.  Check out the websites and see how you can help.
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Chapter Meeting Thursday November 14 Break the Chains: Ending Human Trafficking

November 2, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA
human-trafficking-stop-itThe November 14 MFSA meeting will be Break the Chains: Ending Human Trafficking at UNIVERSITY UMC in Austin, 2409 Guadalupe, in collaboration with several organizations that focus on this issue.  Did you know that:

  • Trafficking in humans is SLAVERY.
  • As many as 20,000 persons are believed to be trafficked each year within the US borders. (Department of Justice)
  • Trafficking victims are men, women and children from all over the world.
  • Human trafficking is the 2nd most prevalent organized crime activity in the world just after drugs and tied with illegal arms trafficking.
  • Human trafficking is a $9.8 billion dollar industry in the U.S.

Join us as we explore the devastating statics about human trafficking and consider what we can do to help end it. A panel of leaders from local organizations with suggestions for ways individuals and organizations can help end this horrific practice includes the following:

  1. 1.    Central Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking Representatives:

Other members of the coalition can be found at http://www.ctcaht.org/

  1. 2.    Restore a Voice –  Larry Megason, Executive Director
  2. 3.    Against Cruel Trafficking – Lizzie Jesperson, President of UT student group
  3. 4.    International Justice Mission – Trevor Russo, President of UT student group  (invited )

Please join us for snacks and visiting at 6:30pm with the meeting to follow at 7:00pm. Parking: on Guadalupe just north of UUMC, LIMITED, please carpool, if possible. Hope to see you there!

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Chapter Meeting Thursday October 10 Focuses on Affordable Housing Issue

October 7, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA

The Challenge: Keeping Austin affordable for all our neighbors

Thursday, October 10, 7:00pm, Saint John’s UMC, Austin

KeepAustinAffordable_logo-01Join us on Thursday, October 10, as we explore the issue of affordable housing in Austin.  Our city has been blessed with a strong economy and creative community, but Austin is in danger of pricing working families, seniors—and many others—out of our city.  Housing prices are sky high…and we’re now one of the ten most expensive rental markets in America.  As many as 38,000 Austin area families cannot find affordable housing.

The City of Austin has included an Affordable Housing Bond item of $65 million on the November 5 ballot.  After voters did not approve the 2012 Affordable Housing bond package, what is the importance of approving this one?

Elliott McFadden, Campaign Manager of Keep Austin Affordable, will explain the need for these affordable housing funds and answer our questions about who will be eligible for these funds.  Keep Austin Affordable is a coalition of business, faith and community leaders supporting the $65 million affordable housing bond package on the November 5, 2013 ballot. Partnering with private and non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Hands on Housing, Foundation Communities, and Meals on Wheels and More, the program has built thousands of attractive houses and apartments all over the city.  It’s also renovated and repaired existing houses to help seniors stay in their homes.

http://keepatxaffordable.org/

Please join us for snacks at 6:30pm and program at 7:00pm.  All are welcome.

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September Chapter Meeting – Thursday, September 12

August 26, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA

Vision Of A Fully Inclusive Church

The movement for a fully-inclusive UMC is growing.  About 500 people attended the Reconciling Ministries Network’s 12th ChurchquakeAnnual Convocation in Chevy Chase, MD on Labor Day weekend.  Eighteen of our own Southwest Texas Conference Methodists will participated in opportunities for worship, Bible study, singing, conversation, and action to support full LGBTQ inclusion in The United Methodist Church. The Convocation, entitled Churchquake–Embracing Freedom, uses Acts 16:25 as the inspiration for the meetings:

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened.

Mary ann 2At our MFSA meeting on Thursday, September 12, some of the attendees will reflect on their experiences at Convocation.  Mary Ann Barclay, Youth Director and Justice Associate at University UMC in Austin, will share her dreams for a fully inclusive UMC.  Mary Ann, who will attend the event for the first time, will marry her partner, Annanda Barclay, at a private ceremony during the event.  As you may recall, Mary Ann was a candidate for ordained ministry in The UMC, when she was preemptively rejected by the Board of Ordained Ministry on June 6, 2013 without an interview. An appeal to Bishop Dorff did not alter the decision of the Board of Ordained Ministry, and it will now go to the Judicial Council.  Her response to this was in the RMN Blog (June 14, 2013),

“I have a path in front of me and it is up to me to be faithful to it regardless of the obstacles. The UMC has one too. And so do all of its members. Eventually these paths intersect and we all meet face to face with choices. Do we remain faithful to the path of love and justice God  has put before us even if it costs us? Or do we listen to the noise around us which drowns out the voice of the Divine?” 

JoyJoy Butler, chair of the Southwest Texas Ministries Reconciling Ministries Team, will also share her reflections of the love and joy experienced at Convocation. Joy has been the SWTX Conference’s main organizer and motivator for the local movement for a fully inclusive UMC. Joy is also the chair of the Saint John’s Reconciling Ministries Team and attended the 2012 General Conference as a Love Your Neighbor volunteer.

Come hear the powerful witness of Mary Ann, Joy, and other attendees.

Please join us on Thursday, September 12 at 7:00pm (6:30pm snacks & conversation) at Saint John’s UMC in Austin, 2140 Allandale Rd., as we continue our journey toward social justice. Questions? Contact Rowland Curry rcurry@austin.rr.com.

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MFSA-SWTX Program Survey

August 26, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA
Have you responded to the survey requesting your input about our 2013-2014 program focus?  It’s not too late!  The MFSA-SWTX Executive Committee is currently having discussions on programs and activities for our chapter in the upcoming year.  In order to determine the interests and preferences of our members, we have created a Survey Monkey poll.  This survey should take no more than a few minutes to complete.  Please help us improve our activities and programs by clicking on the following link and providing your response before September 1.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NGN25X9.
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May Chapter Meeting – Thursday, May 9

April 23, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA

May Meeting Focus:  Immigration

“The US immigration detention system is in deep crisis. In recent years it has expanded dramatically and at great cost to principles of universal human rights and the rule of law. Since 1994 the number of detention beds has grown from 5,000 to over 33,000 with more than 1.7 million individuals passing through the system since 2003. This dramatic growth in detention is indicative of the unjust immigration enforcement system in this country.”  Source:  Detention Watch Network.

detention watchOn Thursday, May 9, Alejandro Caceres, an immigrant from Honduras, will be our guest speaker.  Alejandro represents Texans United for Families, which is part of a Detention Watch Network campaign to close the Polk County Detention Center near Houston.  He will talk about his personal experience with immigration and show the documentary,  Punishment and Profits: Immigration Detention, a film that investigates detention centers and the powerful private prison industry.

Come to Saint John’s UMC, 2140 Allandale Rd in Austin, at 6:30 p.m. for snacks and mingling; the program begins at 7p.m. Invite your friends and neighbors – all are welcome.

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February Chapter Meeting – Thursday, February 14

February 6, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA

BeeLooking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? 

Come to the February MFSA meeting!!

The Southwest Texas chapter of the MFSA will meet Thursday, February 14 in Fellowship Hall at Saint John’s UMC.  The speaker for the evening will be Bee Moorhead, Executive Director of Texas Impact, a statewide interfaith (Christian, Jewish, Muslim) network that advocates at the Texas Legislature on behalf of commonly held social principles.  Bee will talk about the issues and bills we as people of faith should be aware of during the current session of the Legislature and how we can participate in that advocacy.

Come at 6:30 p.m. for snacks and mingling; the program begins at 7p.m. Invite your friends and neighbors – all are welcome.  And be prepared for some Valentine’s Day surprises!

Contact Anne Mund at 343-0803 (ennadnum@hotmail.com) if you have questions.

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January Chapter Meeting – Thursday, January 10

January 3, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA

Building Bridges: Race and Cultural Engagement

 Why are we uncomfortable talking about race?  What are the intended and unintended consequences of the Austin 1928 race codes?  Why are the UT Austin admission criteria contested by white students as “reverse racism”?  How does racism affect the white community?  What can we do about racism in our community?

Join us on January 10 as Rev. Mike Manor, of the Travis County Sherriff’s Building Bridges: Brick by Brick program, explores how to break down the walls of racism and race privilege, power and fear, to build strong bridges of unity across our community and law enforcement.

Rev. Manor, an Associate Minister at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, is a certified mediator with a MS in Social Work from the University of Texas.  Building Bridges is a community agenda initiative launched by Sheriff Greg Hamilton as a continuous effort at creating, accomplishing meaningful and sustainable conversations between Travis County residents, faith communities, public safety communities, and law enforcement.

Please join us on Thursday, January 10, at Saint John’s UMC, 2140 Allandale Rd., for this interesting program.   Snacks and visiting begin at 6:30pm; the program begins at 7:00.

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