Peace & Justice Luncheon, June 8, Corpus Christi

May 2, 2023 — Rio Texas MFSA

Rev. John Elford

Join Rio Texas MFSA at the Peace & Justice Luncheon, June 8 at noon, at the Rio Texas UMC Annual Conference in Corpus Christi. The featured speaker will be Rev. John Elford, who served several churches in the Southwest/Rio Texas Conference before his appointment to University UMC in Austin, where he retired in 2021. Rev. Elford will discuss the complicated UMC racial history, which he researched for his upcoming book, Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm: The American Methodist Church and the Struggle with White Supremacy. In addition, we will honor the recipients of the MFSA “Building a Just Community” Awards. 

luncheonflyer2023final-3Download

Eventbrite Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peace-justice-luncheon-2023-tickets-628689105037

Register on Eventbrite
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Save the Date:  2022 Annual Conference

November 10, 2021 — Rio Texas MFSA

The AC Design Team is hard at work planning an event that will offer delegates and guests a unique glimpse and experience of the tremendous mission and ministry of the Rio Grande Valley! Watch for more information regarding registration, child-care, hotels, and preliminary schedule of events, community gathering, celebrations, missional experiences and business.

Any questions? Contact Rev. Diana K Phillips, Rio Texas Conference Director of Connectional Ministries dphillips@riotexas.org

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Discussions Ramp Up in Preparation for GC 2020

January 17, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

In February 2019 the United Methodist Church, assembled in St. Louis at a special General Conference, adopted the Traditionalist Plan which strengthened the anti-LGBTQ stance of the denomination.  In the months since, there has been intense discussion about the future of the church.  Several groups have drafted plans dealing with changes to the denomination’s laws, the Book of Discipline.  In May 2020, the global UMC will have a General Conference in Minneapolis where it will consider further changes.

If you are interested in the discussions about the future of our denomination, stay alert!

If your congregation is not having conversations about this, they should be!

Progressive Resources:

United Methodist News Service:  https://www.umnews.org/en/

Mainstream UMC:  https://mainstreamumc.com/

UMC Next:  https://umcnext.com/

Hacking Christianity:  http://hackingchristianity.net/

UM Insight:  https://um-insight.net/

UM Forward:  https://um-forward.org/

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GC 2020 – “The Protocol” Proposal Announced

January 17, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

A diverse, 16-member group of United Methodist bishops and other leaders has offered a proposal that would preserve The United Methodist Church while allowing traditionalist-minded congregations to form a new denomination. The separating group would get $25 million in United Methodist funds and would keep its local church properties.

Details are in a nine-page “Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation,” released Jan. 3 along with an FAQ and press release.

The proposal requires approval by the 2020 General Conference. Drafting of legislation is still underway for the legislative assembly, which is the only body that speaks for the 13 million global denomination.

More from UM News here.

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Western Jurisdiction Summit in November

November 9, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

Western Jurisdiction to host ‘Fresh United Methodism Summit’ in November

What will the future of The United Methodist Church look like in the coming years? Who is shaping that vision, and what are the most important values?

From November 14 to 16, 2019, the Western Jurisdiction (WJ) Mission Cabinet is hosting a Fresh United Methodism Summit consisting of the WJ Leadership Team, WJ Workgroup Leaders, 2020 General Conference delegates from the WJ, and other emerging leaders. Beginning with reports from each Annual Conference and several WJ workgroups, attendees will be listening for areas of alignment and opportunity so that the jurisdiction can collaborate for broader impact. Then, participants will go through a process of envisioning and innovation around the next steps for the Western Jurisdiction and The United Methodist Church.

The Western Jurisdiction is known across The United Methodist Church for its diversity and justice-seeking spirit. With this event, we hope live into that reputation more fully by bringing together institutional leaders and some of the emerging voices that we need to hear today.

How will this event shape the future of the Church? We don’t know but we are convinced that this is a season where we need to hear new voices, fresh ideas, and perspectives.

United Methodists and friends beyond the denomination are excited about the possibility of attending this event. But the event facilities limit the number of participants and observers. For that reason, a formula mirroring the delegate allotment for General Conference was used to designate seat allotments for each WJ Conference. Respectively, a limited number of observers will be determined through a random name draw. Significant sessions of the Fresh United Methodism Summit will be live-streamed.

Go to www.westernjurisdictionumc.org/fresh to find details about the groups selected to participate, how to apply to be an observer, details about the location, and details about the live stream.

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Media contacts for each Conference in the Western Jurisdiction are available at http://westernjurisdictionumc.org/leadership/communications-contacts.

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Proposals for GC 2020

October 9, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

In February 2019 the United Methodist Church, assembled in St. Louis at a special General Conference, adopted the Traditionalist Plan which strengthened the anti-LGBTQ stance of the denomination.  In the months since, there has been intense discussion about the future of the church.  Several groups have drafted plans dealing with changes to the denomination’s laws, the Book of Discipline.  In May 2020, the global UMC will have a General Conference in Minneapolis where it will consider further changes.  In order for a resolution to be considered in 2020, the proposal must have been filed by September 18, 2019.

If you are interested in the discussions about the future of our denomination, stay alert!

Progressive Resources:

United Methodist News Service:  https://www.umnews.org/en/

Mainstream UMC:  https://mainstreamumc.com/

UMC Next:  https://umcnext.com/

Hacking Christianity:  http://hackingchristianity.net/

UM Insight:  https://um-insight.net/

UM Forward:  https://um-forward.org/

Posted in Church Conferences, Inclusion in UMC, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

GC 2020 Deadline Approaching

September 9, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

In February 2019 the United Methodist Church, assembled in St. Louis at a special General Conference, adopted the Traditionalist Plan which strengthened the anti-LGBTQ stance of the denomination.  In the months since, there has been intense discussion about the future of the church.  Several groups have drafted plans dealing with changes to the denomination’s laws, the Book of Discipline.  In May 2020, the global UMC will have a General Conference in Minneapolis where it will consider further changes.  In order for a resolution to be considered in 2020, the proposal must be filed and made public by September 18, 2019.

If you are interested in the discussions about the future of our denomination, stay alert!

Progressive Resources:

United Methodist News Service:  https://www.umnews.org/en/

Mainstream UMC:  https://mainstreamumc.com/

UMC Next:  https://umcnext.com/

Hacking Christianity:  http://hackingchristianity.net/

UM Insight:  https://um-insight.net/

UM Forward:  https://um-forward.org/

Posted in Church Conferences, Inclusion in UMC, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

Notice: Date and Time of Peace & Justice Luncheon at Annual Conference has changed.

May 24, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

NOTICE:
Date and Time of Peace & Justice Luncheon
at Annual Conference has changed.

Due to an inadvertent scheduling issue (on our part), Rio Texas MFSA will change the day and time of the 2019 Peace and Justice Gathering

From: Thursday, June 6 at Noon

To: Friday, June 7 at 5:00pm

Same Location: Watergarden A

Bishop Oliveto will be speaking at the Friday event.

Rio Texas MFSA will refund your money if you are unable to attend at the new scheduled time. You will be notified by email if you have purchased tickets.

Rio Texas MFSA Planning Team

Information about the new date can be found at: LuncheonFlyer2019 Change date

Purchase online tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/living-into-beloved-community-tickets-59674027623

 

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2018-2019 Theme: Addressing Systemic Injustice Inside and Outside the Church UMC Judicial Council Upholds Anti-LGBTQI Plan

April 28, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

From UM News:

The United Methodist Church’s top court has found that while some provisions of the newly adopted Traditional Plan remain unconstitutional, the rest of the plan is valid as church law.

That was the Judicial Council’s ruling on a requested review of the Traditional Plan, which was approved during a special denomination-wide legislative session in February to strengthen enforcement of bans on “self-avowed practicing” gay clergy and same-sex weddings.

In a separate ruling, legislation to provide an exit strategy for local churches wishing to leave the denomination meets three minimum requirements and thus is constitutional “when taken together with the consent of the annual conference” as specifically outlined in the Book of Discipline, the court said.

Both decisions came at the conclusion of the Judicial Council’s April 23-26 meeting.

What was found constitutional? The following is from UMNews. Read the full story here.

 

  • The first part of Petition 90045 — “Just resolutions shall state all identified harms and how they shall be addressed by the church and other parties to the complaint.”
  • Petition 90032 adds a footnote to Paragraph 304.3 to more fully define the term, “self-avowed practicing homosexual.”
  • Petition 90036 prohibits bishops from consecrating bishops who are self-avowed homosexuals, even those elected by a jurisdictional or central conference. It also prohibits bishops from commissioning or ordaining those determined to be self-avowed homosexuals, even if recommended and approved by the clergy session or board of ordained ministry.
  • Petition 90042 sets mandatory penalties for pastors convicted by a trial court of performing same-sex wedding ceremonies or conducting ceremonies to celebrate homosexual unions. Those penalties are a year’s suspension without pay for the first offense and termination of conference membership and church credentials for a second offense.
  • Petition 90043 prohibits the recommendation or approval of any person who does not meet the ordination qualifications found in Paragraph 1-3. That section includes the language that “homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching” and that “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” cannot be certified as candidates for ministry, ordained or appointed.
  • Petition 90044 sets a timeline for the referral or dismissal of a complaint, and Petition 90046 adds a sentence to four disciplinary paragraphs on securing the agreement to a resolution from the complainant or complainants.
  • Petition 90047 allows the church to have a right of appeal from trial court findings “based on egregious errors of church law or administration,” but not from findings of fact.

 

The council previously found 90066 (a disaffiliation petition) unconstitutional but it has now determined that any General Conference legislation permitting such an exit must meet three minimum requirements:

 

  • Approval of the disaffiliation resolution by a two-thirds majority of the professing members of the local church present and voting at the church conference.
  • Establishment of the terms and conditions, including the effective date, of the agreement between the annual conference and the exiting local church by the conference board of trustees in accordance with applicable church law and civil laws.
  • Ratification of the disaffiliation agreement by a simple majority of the members of the annual conference present and voting.

 

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MFSA Witness Planned for Rio Texas Annual Conference

April 28, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

Peace & Justice Luncheon Features Bishop Karen Oliveto

Link to this flyer: https://riotexasmfsa.org/2019/04/03/2019-rio-texas-mfsa-peace-and-justice-luncheon/luncheonflyer2019final/

Link for tickets:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/living-into-beloved-community-tickets-59674027623

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Opportunities for MFSA Witness at Annual Conference

April 28, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

Rio Texas MFSA will again sponsor a vendor booth in the exhibit area June 5 – 7 at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi.  We are planning to offer a conversation area with chairs and small tables where friends can discuss social justice issues, most importantly the possibility of a new and inclusive UMC.  We will have resources including maps, letters, and petitions from groups across the country.

We need volunteers to help with the luncheon on June 6!  If you are attending A/C but are not a delegate, please let us know in advance and we will put you to work.

Because of our focus on the outcome of GC2019, we will not be sponsoring a book fair this year.

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MFSA Witness Planned for Rio Texas Annual Conference Peace & Justice Luncheon Features Bishop Karen Oliveto

April 7, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

 

 

Link to this flyer: https://riotexasmfsa.org/2019/04/03/2019-rio-texas-mfsa-peace-and-justice-luncheon/luncheonflyer2019final/

Link for tickets:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/living-into-beloved-community-tickets-59674027623

Posted in Church Conferences, Inclusion in UMC, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

Opportunities for MFSA Witness at Annual Conference

April 7, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

Rio Texas MFSA will again sponsor a vendor booth in the exhibit area June 5 – 7 at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi.  We are planning to offer a conversation area with chairs and small tables where friends can discuss social justice issues, most importantly the possibility of a new and inclusive UMC.  We will have resources including maps, letters, and petitions from groups across the country.

We need volunteers to help with the luncheon on June 6!  If you are attending A/C but are not a delegate, please let us know in advance and we will put you to work.  Contact rcurry@austin.rr.com.

Because of our focus on the outcome of GC2019, we will not be sponsoring a book fair this year.

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2019 Rio Texas MFSA Peace and Justice Luncheon

April 3, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

Please join us at our 9th annual Peace and Justice Luncheon on the Rio Texas Annual Conference of the UMC in Corpus Christi, TX on Thursday, June 6 at lunch. Find registration information here: LuncheonFlyer2019Final

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Special Session of General Conference in February 2019

February 16, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA
For more than 40 years, The United Methodist Church has faced serious internal disagreement over how accepting to be of homosexuality, with ordination of gay persons and same-sex unions as flashpoints.

The Council of Bishops has called a Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church to be held February 23-26, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. The purpose will be to receive and act on a report from the Commission on a Way Forward based on the recommendations of the Council of Bishops. The 32-member Commission was authorized by General Conference 2016 and appointed by the Council of Bishops to examine paragraphs in The Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality and exploring options to strengthen the unity of the church.

In addition to delegates and alternates, many followers of Rio Texas MFSA will be traveling to the frozen north (St. Louis) in February as observers and workers of the Love Your Neighbor Coalition (LYNC).  If you wish to volunteer with LYNC, you should register on their website.  For more information, contact rcurry@austin.rr.com.
General Conference 2019 links

Daily Christian Advocate: http://cdnfiles.umc.org/Website_Properties/general-conference/2019/documents/general-conference-2019-adca-english.pdf

UM News:  https://www.umnews.org/en/category/general-conference

Subject: 1st day of GC – http://s3.amazonaws.com/Website_Properties/council-of-bishops/news_and_statements/documents/2019_GC.Prayer_Schedule_(002).pdf

Rio Texas Conference – General Conference 2019 Webinar

Wednesday, February 20 at 12 noon

Via Live Zoom Webinar

Do you want to know more about what will be happening as delegates gather for General Conference 2019 in February? Join members of your Rio Texas delegation to General Conference 2019 as they review the plans presented by The Commission on a Way Forward. Each plan will be presented by a member of the delegation with time for question and answer.

Registration is required. Participation is limited to the first 100 registrants.

Click here to register for the February 20 webinar.

 
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