Please join with us as we connect progressive United Methodists in putting faith into action!

Membership in MFSA is not predicated on ability to pay.  We do not have “dues”.  However, our Chapter and the National Office need funding each year for programs and activities.  Membership gifts and special giving are always appreciated. MFSA is classified as a 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS.   Membership gifts to MFSA are tax deductible as provided by law.

There are several easy ways to join or support MFSA.

·       You can log onto the national MFSA website, http://www.mfsaweb.org and follow the instructions there (you can safely use a credit card). Please indicate that you are part of the SWTX Chapter.

·       Or, you can use this “Donate” button to contribute directly to our Rio Texas Chapter of MFSA.  This button uses PayPal^tm to collect your donation via your major credit card.  (You do not need a PayPal^tm account in order to donate – just click and follow the instructions.)

https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=jHLC8zyjGAOJAMshJSZJyoabD9poBzWHVW6YNHLHGbKGR5aUqHNLqCVHK5O&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d64ad11bbf4d2a5a1a0d303a50933f9b2

MFSA – National Site: http://www.mfsaweb.org

 Happy Hour with Alisa Jordheim

Thursday, November 12, 2015

4:00pm  6:00pm

Vulcan Gas Company

Join us for Happy Hour to meet Alisa Jordheim, the executive director of Justice Society and author of Made in the USA: The Sex Trafficking of America’s Children. Alisa will present and have copies of her book available to sell. Members of Allies Against Slavery, Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, and Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International will be present to participate in Q&As and discussion.

Tickets are $20 and include two drinks and appetizers. Nonprofit and government workers will receive a special $10 discount.

 6th Annual Christmas Market

Saturday, December 5, 2015

9:00am  4:00pm

Shop responsibly with us this holiday season at our free, public event! The Christmas Market features 25+ fair trade, direct trade, and social enterprise merchants who use their businesses to promote employment and well-being for people in Austin and around the world.

Local and socially-conscious vendors offer art, jewelry, music, clothing, purses/bags, toys, cosmetics, coffee, paper goods, housewares, photo prints, and much more.

For more information, visit our web page:  http://www.alliesagainstslavery.org/christmasmarket/

The documentary, Dividing the United Methodist Church, shown on PBS’s “On the Contrary, presents a special documentary about LBGT and the United Methodist Church.

From the PBS website: “The United Methodist Church remains officially opposed to homosexuality, same sex marriage, and self-avowed gay pastors. It’s official rulebook – the book of discipline states – “The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” But not all United Methodist congregations agree with the church’s view on the issue. The fight on this issue is testing the faith more than ever and Dividing the United Methodist Church.’

You can watch it at:  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SnRVhB2tYS8.

An Act of Love: A Documentary, about The United Methodist Church, Frank Schaefer, and his trial(s), premiered at the Mill Valley Film Festival on October 9th & 12th. Now they are beginning a national campaign of screenings in churches, community centers, and other non-theatrical venues. They also want to send copies of the film to all of the United Methodist Church delegates who will be participating in the 2016 General Conference. That way everyone involved in making decisions regarding the UMC’s policies towards the LGBTQ community has an opportunity to view the film prior to the Conference. We’ll watch for a Texas showing. http://www.anactoflovefilm.com/

November 8, 2015 6pm and November 15, 6pm

Westlake UMC is co-sponsoring along with seven other Austin churches, two showings of the documentary film, The Hunting Ground. It details the problem of violence and assault on college campuses as well as the institutional suppression of these incidents. One reviewer states: “This film has the power to fuel the movement to end campus assault, but we need to show a strong turnout at theaters to demonstrate the growing public concern and demand institutions change their ways.” While another says: “Any parent sending a child off to college should consider this required viewing.” Please plan on educating yourself and supporting the effort to end assaults on college campuses by attending one of the two showings: Sunday, Nov. 8 and Nov. 15 at 6pm at The Sanctuary, 2614 Exposition.

Watch the trailer at: http://www.sanctuaryaustin.com/event/huntingground/

Join us at a Neighbors of Oil and Gas event near you!

Nov. 17 – Gonzales

Nov. 18 – Cuero

Red Bench Dialogue
December 1
The Red Bench: Reverence 
RSVP 

Read a reflection on September’s Red Bench Conversation about Racial Intolerance

31st Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and Celebration!

Sunday, November 22, 2015, 3:00 p.m.

St. John Regular Baptist Association

7501 Blessing Ave., Austin, TX 78752

Free, family-friendly, all are welcome!

 Crestview UMC, 1300 Morrow St, Austin, TX

November 7, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Sponsored by Crestview United Methodist Women to benefit Mission Projects

·       Quality Handmade Gifts for the Holidays and Year-Round

·       Homemade Jams and Jellies; Baked Goods and Frozen Casseroles

·       Quality Vendor Booths and Donation Quilts

·       Kitchen open for Breakfast and Lunch

·       Kidz Krafts Table for Fun During Shopping

 Women and Fair Trade Festival

Date: November 21 & 22, 2015

Time: 10:00 am  to  6:00 pm

Austin Tan Cerca de la Frontera will sponsor the 12^th annual Women and Fair Trade Festival. Eight cooperatives, formed by women adversely affected by globalization, will come from all over the world to tell their stories and sell handmade crafts, toys, pottery, jewelry, clothing, textiles and weavings. Women and their representatives gather in Austin to meet local buyers, enjoy local musicians, and celebrate cultural exchange. The market festival will also feature live music, poetry, and raffles. More information online.

Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4700 Grover Ave., Austin 78756

– See more at: http://www.thirdcoastactivist.org/events/women-and-fair-trade-festival-4/#sthash.rVyjCMMB.dpuf

Saturday, December 5 & Sunday, December 6

Join your friends and neighbors this December for a lovely holiday tradition, the Saint John’s UMC Annual Alternative Gift Market. Scheduled for December 5-6, the Market supports charities and artisan groups both at home and around the world and celebrates the true meaning of this most meaningful season of our year. In addition, the Market supports Saint John’s own missions outreach through the sale of handmade items and crafts made by Saint John’s members and wonderful holiday treats are always available in the Bake Shop.

Hours are 10 am-3 pm on Saturday, December 5 and noon until 3 pm on Sunday, December 6.

UUMC’s Alternative Gift Market is a chance for you to buy Christmas presents that “give twice.”  When you buy an item from the Alternative Gift Market, you will be helping an artisan earn a fair wage for their product. There is something for everyone on your Christmas list — from shirts and jewelry to coffee and handbags. We are your one-stop shop — see you at the market! If you have an interest in being a vendor, please contact Rev. Heather Lee at hlee@uumc.org.