Regional GC2019 Responses from Hacking Christianity

April 7, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

Rev. Jeremy Smith is the Senior Pastor at First UMC in Seattle, WA.  He is a good friend of MFSA, and publishes a website and blog addressing issues in the UMC.  He has published an up-to-date list of responses to GC2019 – see link below.

Updated List of #UMC Regional Responses to GC2019

“The passing of parts of the Traditional Plan has awoken a slumbering giant. Regions that no one considered “progressive” have amassed open letters with significant signatories, purchased local media ads, and written legislation in order to denounce the Traditional Plan.

The following is a constantly-updated list, so come back if you find something that isn’t here.

We are all indebted to Julie O’Neal, Executive Assistant to the Bishop in the Desert Southwest Annual Conference, for collecting the majority of the below letters. Thanks Julie!”

http://hackingchristianity.net/2019/03/updated-list-of-umc-regional-responses-to-gc2019.html

Additional recent articles and statements:

United Methodist News:

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/resistance-to-gc2019-spreads

United Methodist Insight:

https://um-insight.net/general-conference/general-conference-2019

Uniting Methodists:

https://unitingmethodists.com/

UM Forward:

(Summit in Minneapolis May 17-18)

https://um-forward.org/

Article from Religion News Service:

https://religionnews.com/2019/04/03/us-methodists-plot-ways-to-resist-new-lgbt-rules/?fbclid=IwAR2HNjomS_KyQbb0KrGStIl2MAhUFTAKQQ_odV9vSE_msboXFWEx0woRqQk

Prizm News: “They Cannot Have My Church.”

https://www.prizmnews.com/2019/04/they-cannot-have-my-church/?fbclid=IwAR1HEtc0e0BAbrW9GUbjVGn6zsw6T6sYfRtR32Polv9_4H5VTyP8UQGcm7s

Bishop Sally Dyck (Illinois)

https://www.umcnic.org/news/thats-not-church?fbclid=IwAR3Bhna91UUeinefmc2fYQgGvRIvgSmQJbtqqyVGbF_hYNjVOvaCWwkBy-w

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March Meeting Reflected on GC2019, Plans Going Forward

April 7, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

In March, over 50 MFSA supporters gathered in Austin to hear comments by a panel of six persons who attended (or watched) the GC2019 proceedings in St. Louis.  Panelists were Rev. Sid Hall, Joy Butler, Shelley Walters, Jay Brim, Trevor Harper, and Cindy Johnson.  They all generally expressed shock, dismay, and anger as the Traditional Plan was approved at the conference.  They discussed possible plans for the future of the UMC and the possibility of the Traditional Plan being found unconstitutional by the Judicial Council later this month.  Several expressed hope that this vote has awakened centrists and others who have not been paying attention to the increased fundamentalism in the UMC.  There was discussion of the dissent that has arisen after GC2019, including a huge increase in the number of individuals and communities who are affiliating with the Reconciling Ministries Network.  It is important that progressive delegates to 2019 annual conferences elect delegates to GC2020 who are not supportive of the Traditional Plan.

Links to videos:
Rev. Sid Hall: https://www.facebook.com/208934022460155/videos/364762250793142/

Joy Butler: https://www.facebook.com/208934022460155/videos/2423197347691739/

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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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March 14 Meeting to Reflect on GC2019, Future of the UMC

March 12, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

As you should all know by now, the Special Session of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church was held in St. Louis February 23-26.  Many Rio Texas MFSA supporters attended, as delegates and observers, and witnessed as part of the Love Your Neighbor Coalition (LYNC).  LYNC offered worship, counseling, and support during the pain-filled meeting.  The result of conference was devastating to those who support equal rights for our LGBTQI+ members.  The delegates voted to continue – and worsen – the UMC’s ban on same-gender weddings and options for clergy.  The “Traditional” Plan passed by 53%, but several portions of the plan have been challenged as violative of the UMC Constitution.  The Judicial Council is expected rule on the challenges in late April.

So what do we do now?  Many churches have made it known that they will leave the UMC; others have indicated they will stay and resist the discriminatory policies.  Many Rio Texas churches are not even aware of the raging debate.

Join us on Thursday, March 14, as a panel of Rio Texas MFSA supporters, observers and delegates offer their perspectives about GC2019 and the future of the UMC.  We have invited Jay Brim, Sid Hall, Joy Butler, Shelley Walters and others to share their experiences.  We will share what various churches inside and outside of Rio Texas are discussing.

The meeting will be at Saint John’s United Methodist Church, at 2140 Allandale Road, in Austin.

Snacks and mingling begin at 6:30 pm, followed by the program at 7 pm.

Contact rcurry@austin.rr.com for more information

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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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MFSA Monthly Meeting Thursday, September 13

September 6, 2018 — Rio Texas MFSA

A Special General Conference of the United Methodist Church will meet in February 2019 in an attempt to resolve the denomination’s differences over homosexuality.  This summer, the Love Your Neighbor Coalition (which includes MFSA and RMN) met at a convocation – For Everyone Born – that included planning the coalition’s witness at the Special GC.  At our meeting on Thursday, September 13, we will hear from Rev. Nancy Mossman, who attended the convocation and will report her impressions and the plans that are being made for witness by those supporting an inclusive church.

More than a dozen MFSA supporters from Austin have expressed their intent to travel to St. Louis for the Special GC in February.  We will discuss plans and needs for that important and historic witness in the life of the denomination.

Location:  Saint John’s UMC, 2140 Allandale Road, with snacks and mingling at 6:30p and the program at 7p.  All are welcome!  Hope to see you there!

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Important Discussion at University UMC Austin

September 6, 2018 — Rio Texas MFSA

 

Sunday, September 16, 12:15 p.m.
University United Methodist Church (UUMC) Fellowship Hall
2409 Guadalupe St. Austin, TX 78705

In February 2019, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church will have a called special session to determine the future shape of the global United Methodist Church.  Our Council of Bishops have recommended a plan, drafted by the “Commission on a Way Forward” called the “One Church Plan.”  If adopted, this plan will create a step forward towards full inclusion of the LGBTQ community while at the same time allowing for theological differences to continue to coexist.  Leah Taylor, a University of Texas alumni and a Senior Representative for Texas Methodist Foundation was on the Commission that drafted the “One Church Plan.”  In her local church Leah served as Chair or Trustees, a member of Staff Parish and Administrative Council and is the former Lay Leader for the South Central Jurisdiction.

Also joining us for the discussion will be Jay Brim, former Lay Leader of the Rio Texas Annual Conference and a member of Westlake UMC in Austin.  He has been Chancellor of the Rio Texas Conference since 2016 and is a delegate to the called General Conference in 2019 in St. Louis.

All are invited to join your pastors, Leah Taylor and Jay Brim for lunch as we discuss and answer important questions about this plan.  What is it? How will it affect us?  How can we support this plan?  What are the alternative plans being presented to the General Conference and why would they be harmful to the UMC?

Donations will gratefully be accepted to cover the cost of the food.

Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07efmztk6gb83b6b86&oseq=&c=&ch=

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God in Transition: A Day of Faith Formation

September 6, 2018 — Rio Texas MFSA

 Hosted by enfleshed and First United Methodist Church of Austin

Saturday, November 10 at 10am – 3pm

1201 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701

Tickets by Eventbrite

 

If you are interested in learning about how you, individually, and your congregation, collectively, can support trans and nonbinary people and their loved ones, come join us for a day-long event of education and community building.  With featured plenary speaker, Rev. M Barclay, a non-binary trans minister in The United Methodist Church, you’ll be invited to grow in understanding of what it means to be trans today, learn how the Christian faith can support people in their transitions, deepen your understanding of gender, and walk away with practical tools for celebrating people of all genders.  https://www.facebook.com/events/236810043683428/

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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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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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Rev. M Barclay will speak at the 8th Annual Peace and Justice Luncheon – Pre-Registration is Open through Sunday, June 3

June 1, 2018 — Rio Texas MFSA

Love, Justice & The UMC

Thursday, June 7, 2018 – Noon

American Bank Convention Center – Watergarden A

Corpus Christi, Texas
8th Annual Peace & Justice Luncheon
Sponsored byRio Texas Methodist Federation for Social ActionRio Texas Conference Transforming Communities Vision Team

Featuring

Reverend M Barclay

At the 2016 General Conference, it became apparent that issues relating to human sexuality in The United Methodist Church needed more study and reflection.  The Commission on a Way Forward was established to do a complete examination and possible revision of every paragraph of the Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality, and to explore options to maintain and strengthen the unity of the church.  That Commission will present its report to a special called session of General Conference in 2019.  To shed more light on this issue, Rio Texas MFSA is pleased to host Reverend M Barclay as keynote speaker for the 2018 Peace & Justice Luncheon.

Reverend Barclay is a deacon in the Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church and currently serves as Director of enfleshed (https://enfleshed.com), providing spiritual resources and faith education.  Originally from the Alabama-West Florida Conference, M received their M.Div. from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.  They have worked as a hospital chaplain, youth director, justice associate, and faith coordinator for reproductive justice in Texas prior to moving to Chicago in 2013.

M formerly served as Director of Communications at Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) where they advocated for queer and trans inclusion in The United Methodist Church.  As a life-long United Methodist, an openly queer and trans clergy person, and an advocate for God’s expansive love, they are in a unique position to speak to the challenges before us in The UMC at this critical time in its history.

Luncheon Registration Information

Cash or Check:  $12.00 in advance (by June 1)

Credit Card:  $15.00 (fees included) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/love-justice-the-umc-tickets-44244272811

In Corpus Christi:  $15.00 at the door (limited number available)

For Luncheon registration information, use this.

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Rev. M Barclay will speak at the 8th Annual Peace and Justice Luncheon – Pre-Registration is Open through Sunday, June 3

May 9, 2018 — Rio Texas MFSA

Love, Justice & The UMC

Thursday, June 7, 2018 – Noon

American Bank Convention Center – Watergarden A

Corpus Christi, Texas
8th Annual Peace & Justice Luncheon
Sponsored byRio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action

Rio Texas Conference Transforming Communities Vision Team

Featuring

Reverend M Barclay

At the 2016 General Conference, it became apparent that issues relating to human sexuality in The United Methodist Church needed more study and reflection.  The Commission on a Way Forward was established to do a complete examination and possible revision of every paragraph of the Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality, and to explore options to maintain and strengthen the unity of the church.  That Commission will present its report to a special called session of General Conference in 2019.  To shed more light on this issue, Rio Texas MFSA is pleased to host Reverend M Barclay as keynote speaker for the 2018 Peace & Justice Luncheon.

Reverend Barclay is a deacon in the Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church and currently serves as Director of enfleshed (https://enfleshed.com), providing spiritual resources and faith education.  Originally from the Alabama-West Florida Conference, M received their M.Div. from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.  They have worked as a hospital chaplain, youth director, justice associate, and faith coordinator for reproductive justice in Texas prior to moving to Chicago in 2013.

M formerly served as Director of Communications at Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) where they advocated for queer and trans inclusion in The United Methodist Church.  As a life-long United Methodist, an openly queer and trans clergy person, and an advocate for God’s expansive love, they are in a unique position to speak to the challenges before us in The UMC at this critical time in its history.

Luncheon Registration Information

Cash or Check:  $12.00 in advance (by June 1)

Credit Card:  $15.00 (fees included) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/love-justice-the-umc-tickets-44244272811

In Corpus Christi:  $15.00 at the door (limited number available)

For Luncheon registration information, use this.

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

2018 RMN Convocation

May 9, 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!

Posted in Equality, Inclusion in UMC, Newsletter, Special Events. Leave a Comment »

Rev. M Barclay will speak at the 8th Annual Peace and Justice Luncheon

April 6, 2018 — Rio Texas MFSA

Love, Justice & The UMC
Thursday, June 7, 2018 – Noon

American Bank Convention Center – Watergarden A

Corpus Christi, Texas
8th Annual Peace & Justice Luncheon
Sponsored byRio Texas Methodist Federation for Social ActionRio Texas Conference Transforming Communities Vision Team

Featuring

Reverend M Barclay

At the 2016 General Conference, it became apparent that issues relating to human sexuality in The United Methodist Church needed more study and reflection.  The Commission on a Way Forward was established to do a complete examination and possible revision of every paragraph of the Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality, and to explore options to maintain and strengthen the unity of the church.  That Commission will present its report to a special called session of General Conference in 2019.  To shed more light on this issue, Rio Texas MFSA is pleased to host Reverend M Barclay as keynote speaker for the 2018 Peace & Justice Luncheon.

Reverend Barclay is a deacon in the Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church and currently serves as Director of enfleshed (https://enfleshed.com), providing spiritual resources and faith education.  Originally from the Alabama-West Florida Conference, M received their M.Div. from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.  They have worked as a hospital chaplain, youth director, justice associate, and faith coordinator for reproductive justice in Texas prior to moving to Chicago in 2013.

M formerly served as Director of Communications at Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) where they advocated for queer and trans inclusion in The United Methodist Church.  As a life-long United Methodist, an openly queer and trans clergy person, and an advocate for God’s expansive love, they are in a unique position to speak to the challenges before us in The UMC at this critical time in its history.

Luncheon Registration Information

Cash or Check:  $12.00 in advance (by June 1)

Credit Card:  $15.00 (fees included) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/love-justice-the-umc-tickets-44244272811

In Corpus Christi:  $15.00 at the door (limited number available)
Please return this form with cash or check payment.

Name(s):  ______________________________________________

Address:  __________________________City:________________

Church:                                       # Tickets: ___ X $ 12.00 =$ ______

E-Mail (for confirmation): __________________________________

Indicate Special Dietary Need: _____________________________

 Make Check to: “Rio Texas MFSA”

Mail this form and check to:

Janice Curry, Treasurer

1509 Mearns Meadow Blvd.

Austin, TX  78758

For more information contact:

jlcurry@austin.rr.com

If the luncheon registration option in the above graphic does not work, use this.

Link to Flyer PDF here

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2018 RMN Convocation

April 6, 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!

More

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