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UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.The United Nations invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace. |
Nadia Bolz-Weber’s “Pastrix” Book Event – Austin
August 26, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA Nadia Bolz-Weber’s “Pastrix” book event – with special guest Sara Miles! Friday, September 27th-Austin, TX
University UMC, 2409 Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX, 78705. www.uumc.org Event Time: 7:00-9:00pm Dear Friends, Event is free, but you will need a ticket. You also will have the option of a $5 registration that comes with $7 off the price of the book the night of the event. (For the Austin event only, I will be joined by my friend Sara Miles, author of Take This Bread, and Jesus Freak)
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REGISTER HERE: http://lifeinthetrinityministry.com/pastrixbooktour/registernow
TOXIC CHARITY
August 26, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA Bob Lupton, Author of Toxic Charity, atSaint John’s UMC – September 28 Make plans to hear Toxic Charity author Bob Lupton speak on September 28, 2013 at Saint John’s UMC. Lupton, founder of a successful Atlanta-based non-profit that serves families in need, has developed mixed-income subdivisions, organized two multiracial congregations, created housing for hundreds of families, and initiated a wide range of human services in his community. In Toxic Charity, the author and speaker reveals the shockingly toxic effects that modern charity has upon the very people meant to benefit from it. The book also provides proven new models for charitable groups who want to help-not sabotage-those whom they desire to serve. Check future newsletters for more details. Questions? Call Sheri Jones, Director of Missions, at 452-5737 or email sheri@stjohnsaustin.org. To register, please click here. |
FAITHANDREASON Seminar – Houston
August 26, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA“Does Christianity Have A FUTURE? Schism, Scandal, and Loss of the Sacred” OCTOBER 18 & 19
Marcus Borg Joan Chittister, OSB John Dominic Crossan Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral 1117 Texas Street Houston, TX 77002 jennifervail@faithandreason.org CLICK HERE for more information. |
Upholding the Discipline – by MFSA member Kevin Nelson
August 26, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA MFSA Board of Directors member, Kevin Nelson, writes about the complexities of the UMC’s Book of Discipline: http://www.rmnblog.org/2013/08/upholding-the-book-of-discipline.html
“Upholding the Discipline” is less a matter of living in a world of black and white and applying the Discipline accordingly, and more a matter of embracing the ambiguities of a world of gray and seeking to identify the core principles/messages that can guide us in whatever we encounter.” |
MFSA Needs Your Help To Conduct Programs and Activities
August 26, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA|
How to join or support MFSA Please join with us as we connect progressive United Methodists in putting faith into action!
There are several easy ways to join or support MFSA.
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Historically, we have had eight monthly chapter meetings per year, generally on the second Thursday of the month (this may change in the future). We communicate using monthly electronic newsletters & updates to our website and Facebook page.
Outstanding Turnout for Pride Parade!
October 14, 2012 — Rio Texas MFSAThe Southwest Texas Conference Chapter of MFSA and the Reconciling Ministries Team collaborated to sponsor a group of 244 United Methodists in the 2012 Austin Pride Parade on Saturday, September 22. Members of seven UMC churches – First, Grace, Saint John’s, Trinity, and University in Austin; Journey in Round Rock; and Travis Park in San Antonio – wore shirts in the colors of the rainbow to show our support . The parade attendees gave us a very warm welcome. Thanks to Joy Butler for organizing the group! See more photos on our website – http://www.flickr.com/photos/swtexasmfsa.
TCADP – Month of Faith in Action on the Death Penalty: Faithful Conversation with Sr. Helen Prejean on the Death Penalty
October 14, 2012 — Rio Texas MFSASISTER HELEN PREJEAN — Friday, October 12
On Friday, October 12, St. Edwards University, the UMC General Board of Church and Society, the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, and others will host Faithful Considerations: A Discussion With Sister Helen Prejean and Austin Faith Leaders. Sister Helen will be joined by Rev. John Elford of University UMC and Pastor Nestor Menjivar.
The conversation will include the challenges of moving Texas away from a culture of vengeance toward a culture of accountability that does not rely on the death penalty; how faith leaders and people of faith can take a more proactive role in educating their congregations about this issue, and the challenges of addressing the death penalty from the pulpit. As Sr. Helen states, “I realize that I cannot stand by silently as my government executes its citizens. If I do not speak out and resist, I am an accomplice.”
The event will be held at the Ragsdale Center at St. Edward’s University from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The event is free, but you will need to register. Seating is limited.
Sister Helen Prejean is the author of Dead Man Walking, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and later made into a powerful movie (with Susan Sarandon playing Sister Helen). She’ll be coming to Austin to share her story.
Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action 