2014 TCADP Annual Conference – Lighting the WaySave the Date: Saturday, February 22, 2014 Location: University Christian Church, Fort Worth, Texas TCADP is well-known for hosting a professional and affordable conference with inspiring speakers, informative workshops and great networking opportunities! The TCADP Annual Conference will be held at University Christian Church, Fort Worth, Texas on the edge of the beautiful TCU campus and within miles of the Fort Worth Botanical Garden. The 2014 Keynote Speaker during the Award Luncheon will be Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist Bob Ray Sanders. Bob Ray Sanders is often criticized for writing about things he could not have experienced because, some readers say, “he can’t be that old.” The truth is Bob Ray has been a professional journalist for 40 years and in three media: newspaper, television and radio. A Fort Worth native who knows and cares about his community, and those with whom he shares this planet, this is a columnist who is not afraid to speak out on behalf of downtrodden people.
Special early bird registration rates are available for students, members, and supporters now! Register Today! Sponsorship Opportunities: Consider ways your organization, faith community, or business can engage with TCADP conference attendees. Download PDF Conference Hotel: Block rate of $109 a night – Springhill Suites Fort Worth University – 3250 Lovell Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76107-5730 Book your Group Rate Hotel Room Stay tuned for more details! TCADP members receive a discounted registration rate, so be sure to stay current. |
The Red Bench – Compassion
February 4, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA
February 25
6:30PM – 8:30PM
Location: RAIN DROP FOUNDATION, 12400 AMHERST DR
The Red Bench is a dialogue program centered on moderated small group discussions that are genuinely respectful and safe. No one is expected to be an expert on the topics, but all are invited to share from their personal experiences and listen with their hearts.
CROP Walk – Sunday, March 23
February 4, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA
Please mark your calendars for the 2014 CROP Hunger Walk. This annual walk is a fun and engaging way for Austin-area faith communities to join together to combat hunger and poverty in the city of Austin and globally.The 2014 CROP Hunger Walk will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Camp Mabry, 2200 W. 35 St, Austin, TX 78703. Please check the Austin CROP Walk website in the upcoming months for more information.
The Austin CROP Hunger Walk is one of the top fundraising walks in the nation. The 2013 walk raised over $94,000! Let’s aim to be the #1 fundraiser next year. If your faith community already has a team, please join them! If you would like to organize a team in your congregation, please consider volunteering to become a recruiter! Let’s join together for the CROP Hunger Walk – Ending Hunger One Step at a Time.
Visit the website or contact the Recruiter Coordinator, Desareé W. McKinney at dwilliams@interfaithtexas.org or 512-386-9145 ext. 308 for more information on the walk or being a fundraising recruiter.
Dr. Marcus Borg to Speak in April
February 4, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA| Marcus Borg Weekend at University UMC, Austin
April 4-6 University United Methodist Church invites you to join us for a weekend of teaching and conversation with Dr. Marcus Borg, Registration for the Friday and Saturday events is $40. Student registration is $20. Online registration will begin in February. There will be question-and-answer sessions and book signing opportunities during the weekend. Online registration will begin in February. A major figure in scholarship related to the Historical Jesus, Borg is the author of 20 books and serves as Canon Theologian at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Ore. Described by The New York Times as “a leading figure in his generation of Jesus scholars,” Borg has appeared on NBC’s “Today Show” and “Dateline,” PBS’s “NewsHour,” ABC’s “Evening News” and “Primetime,” NPR’s “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross, and several National Geographic programs. A Fellow of the Jesus Seminar, he has been national chair of the Historical Jesus Section of the Society of Biblical Literature. |
Registration at: http://www.uumc.org/borg/
Rev. Frank Schaefer – First UMC Austin – April 27
February 4, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA
It has just been announced that Rev. Frank Schaefer will be the speaker at First UMC Austin’s Reconciling Service on April 27.
Rev. Schaefer was put on trial in 2013 by the UMC for performing the marriage ceremony for his own son in 2007. He was found guilty of violating the UMC’s discriminatory rules, and his ministerial credentials were revoked. His case is the latest in a series of church trials that are strongly opposed by MFSA.
MFSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE LUNCHEON SCHEDULED
February 4, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSAPeace 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).
Anthony 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.”
MFSA Chapter Sponsors Luncheon and A Conversation with Bishop Talbert – Sunday, February 9, 12:15pm at Trinity UMC, Austin
January 14, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSAThe 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
Retired 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.
Join MFSA at the MLK March in Austin – Monday, Jan. 20
January 9, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA|
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Have you considered what commitments you’ll make to combating racism in 2014?
March, Festival, and Food Drive
January 9, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA The Annual Community March celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy while uplifting diversity and multi-culturalism in our city. The MLK Community March kicks off on Monday, January 20, 2014 at 9 a.m. with a short program at the MLK Statue on the University of Texas campus.
We will then march to the south steps of the State Capitol for a short program and marchers will continue on to the historic Huston-Tillotson University, where exciting activities are planned. All businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals are invited to march and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. The MLK Community Festival kicks off as soon the march arrives on location and will last until 3 p.m.; it will include all types of vendors and local musical artists to make this year’s celebration the best ever! A vendor application can be downloaded for those interested in purchasing booth space. For questions and information, please contact Carol Wright by email or by telephone at (512) 323-6773 ext. 102. |
| SUPPORT THE CAPITAL AREA FOOD BANK
This year, we are asking marchers to help by donating can goods or non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank. Help to give to those in need by helping the Capital Area Food Bank fill their shelves with non-perishable food items. “True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it is not haphazard and superficial. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Donation receptacles will be available at The University of Texas and the Capitol, while the march is in those locations. Receptacles will also be available at the festival at Huston-Tillotson University. Please follow these guidelines when considering what to donate:
CAPITAL METRO BUS SERVICE INFORMATION Routes 2, 4, 18, 21/22 will get you to and from the MLK March & Rally and Celebration (including back to the parking garages near UT and the State Capitol). Fare: Single Ride $1, Day Pass $2.00 (Reduced Fare: Single Ride $.50, Day Pass $1. Children five and under with an accompanying adult, and emergency and military personnel in uniform ride Capital Metro bus and rail services at no charge.) Use Capital Metro’s online trip planner http://www.capmetro.org/planner/ or call the Go-Line at 512-474-1200 for information about routes and schedules. |
America’s Sunday Supper | Jan 19th | Trinity UMC Austin
January 9, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA Inspired by the legacy of Dr. King, America’s Sunday Supper invites people from diverse backgrounds to come together to share a meal, discuss issues that affect their community and highlight the power each one of us has to make a difference. Join us at Trinity United Methodist Church (4001 Speedway) on January 19, 2014 from 6 – 7:30 pm, for A Frank Dialogue on Race – an open conversation and guided discussion on racial dynamics and how to combat racism in our community here in Central Texas. Dr. Kazique Jelani Prince and Jeremy Solomons will provide thought-provoking questions and activities, and will create a safe space for conversation. We will also have a potluck Peace Through Pie Social – bring a pie (savory or sweet) to share.
Dr. Kazique Jelani Prince – Acclaimed leader with a distinguished and accomplished career, carving out a reputation as a dynamic and comprehensive communicator and trusted adviser. Governed by a focused vision for the future and fueled by a passion to make a difference in the new global economy. Considerable experience in the areas of Project & Program Management, Diversity & Inclusion Management, and Cross-functional Leadership Development. Owns a powerful understanding of people and what motivates them, drawing upon unique skill set to effectively sell, counsel and encourage others towards meaningful, lasting change. Inspired change agent who seeks the broader view in all situations, drawing upon resources and deep knowledge base to assist others in utilizing their own strengths and capabilities. Trailblazes through opposition, spearheading forward-thinking, cutting-edge initiatives and programs while successfully uniting team members behind common goals. Jeremy Solomons – Jeremy Solomons is an independent facilitator and passionate advocate for human rights and racial equality. Based now in Austin, Texas, he has felt the personal sting of prejudice, bias and discrimination when growing up as an Orthodox Jew in his native England and since then he has pledged his life to bringing everyone into a constructive dialogue and sustainable action to address and eradicate the evils of inequality, injustice and racism. Austin’s Sunday Supper & Peace Through Pie Social Community Partners
America’s Sunday Supper Info and National Sponsors |
The Red Tent….an Obstacle to Education?
January 9, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA|
Sat, Jan 11th 9:30am, Bethany UMC Ministry Center, 10010 Anderson Mill Rd, 78750 |
Join us as we explore a subject not often discussed. As a middle school girl, how would your life have been impacted without access to feminine hygiene products? In addition to educating ourselves about this issue for girls in developing countries, we’ll also hear from a local group of Bethany UMC women (including some WOVers!) who are exploring how to do something to help! Bethany’s Ministry Center is Room # D105 on the ground floor of the “Disciple B” Building. See here for a map of the campus. We’d love for you to join us! http://wovtexas.org/#/austin/events
Interfaith Environmental Network of Austin (IEN)
January 9, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA
Green Shepherds Launch & Potluck!
When: MONDAY, 1/13/14 Potluck & Fellowship: 6:30pm to 7:15pm Symposium: 7:15pm to 8:45pm
Where: First Baptist Church (map) “Fellowship Hall” (Ground Floor) 901 Trinity Street, Austin, TX 78701 512-476-2625 (no cost to attend, free parking) please bring vegetarian-friendly dishes all are welcome!
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| Join us for a special evening of fun, renewal, fellowship, & education
In 2012 and 2013, ClimateBuddies.org led our Energy Action Team to accomplish some amazing things: helping local congregations eliminate 1,000,000 lbs of CO2 pollution and releasing our climate action manual, “Becoming Carbon Positive” – to name just two.
The culmination of their work is a new program for houses of worship, Green Shepherds. The Green Shepherds program helps Austin congregations understand exactly where their most effective investments can be made in response to the climate crisis and provides support for getting things done. |
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Economic Crisis & Cooperative Solutions with Gar Alperovitz
January 9, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA Gar Alperovitz, http://www.garalperovitz.com/ a leading scholar and activist in the movement to build a new economy, will speak on “The Quietly Deepening Political and Economic Crisis: Possibilities for an America beyond Corporate Capitalism” on Friday, January 24, at 7 p.m. at University United Methodist Church. He also will participate in a conference on local efforts to build that new economy on the morning of Saturday, January 25, at the “5604 Manor” community center.
Alperovitz’s latest book is What Then Must We Do?: Straight Talk about the Next American Revolution, in which he argues for a new-economy movement that can democratize the ownership of wealth, strengthen communities in diverse ways, and be governed by policies and institutions sophisticated enough to manage a large-scale, powerful economy. http://whatthenmustwedo.org/# He is also the author of America Beyond Capitalism: Reclaiming Our Wealth, Our Liberty, and Our Democracy, which diagnoses the long-term structural crisis of the American economic and political system, and Unjust Deserts: Wealth and Equality in the Knowledge Economy (with Lew Daly), Making a Place For Community (with Thad Williamson and David Imbroscio), Rebuilding America (with Jeff Faux),Atomic Diplomacy and The Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb. Alperovitz is a founding principal of the University of Maryland-based Democracy Collaborative, http://democracycollaborative.org/ a research institution developing practical, policy-focused, and systematic paths towards ecologically sustainable, community-oriented change and the democratization of wealth. The Saturday morning gathering will begin at 8:30 am with coffee and a light breakfast. The first panel at 9:15 am, “Worker Cooperatives 101,” will feature Cooperation Texas staff and worker/owners on the basics of worker cooperatives. The second panel at 10:45 am will feature Alperovitz in conversation with Don Baylor (the Senior Policy Analyst on Economic Opportunity for the Center for Public Policy Priorities) on “The Way Forward,” discussing challenges and opportunities in building the new economy. The events are sponsored by the University United Methodist Church and Cooperation Texas, http://cooperationtexas.coop/ an Austin-based non-profit committed to the creation of sustainable jobs through the development, support and promotion of worker-owned cooperatives. More information online https://www.facebook.com/events/668747903160142/?source=1 or contact Robert Jensen,rjensen@austin.utexas.edu. Location (Friday): University United Methodist Church, 2409 Guadalupe St., Austin, 78705 (free parking available; see map at http://www.uumc.org/?q=node/76) Location (Saturday): 5604 Manor, 5604 Manor Road, Austin, 78723 http://www.5604manor.org/ |
Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action 