 The Love Your Neighbor Coalition consists of United Methodists committed to the embodiment of God’s love and justice within and through the people and mission of The United Methodist Church. The core of our faith is found in Jesus’ response to the question “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” – to “love God with all our heart, soul (being) and mind” and to “love neighbor as self” (Matthew 22:36-40). These hold ancient “law and prophets” together with our contemporary Book of Discipline, Social Principles, and Book of Resolutions. Our mission is to assure The United Methodist Church is fully open to the presence, love and grace of God offered to all people.
LYNC is a coalition of thirteen partner organizations, and each has agreed to work together around the intersections of common justice issues and shared values. For more information, see: http://www.lyncoalition.org/ |
Love Your Neighbor Coalition
April 12, 2016 — Rio Texas MFSAMFSA sponsors One Human Race Workshop at St. Luke UMC Austin
March 23, 2016 — Rio Texas MFSA
The Rio Texas MFSA chapter is sponsoring The One Human Race Series at St. Luke UMC-Austin, 1306 W Lynn St., on three Saturdays in April – 16, 23, 30 -from 12:30-3:30pm.
In this three-week series, you’ll learn, listen, and share about the concept of race in the U.S. in a safe and productive environment. There is no fee, but donations are welcome.
You must register to participate – http://www.onehumanrace.info. While, it is not a requirement that you attend all sessions, the first session is mandatory. Registration is limited to 60 people, so register soon to secure your space.
Thanks to the Union of Black Episcopalians – Myra McDaniel Chapter for this ministry and to Rev. Jay Cooper and St. Luke UMC for hosting the event.
MFSA Depends On Your Support For Its Programs and Activities
January 14, 2016 — Rio Texas MFSAHow to join or support MFSA
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.
Thanks for your support of 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 Rio Texas Chapter.
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.
Stay Connected with MFSA
September 2, 2015 — Rio Texas MFSAMFSA – Chapter Website: https://riotexasmfsa.org/
MFSA – National Site: http://www.mfsaweb.org
Check out our Rio Texas Chapter MFSA : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rio-Texas-Chapter-MFSA/208934022460155?ref=bookmarks
Open Letter to United Methodist Bishops in Texas – From Laity
June 18, 2015 — Rio Texas MFSAIf you are a Texas United Methodist lay person, please consider signing the Open Letter to Texas Bishops, which was written by a team of 5 United Methodist laity representing all 5 conferences in the state of Texas (Texas, Rio Texas, North Texas, Central Texas, and Northwest Texas). It was written by laity – for laity – and is intended to share concerns regarding the exclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons in The United Methodist Church.
The timing of the letter reflects the anticipation of marriage equality reaching Texas as a result of the Supreme Court ruling expected in late June. While the court could issue a partial ruling requiring only that states recognize all marriage licenses from other states, legal experts say a sweeping ruling in favor of marriage equality is more likely. View the letter and the 919 names of Texas United Methodists that have already signed the letter at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1CaXApsGuyIfSrTGNGv9a3GMFWJ0lGMU-hKqmMAYppl8/viewform
Gather 2015 Scholarships for Rio Texas Applicants
April 3, 2015 — Rio Texas MFSAPlease submit this application by May 30. Applicant must be a resident of the Rio Texas Conference. RIOTEXASSCHOLARSHIPGatherattheRiver2015.
2014 Austin Pride Parade
September 8, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA
March with Austin-Area United Methodists
Saturday, September 20, 7pm
The SWTX MFSA and SWTX Reconciling Ministries Team collaborate on the Austin Pride Parade. In 2013, over 400 United Methodists participated in the parade, sharing God’s love and grace with all. Our goal this year is 500 United Methodists participating together in the 2014 Austin Pride Parade.
Late Breaking News!! Joining us this year in the Austin Pride Parade will be Bishop Melvin Talbert, champion of the Biblical Obedience movement and Vice-Chair of the Reconciling Ministries Network, and Matt Berryman, Executive Director of the RMN!
Participants should be registered with one of the church groups. General questions about United Methodist participation in parade? Contact Kenneth Henry: KDHenry@gmail.com or Joy Butler: JoyLButler@gmail.com
2014 Pride Interfaith Celebration
When: Tuesday, September 16th, 7:00pm.
Where: University Baptist Church
2130 Guadalupe St.
Austin, TX 78705
Austin’s Pride Interfaith Partnership announced details on the upcoming 2014 Pride Interfaith Celebration, to be held on Tuesday September 16th, as part of Austin’s Gay Pride Week.
The free event will be held at University Baptist Church at 7pm. The keynote speaker this year will be Randy Roberts Potts, the gay grandson of evangelist Oral Roberts. Randy is a prolific author and speaker, encouraging the LGBTQ community to live authentically. He was featured in the It Gets Better campaign and the performance art, The Gay Agenda. Further information on Randy Roberts Potts can be found on the website www.PrideInterfaith.com.
For more information on the service, please visit www.PrideInterfaith.com or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PrideInterfaithPartnership.
Call for Volunteers – MFSA Board Meeting in Austin
September 8, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA
On October 29 – November 1, MFSA’s national Board of Directors and Program Council will hold their Fall Meeting in Austin! We are looking for volunteers for home stays for approximately 35 adults. If you have an extra bedroom and would be willing to host one or more of these folks from chapters throughout the nation, please let Anne Mund (ennadnum@hotmail.com) know.
We will also be seeking volunteers for transportation of our guests to and from the airport, and to other venues, and for meal arrangements. If you are available, contact Rowland or Janice Curry (rcurry@austin.rr.com).
These meetings will be open to any of our friends who wish to meet our board members or wish to observe the meetings. We hope to arrange for one or more opportunities for socializing and learning more about MFSA and the other chapters throughout the country.
Turn Up The Heat To Help MFSA!
September 8, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA| Summer is almost over, but it’s time to turn up the heat!
We need your help! MFSA has been given a great opportunity to support inclusion for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) United Methodists and their work for justice for all. This past week, we were notified of receipt of a small grant to assist with strategic visioning for the Love Your Neighbor (LYN) Coalition, a group of 10 progressive organizations who are committed to justice in The United Methodist Church – not only for LGBTQ persons, but for all the places we find injustice and oppression in our Church. Unfortunately, this grant only supports the programming, travel, and some technology upgrades for the Coalition, not the personnel costs. Current grant applications for personnel costs are in final consideration, but we need your help today. Since January, MFSA has funded the LYN Coalition Coordinator position. We expected funding this summer, but now will be awaiting word regarding personnel funding in early October. Thus, MFSA has delayed other financial obligations because we believe so much in the work of the Coalition. Our Coalition Coordinator, Rev. Steve Clunn, is central to the work of the LYN Coalition. Help us continue this position until we can secure more funding. Share with your colleagues, friends, family – anyone who believes in justice for LGBTQ persons in the life and mission of The United Methodist Church. Central to this work is coordinating efforts of the Coalition’s cooperative event in August 2015, the Legislative Strategy team, and further fundraising to make sure there’s a strong progressive presence in Portland for General Conference 2016!
Your financial support – large or small – will make a difference in the future of our movement for justice and in the future of the Church! Let’s turn up the heat and get this thermometer rising! |
Donate now at http://bit.ly/1ktKNEJ
“On The Road” With SWTX-MFSA
September 8, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA
This Fall, the SWTX-MFSA Executive Committee will be sharing information about MFSA through a Power Point presentation. We will begin this program at Buda UMC on Sunday, September 14, at 10:00am, at the invitation of Rev. Barbara Day. If you have a group or Sunday School class that would be interested in hearing a presentation about the social justice work that the local and national MFSA organizations do, please contact Anne Mund, ennadnum@hotmail.com, and we will schedule a visit
Important Economic Justice Conference in Houston
September 8, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA
As religious progressives we embrace a non-violent resistance to domination systems that marginalize the poor and the weak. Both Torah and the New Testament are clear about God’s dream for the world – a society of equality and justice where everyone has enough. As people of faith we recognize that all women, men and children are members of the family of God; they belong to us and we belong to them. We now deliberately join together determined to create economic and social justice for all. As progressive religious people – regardless of our faith or political affiliation – we must pay attention and take action to combat this injustice. It’s time to turn the page in Texas!A three-day organizing event to unite religious progressives, academics, and justice activists to act in solidarity to promote economic justice.
Presenters include Ralph Douglas West, Amy-Jill Levine, John Dominic Crossan, Joerg Rieger, Keri Day, Robin Meyers and many more.
For more information, click here.
Step Up For Africa
September 8, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Walk/Run
Saturday, September 20, 8:30 AM
Brushy Creek Lake Park – Cypress Pavillion
3300 Brushy Creek Road, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Come join us for this no frills 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Walk to benefit clean water projects in Matete, Kenya. Walkers Welcome! Strollers Welcome! Digital timer for personal record. Inflatable!
Proceeds benefit water, education, food, and medical projects
in Matete, Kenya through World Vision.
Civil Rights Conference at TSU
September 8, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA
2014 CIVIL RIGHTS CONFERENCE
Saturday, September 20
Texas Southern University
YOU KNOW THE ISSUES – ARE YOU READY TO DO THE WORK?
At the 2014 Civil Rights Conference you will learn how to strategize, organize and stand up for civil rights. You will learn to be an effective and dynamic activist. The conference is a day-long program that will feature speakers addressing topics such as:
- Community organizing
- Political strategies
- Media strategies
- Immigration issues
- Criminal justice reform
- Coping with discrimination and voter suppression
Our keynote speaker will be Jim Harrington, Director of the Texas Civil Rights Project and long-time civil rights activist and role model. The conference will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2014, from 9 am to 4:30 pm at the Mickey Leland building on the Texas Southern University campus. Registration fees: $7 with pre-registration, $10 at the door, $5 for students. Register here.
Candidate Forums In Austin
September 8, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSAThe City of Austin’s Ethics Review Commission and the League of Women Voters of the Austin Area are co-hosting a series of candidate forums in September to which the public is invited. If you are unable to attend, these forums will be televised live on City Channel 6 (cable). They also will be broadcast repeatedly this fall, and will be webcast on the City’s website: austintexas.gov/.
All candidates for each of Austin’s ten geographic districts as well as all candidates for mayor have been invited to participate. The dates, times, and locations can be found here.
Austin Interfaith Fall Election Events
Austin Interfaith is a non-partisan coalition 41 of congregations, schools and labor unions that work together on issues affecting the families of Central Texas. The organization does not endorse candidates, but has an agenda and a vision for an affordable, safe and healthy Central Texas for all families.
Candidates for Mayor and County Judge
Tuesday, September 16, 7:00 pm
Temple Beth Shalom – 7300 Hart Lane
Candidates for Mayor and City Council
Sunday, October 5, 3:00 pm
Abiding Love Lutheran Church, 7210 Brush Country Rd
Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action 