From ACLU Texas

February 15, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

From Michael Seifert, ACLU Brownsville:

https://resourcesfortheborder.blogspot.com/2020/01/support-asylum-seekers.html

Friends, it’s been one year since the Trump administration began the policy “Remain in Mexico” (or MPP). Today, over 60,000 asylum seekers have been forcefully returned to Mexico to wait there for their U.S. immigration hearings.

Many migrant families are living for months in shelters or tent camps facing endless hurdles, and struggling to get basic necessities.

We can’t accept this as the norm. Since people are pushed out of the country and are “out of sight”, it is easier to forget we are complicit in the violence they experience.

Continue to demand an end to this policy and support those people who are stuck in Mexico waiting.

These wish lists are full of needed items that will be going directly to the shelters/ tent camps where these families are at.  It takes only a few minutes to buy an item!

*lists are only open for a week*

🔸Angry Tias and Abuelas in Matamoros: bit.ly/2RyMV2M

🔸Red de Albergues “Somos Uno X Juárez” in Cd. Juarez: bit.ly/37Bx1dz

🔸Kino Border Initiative in Nogales: bit.ly/2RCfMTC

 

Best,

Michael Seifert

Brownsville, Texas

Posted in Asylum Seekers, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

Texas Interfaith Advocacy Conference

February 15, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

This conference brings Texans of faith together for three days of advocacy and legislative training on February 16-18, 2020.

Register here.

Speakers and sessions will cover immigration, health equity, and climate – with an opportunity for participants to meet with their state elected officials.

Information about hotels to come soon.

Download and print the flyer here.

Posted in Advocacy, Interfaith Dialogue, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

Discussions Ramp Up in Preparation for GC 2020

February 15, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

In February 2019 the United Methodist Church, assembled in St. Louis at a special General Conference, adopted the Traditionalist Plan which strengthened the anti-LGBTQ stance of the denomination.  In the months since, there has been intense discussion about the future of the church.  Several groups have drafted plans dealing with changes to the denomination’s laws, the Book of Discipline.  In May 2020, the global UMC will have a General Conference in Minneapolis where it will consider further changes.

If you are interested in the discussions about the future of our denomination, stay alert!

If your congregation is not having conversations about this, they should be!

Progressive Resources:

United Methodist News Service:  https://www.umnews.org/en/

Mainstream UMC:  https://mainstreamumc.com/

UMC Next:  https://umcnext.com/

Hacking Christianity:  http://hackingchristianity.net/

UM Insight:  https://um-insight.net/

UM Forward:  https://um-forward.org/

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

iACT – The Red Bench

February 15, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

Join us for the next Red Bench on February 25 at Triumphant Love Lutheran Church (9508 Great Hills Trail, Austin, TX 78759) at 6:30pm on the topic: Who Counts & Who Matters? 

If you plant to attend, please be sure to RSVP.

Posted in Interfaith Dialogue, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

RMN Convocation – Connection2020

February 15, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

REGISTER FOR CONNECTION2020

Even as The UMC wrestles with its future, RMN’s mission remains unchanged. We are steadfast in our commitment to LGBTQ justice, not only where The UMC currently exists, but across the expanse of any future expressions of Methodism or denominations birthed out of the Wesleyan movement. Given that commitment, we invite you to join us in Nashville this February to bless one another’s liberative work and to accomplish the following:

  1. Mobilize Reconciling individuals who want to resist, reform, and build something new
  2. Resource and train Reconciling Churches and Communities to resist the Traditionalist Plan and affirm LGBTQ people in their local context
  3. Gather General Conference delegates to strategize toward GC2020

Register Here

Posted in Conference, Inclusion in UMC, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

February 15, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

Upcoming events

TCADP 2020 Annual Conference

The TCADP 2020 Annual Conference – 2020 Vision for Texas: A Leap Towards Justice – will take place on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Whitley Theological Center on the campus of Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas.  Register today!

Our program will feature a panel discussion between the current and former district attorneys of Bexar County, in-depth workshops led by experts, and the presentation of our annual awards to extraordinary individuals.

If you can’t join us for the full day, purchase a ticket for our awards luncheon and keynote address by Wana Akpan and Roderick Reed.  Roderick and Wana, in collaboration with the family-led Reed Justice Initiative, mobilized millions of people worldwide to oppose Rodney Reed’s scheduled execution on November 20, 2019.  Consider sponsoring a table at the luncheon or placing an ad in the conference program to commend Wana and Roderick and our award recipients.

Learn more about the conference, including details on our speakers and award winners.

TCADP has secured a block of hotel rooms at the TownePlace Suites San Antonio Airport (214 N.E. Loop 410 San Antonio, Texas 78216) for Friday, February 28 and Saturday, February 29.  The rate is $99 per night, plus tax; this rate is available until February 14, 2020.  The hotel provides free breakfast, as well as a free shuttle to the conference venue (Oblate School of Theology) and other amenities. Make your reservation directly with the hotel using this link.

Posted in Death Penalty, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

UM Forward Gathering

February 15, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

Trailblazing the Liberation Methodist Church

Purpose: •Radically reimagine the ways we relate to one another and the world.

Goal: •Mobilize the Liberation Methodist Church where: the marginalized are centered, power is equitably distributed, and we are free to act in solidarity with movements for justice.

Friday, March 6th at 4pm and ends Sunday, March 8th at 5pm.

United Methodist Church of Preston Hollow 6315 Walnut Hill Lane

Dallas, TX 75230

[near Love Field Airport] https://um-forward.org/

Posted in Conference, Inclusion in UMC, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

Batteries, Oil, Paint, Antifreeze (BOPA) Recycling

February 15, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

Join us in MFSA’s Annual BOPA event!  March 7!

BOPA (Batteries, Oil, Paint, Antifreeze) Recycling in the parking lot of Crestview United Methodist Church, 1300 Morrow St, Austin, TX on Saturday March 7, starting at 8 am. We’ll close at 10:30 am or when our trailers are full, whichever comes first.  Bring Batteries, Oil, Paint and Antifreeze (the last three in closed containers). We can accept only these items! No aerosols!  The items will be taken to the city’s hazardous waste recycling depot. Just drive up, give your zip code (requested by the city) and volunteers will unload your vehicle.

Bring your stuff, or contact Rowland Curry at rcurry@austin.rr.com to volunteer to help!

Posted in Environment, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

Austin Crop Hunger Walk

February 15, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

March 1, 2020
2:00 pm Registration; 2:30 pm Grand Step-Off

Camp Mabry
2200 W. 35th St.
ID Required for all adults

www.austincrophungerwalk.org

New This Year:
Tiny Tails Petting Z00
Austin Ukelele Society

Posted in Newsletter, Poverty & Hunger. Leave a Comment »

iACT Hands On Housing in April

February 15, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 9 AM – 5 PM

Interfaith Action of Central Texas – iACT

Posted in housing, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

2020 Election Dates

February 15, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA
2020 ELECTIONS                                                            IMPORTANT DATES

Tuesday, March 3, 2020 Joint Primary Elections

First Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail

(First day to file does not move because of New Year’s Day holiday.
An “Annual ABBM” or Federal Postcard Application for a Jan or
Feb election may be filed earlier, but not earlier than the 60th day
before the date of the election.)                                                   Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Last Day to Register to Vote                                                         Monday, February 3, 2020

First Day of Early Voting in Person                                               Tuesday, February 18, 2020*

Last day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (received, not postmarked)   Friday, February 21, 2020

Last Day of Early Voting in Person                                                Friday, February 28, 2020

Saturday, May 2, 2020 Local Elections

Last Day to Register to Vote                                                         Thursday, April 2, 2020

First Day of Early Voting in Person                                                Monday, April 20, 2020

Last day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (received, not postmarked)   Monday, April 20, 2020*

Last Day of Early Voting in Person                                                Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Primary Runoff Elections (if required)

Last Day to Register to Vote                                                         Monday, April 27, 2020

First Day of Early Voting in Person                                                Monday, May 18, 2020

Last day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (received, not postmarked)   Friday, May 15, 2020

Last Day of Early Voting in Person                                                Friday, May 22, 2020

June 2020, Local Elections Runoff (if required; date to be determined)

Tuesday, November 3, 2020 Presidential Joint General and Special Elections

Last Day to Register to Vote                                                         Monday, October 5, 2020*

First Day of Early Voting in Person                                                Monday, October 19, 2020

Last day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (received, not postmarked)   Friday, October 23, 2020

Last Day of Early Voting in Person                                                Friday, October 30, 2020

December 2020, Joint General and Special Elections Runoff (if required; date to be determined)

 

https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/images/pdfs/2020_elections_calendar.pdf

Posted in Newsletter, Voting. Leave a Comment »

Hope Food Pantry

February 15, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

Mark your calendars for Hope Food Pantry’s Annual Fundraiser, Evening of Hope, on Sunday, April 26. They will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the pantry.

Posted in Food Insecurity, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

Texas Impact Information

February 15, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

Courts & Ports: Faithful Witness on the Texas-Mexico Border

 

The Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy/Texas Impact invites you to participate in Courts & Ports: Faithful Witness on the Texas-Mexico Border.

This 2-day immersion experience engages people of faith to witness first-hand the legal and law enforcement processes related to immigration, detention, and deportation occurring in South Texas. Participants observe proceedings in federal criminal court and record their observations for use by immigration attorneys. Participants also meet with faith and policy experts working on the border, and spend time with individuals who have pending asylum cases; engage in contextualizing discussion with Texas Impact pastoral staff and other faith leaders; plan and participate in worship; and become part of an online “alumni” community.

Register at: texasimpact.org/courts-ports/. To learn more email or call Erica Nelson: erica@texasimpact.org.

 

Click here for the: Courts & Ports One Pager

Posted in Asylum Seekers, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

Letter from Bishop Schnase to Gov. Abbott on Refugees

February 15, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

On January 21, Bishop Schnase wrote to Texas Governor Greg Abbott in response to Abbott’s decision to refuse resettlement of refugees in Texas.  Read the letter here.

Posted in Immigration, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

Anti-Racism Workshop

January 30, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

Anti-Racism Workshop

 

Shaping Beloved Community: From Dignity,
Recognition and Inclusivity to Advocacy and Equity

 

Saturday, February 29 – 9:00am -3:30pm

Saint John’s United Methodist Church

2140 Allandale Rd. – Austin, TX

 

Sponsored by

Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) &

Saint John’s Risk-Taking Mission & Service Committee

 

Featuring

Rev. Neal Christie

Rev. Christie, who serves as Assistant General Secretary for Education and Leadership Formation on the UMC General Board of Church and Society, directs the agency’s educational opportunities, including world-wide trainings, workshops, seminars, & internships. He also coordinates curriculum related to the UM Social Principles.

Rev. Christie has authored a number of publications and produced several educational videos on social justice for the church. He is an elder in the Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church. Neal has been devoted to the ministry with Church and Society for 20 years.

Please join us for a day of learning from Rev. Christie about the dignity of each individual and how we can advocate for equality for all persons.

A light lunch will be provided.

Please register by Wednesday, February 26. Registration information below.

 

Registration Information

Pay by Credit Card:  $10.00 (fees included) Use this link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/anti-racism-workshop-shaping-beloved-community-from-dignity-recognition-and-inclusivity-to-advocacy-tickets-91912567965

Pay by Check:  $10.00 in advance (by February 26). Mail check and this form to the address below.

Pay at the door:  $15.00 (limited number available)
Name(s):  __________________________________________________

Address:  ______________________________City: ________________

Congregation:                                    # Tickets: ____ X $ 10.00 = $ _____

E-Mail (for confirmation): ______________________________________

Indicate Special Dietary Need: _________________________________

 Make Check to Rio Texas MFSA

Mail this form and check to:

Rio Texas MFSA

PO Box 66055

Austin, TX  78766-6055

For more information contact Anne Mund ennadnum@hotmail.com

Anti-racism_Flyer2020

Posted in Advocacy, Newsletter, Racism & White Privilege, Special Events. Leave a Comment »
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