Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

January 17, 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 »

Texas Impact Information

January 17, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

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

Witness the Crisis First Hand

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, Immigration, Refugee Justice. Leave a Comment »

Letter to Gov. Abbott on Refugees

January 17, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

From Texas Impact:

Texans of faith were disappointed to learn Friday that Governor Greg Abbott rejected the resettlement of refugees in Texas in 2020, despite many congregations, faith-based refugee resettlement agencies and families investing time and resources preparing for their arrival.

Please join with us in encouraging a new course of action in 2021. We reject the Governor’s notion that Texas congregations and resettlement agencies do not have sufficient resources for this work. We do not believe the Governor should dictate to faith communities which vulnerable people they should serve.

Gov. Abbott: Don’t Slam the Door on Refugees

Please read and sign the letter below and invite your friends and neighbors to join you.

Dear Governor Abbott,

I disagree with your decision to refuse Texas hospitality to refugees. Texas has a well-established culture of welcome. We are home to a vast network of volunteer and professional teams whose very ministry is welcome. These Texans wake up every day with arms open to our siblings from around the globe, who come seeking safety and security from life-threatening circumstances.

I take profound exception to your pronouncement that Texas nonprofits have “the responsibility to dedicate available resources” only to certain types of vulnerable people. I worship a God of abundance, and I believe that there are sufficient resources to meet the needs of all God’s children.

Happily, your decision only applies to the current year. Now is the time to chart a different course for next year. Please commit to opening Texas’ doors to refugees again in 2021. Let Texas faith communities show that Texas has enough resources—and enough love—to welcome all who need us.

Sincerely,

Link to signature page.

Posted in Immigration, Newsletter, Refugee Justice. Leave a Comment »

Texas Gun Sense

January 17, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

Texas Gun Sense is very proud to release our new four-part video series

Surviving Gun Violence

https://www.txgunsense.org/articles/video-profiles-2018

Posted in Gun Violence, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

From Travis Park San Antonio

January 17, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

Travis Park UMC has an active Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) program that meets monthly on the second Sunday of each month at noon. MFSA mobilizes clergy and laity within The United Methodist Church to take action on issues of peace, poverty and people’s rights within the church, the nation and the world.

Working primarily through the ministries of the United Methodist Church, MFSA supports and augments peace and justice ministries at the local, conference, and national levels.  As an independent organization, we call our church to expand its understanding of the radical call of the Gospel to be the inclusive, justice-seeking, risk-taking Body of Christ.

MFSA lives out our belief that to be faithful witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to be involved in the transformation of the social order.

Moreover, MFSA affirms the vital importance of theological reflection as the Church weighs great issues of faithfulness to Jesus Christ and the Gospel in United Methodist worship, governance and witness. We offer to following paragraphs as a point of departure for reflection and discussion.

For information on this committee, email John Patterson.

Posted in General Information, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

MFSA Depends On Your Help For Its Programs and Activities

January 17, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

Please Include Us in Your Giving Plans!

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 local unit 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.

There are several easy ways to join or support 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 MFSA.
  • Or, you can mail a check made out to “Rio Texas – MFSA” to

Rio Texas MFSA

PO Box 66055

Austin, TX  78766-6055

The suggested minimum donation is $60, but any amount is welcome.  Thanks for your support!

Historically, we have had eight monthly 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.

Posted in General Information, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

Stay Connected with MFSA

January 17, 2020 — Rio Texas MFSA

MFSA – Conference Website:  https://riotexasmfsa.org/

MFSA – National Site: http://www.mfsaweb.org

Check out our Facebook Page Rio Texas Chapter MFSA

Posted in General Information, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

November 14 Meeting – The Future of the UMC

November 9, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

Petitions have already been filed to make changes in the United Methodist Church at the 2020 General Conference.  We will discuss some of those proposals at our meeting on Thursday November 14.  Rev. Hilary Marchbanks, Jay Brim, Joy Butler, and Rowland Curry will describe some of the proposals, as well as what we can be doing in our churches between now and May 2020.  Join us to learn more about the challenging future in our denomination!

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.

Posted in Chapter Meetings, Newsletter, UMC legislation. Leave a Comment »

Discussions Ramp Up in Preparation for GC 2020

November 9, 2019 — 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!

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/

Judicial Council Meets

The United Methodist Judicial Council met last week and issued decisions on a number of cases before them.  Legislation setting special provisions for United Methodist churches deciding to leave the denomination took effect immediately at the end of the special General Conference last February, the church’s top court has ruled.
Read More
Mainstream UMC Meets With Central Conference Bishops

Mainstream UMC Co-Founders, Rev. Dr. Nanette Roberts and Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, were able to bring their appeal for a moratorium on trials directly to Bishops from the central conferences (those outside the US) on Friday November 1.  Fifteen of the central conference Bishops from Africa, Europe, and the Philippines gathered just ahead of the full Council of Bishops (COB) meeting that began Sunday in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina.
Read More
COB President Suggests Moratorium on Church Trials

UMC Council of Bishops president Kenneth H. Carter suggests a moratorium on church trials related to LGBTQ individuals, while at the same time loosening the denomination’s trust clause to allow congregations to leave with property.
Read More
New Jersey Annual Conference Charts Way Forward

By an overwhelming majority, the Greater New Jersey Conference in a special session on October 26 voted to allow United Methodist churches to decide how to include and affirm LGBTQ people in every aspect of ministry while still allowing congregations the right to agree to disagree.
Read More

 

Posted in Newsletter, UMC legislation. Leave a Comment »

Austin JFON Gala

November 9, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, November 10, 2019

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST

Crowne Plaza Austin

6121 North Interstate Highway 35

Austin, TX 78752

Purchase tickets here!

Posted in Immigration, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

iACT Interfaith Day of Thanks

November 9, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

Join iACT’s 35th Interfaith Day of Thanks!

You are invited to join iACT for our 35th Interfaith Day of Thanks Service and Celebration!  This year’s event is hosted by the Austin Hindu Community and will be held at Riverbend Church (4214 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746).  The service and celebration will take place on Sunday, November 24, 2019 beginning at 3:00pm.  A reception will be held following the service at 4:30pm.  Bring your favorite dish to share, ready to serve and labeled for those with dietary restrictions. (No pork or shellfish please!)

This event is free and open to the public.  We look forward to coming together with all people as we celebrate what it is we are thankful for.

Posted in Interfaith Dialogue, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Around Austin

November 9, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is November 16-24, 2019

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless, is an annual program where people come together across the country to draw attention to the problems of hunger and homelessness. Participating groups spend the week holding a series of educational, service, fundraising, and advocacy events.

Did you know?

In the United States

Many Americans are living on the edge, forced to choose between basic necessities like purchasing food, paying rent, or going to the doctor.

43.1 million – Americans live below the poverty level

549,000 Americans are homeless on a typical night

42 million Americans are at risk of suffering from hunger

1 in 5 children in the U.S. live in poverty

Worldwide

While there has been slow but steady progress over the past thirty years, there are still a tremendous number of people around the world who live in extreme poverty.

795 million people do not have enough to eat

767 million people live on $1.90 a day or less

6 children die each minute of a hunger-related disease

65.3 million refugees have been driven out of their homes

What You Can Do

As a society, we have the resources and knowledge to end hunger and homelessnesss — we just need the collective will to make these ideas a reality.

Wednesday, November 13
The Hidden Homeless in Austin: Children & Families
Join the LBJ Future Forum as we learn about the solutions for families and children who are homeless in our community, what’s still needed, and what we can do as a community to help. Doors open at 6 p.m., the conversation is from 6:30-7:30 p.m., and a reception will follow. Free parking will be available in the LBJ Library visitors’ lot located at 2313 Red River Street. This program is sponsored by the Downtown Austin Alliance.

Sunday, November 17
26th Annual Homeless Memorial Sunrise Service
Caritas of Austin will be hosting the Annual Homeless Memorial Service to recognize the women, men and children whom have lived and died in Austin while homeless and living in poverty. Service will start at sunrise (around 6:58 a.m.), naming of all whom have passed this year (2019). Service will be at the following address: Homeless Memorial, 9307 Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail.

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

Foundation Communities

November 9, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

The holiday season is right around the corner! As you make plans with family and friends, we hope you’ll consider participating in our Holiday Assistance Program to help our residents fulfill their wish lists. With your support, we can make the holidays brighter for the families who live with us!

Here are four ways you can get involved:

Sponsor a Family

Sponsoring a family is a great way to engage your family, coworkers, friends, neighbors, congregation or civic club in a rewarding group service activity. Visit the Sponsor Registration Page for more information and to complete your sponsor form by Thursday, December 5. Sponsor forms received by November 22 will be matched before Thanksgiving. Sign up to sponsor today!

Donate to Our Holiday Gift Drive

Provide items like gift cards, household supplies, toys, and more for our residents. Gift deliveries will be accepted December 11-13. See our wish list.

Make a Holiday Donation

You can donate online and we’ll go shopping for you! Make a donation.

Help us Spread the Word

Forward this message to others! There is a great need in our community. The more people who participate, the more families we can serve.

Thanks for your generosity and support!

Sincerely,

Meghan Hein

Community Building Volunteer Coordinator

meghan.hein@foundcom.org

512-610-4008

P.S. – Check out our Stories of Hope videos to hear from our residents about how they’re thriving thanks to Foundation Communities and supporters like YOU!

Posted in housing, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

Benefit Concert and Dinner

November 9, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

Northwest Hills UMC Austin

Hurricane Dorian Benefit Concert and Thanksgiving Dinner

November 17 – 4:00 pm

Northwest Hills Sanctuary

Free Concert accepting donations for victims who lost everything int the Hurricane Dorian.

Join us after the concert

FREE THANKSGIVING DINNER after the concert. RSVP for dinner at: https://nwhillsumc.org/concert/

Posted in Disaster Relief, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

Texas Impact Information

November 9, 2019 — Rio Texas MFSA

San Antonio Interfaith Advocacy Training

You are invited to Texas Impact’s San Antonio Interfaith Advocacy Training Sunday, November 17 from 2-5pm at First Unitarian Universalist Church in San Antonio.

Register online at https://texasimpact.org/texas-impacts-san-antonio-interfaith-advocacy-training-registration-page/.

Registration is free, but helpful in event planning.

Join us for a faith leader panel, Advocacy 101 training and breakout sessions.. Policy presentations will focus on immigration reform, public education/literacy, and health policy.

Additional topics, speakers and event sponsors will be listed here as they become available.

Email scott@texasimpact.org if you are interested in supporting the event or have ideas/suggestions to share.

Elgin Interfaith Advocacy Training

You are invited to Texas Impact’s San Antonio Interfaith Advocacy Training Saturday, November 16 from 10am-12pm at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Elgin. Register online at https://texasimpact.org/elgin-interfaith-advocacy-training-registration-form/. Registration is free, but helpful in event planning.

Join us for a faith leader panel, Advocacy 101 training and breakout sessions.. Policy presentations will focus on public education/literacy and rural health policy.

Additional topics, speakers and event sponsors will be listed here as they become available.

Email scott@texasimpact.org if you are interested in supporting the event or have ideas/suggestions to share.

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

Witness the Crisis First Hand

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.

Click here for the: Courts & Ports One Pager

Posted in Advocacy, Immigration, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »
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