 The Southwest Texas MFSA and Reconciling Ministries Team will partner again in the vendor area of the annual conference to provide information, a book fair, Shower of Stoles, and provide a safe place for our progressive friends to gather. Join us as we meet, mingle, learn, and provide witness to social justice at this event. If you can’t join us in Corpus Christi, we ask for your prayers, your books (below) and your financial support to help make this happen. |
 MFSA and The Conference Board of Church and Society will again cosponsor our Peace and Justice Luncheon (tentatively Friday June 7) featuring Rev. Lorenza Andrade-Smith, a UMC pastor who is living on the streets in solidarity with the poor. Her mission is to minister with the poor and marginalized, advocating for systemic changes. You can follow her ministry journey on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lorenza.andradesmith.
We are very excited that Rev. Andrade-Smith will join us at Annual Conference! |
|
We Need Your Books!
|
Make Plans to Join MFSA in Corpus Christi at the Southwest Texas Annual Conference, June 6-8
March 5, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA
News from the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty
March 5, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA| The State of Texas has not scheduled any executions this month, but six executions currently are scheduled to take place in April, including Kimberly McCarthy, whose execution date was moved from January 29 to April 3. Please stay tuned to TCADP for more information and any action requests regarding these cases. |
| Texas Legislator Calls for Abolition of the Death Penalty!
On Friday, February 22, 2013, State Representative Jessica Farrar (D-Houston) filed House Bill 1703, which calls for repeal of the Texas death penalty. The bill will be referred to the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, where we aim to secure a full hearing.
1. Please call or email Rep. Farrar to thank her for her leadership on this issue and for filing HB 1703. Email her at Jessica.farrar@house.state.tx.us or call her Capitol office at 512-463-0620. 2. Please join us at the State Capitol on Tuesday, March 19th for the TCADP Lobby Day! Training and instructions for the day will take place from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. We will work with you in advance to arrange visits with your legislators. Sign up for the TCADP Lobby Day now! Can’t join us in Austin? You can participate in Lobby Day from home! Suggested actions, information on contacting your lawmakers, and an issue brief for HB 1703 are available here. |
| Abolition Efforts Move Forward in Maryland
Meanwhile, our colleagues in Maryland are on the cusp of Senate vote on repealing the death penalty; their bill cleared an extremely difficult hurdle on February 21, when the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee vote 6-5 in favor of abolishing the death penalty (this particular committee has blocked previous efforts). The bill now heads to the Senate Floor, where it is being debated! There are now 26 senators who are either co-sponsoring the repeal bill or who have said in interviews that they plan to support it (in the Maryland Senate, 24 votes are required to pass a bill). It has 68 co-sponsors in the House of Delegates!
|
First UMC Hosts Loud Harp
March 5, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSASXSW – First UMC hosts Loud Harp – March 14
First UMC Austin, 1201 Lavaca, would like to invite you to attend a free show during SXSW on Thursday, March 14th at 7pm.
The SXSW selected band “A Boy and His Kite” (featured on the critically acclaimed Twilight soundtrack, Breaking Dawn) has a sacred music project called “Loud Harp”.
If you haven’t heard of Loud Harp, begin now! You can download their album here for free. Tim Coons will be joining up with Loud Harp for the occasion. Coons is an “Enter the Worship Circle” artist with a raw, indie sound. Listen to his work here! This is a free show, but we will be taking donations, so bring your hearts and checkbooks to support these guys.
Check in at the Facebook event page here.
Congratulations to First UMC Austin
March 5, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA
Congratulations to First UMC in Austin for their recent affiliation with Reconciling Ministries Network. There are now five UMCs in Austin and one UMC in Round Rock affiliated with RMN. This conversation about loving all our neighbors continues throughout our denomination.
Help Raise The Roof At Montopolis Center
March 5, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA
The Montopolis Friendship Community Center is a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation formed in 1957 as a United Methodist Women’s response to help meet some of the needs in the Montopolis community in southeast Austin. FCC provides the following opportunities in the Montopolis area: Mother’s Day Out for children 2-4 years old; Clothing sales room open on the first and third Saturdays; Senior activities; and Rental space available for community events. The Montopolis FCC desperately needs a new roof – the existing roof at Colorado Hall has been patched and re-patched. The new roof, to be repaired by professionals, will cost $4,000. Groups and individuals are being asked to contribute toward this need that is not covered as a part of MFCC’s annual budget. You can help by buying one square foot of shingles for $3.33, or 3 sq ft for $10.00!
The goal is to raise the $4,000 by 3/30/2013.
Please make checks payable to Montopolis FCC and mail to:
MFCC Treasurer, Eva Jordan, P.O.Box 4691, Austin, TX 78765
Kisongo Trek
March 5, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA
Take a journey with
Kisongo Trek
March 13-17
Bethany United Methodist Church, East Parking Lot
10010 Anderson Mill Rd., Austin TX 78750
Free, family-friendly & open to all
Wednesday, March 13: 5 – 8 pm
Thursday – Saturday, March 14-16: 12 – 7 pm
Sunday, March 17: 9 am – 5 pm
No reservations needed
A powerful story of change through the eyes of a child.
Interactive exhibit brings to life the sights & sounds of Africa.
Step outside yourself and into a world you may never have known; a world where poverty becomes a part of the past and where children can dream about tomorrow.
Experience a powerful story of change through the eyes of 10-year-old, Babayetu. In the new World Vision Experience, Kisongo Trek, you can “travel” to Babayetu’s home and hear the real-life story of how his village has moved from poverty to hope with help from World Vision and their partners in ministry.
Following a “bus ride” down the roads of Tanzania, you’ll be immersed in the community of Kisongo, where you’ll meet a woman who spent her childhood walking miles on dangerous roads to get water for her family; hear from a mother who feared malaria would steal her children’s lives; see a classroom where children finally have the chance to learn; and discover how bees are equipping a father to provide for his family.
This free, 20 minute, mobile semi-truck experience gives you and your family a firsthand feel for global poverty—no plane ticket required. Plus, you’ll learn about the proven solutions World Vision employs to help families build a better future and you’ll discover how you can make a difference in the transformation of a community like Kisongo, in Matete, Kenya.
Make the choice to step outside yourself.
Parenting Your Parents
March 5, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSAAn Event with Jim Comer
On Tuesday, March 12 at 6:30pm at First UMC Austin Family Life Center, author and professional speaker Jim Comer will speak about the journey of caring for aging parents – When Roles Reverse: A Guide to Parenting Your Parents. Register with Laurie at Laurie@fumcaustin.org or 512-478-5684. More information at http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1103875213779-304/When+Roles+Reverse2-1.pdf
Bonhoeffer: A Voice for Reason, Love and Justice
March 5, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA
Join us for this time of study, song, and dramatic presentation about the life and witness of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
This event is sponsored by University UMC Austin, First UMC Austin, and SWT-MFSA
Friday & Saturday, April 26 – 27, 2013
University UMC, 2409 Guadalupe, Austin
Featuring:
Dr. David Jensen, Professor in the Clarence N. and Betty B. Frierson Distinguished Chair of Reformed Theology at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Rev. Susan Schnelle, Associate Pastor, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Austin
Al Staggs, Minister, Author, Performing Artist, One-person dramatization – “A View From the Underside: The Legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer”.
Cost: $30, includes Saturday lunch
Contact: Susan Sprague, UUMC, ssprague@uumc.org
MFSA, RMN, GBCS News
March 5, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSAMFSA has posted articles about issues of immigration, family planning, and gun violence on their website http://mfsaweb.org/
National MFSA recent newsletter:
Reconciling Ministries recent newsletter:
https://aws.predictiveresponse.net/view_as_a_page/index.php?org=475&lea=26-10000017710-8&ite=382
General Board of Church & Society – Faith in Action
Mark Your Calendars – RMN Convocation Aug 30 – Sept 2
March 5, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA  |
|
|
This is more than just another conference. Join hundreds of others getting involved in the movement for LGBTQ inclusion in the United Methodist Church through worship, conversation, and action.
National 4-H Youth Conference Center |
Meet & Hear Words of Inspiration by: Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey And more!
|
|
More details and registration at:
Make Plans To Join Us! |
|
A Call For Grant Researchers!
March 5, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSAOne way in which our local MFSA chapters can help our national organization and each other is through development of a network of volunteers who have expertise in researching the availability of grant funding for the myriad issues in which MFSA is involved. It is clear at this time that individual donations alone are not sufficient to support the work that MFSA truly needs to do. We are looking for volunteers to research grant sources, write proposals, and work with our national office to make this successful. If you have skills or experience in these activities and would be willing to devote some time to this effort, please contact Rowland Curry at rcurry@austin.rr.com.
February Chapter Meeting – Thursday, February 14
February 6, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA
Looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Come to the February MFSA meeting!!
The Southwest Texas chapter of the MFSA will meet Thursday, February 14 in Fellowship Hall at Saint John’s UMC. The speaker for the evening will be Bee Moorhead, Executive Director of Texas Impact, a statewide interfaith (Christian, Jewish, Muslim) network that advocates at the Texas Legislature on behalf of commonly held social principles. Bee will talk about the issues and bills we as people of faith should be aware of during the current session of the Legislature and how we can participate in that advocacy.
Come at 6:30 p.m. for snacks and mingling; the program begins at 7p.m. Invite your friends and neighbors – all are welcome. And be prepared for some Valentine’s Day surprises!
Contact Anne Mund at 343-0803 (ennadnum@hotmail.com) if you have questions.
A Conversation With Rev. Gil Caldwell
February 6, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA The Southwest Texas MFSA Chapter and the Saint John’s UMC Risk-taking Mission and Service team invite you to attend “A Conversation with Rev. Gil Caldwell” on Saturday, February 9, at 12:30-2:30 p.m., in the Great Hall (lunch provided). Rev. Caldwell is a retired United Methodist Minister and a 1951 graduate of Austin’s Anderson High School. He is a long-time activist in the Civil Rights Movement, including the Selma to Montgomery March, the March on Washington, D.C., and the March in Boston against school segregation. Rev. Caldwell will share his insights on the topic of “Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere” (MLK): Racism, Sexism, and Heterosexism.
As an introduction to our conversation, Rev. Caldwell writes, “My hope is that ours will be an environment of candor, reflection, weaving together the diverse fabrics of our distinctive journeys shaped by race, gender, sexual orientation, spirituality, politics, etc. The “gridlock” of these moments, I believe, calls for some “radical bridging” between and among those who have different opinions and perspectives. One of the limitations of the Civil Rights Movement of which I was a participant was that we allowed our focus on racism to so consume us that issues of sexism and heterosexism were far down on our lists, if they were on our lists at all. And, I want to hear from you; what doth God expect from us re; economic and educational classism? “ Please join us for lunch and an important conversation with Rev. Caldwell. Contact Janice Curry at jlcurry@austin.rr.com to confirm your attendance. |
Recap of January Activities by Chapter Members
February 6, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA| On January 10, our chapter welcomed Rev. Mike Manor to discuss his views on dismantling racism in Austin. Rev. Manor is heavily involved in the “Building Bridges, Brick by Brick” program of the Travis County Sheriff’s Department.
We had good attendance, a meaningful discussion, and opened valuable communications links between his efforts and ours on behalf of social justice. We are very pleased that Mike was able to be at this meeting. https://www.tcsheriff.org/images/Building_Bridges_Overview.pdf First Saturday Courageous Conversations – 9:00-11:30am –at St. James Episcopal Church – 1941 Webbervile Rd. First Saturday Town Hall Meetings – Eliminating Crime & Violence in the Travis County/Austin Capital Area – 1:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. at Simpson United Methodist Church: 1709 East 12th Street; |
|
On Monday, they witnessed the Inauguration and Parade. What a weekend with many MFSA friends! (More photos on our FaceBook Page, Southwest-TX-Chapter-MFSA) |
|
It’s great to walk together in solidarity with those who support social justice. (More photos on our FaceBook Page, Southwest-TX-Chapter-MFSA) |
|
|
|
The Western Methodist Justice Movement held their first conference on January 30 in Las Vegas. This conference is the continuation of the social justice grassroots movement that grew out of issues and relationships formed at the Love Your Neighbor Coalition Tabernacle in Tampa. The SWTX Chapter felt that we should have a representative on hand at this conference, and asked Kenneth Henry to attend. We believe that the WMJ Movement in the Western Jurisdiction will have an important impact on the landscape and structure of the UMC over the coming months, and look forward to Kenneth’s reports on this conference. For more information, see www.wmjm.org. |
Support The Hope Food Pantry!
February 6, 2013 — Rio Texas MFSA
Annual Fundraiser
Join us on Sunday, February 10, 5:30p.m., Tarrytown UMC 2601 Exposition Blvd. for a Mardi Gras celebration and help support the pantry and its mission to help alleviate hunger in our community. Tom Spencer, CEO Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) will be the keynote speaker. Enjoy Cajun cooking from Nubian Queen Lola, mac and cheese from Hyde Park Bar and Grill, Maine Root beverages, the cool sounds of the Khabele School Jazz Band, and register for great raffle items.
Reserve your ticket by emailing to info@hopefoodpantryaustin.org. $25 in advance/$30 at the door.
Other ways to help:
1. Volunteer once a month or more on Thursday or Friday a.m., comfortable with computers, and knowledge of spanish helpful.
2. Coordinate a Food Drive through a group/work/community.
3. Randall’s Remarkable card holders: place #3830 on your card and donate to Hope. A Randall’s employee can help you.
Contact: Stephanie at info@hopefoodpantryaustin.org
Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action 