Receive MFSA updates
|  |
|
|
| Volume VII Issue 12 |
8 July 2011
|
Greetings!
As the summer begins there is much to celebrate at MFSA. Our new executive director, Jill Warren, has begun work in DC. The results of Amy DeLong's trial are paving a new way for the beloved community of United Methodists. Marriage equality has come to the state of New York.
And though the work isn't over, we're inviting you to celebrate with us this July as MFSA will once again present the Lee and Mae Ball award for excellence in social justice ministry. The presentation will take place at Sing a New Song, and we want to invite all MFSA members and friends to participate in the nominations process.
You'll also find many other reasons to get excited about Singing a New/Old Song, including volunteering for General Conference. Read on and celebrate with us in the beautiful ministry in which we share.
Lee and Mae Ball Award nominations
Volunteer for General Conference
Book housing for Sing a New Song
This is a new song, just like the old song
Labor in the Pulpits
United Methodist Kairos Response on Facebook
Social Justice Prayer Network
Facebook Question: How do you celebrate July 4th?
Grace and peace,
Jennifer Mihok
Outreach and Communications Coordinator
|
 National Update | |
Now accepting nominations for Ball Award
 Does a name come to mind when you hear the words "social justice" and "United Methodist?" Do you know someone who has played a pivotal role working for peace, people's rights, poverty, progressive initiatives and justice in the United Methodist Church? If so, download this form today and nominate them for MFSA's highest honor - the Lee and Mae Ball Award.
Since 1975 this award has been given in Lee and Mae Ball's memory to an individual or organization who emulates their faithful and effective work for social justice. This year MFSA will celebrate the Lee and Mae Ball Award recipient at Sing a New Song. (Attendance at Sing a New Song is not required to receive the award.)
Please submit nominations to Jennifer Tyler at jtyler@mfsaweb.org by Friday, July 29, 2011.
|
Take Action
| |
Volunteer with the Common Witness
Coalition at General Conference 2012--
Sign up TODAY!
It's that time again! With the 2011 Annual Conference season in the US behind us, delegates elected and resolutions passed, all eyes are turning towards Tampa as we prepare for General Conference 2012. As always, members of the Common Witness Coalition (MFSA, RMN, Affirmation) will be organizing for peace, justice and inclusion. This year, we're going the extra mile to coordinate our efforts, striving to have key leadership positions filled by Sing a New Song (end of August 2011).
 If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the online survey so we can have an idea of your interests, strengths and passions. You can also find the survey on our website at: http://mfsaweb.org/?page_id=4930 (#6 on the "QuickLinks" from the homepage).
|
| Sing a New Song | |
Time to book housing for Sing a New Song!
We have heard from many that there have been complications reserving rooms at Sawmill Creek. If you are having trouble, please contact Sawmill Creek directly by phone (800) 729-6455 and say that you are a part of the Sing a New Song conference. There are still a few rooms left on campus. Sawmill Creek is also coordinating our secondary hotel space. Please be sure you call Sawmill Creek to get your name at the top of the list for the new space! This space will be within 1-2 miles of Sawmill Creek and a free shuttle will be provided by Sawmill Creek.
And if you haven't yet registered for the progressive United Methodist event of the quadrennium, you have just over two weeks to do so while getting the on-time rate. Register today!
|
| Sparks: OnFire in action |
This is a new song, just like the old song
By David Hosey OnFire member David Hosey reflects on new and old songs as he prepares to join MFSA and RMN on Lake Erie in just under two months. Join other OnFire members at the young adult pre-day: Educating to Counter Oppression. More details coming soon.  Playing guitar is one of the joys of my life. Everytime I pick up a guitar, I am once again amazed and grateful that I can actually make music come out of the thing. It's a little miracle each time.
I also love to write songs. I usually write pretty simple songs, nothing too unusual or amazing, but I love the expression and the voice that writing, playing, and singing a new song offers. Writing or learning a new song provides a new opportunity to once again inhabit the one old, old song that we are all trying to learn how to sing.
Continue reading David's reflection on the OnFire blog.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who is OnFire? We are United Methodist young adults reclaiming our Wesleyan heritage of spiritual and social transformation. We are empowering young adults to impact our church and our world. OnFire organizes as the young adult chapter of MFSA. Check out our blog at: www.umonfire.blogspot.com. If you are interested in contributing to the OnFire blog, please contact Shannon Sullivan. |
Chapters and Partners
| |
Labor in the pulpits
 Labor Day is quickly approaching! This means Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ) and many congregations around the country are preparing for the annual Labor in the Pulpit/on the Bimah/in the Minbar program.
Since 1996, Labor in the Pulpit/on the Bimah/in the Minbar has been an intentional way for religious communities to recognize and celebrate the sacred link between faith, work, and justice over Labor Day weekend. This year, participants are also focusing on two specific areas of worker justice: unemployment and state attacks on workers.
|
| Middle East Spotlight | |
United Methodist Kairos Response on Facebook
United Methodist Kairos Response (UMKR) is an international movement in the United Methodist Church responding to the "Kairos Palestine Document," an urgent plea from Christians in the Holy Land for decisive action supporting a just peace in Israel/Palestine.
 UMKR is now on Facebook. Help spread the word by liking the page and sharing it with your friends. Visit the page here.
More about UMKR:
For many years, United Methodist resolutions have urged an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian land and a sharing of the city of Jerusalem, which is holy to three faiths. Yet United Methodist boards and agencies still hold stock in companies which sustain that occupation. This year, the recently-formed United Methodist Kairos Response has crafted legislation that specifically calls for divestment from three companies with whom the UMC has been engaged for years. Individuals can also endorse the resolution on UMKR's website. Also available is a separate petition for those with pensions or health plans from the UM General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits.
|
Progressive Ponderings
|
July Social Justice Prayer
by Edie Harris
"We are filled with anguish as we observe and participate in this pain filled world.
Every month we catalog and pray for our concerns;
every month most of them don't seem to have improved.
But we continue to pray, continue to work because we, like Paul,
are absolutely convinced that God is working for good in our lives of love for God
and that nothing can prevent God from continuing to love God's entire creation.
And like John Wesley we are absolutely convinced that God's grace
appears not only in response to our prayers but also in the most unexpected places."
Visit the MFSA website to download the full Social Justice Prayer for July. Every month, MFSA member Edie Harris writes a Social Justice Prayer which is circultated and posted on the MFSA website. If you would like to be added to the Social Justice Prayer Network mailing list, please contact mfsa@mfsaweb.org. If you have concerns you would like included in these prayers, you may email Edie Harris directly: edieannh@gmail.com. |
Social Media Corner
|
Want to make the conversation PERSONAL? Host a Connecting Voices meet-up in your area, and don't forget to tell us about it! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
