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GENERAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION
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| Volume VII Issue 1 |
5 January 2012
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Greetings!
The holidays just keep coming, don't they? Christmas, New Year's, Epiphany...Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is right around the corner, too. All of these have special meaning in our life together as progressive United Methodists. For me, though, the liturgical cycle of this month isn't complete without the celebration of Jesus' baptism. We make a lot of theological promises in baptism, but none stands out more than the practical promise that we make: "Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?" In the depths of my heart, I believe that's what MFSA is all about - helping the United Methodist Church and indeed, all the world, live into that practical promise that we affirm and reaffirm in baptism. I'm glad we're on this journey together. Grace and Peace, Chett Pritchett Office Manager |
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 Crossing Boundaries
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MLK Day of Service
"Every one can be great because every one can serve...You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love."
On Monday, January 16, 2012, Americans from all walks of life will honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by helping their neighbors and communities. As a project of the Corporation for National and Community Service, MLK Day of Service will include thousands of projects as a way to honor Dr. King by creating opportunities to serve on MLK Day and throughout the year. The MLK Day of Service shines a spotlight on service as a powerful force to bridge economic and social divides - today and throughout the year.
To find a project to help connect you with your community and bridge economic and social divides or to register a project seeking volunteers, click here!
All-American Muslim
Reality TV might never be the same. TLC's newest show, All American Muslim, takes a look at life in the Muslim community in Dearborn, Michigan. You can't get more "middle America" than that!
A controversy of sorts developed when TLC and and the show's characters wanted to address the 10th anniversary of September 11th (which was happening during filming for the show). The conservative Florida Family Association called the show "propaganda that riskily hides the Islamic agenda's clear and present danger to American liberties and traditional values." Lowe's Home Improvement pulled advertising. Even after a group of Interfaith clergy presented a petition with 200,000 signatures and impassioned statements were made by a variety of progressive organizations, Lowe's has decided to maintain its position. Huffington Post on All American Muslim
Daily Kos on All American Muslim
TAKE ACTION:
Sign CredoAction's petition asking Lowe's to reverse its decision. |
| Legislative Priority: Peacemaking | The California-Pacific MFSA Chapter introduced a resolution which was passed at their Annual Conference calling upon General Conference to strengthen the peacemaking witness of individuals, congregations, annual conferences, bishops, boards and agencies.
To read more about this resolution, and other legislative priorities of the Common Witness Coalition, click here!
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Sparks: Thoughts from OnFire - the young united methodist justice movement
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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. |
Chapter Happenings
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IOWA: "Be On Our Side": This is the headline of a billboard that will soon be coming to the Des Moines area. It shows a picture of an Israeli and a Palestinian together, with a subtitle, "We are the side of peace and justice. End U.S. military aid to Israel." The Middle East Peace Education Project Committee of AFSC (of which MFSA is a part) is sponsoring this ad, and is seeking funds to cover the expense. For more information please go to: www.TwoPeoplesOneFuture.org, or contact Kathleen McQuillen at: Kmcquillen@afsc.org.
SOUTHWEST TEXAS: Chapter Meeting will be held at St. John's United Methodist Church in Austin on January 12 at 7PM. The topic for discussion is "Inclusivity in the UMC: Pathway to Divorce or Reconciliation?"
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Does your Chapter have information to share? An upcoming event or participation in an action or campaign? Email mfsa@mfsaweb.org and we'll try and get it in the next E-News!
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Progressive Ponderings
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Social Media Corner
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1000 "LIKES"
A few weeks ago we pushed for 1000 Facebook page followers. Many thanks to everyone who "liked" us!
For being our 1000th follower, Hannah will get a handsome MFSA mug, like the one pictured below.
On Facebook, but haven't followed us yet? Click here, then click "Like!" Already following us? Share with your friends by scrolling down the left side of the Facebook page. Select "Share" and you can either share our page on your Facebook wall or send a private message inviting your friends!
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