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Volume IX
Issue 17
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8 October 2014
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Count 'em. 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25. 26 and 27 are up in the air. 29-35 are on their way. Now, typically I'm not a numbers person (there's a reason I majored in the humanities), but these numbers are represent the states in the United States where marriage equality has become law. It's pretty amazing isn't it?
You know what else is amazing? Only 20 states have non-discrimination laws based on sexual orientation, and that number drops to 17 when it comes to gender identity. This means queer folk can get married in more places than we can afforded the same rights to encourage a happy, healthy marriage.
Increase the chance of discriminatory practices based on race, ability, economic, or incarceration status and the picture becomes drear. It's almost time for mid-term elections - a time when many folks face the fire of these discriminatory practices. Growing up in Appalachia, we were always told to "vote early and vote often." Now, this doesn't mean we're to stuff the ballot box unfairly. It means that we need to always be present to how the political system is stacked against us (I think Jesus knew a few things about that), and that we should vote as often as the opportunity presents itself (kind of like holy communion).
No matter if we're in the United States or in locations around the globe, if we have the ability to vote the simple act of voting is a sign of hope for those who are hopeless and potentially voteless.
And while we're celebrating marriage equality, let's work so the all of God's children can one day sing of justice.
Peace and passion,  Chett Pritchett
Executive Director
chett@mfsaweb.org
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THANK YOU!
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 We did it! Well, really, YOU did it! Thanks to the generosity of MFSA Chapters, individuals, partner organizations, and even an anonymous donor, the Turn Up The Heat campaign was a huge success! With a goal of raising $15,000 in order to help balance MFSA's commitment to the Love Your Neighbor Coalition Coordinator position and our very thin budget (around $200,000 for FY2014), we turned to our friends who deeply believe in LGBTQ equality in The United Methodist Church - and we weren't disappointed! We are now able to meet our financial obligations and continue to work in Coalition toward General Conference 2016 - and beyond! Your continued support of our mission and vision is crucial to our advocacy for justice and peace! If we haven't said it enough: THANK YOU! |
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New Dimensions Conference Round-Up
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Bishop Melvin Talbert preaches.
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Last weekend, over 100 participants gathered for the In The Midst of New Dimensions Conference at Lexington United Methodist Church in Lexington, MA, to learn more about the intersections of race, sexual orientation, and gender identity in order to make the Church a more welcoming place. Prophetic preaching from Bishop Mel Talbert and Rev. Vicki Flippin were highlights of the event.  | |
MFSA Staff and Wesley students with Rev. Katherine Mitchell
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Rev. Steve Clunn, Love Your Neighbor Coalition Coordinator, presented a workshop on making the Book of Discipline and Book of Resolutions your friends for legislative strategy at Annual, Jurisdictional, and General Conferences. MFSA intern, Sarah Cobb, organized 10 students from Wesley Theological Seminary to attend. Round-trip travel from DC to the Boston area was provided by MFSA. On our way home, we had the joy of worshiping at Shepherd of the Valley UMC in Hope, RI, with MFSA members Rev. Katherine Mitchell and Kristen Dart. (They provided a delicious meal, too!) MFSA is proud to have been a co-sponsor of New Dimensions, thanks in part from a grant from the Julia Morgan Fund of the First United Methodist Church of Germantown, PA.
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Fossil Free UMC Webinar
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Fossil Free UMC is a new network that is organizing United Methodists to support fossil fuel divestment within The United Methodist Church. Learn more at a webinar hosted by GreenFaith on Wednesday, October 22, 3-4pm Eastern. You'll get an exciting introduction to the work of Fossil Free UMC--its goals, its leaders, its accomplishments, and how you can get involved.
Please register even if you can't join the event live. GreenFaith will record the event and send you the recording link.
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Be an MFSA Leader
| Have you ever felt called to serve on a non-profit board of directors?
Do you have gifts for fundraising, personnel management, communications, and organizing?
Do you seek peace, justice, and equality in the Church and world?
 MFSA's Program Council and Board of Directors are seeking new members for upcoming terms on the board. If you're interested, please email Chett Pritchett, executive director, at chett@mfsaweb.org for more information. Application deadline is October 15!
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MFSA On The Road!
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Sunday, October 26: Journey of Faith UMC, Round Rock, TX Chett Pritchett, Executive Director, preachingBetween October 26 and November 2, MFSA's Program Council and Board of Directors will be traveling to Austin, TX for Fall meetings. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. November 2: Trinity UMC, Austin, TX Chett Pritchett, Executive Director, preaching
November 9: Centenary-Chenango Street UMC, Binghamton, NY - 20th Reconciling Anniversary Chett Pritchett, Executive Director, preaching
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Progressive Ponderings
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Justice in the News
Job Postings
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