|
|
|
|
|
Dear Justice-Seeker, This issue of MFSAVoices is jam-packed with resources and information. So much so that it won't all fit in your email message so be sure to click view entire message at the bottom of this email to view the entire issue. Our newsletters are designed to be used all month long. So take a quick glance and take note of important dates to add to your calendar but also come back in the following weeks to work your way through the action items. Gmail users—move us to your primary inbox - On your phone? Click the 3 dots at the top right corner, click "Move to" then "Primary"
- On your desktop? Back out of this email then drag and drop this email into the "Primary" tab near the top left of your screen
We continue to see the urgency of our work to make broad systemic change. Change that honors the dignity and worth of all people, puts people over money, and honors the earth and all her inhabitants. Since 1907, MFSA has been shining a light on injustice and organizing to change it. You make our collective work possible by your witness for justice every day in your church, community, and Annual Conference. MFSA does not receive any financial support from the United Methodist Church's giving channels. 100% of our budget is funded through your membership dues and your generosity in giving. | |
|
|
|
There are 22 days until General Conference Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) believes in the connection of the United Methodist Church and is committed to working toward a more justice-filled, inclusive, and equitable denomination at the upcoming General Conference. We Are working in coalition across our denomination to move our legislative priorities forward. Want to learn more please participate in a any and all of the webinars listed below. Three things to do to make a difference at this General Conference GC. - Share our resources with your delegation
- Make a gift to MFSA to support our work at GC
- Volunteer at GC
| |
|
|
Want to volunteer at General Conference? Register to be a volunteer with the Love Your Neighbor Coalition (LYNC). If you are planning to be at General Conference we encourage you to book your accommodation now. There is no group rate or hotel block available and rooms are going fast. | | | Curious about what legislation will be before the General Conference in 2024? You can check out all of the legilslation in the Advance Daily Christian Advocate (ADCA). | | | New to General Conference or want a good resource to share? Check out this Beginner's Guide to General Conference. | | | |
|
MFSA Plumbline: Regionalization | | MFSA has created Plumblines in coalition with our partners as a resource for General Conference. Plumblines are legislative position papers that focus on multiple issues/legislative priorities that are important to us, share values, an analysis of the legislation, resources for further study, and recommended action. We offer this as a gift to the church and hope it serves as a resource as delegates prepare for GC, are in conversation with their delegations, and as a quick guide on site at GC. Please share this widely across the United Methodist Church and with your General Conference delegates. Our first Plumbline is on Regionalization and was prepared in collaboration with leaders of the Christmas Covenant Team, the Connectional Table, and The Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters. This is the first of many that we will share in the coming weeks. Click below to read the Regionalization Plumbline. | | | |
|
|
|
Join MFSA and UMCJM for a special webinar to learn more about the Climate Justice Movement in the UMC and Climate Justice Legislation to General Conference. Speakers: Takundanashe Chinogwenya, Organizing Associate, holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Economics and Legal Theory and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Rhodes University, South Africa. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Divinity, Social Justice Advocacy at Drew University, New Jersey. Cathy Valesquez Eberhart, founder and coordinator of the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement, a national, grass roots organization that seeks to connect and support groups within the United Methodist Church and beyond for the work of creation care, justice and regeneration. Nancy Blake, a United Methodist Elder who has served in rural and town churches in Northern Illinois since 1988. She co-chairs a new Northern Illinois task force focusing on eco-sustainability. | |
|
|
|
Reconciling Ministry Network Releases VBS Curriculum Reconciling Ministry Network announced the release of JUST Like Me: an innovative and adaptable, multigenerational Vacation Bible School (VBS) curriculum for congregations and communities of all sizes. JUST Like Me centers the deep and active faith lives of children and engages the real-world contexts in which children live. Built on theologies of inclusion, this unique curriculum uses First and Second Testament Bible characters to help students build vital social and spiritual skills to support active faith development. | |
|
|
|
Racial Audit Implementation Team In 2017, MFSA committed to becoming an intentionally anti-racist organization. We worked to recruit people of color (POC) to serve on our Board of Directors and staff. At the end of 2019 we continued on our journey towards becoming a more anti-racist organization by forming a Racial Audit Team and partnering with Crossroads Antiracism and Training, a non-profit that focuses on dismantling systemic racism and building anti-racist multicultural diversity within institutions and communities, to conduct a full organizational racial audit. This Racial audit was completed/adopted in Jan 2023 and presented publicly in Feb 2023. In June 2023 the MFSA Board of Directors created the MFSA Racial Audit Implementation Team to implement the recommendations of the Racial Audit. Our goal is to be better structured to perpetuate justice and equity throughout MFSA, our church, and our world. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|