http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=dinh7qdab&v=001RTSvD7iYYAAVFAan7UizKBTaTicr2ZlxUejX6VirHkZ6oKesSla1QiGtIgIq8yGqxwwTdXPhmJBLkBdBJD2EpLXqEDjVJId98nYgZiRWXHpWU0m1KaQeVzwt4iigYlUb
FEATURED ARTICLE
Why are you in MFSA?
SOCIAL MEDIA
IN THIS ISSUE
Why MFSA?
MFSA's radical and dynamic origins
Mothers' Day Action: Toxin-free households
Luke 6 Nonviolence Gathering
Black Clergy and Scholars Endorce Bishops' Statement
Last chance to register for Student Forum
MFSA is on Twitter!
Sing a New Song!
Early bird rate ends May 1st.
Register today!
Connecting Voices
Want to build the progressive movement?
Sign up to host a gathering.
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Volume VII Issue 9
27 April 2011
Dear Wendy,
I came to MFSA in the beginning of 2009--not too long after a difficult General Conference--in the midst of a campaign to pass a package of constitutional amendments that would restructure our denomination, moving us toward becoming a more equitable, less US-centric, church. Having just returned from serving in the German UMC, I was grateful to find myself among people passionate about helping our church to do better, beginning the long process of bringing our structure up to speed with the global nature of our church. As word came that those and other justice-making amendments were being defeated, I realized I had a decision to make: either accept the apparent immovability of the UMC, or commit to a movement of hopeful struggle.
It has not been easy, but two years later, I cannot express how grateful I am for the invitation to be a part of the struggle. From the OnFire justice immersion trip on the US/Mexico border, to a Hate Crimes Symposium in New York City, from the Global Young People's Convocation in Berlin, Germany, to the beginnings of an MFSA chapter in the Mississippi Annual Conference, I have met United Methodists committed to the vision of a healed, renewed and fully inclusive church. As I prepare to begin seminary at the Boston University School of Theology, seeking ordination as elder in the Baltimore-Washington Conference, I am so glad to have found many lifelong partners in the struggle for justice through the Methodist Federation for Social Action. I don't know where ministry will take me, but I know MFSA will be there--a voice of hope to and for the UMC.
So why are you in MFSA? Is it the empowering history, the motivation to act, the commitment to nonviolence? Is it for the experience of progressive theology in action, celebrated in statements such as the recent one from Black Clergy and Scholars? For the fellowship at national events like Sing a New Song, or within the denomination at Student Forum?
Visit our blog to read stories, or write your own and tell us about it on Facebook and Twitter. (Find us in both places at MFSAVoices.)
Grace and peace,
Jennifer Mihok
MFSA Outreach and Communications Coordinator
National Update
Why MFSA?
We are now less than a year away from the opening of the 2012 United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, FL. During the dates of General Conference one year out (April 25-May 4), we are encouraging members and friends to share reflections on their involvement with MFSA. Each day we'll feature one or two blogs from MFSA members and friends writing about their experiences, and we're asking everyone to join in. If you have a blog, you can write a post and share it with us on Facebook and Twitter.
Visit the MFSA blog to read these great stories:
"Inspiration and Hope" by Rev. Becca Clark
"Cooperation, Collaboration, Coalition" by Rev. Troy Plummer
"The Methodists are Here!" by Chett Pritchett
"The Connection within the Connection" by Bishop Cliff Ives
And MANY MORE to come!
Chapters and Partners
The Radical Origins of the
Methodist Federation Tradition
McClain presents at MFSA's Voices of Faith in 2007
The Virginia chapter of MFSA reports that former MFSA executive director George McClain (1973-1998) "hit a home run" with his April multimedia presentation of "The Radical Origins of the Methodist Federation Tradition." The interactive production explores the cultural, historical, and theological roots of the Social Gospel movement in the Methodist tradition in a very engaging manner. It includes 50 images and a dozen "appearances" by historical figures, as well as song and audience participation. MFSA national is encouraging other chapters to explore this valuable resource in chapter retreats and events. George would be delighted to "take the show on the road." Contact him at gmcclain@aya.yale.edu or 718-273-4941.
Take Action
Take Action for Healthy, Toxin-Free Homes through Chemical Policy Reform
Clean your room. Eat your vegetables. Wash behind your ears. Stand up straight.
Moms give plenty of good health advice, going to great lengths to make sure you stay healthy. Yet, even with years of training, admonition, and prayer, toxic chemicals trespass on our homes and undermine our mothers' best efforts to keep our families healthy. Everyday products such as cleaning supplies, toys, food packaging, and furniture contain toxic chemicals that get into our bodies. In fact, despite pregnant mothers' best efforts to abstain from potentially harmful foods, drinks, and activities, we know toxic chemicals trespass on 99% of mothers' wombs and breast milk. These chemicals are linked to an array of health problems, including pre-term delivery, miscarriage, birth defects, developmental disabilities, predisposition to diabetes, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and breast cancer.
Honor Thy Mother. Please call your senators Thursday, May 5 or Friday, May 6 and ask for comprehensive chemical policy reform that upholds our mothers' efforts to keep our families healthy. Visit the National Council of Churches' (NCC) Eco-Justice Programs' website for a call-in script and additional information.
Middle East Spotlight
Seeking Justice, Partnering for Peace, Cultivating Community
You are powerful for the Spirit dwells within. And yet, perhaps like the Prophet Elijah, you feel alone in the work of peace and justice. This gathering is about connecting with others full of Spirit.
Or, perhaps, you are inspired by the power of people's peaceful movements in Egypt recently. You wonder what could be achieved if you partnered with others who share your vision of seeking God's justice by nonviolent means.
Come to explore possibilities for radical transformation in the world through four focus areas: criminal justice, immigration, food justice, and Israel/Palestine conflict transformation.
Come discover ways to partner for peace and cultivate community beyond the gathering and participate in an intentionally diverse group in a creative and welcoming format that explores the nonviolent pursuit of justice in the Christian tradition.
This gathering is sponsored by the Luke 6 Project and will be held at the Stony Point Conference Center in New York from Sunday, June 12 through Wednesday, June 15. To register, call 845-786-5674 or visit www.stonypointcenter.org.
Progressive Ponderings
Unprecedented Endorsement by African American UMC Scholars and Clergy Urging Ordination of Homosexual Clergy
Media Contact: Dr. Pamela R. Lightsey, pamelalightsey@comcast.net
From a statement released on April 19, 2011:
"On January 31, 2011 thirty-six retired bishops of the United Methodist Church released A Statement of Counsel to the Church calling for the removal of ¶ 304.3 from The Book of Discipline (2008). Their statement is particularly directed at this paragraph because it serves as part of current UMC polity that prohibits ordination, certification as candidates, or appointments to serve in ministry of 'self-avowed practicing homosexuals.'
"On February 25, 2011 at its 44th Annual Meeting, Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR) voted to endorse our retired bishops' statement.
"As committed citizens of God's beloved kingdom, we, the undersigned Black clergy and scholars of The United Methodist Church also endorse the bishops' statement and applaud the action taken by our colleagues of BMCR. The action is an expression of the original intent of BMCR to be a renewing agent within and beyond the United Methodist Church, not just on matters of race, but on justice issues beyond race. The current critical discussion within our church on matters related to sexual identity is the issue beyond race that BMCR should, and is now addressing in a manner consistent with its historic advocacy for civil rights in the midst of unrestrained horrific discrimination."
Read the full statement here.
People of color wishing to sign on to the statement may do so on Dr. Lightsey's blog.
Sing a New Song
Early Bird Rate Ends May 1.
Register TODAY for Sing a New Song!
Now is your last chance to get the best deal on attending this summer's Sing a New Song event at the Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, OH. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with progressive Methodists striving for justice and inclusion in the UMC. Register online at http://sans2011.org. Registrations can be edited later should rooming and meal preferences change, but it's important to reserve your spot and lock in the lowest possible registration rate by May 1.
Sparks: OnFire in action
April 29: Absolute Last Chance to
Register for UM Student Forum
Join United Methodist college students from around the country May 26-29, 2011 at the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana for exciting worship, inspiring preachers, legislation development and relevant workshops. Late registrations are being accepted between April 23 and April 29, but will incur a $25 late registration fee in addition to the $75 registration fee. All registrations must be submitted by April 29 (midnight CST). For more information, visit the event website.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Social Media Corner
MFSA's on Twitter
MFSA is now on Twitter. Visit www.twitter.com/MFSAVoices to "follow," and join the conversation by using the hashtag #whyMFSA.
1,000 Facebook likes by Sing a New Song
Help us meet our goal of getting 1000 likes on Facebook before Sing a New Song (August 25-28, 2011). Share our page with your Facebook friends and grow the movement!
Want to make the conversation PERSONAL? Host a Connecting Voices meet-up in your area, and don't forget to tell us about it!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
MFSA 2011 Dinner May 31, 2011
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=b9iwdndab&v=001RTSvD7iYYAAVFAan7UizKP9m7Apuu-vFe-EjkN8V1TqSAhV7WKDrp2vBkTjeKbbGmTqEgMh5UBFAoZA4TJ-KgTlZKkXhcxlCpF0CmJG2Geyj87ESP_TuKoYQjJie7bBYhkRo7HomhRY%3D
Nebraska Chapter MFSA Annual Dinner
Tuesday, May 31st
6pm gathering, concluding by 8pm
Trinity United Methodist Church
7130 Kentwell Lane
Lincoln, NE 68516
(Come check out their new space!)
Featuring:
Donald E. Messer, Executive Director for the Center for the Church and Global AIDS, speaker
Schlosser Award presentation
Creech Scholarship presentation
Introduction of candidates for General and Jurisdictional Conference
Delicious dinner
Print the forms below
and follow mailing instructions.
DINNER RSVP
Name_______________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________
I'd like _________ tickets at $15 each
I'd like _________ student tickets at $10 each
I'd like _________ free retired clergy tickets
I'd like to donate_________ for retired clergy ticket
Total enclosed $__________
Please RSVP to ensure an accurate count.
Mail RSVPs and checks to:
Susan Davies, 1026 Jackson St., Omaha NE 68102
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
METHODIST FEDERATION FOR SOCIAL ACTION
...where progressive United Methodists connect faith to action
YES! I want to be a part of this movement and will make a membership gift as follows:
___ $500 Stellar Membership Gift
___ $200 Spirited Membership Gift
___ $150 Supporting Membership Gift
___ $100 Sustaining Membership Gift
___ $ 60 Subscribing Membership Gift
___ $ Set your own membership gift amount
___ I am unable to give to MFSA financially at
this time but would like to be a member.
Membership in MFSA is not predicated on ability to pay.
Any membership gift is gratefully accepted.
Send a check payable to MFSA
____________________________________________
Name
____________________________________________
Address
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Phone
____________________________________________
E-mail
____________________________________________
Mail Renewal form and checks to:
Susan Davies, 1026 Jackson St., Omaha NE 68102
Nebraska Chapter MFSA Annual Dinner
Tuesday, May 31st
6pm gathering, concluding by 8pm
Trinity United Methodist Church
7130 Kentwell Lane
Lincoln, NE 68516
(Come check out their new space!)
Featuring:
Donald E. Messer, Executive Director for the Center for the Church and Global AIDS, speaker
Schlosser Award presentation
Creech Scholarship presentation
Introduction of candidates for General and Jurisdictional Conference
Delicious dinner
Print the forms below
and follow mailing instructions.
DINNER RSVP
Name_______________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________
I'd like _________ tickets at $15 each
I'd like _________ student tickets at $10 each
I'd like _________ free retired clergy tickets
I'd like to donate_________ for retired clergy ticket
Total enclosed $__________
Please RSVP to ensure an accurate count.
Mail RSVPs and checks to:
Susan Davies, 1026 Jackson St., Omaha NE 68102
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
METHODIST FEDERATION FOR SOCIAL ACTION
...where progressive United Methodists connect faith to action
YES! I want to be a part of this movement and will make a membership gift as follows:
___ $500 Stellar Membership Gift
___ $200 Spirited Membership Gift
___ $150 Supporting Membership Gift
___ $100 Sustaining Membership Gift
___ $ 60 Subscribing Membership Gift
___ $ Set your own membership gift amount
___ I am unable to give to MFSA financially at
this time but would like to be a member.
Membership in MFSA is not predicated on ability to pay.
Any membership gift is gratefully accepted.
Send a check payable to MFSA
____________________________________________
Name
____________________________________________
Address
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Phone
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Mail Renewal form and checks to:
Susan Davies, 1026 Jackson St., Omaha NE 68102
NE Statewide Reconciling Network : Adam's Gift, memoir by Jimmy Creech, hear interiview on NE NPR today, Great DATES
Dear Reconciling Friends in NE and beyond:
Another Year of Great Spiritual Awakening!
Here is the LINK for the NPR Radio interview with Jimmy Creech this morning! .. His new book ADAM'S Gift is out now through Duke U Press through amazon and other online sources. The NE MFSA Scholarship in Jimmy's name will be given at the NE MFSA Dinner May 31 in Lincoln .. you do not have to be a member of NE MFSA to attend (see below)
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/netradio/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1793114
Read about Jimmy's spiritual and justice journey in this book or find other inclusive and awakening books for a book group with friends this summer -- Telling our stories! Remember to : 1) Give to RMN for the many ministries and 2) become a Reconciling United Methodist in a group by signing the card and plegde -- or by going online : www.RMNetwork.org
Support for Resolutions, Petitions : Be watching for the Annual Conference Workbook that will be coming out in May that will have Petitions for General Conference on Inclusiveness -- and Resolutions for our Annual Conference on UM Global AIDS fund, being fully inclusive as a UMC!
Note for Support: Rev Dave McCreary has gathered signatures on a Resolution to have all of our churches study the retired bishops' statement of counsel to the church regarding eliminating references to homosexuality in the Discipline. I hope you can get the word out to support it at the AC. Thanks Dave!
SUMMER EMAIL OFFERING IS COMING IN MAY! Support our NEBRASKA STATEWIDE RECONCILING NETWORK and our yearly commitment to RMN for their many ministries! We are an Email group and an official Reconciling community or an EMAIL CHURCH of sorts! All the persons who send out email are volunteers and doing this on their own time and their own computers! Be sure to thank them for keeping our email lists up to date, sending out email and info as a faith commitment! To give to Summer Email offering : send checks made to RMN and then mail them to Maureen Vetter, 4422 Drake Lane, Grand Island, NE 68801 .. i will record the gifts and send them in entirety to RMN.. we have no bank account and we do all of our statewide email work with no budget or memberships per se.. just folks who care! thanks! Our May 11 Birthday fundraiser lunches will be our kickoff for SUMMER Email offering!
May 5 : Mayors Prayer Breakfast Lincoln : Celebrate Diversity: contact Donna Lightbody or Christ UMC Lincoln for info
May 11, Wed, 12:15 PM noon: BIRTHDAY PARTY FUNDRAISER LUNCH : The Egg and I, Clocktower Plaza, corner of 70th and A Street, Lincoln : TWO MISSION causes this year: rather than giving cards and gifts to friends during the year for birthdays -- bring a calendar to record birthdays of friends and your gifts for causes! You can do this too - support your local group, NE Statewide Reconciling Network Summer Email Offering by giving to RMN through our NE group -- and UM Global AIDS fund! *
May 14, 15: CHANGE THE WORLD Sunday and Weekend in the UMC! Do Actions to Change the world! Purchase the book by Mike Slaughter : Change the World -- through Cokesbury Publishing, go online for info! Do a book study!
May 31 : Tuesday, NE MFSA Dinner at the new Trinity UMC, Lincoln, 6 PM :
Dr Don Messer Speaking: "Stigma, Human Rights and the Battle Against AIDS" - also Learn more about General Conference 2012, resolutions, petitions, and candidates, other social justice issues, Jimmy Creech Profile of Justice Scholarship will be given for the 12th year
Come be inspired to do more social justice and missions outreach! Tell your friends.. you do not have to be an MFSA member to attend!
For tickets contact Susan Davies Omaha, Steve Griffith Lincoln or request the E news from MFSA by writing Stephanie Ahlschwede: revsteph@bigmuddyumc.org or revsteph@cox.net More info coming after Easter!
MFSA is over 100 years old doing social justice as a caucus group in the UMC! Go online to read about Methodist Federation for Social Action: MFSA and RMN are working together for the CONVO SING A NEW SONG this summer! Go to: www.RMNetwork.org for the latest FLASHNET on the upcoming trial in June of Amy DeLong!
Send prayers!
June 1 - 4, 2011 : NE UM Annual Conference, St Marks UMC Lincoln, 84th street south: www.umcneb.org
We will have 2 INFO tables, VOLUNTEERS needed at TWO tables :
1) Reconciling table contact Betty @ bobcdorr@cox.net &
2) UM global AIDS fund table June 1 - 3 noon : mvetter@charter.net
June 3, 8:30 AM Worship, Special Offering for UM Global AIDS fund, St Marks UMC, Lincoln
Make checks for the Special offering June 3: to Conf Treas - in the memo put :
NE Advance # 578, Global AIDS so that 25% stay in NE for local AIDS projects!
* TWO MISSION and JUSTICE Causes for the Birthday Lunch Fundraiser May 11 in Lincoln at the Egg and I, 12:15 PM:
1) Summer Email offering for RMN as our yearly commitment for NE Statewide Reconciling Network (we are an official reconciling community through RMN) www.nebraskarum.blogspot.com or our facebook for groups!
2) UM Global AIDS fund: the new 20/20 Campaign to give $20 as often as you can to eliminate HIV AIDS by 2020! Info about Don Messer coming May 31 for MFSA dinner in Lincoln too! Our other challenge is $1 per member each year (2006) go to our new URL: www.umcneb.org/AIDS or www.umglobalaidsfund.org
(Checks to: RMN -- for Summer Email offering for NE Statewide - for UM Global AIDS: give to your local church in the check with NE Advance #578 Global AIDS in the memo area, make sure your local churches sends it to the Conf Treas in Lincoln so that 25 % stays in NE for local aids projects in NE or write the check to Conf Treas and we can send directly )
***************************************************************************************************************************
Pride events this summer: Omaha Pride or Heartland Pride: June 25 is the parade, deadline to register June 15. Events scheduled for about a week around the June 25 date:
http://www.heartlandpride.org/ for details. The festival to 10th and Pacific for this year's event, halfway between Soul Desires and the Blue Flamingo, and just a few blocks from Dietz Memorial UMC.
*******************************************************************
The Lincoln pride (Star City PRIDE) is always in July. This year here is the schedule:
Saturday, July 9 @ 9 pm Mr & Ms Star City PRIDE 2011 Pageant
Thursday, July 14 Comedy Kick-off @ Club Blue featureing Lyp Schtick (a comedy improve troop - depends are recommended)
Friday, July 15 Street Dance @ 18th & N (outside The Panic) with Alexandra St. James as the guest MC, Kristie Stremel doing an accoustic set and Boss Philly rocking the block down. Food vendors and beer garden will be open from 6 - midnight.
Saturday, July 16 Pride Festival @ 18th & N (outside The Panic) speakers/vendors/ performers starting at 2 pm and going through mid-night. Evening headliners = Alexandra St. James as the guest MC, Kristie Stremel and the 159ers, DJ Spence Love
Sunday, July 17 Post Pride Party @ The Q
**************************************
Do Rainbows of HOPE in your local churches with art shows, children's rainbows, make ribbons, stoles, find pins and leis to wear or take to the Reconciling table at Annual Conference! God's promise of HOPE came through the Rainbow in the sky after the rain!
Perhaps the rain is God's tears and God is crying with us -- and then come the Rainbows of hope and the flowers -- God is crying with us as a country comes from : the book, "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" series, Morality for Beautiful girls, by Alexander McCall Smith p 209.
www.RMNetwork.org for Reconciling news and info, sign up today for Flashnet, etc SING A NEW SONG is coming!
www.cwac.us for info on Church Within a Church Movement in the UMC!
www.nebraskarum.blogspot.com for our new NE blog for NE statewide! we are an official Reconciling community as a statewide network.. support this work with our SUMMER Email offering starting in May!
Facebook groups: Nebraska Statewide Reconciling Network Maureen and Wendy, NE RMN contacts
Another Year of Great Spiritual Awakening!
Here is the LINK for the NPR Radio interview with Jimmy Creech this morning! .. His new book ADAM'S Gift is out now through Duke U Press through amazon and other online sources. The NE MFSA Scholarship in Jimmy's name will be given at the NE MFSA Dinner May 31 in Lincoln .. you do not have to be a member of NE MFSA to attend (see below)
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/netradio/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1793114
Read about Jimmy's spiritual and justice journey in this book or find other inclusive and awakening books for a book group with friends this summer -- Telling our stories! Remember to : 1) Give to RMN for the many ministries and 2) become a Reconciling United Methodist in a group by signing the card and plegde -- or by going online : www.RMNetwork.org
Support for Resolutions, Petitions : Be watching for the Annual Conference Workbook that will be coming out in May that will have Petitions for General Conference on Inclusiveness -- and Resolutions for our Annual Conference on UM Global AIDS fund, being fully inclusive as a UMC!
Note for Support: Rev Dave McCreary has gathered signatures on a Resolution to have all of our churches study the retired bishops' statement of counsel to the church regarding eliminating references to homosexuality in the Discipline. I hope you can get the word out to support it at the AC. Thanks Dave!
SUMMER EMAIL OFFERING IS COMING IN MAY! Support our NEBRASKA STATEWIDE RECONCILING NETWORK and our yearly commitment to RMN for their many ministries! We are an Email group and an official Reconciling community or an EMAIL CHURCH of sorts! All the persons who send out email are volunteers and doing this on their own time and their own computers! Be sure to thank them for keeping our email lists up to date, sending out email and info as a faith commitment! To give to Summer Email offering : send checks made to RMN and then mail them to Maureen Vetter, 4422 Drake Lane, Grand Island, NE 68801 .. i will record the gifts and send them in entirety to RMN.. we have no bank account and we do all of our statewide email work with no budget or memberships per se.. just folks who care! thanks! Our May 11 Birthday fundraiser lunches will be our kickoff for SUMMER Email offering!
May 5 : Mayors Prayer Breakfast Lincoln : Celebrate Diversity: contact Donna Lightbody or Christ UMC Lincoln for info
May 11, Wed, 12:15 PM noon: BIRTHDAY PARTY FUNDRAISER LUNCH : The Egg and I, Clocktower Plaza, corner of 70th and A Street, Lincoln : TWO MISSION causes this year: rather than giving cards and gifts to friends during the year for birthdays -- bring a calendar to record birthdays of friends and your gifts for causes! You can do this too - support your local group, NE Statewide Reconciling Network Summer Email Offering by giving to RMN through our NE group -- and UM Global AIDS fund! *
May 14, 15: CHANGE THE WORLD Sunday and Weekend in the UMC! Do Actions to Change the world! Purchase the book by Mike Slaughter : Change the World -- through Cokesbury Publishing, go online for info! Do a book study!
May 31 : Tuesday, NE MFSA Dinner at the new Trinity UMC, Lincoln, 6 PM :
Dr Don Messer Speaking: "Stigma, Human Rights and the Battle Against AIDS" - also Learn more about General Conference 2012, resolutions, petitions, and candidates, other social justice issues, Jimmy Creech Profile of Justice Scholarship will be given for the 12th year
Come be inspired to do more social justice and missions outreach! Tell your friends.. you do not have to be an MFSA member to attend!
For tickets contact Susan Davies Omaha, Steve Griffith Lincoln or request the E news from MFSA by writing Stephanie Ahlschwede: revsteph@bigmuddyumc.org or revsteph@cox.net More info coming after Easter!
MFSA is over 100 years old doing social justice as a caucus group in the UMC! Go online to read about Methodist Federation for Social Action: MFSA and RMN are working together for the CONVO SING A NEW SONG this summer! Go to: www.RMNetwork.org for the latest FLASHNET on the upcoming trial in June of Amy DeLong!
Send prayers!
June 1 - 4, 2011 : NE UM Annual Conference, St Marks UMC Lincoln, 84th street south: www.umcneb.org
We will have 2 INFO tables, VOLUNTEERS needed at TWO tables :
1) Reconciling table contact Betty @ bobcdorr@cox.net &
2) UM global AIDS fund table June 1 - 3 noon : mvetter@charter.net
June 3, 8:30 AM Worship, Special Offering for UM Global AIDS fund, St Marks UMC, Lincoln
Make checks for the Special offering June 3: to Conf Treas - in the memo put :
NE Advance # 578, Global AIDS so that 25% stay in NE for local AIDS projects!
* TWO MISSION and JUSTICE Causes for the Birthday Lunch Fundraiser May 11 in Lincoln at the Egg and I, 12:15 PM:
1) Summer Email offering for RMN as our yearly commitment for NE Statewide Reconciling Network (we are an official reconciling community through RMN) www.nebraskarum.blogspot.com or our facebook for groups!
2) UM Global AIDS fund: the new 20/20 Campaign to give $20 as often as you can to eliminate HIV AIDS by 2020! Info about Don Messer coming May 31 for MFSA dinner in Lincoln too! Our other challenge is $1 per member each year (2006) go to our new URL: www.umcneb.org/AIDS or www.umglobalaidsfund.org
(Checks to: RMN -- for Summer Email offering for NE Statewide - for UM Global AIDS: give to your local church in the check with NE Advance #578 Global AIDS in the memo area, make sure your local churches sends it to the Conf Treas in Lincoln so that 25 % stays in NE for local aids projects in NE or write the check to Conf Treas and we can send directly )
***************************************************************************************************************************
Pride events this summer: Omaha Pride or Heartland Pride: June 25 is the parade, deadline to register June 15. Events scheduled for about a week around the June 25 date:
http://www.heartlandpride.org/ for details. The festival to 10th and Pacific for this year's event, halfway between Soul Desires and the Blue Flamingo, and just a few blocks from Dietz Memorial UMC.
*******************************************************************
The Lincoln pride (Star City PRIDE) is always in July. This year here is the schedule:
Saturday, July 9 @ 9 pm Mr & Ms Star City PRIDE 2011 Pageant
Thursday, July 14 Comedy Kick-off @ Club Blue featureing Lyp Schtick (a comedy improve troop - depends are recommended)
Friday, July 15 Street Dance @ 18th & N (outside The Panic) with Alexandra St. James as the guest MC, Kristie Stremel doing an accoustic set and Boss Philly rocking the block down. Food vendors and beer garden will be open from 6 - midnight.
Saturday, July 16 Pride Festival @ 18th & N (outside The Panic) speakers/vendors/ performers starting at 2 pm and going through mid-night. Evening headliners = Alexandra St. James as the guest MC, Kristie Stremel and the 159ers, DJ Spence Love
Sunday, July 17 Post Pride Party @ The Q
**************************************
Do Rainbows of HOPE in your local churches with art shows, children's rainbows, make ribbons, stoles, find pins and leis to wear or take to the Reconciling table at Annual Conference! God's promise of HOPE came through the Rainbow in the sky after the rain!
Perhaps the rain is God's tears and God is crying with us -- and then come the Rainbows of hope and the flowers -- God is crying with us as a country comes from : the book, "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" series, Morality for Beautiful girls, by Alexander McCall Smith p 209.
www.RMNetwork.org for Reconciling news and info, sign up today for Flashnet, etc SING A NEW SONG is coming!
www.cwac.us for info on Church Within a Church Movement in the UMC!
www.nebraskarum.blogspot.com for our new NE blog for NE statewide! we are an official Reconciling community as a statewide network.. support this work with our SUMMER Email offering starting in May!
Facebook groups: Nebraska Statewide Reconciling Network Maureen and Wendy, NE RMN contacts
MFSA Newsletter 4/25/11
Why MFSA?
Why are you involved? Share your story -- 1 year from General Conference
We are now less than a year away from the opening of the 2012 United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, FL. During the dates of General Conference one year out (April 25-May 4), MFSA is encouraging its members and friends to share reflections on their involvement with the Methodist Federation for Social Action. Each day, beginning today, we'll feature one or two blogs from MFSA members and friends writing about their experiences, and we're asking everyone to join in. If you have a blog, you can write a post and share it with us on Facebook and Twitter. We have a brand new MFSA Twitter account as well as a hashtag (#whyMFSA), so if brevity is your thing, join the conversation there.
Our first blog comes from Rev. Becca Clark, elder in the New England Conference. To see subsequent blogs, visit www.mfsaweb.org. (We will not be sending daily emails.)
Inspiration and Hope: Why I'm a part of MFSA
I am part of the Methodist Federation for Social Action because it both inspires me and gives me hope. For me, MFSA lifts up the greatest strengths and addresses the greatest areas of weakness in my denomination. One of the biggest things that drew me to The United Methodist Church as a college student was the denomination's commitment to mission work that equips and empowers, and never uses assistance as a bait-and-switch conversion tool. Read more on the MFSA blog.
Under one week left for early bird registrations!
Get the best deal when you register by May 1
Early bird registration ends May 1st for Sing a New Song, a gathering of Methodist progressives from August 25-28 in Huron, Ohio. You won't want to miss this powerful opportunity to worship, learn, connect and organize with members and friends of the Reconciling Ministries Network and MFSA. Visit http://sans2011.org to fill out your online registration form today. Paper forms are also available, but electronic registration is preferred. See you there!
Why are you involved? Share your story -- 1 year from General Conference
We are now less than a year away from the opening of the 2012 United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, FL. During the dates of General Conference one year out (April 25-May 4), MFSA is encouraging its members and friends to share reflections on their involvement with the Methodist Federation for Social Action. Each day, beginning today, we'll feature one or two blogs from MFSA members and friends writing about their experiences, and we're asking everyone to join in. If you have a blog, you can write a post and share it with us on Facebook and Twitter. We have a brand new MFSA Twitter account as well as a hashtag (#whyMFSA), so if brevity is your thing, join the conversation there.
Our first blog comes from Rev. Becca Clark, elder in the New England Conference. To see subsequent blogs, visit www.mfsaweb.org. (We will not be sending daily emails.)
Inspiration and Hope: Why I'm a part of MFSA
I am part of the Methodist Federation for Social Action because it both inspires me and gives me hope. For me, MFSA lifts up the greatest strengths and addresses the greatest areas of weakness in my denomination. One of the biggest things that drew me to The United Methodist Church as a college student was the denomination's commitment to mission work that equips and empowers, and never uses assistance as a bait-and-switch conversion tool. Read more on the MFSA blog.
Under one week left for early bird registrations!
Get the best deal when you register by May 1
Early bird registration ends May 1st for Sing a New Song, a gathering of Methodist progressives from August 25-28 in Huron, Ohio. You won't want to miss this powerful opportunity to worship, learn, connect and organize with members and friends of the Reconciling Ministries Network and MFSA. Visit http://sans2011.org to fill out your online registration form today. Paper forms are also available, but electronic registration is preferred. See you there!
NE Statewide Reconciling Network : Short email : (shock) lots of dates, info! Spiritual Awakenings: roll our stones away!
Reconciling United Methodists of NE and friends --
What an anxious world we live in! In our town -- yesterday youth were shooting at each other on Eddy Street!
It was on the front page of the paper today in Grand Island! We need less guns in our world -- and more compassion!
We need more reaching out to each other to find our commonalties and not our differences --- I guess it starts with ME!
We do need God's calming spirit for Good Friday events today and remembering the Last Supper and Passion story -- so that we can take in the new life that is coming to all of us through the Easter Sunday story and narrative...
We give thanks for the LOVE of the Creator in our lives with the powerful stories and new life resurrection for ALL GOD'S CHILDREN!
Here is the short form of events: Contact folks for more info- seek spiritual awakenings OR they might be in front of you:
April 29 ; STAND UP AGAINST RACISM Day, support YWCA's nationwide and google or call to find events in your city!
Grand Island: Grace Abbott Park, 6 PM, ice cream & events for families, many other sites all day!
April 29 - 30: Cather Conference, Red Cloud NE www.willacather.org Honor GLBTQA writers, authors, artists!
April 30 : 12:30 PM, Open Hearts Reconciling Community, Grand Island, NE : Ken Bassett's place, pulled goat sandwiches by ken -- we bring the rest of the food! RSVP Mvetter@charter.net this week!
May 5 : Mayors Prayer Breakfast Lincoln : Celebrate Diversity: contact Donna Lightbody or Christ UMC Lincoln for info
May 11, Wed, 12:15 PM noon: BIRTHDAY PARTY FUNDRAISER LUNCH :
The Egg and I, Clocktower Plaza, corner of 70th and A Street, Lincoln :
DOUBLE HEADER with TWO MISSION causes this year:
GIVE to 2 causes rather than giving cards and gifts to friends during the year for birthdays --
bring a calendar to record birthdays of friends and your gifts for causes!
Try doing this in your town with friends to support your local group, NE Statewide Reconciling Network Summer Email Offering by giving to RMN through our NE group -- and UM Global AIDS fund!
TWO MISSION and JUSTICE Causes for the Birthday Lunch Fundraiser in Lincoln or do one in your town:
1) Summer Email offering for RMN as our yearly commitment for NE Statewide Reconciling Network (we are an official reconciling community through RMN) and
2) UM Global AIDS fund: the new 20/20 Campaign to give $20 as often as you can to eliminate HIV AIDS by 2020! Info about Don Messer coming May 31 for MFSA dinner in Lincoln too! Our other challenge is $1 per member each year (2006)
(Checks to: RMN -- for Summer Email offering for NE Statewide - for UM Global AIDS: give to your local church in the check with NE Advance #578 Global AIDS in the memo area, make sure your local churches sends it to the Conf Treas in Lincoln so that 25 % stays in NE for local aids projects in NE or write the check to Conf Treas and we can send directly )
May 14, 15: CHANGE THE WORLD Sunday and Weekend in the UMC! Do Actions to Change the world! Purchase the book by Mike Slaughter : Change the World -- through Cokesbury Publishing, go online for info! Do a book study!
May 31 : Tuesday, NE MFSA Dinner at the new Trinity UMC, Lincoln, 6 PM, Dr Don Messer Speaking: "Stigma, Human Rights and the Battle Against AIDS" - Learn more about General Conference 2012, resolutions, petitions, and candidates, other social justice issues, Jimmy Creech Profile of Justice Scholarship will be given for the 12th year
Come be inspired to do more social justice and missions outreach! Tell your friends.. you do not have to be an MFSA member to attend!
For tickets contact MFSA folks in leadership : Steve Griffith, Lincoln Saint Paul UMC; Stephanie Ahlschwede Omaha - more info coming after Easter!
MFSA is over 100 years old doing social justice as a caucus group in the UMC! Go online to read about Methodist Federation for Social Action: MFSA and RMN are working together for the CONVO SING A NEW SONG this summer! Go to: www.RMNetwork.org for the latest FLASHNET on the upcoming trial in June of Amy DeLong!
Send prayers!
June 1 - 4 : NE UM Annual Conference, St Marks UMC Lincoln, 84th street south
June 3, 8:30 AM Worship, Special Offering for UM Global AIDS fund, St Marks UMC, Lincoln
We need help at TWO INFO Tables this year: 1) June 1 - 3 UM Global AIDS Fund : Contact Maureen: mvetter@charter.net or Bill : biobb@bellsouth.net and 2) the Reconciling Table: Betty bobcdorr@cox.net We would love to have 2 people during half day shifts at BOTH INFO tables.. let us know!
June 1 - 4: Reconciling Table for RMN in NE : contact Betty Dorr to help volunteer: bobcdorr@cox.net
Betty has been doing this 20 years with friends and she would love to have help!
Bring AIDS Ribbons to Annual Conference to give out at the HIV AIDS Info Table AND/ OR Rainbow ribbons, stoles, pins for the Reconciling table!
Do Rainbows of HOPE at your local church this SPRING: through banners, art shows, children drawing rainbows and displaying, Rainbow sunday, giving out rainbow ribbons, Rainbow movie night, Rainbow lunch, coffee, tea party, Rainbow bake sale, Info on Reconciling and Sacred Stories, Rainbow stories or Awakening stories in a booklet to give away @ your local church or do book studies, or a Rainbow BBQ! Collaborate with other groups!
Pride Events in Lincoln (June) and Omaha (July) this summer & AIDS Walks at Sept 18 across NE next fall! www.nap.org
Remember that Jimmy Creech's new book is just out! Adam's Gift A memoir.. Find it on Amazon through Duke U press and do a book study this summer.. other great books and resources at www.RMNetwork.org and Church Within a Church:
www.cwac.us
Remember to promote all these events at your church and register for SING A NEW SONG the CONVO organized by MFSA and RMN this summer! Get posters and info at www.RMNetwork.org Sign up to be an RUM today online!
Join our Group Facebook today: Nebraska Statewide Reconciling Network
Our new blog: www.nebraskarum.blogspot.com
Maureen Vetter & Wendy Smith, NE Statewide Reconciling Network Contacts
What an anxious world we live in! In our town -- yesterday youth were shooting at each other on Eddy Street!
It was on the front page of the paper today in Grand Island! We need less guns in our world -- and more compassion!
We need more reaching out to each other to find our commonalties and not our differences --- I guess it starts with ME!
We do need God's calming spirit for Good Friday events today and remembering the Last Supper and Passion story -- so that we can take in the new life that is coming to all of us through the Easter Sunday story and narrative...
We give thanks for the LOVE of the Creator in our lives with the powerful stories and new life resurrection for ALL GOD'S CHILDREN!
Here is the short form of events: Contact folks for more info- seek spiritual awakenings OR they might be in front of you:
April 29 ; STAND UP AGAINST RACISM Day, support YWCA's nationwide and google or call to find events in your city!
Grand Island: Grace Abbott Park, 6 PM, ice cream & events for families, many other sites all day!
April 29 - 30: Cather Conference, Red Cloud NE www.willacather.org Honor GLBTQA writers, authors, artists!
April 30 : 12:30 PM, Open Hearts Reconciling Community, Grand Island, NE : Ken Bassett's place, pulled goat sandwiches by ken -- we bring the rest of the food! RSVP Mvetter@charter.net this week!
May 5 : Mayors Prayer Breakfast Lincoln : Celebrate Diversity: contact Donna Lightbody or Christ UMC Lincoln for info
May 11, Wed, 12:15 PM noon: BIRTHDAY PARTY FUNDRAISER LUNCH :
The Egg and I, Clocktower Plaza, corner of 70th and A Street, Lincoln :
DOUBLE HEADER with TWO MISSION causes this year:
GIVE to 2 causes rather than giving cards and gifts to friends during the year for birthdays --
bring a calendar to record birthdays of friends and your gifts for causes!
Try doing this in your town with friends to support your local group, NE Statewide Reconciling Network Summer Email Offering by giving to RMN through our NE group -- and UM Global AIDS fund!
TWO MISSION and JUSTICE Causes for the Birthday Lunch Fundraiser in Lincoln or do one in your town:
1) Summer Email offering for RMN as our yearly commitment for NE Statewide Reconciling Network (we are an official reconciling community through RMN) and
2) UM Global AIDS fund: the new 20/20 Campaign to give $20 as often as you can to eliminate HIV AIDS by 2020! Info about Don Messer coming May 31 for MFSA dinner in Lincoln too! Our other challenge is $1 per member each year (2006)
(Checks to: RMN -- for Summer Email offering for NE Statewide - for UM Global AIDS: give to your local church in the check with NE Advance #578 Global AIDS in the memo area, make sure your local churches sends it to the Conf Treas in Lincoln so that 25 % stays in NE for local aids projects in NE or write the check to Conf Treas and we can send directly )
May 14, 15: CHANGE THE WORLD Sunday and Weekend in the UMC! Do Actions to Change the world! Purchase the book by Mike Slaughter : Change the World -- through Cokesbury Publishing, go online for info! Do a book study!
May 31 : Tuesday, NE MFSA Dinner at the new Trinity UMC, Lincoln, 6 PM, Dr Don Messer Speaking: "Stigma, Human Rights and the Battle Against AIDS" - Learn more about General Conference 2012, resolutions, petitions, and candidates, other social justice issues, Jimmy Creech Profile of Justice Scholarship will be given for the 12th year
Come be inspired to do more social justice and missions outreach! Tell your friends.. you do not have to be an MFSA member to attend!
For tickets contact MFSA folks in leadership : Steve Griffith, Lincoln Saint Paul UMC; Stephanie Ahlschwede Omaha - more info coming after Easter!
MFSA is over 100 years old doing social justice as a caucus group in the UMC! Go online to read about Methodist Federation for Social Action: MFSA and RMN are working together for the CONVO SING A NEW SONG this summer! Go to: www.RMNetwork.org for the latest FLASHNET on the upcoming trial in June of Amy DeLong!
Send prayers!
June 1 - 4 : NE UM Annual Conference, St Marks UMC Lincoln, 84th street south
June 3, 8:30 AM Worship, Special Offering for UM Global AIDS fund, St Marks UMC, Lincoln
We need help at TWO INFO Tables this year: 1) June 1 - 3 UM Global AIDS Fund : Contact Maureen: mvetter@charter.net or Bill : biobb@bellsouth.net and 2) the Reconciling Table: Betty bobcdorr@cox.net We would love to have 2 people during half day shifts at BOTH INFO tables.. let us know!
June 1 - 4: Reconciling Table for RMN in NE : contact Betty Dorr to help volunteer: bobcdorr@cox.net
Betty has been doing this 20 years with friends and she would love to have help!
Bring AIDS Ribbons to Annual Conference to give out at the HIV AIDS Info Table AND/ OR Rainbow ribbons, stoles, pins for the Reconciling table!
Do Rainbows of HOPE at your local church this SPRING: through banners, art shows, children drawing rainbows and displaying, Rainbow sunday, giving out rainbow ribbons, Rainbow movie night, Rainbow lunch, coffee, tea party, Rainbow bake sale, Info on Reconciling and Sacred Stories, Rainbow stories or Awakening stories in a booklet to give away @ your local church or do book studies, or a Rainbow BBQ! Collaborate with other groups!
Pride Events in Lincoln (June) and Omaha (July) this summer & AIDS Walks at Sept 18 across NE next fall! www.nap.org
Remember that Jimmy Creech's new book is just out! Adam's Gift A memoir.. Find it on Amazon through Duke U press and do a book study this summer.. other great books and resources at www.RMNetwork.org and Church Within a Church:
www.cwac.us
Remember to promote all these events at your church and register for SING A NEW SONG the CONVO organized by MFSA and RMN this summer! Get posters and info at www.RMNetwork.org Sign up to be an RUM today online!
Join our Group Facebook today: Nebraska Statewide Reconciling Network
Our new blog: www.nebraskarum.blogspot.com
Maureen Vetter & Wendy Smith, NE Statewide Reconciling Network Contacts
NE Statewide Reconciling Network: Awakenings: Welcome the Stranger Breakfast, Volunteers, Birthday lunches, books, dates!
NE Statewide Reconciling friends: Spiritual Awakenings are all around us! Enjoy the Beauty and Wonder of Spring!
Get together with friends and make new friends.. Reconciling goes on the ROAD: www.nebraskarum.blogspot.com
May 5 Mayor's Interfaith Prayer Breakfast Lincoln SEE INFO BELOW ------ Encourage Diversity and story telling!
May 11 : 12:15 PM, Birthday fundraiser Lunch Meetup : The EGG and I Restaurant in Lincoln, Clocktower Mall (70th and A Street) : Birthday Fundraiser Lunch for NE Statewide Reconciling Network, jumpstarting the Summer Email offering at THE EGG AND I with friend over lunch! Instead of giving gifts and cards, give to RMN and go to lunch with friends! Bring your calendar to write down birthdays -- enjoy lunch and friendship!
May 31 : NE MFSA Dinner, Lincoln : info coming - special guest Dr Don Messer, Chair of UM Global AIDS fund and author of 15 books, former President of Iliff Seminary, Denver -- Director of the Center for Church and Global AIDS, Denver too! MFSA : METHODIST FEDERATION FOR SOCIAL ACTION founded over 100 years ago nationwide! Tell friends! www.mfsaweb.org UM Global AIDS fund and task force in NE www.umglobalaidsfund.org in NE: www.umcneb.org/AIDS
Website for the Center for the Church and Global AIDS, Denver co: www.churchandglobalaids.org
June 1 - 4, Lincoln Annual Conference, ST Marks UMC : Volunteers needed for the Reconciling INFO Table, contact betty : bobcdorr@cox.net , bring rainbow things and info to share locally & UM Global AIDS fund INFO table : Contact maureen mvetter@charter.net or Bill biobb@bellsouth.net with Don Messer coming May 31 & Special offerings will be taken for UM Global AIDS fund on Friday morning, june 3 at the morning worship service!
If you want to do a Birthday Fundraiser Lunch during Annual Conference and raise money for NE Statewide Reconciling Network Summer Email offering, just let us know! mvetter@charter.net and wsmith28@gmail.com
Summer : PRIDE Events in Lincoln and Omaha and SING A NEW SONG Event is coming in Aug : early bird special is coming soon for registration : www.RMNetwork.org and www.mfsaweb.org For Progressive and inclusive United Methodists to gather to reach out!
Jimmy Creech's new book : "ADAMS GIFT a memoir.... " is out now through Duke U press.. see Jimmy's FACEBOOK to get more info on his upcoming speaking engagements and events telling his story. Other books and resources are available through www.RMNetwork.org and go to Church Within a church as well for books, new awakenings: www.cwac.us
Create a RAINBOW CRATE with books and movies for your local church or support group, friends, Sunday school class! Do Rainbows of HOPE through art shows, children's art, rainbow tables, bake sales, lunches, meetups, movies, suitcase or basket with pins, stoles, ribbons and more! Do Rainbow service projects -- missions and outreach! Collaborate with PFLAG groups, other faiths and NAP in your area www.nap.org
Mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, Lincoln, NE :
“Welcome the Stranger” is the theme of the Thursday, May 5, Mayor’s
Interfaith Prayer Breakfast. The October 10, 2010, Parade section of the Sunday
paper featured several Lincoln Mideast refugee families and referred to Lincoln’s
designation as “refugee friendly” by the U.S. State Department in the 1970’s.
Do our cities, towns, communities and state continue to be "refugee friendly"?
The featured speaker will be Amir Azimi, a native of Iran who received his
college degrees from UNL and has been involved with diversity and crosscultural
communication training since 1982. Mr. Azimi is currently the
Administrator of Support Services for the Nebraska Department of Health and
Human Services. His message is “Everyone Has a Story, and This is Mine.”
Tickets to this event can be purchased in the church office for $20 per person.
The 7:30 a.m. breakfast will be at the Embassy Suites, with doors opening at
7:00 a.m. For more information, please call the office, or Donna Lightbody at
(402) 435-3662.
**********************************************************************
Group FACEBOOK: for Nebraska Statewide Reconciling Network - Grow the number of friends!
Become a Reconciling United Methodist Today: go to www.RMNetwork.org and go to SIGN UP!
Tell your stories as you are Called to Witness through stories - Believe out LOUD, Take Reconciling on the Road and do lunches, meetups, plan ways for reaching out to others....
Create SAFE PLACES and SUPPORT Groups for GLBT's and allies as reconciling communities and book groups, coffee groups, mission groups, outreach groups -- as we discover another GREAT YEAR of SPIRITUAL AWAKENINGS! Seek out spiritual partners and persons different from us this Holy Week coming!
Get together with friends and make new friends.. Reconciling goes on the ROAD: www.nebraskarum.blogspot.com
May 5 Mayor's Interfaith Prayer Breakfast Lincoln SEE INFO BELOW ------ Encourage Diversity and story telling!
May 11 : 12:15 PM, Birthday fundraiser Lunch Meetup : The EGG and I Restaurant in Lincoln, Clocktower Mall (70th and A Street) : Birthday Fundraiser Lunch for NE Statewide Reconciling Network, jumpstarting the Summer Email offering at THE EGG AND I with friend over lunch! Instead of giving gifts and cards, give to RMN and go to lunch with friends! Bring your calendar to write down birthdays -- enjoy lunch and friendship!
May 31 : NE MFSA Dinner, Lincoln : info coming - special guest Dr Don Messer, Chair of UM Global AIDS fund and author of 15 books, former President of Iliff Seminary, Denver -- Director of the Center for Church and Global AIDS, Denver too! MFSA : METHODIST FEDERATION FOR SOCIAL ACTION founded over 100 years ago nationwide! Tell friends! www.mfsaweb.org UM Global AIDS fund and task force in NE www.umglobalaidsfund.org in NE: www.umcneb.org/AIDS
Website for the Center for the Church and Global AIDS, Denver co: www.churchandglobalaids.org
June 1 - 4, Lincoln Annual Conference, ST Marks UMC : Volunteers needed for the Reconciling INFO Table, contact betty : bobcdorr@cox.net , bring rainbow things and info to share locally & UM Global AIDS fund INFO table : Contact maureen mvetter@charter.net or Bill biobb@bellsouth.net with Don Messer coming May 31 & Special offerings will be taken for UM Global AIDS fund on Friday morning, june 3 at the morning worship service!
If you want to do a Birthday Fundraiser Lunch during Annual Conference and raise money for NE Statewide Reconciling Network Summer Email offering, just let us know! mvetter@charter.net and wsmith28@gmail.com
Summer : PRIDE Events in Lincoln and Omaha and SING A NEW SONG Event is coming in Aug : early bird special is coming soon for registration : www.RMNetwork.org and www.mfsaweb.org For Progressive and inclusive United Methodists to gather to reach out!
Jimmy Creech's new book : "ADAMS GIFT a memoir.... " is out now through Duke U press.. see Jimmy's FACEBOOK to get more info on his upcoming speaking engagements and events telling his story. Other books and resources are available through www.RMNetwork.org and go to Church Within a church as well for books, new awakenings: www.cwac.us
Create a RAINBOW CRATE with books and movies for your local church or support group, friends, Sunday school class! Do Rainbows of HOPE through art shows, children's art, rainbow tables, bake sales, lunches, meetups, movies, suitcase or basket with pins, stoles, ribbons and more! Do Rainbow service projects -- missions and outreach! Collaborate with PFLAG groups, other faiths and NAP in your area www.nap.org
Mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, Lincoln, NE :
“Welcome the Stranger” is the theme of the Thursday, May 5, Mayor’s
Interfaith Prayer Breakfast. The October 10, 2010, Parade section of the Sunday
paper featured several Lincoln Mideast refugee families and referred to Lincoln’s
designation as “refugee friendly” by the U.S. State Department in the 1970’s.
Do our cities, towns, communities and state continue to be "refugee friendly"?
The featured speaker will be Amir Azimi, a native of Iran who received his
college degrees from UNL and has been involved with diversity and crosscultural
communication training since 1982. Mr. Azimi is currently the
Administrator of Support Services for the Nebraska Department of Health and
Human Services. His message is “Everyone Has a Story, and This is Mine.”
Tickets to this event can be purchased in the church office for $20 per person.
The 7:30 a.m. breakfast will be at the Embassy Suites, with doors opening at
7:00 a.m. For more information, please call the office, or Donna Lightbody at
(402) 435-3662.
**********************************************************************
Group FACEBOOK: for Nebraska Statewide Reconciling Network - Grow the number of friends!
Become a Reconciling United Methodist Today: go to www.RMNetwork.org and go to SIGN UP!
Tell your stories as you are Called to Witness through stories - Believe out LOUD, Take Reconciling on the Road and do lunches, meetups, plan ways for reaching out to others....
Create SAFE PLACES and SUPPORT Groups for GLBT's and allies as reconciling communities and book groups, coffee groups, mission groups, outreach groups -- as we discover another GREAT YEAR of SPIRITUAL AWAKENINGS! Seek out spiritual partners and persons different from us this Holy Week coming!
April news; volunteer to help at a table at AC in June
NE Statewide Reconciling Network and friends: www.RMNetwork.org
Awaken our spirits to new life through our Creator's love for us, to reaching out to others and working for justice -- through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit working in our lives and the larger faith and marginalized communities around us! Change the World!
Dr Don Messer, Chair of UM Global AIDS fund will be the speaker at the NE MFSA dinner, May 31 on Tuesday night.. more info will be coming and spread the word! www.umglobalaidsfund.org
Let's GROW THE GROUPS on Facebook (group FB by searching Nebraska Statewide Reconciling Network) and our new blog www.nebraskarum.blogspot.com -- and in our local churches and communities in person!
See the new URL for our NE UM global aids task force in NE: www.umcneb.org/AIDS go to it and check it out! Or www.umglobalaidsfund.org for the um global aids fund!
We have 300 + Reconciling United Methodists in NE and we need to get to 400 by General Conference in April and May 2012!
To become an RUM go to: www.RMNetwork.org today! Awaken your spirit, believe out loud, be called to witness and tell your stories -- give to RMN at events and take to the road for events! Reconciling on the Road this year and every year!
Have a get together of Reconciling folks in your town or area .. go to an event together, have a coffee or lunch meetup, birthday party fundraiser for RMN for our NE Statewide Summer email offering --
Take reconciling on the road, do a pulled pork event or BBQ get together, AIDS benefit concert, Baskets of LOVE silent auction for UM global AIDS fund, Get Active for HIV AIDS this summer or read Jimmy Creech's new book / memoir and share : ADAMS's GIFT from DUKE U press! Go to Jimmy creech's Facebook page for info!
Invite others to : Check out our group facebook : Nebraska Statewide Reconciling Network -- and our new blog for upcoming events in NE: www.nebraskarum.blogspot.com Go to : www.RMNetwork.org for info on Sing a new SONG convo coming! Go to Church Within a Church for info www.cwac.us
We could use volunteers to help at NE Annual Conference in Lincoln: two inclusive INFO tables June 1 - 4, Lincoln at St marks, UMC on south 84th:
1) to volunteer at the HIV AIDs Table for UM Global AIDS fund contact Maureen @ Mvetter@charter.net or Bill at biobb@bellsouth.net we have one person for wed already!
WE hope to sign up more AIDS ambassadors on the Clipboard at the table! If you sign up you will receive an HIV AIDS toolkit on DVD (till supplies last) or you can download it : go to www.umglobalaidsfund.org and find it to download today! The HIV AIDS TOOLKIT is full of TONS of resources for AIDS ambassadors and local churches! As an AIDS ambasador you: promote the offering Dec 4, give yourself, pray! (you can do more if you wish!) LIGHTEN THE BURDEN IV Conference will be April 23 ahead of Geneal Conference in Tampa, Florida
2) Reconciling Ministry Network Table : contact Betty Dorr : bobcdorr@cox.net if you have info or rainbows for the table - so folks can wear rainbow ribbons, stoles. rainbow ribbon crosses, or Rainbow scarves! Bring them to the table! RMN lapel pins are $2 through RMN offices, chicago!
Check out SING A NEW SONG RMN and MFSA CONVO: www.RMNetwork.org
Get involved today and create a Rainbow Basket, suitcase, or table at faith events! Some churches are doing Rainbows of HOPE art shows and more! Create rainbow banners! Symbols speak to us and let us know about safe places!
Maureen Vetter mvetter@charter.net and Wendy Smith, wsmith28@gmail.com ,
State Reconciling contacts along with 300 + RUM's (Reconciling United methodists in NE, PRN (parents reconciling network) folks and local contacts, Main email contacts!
Awaken our spirits to new life through our Creator's love for us, to reaching out to others and working for justice -- through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit working in our lives and the larger faith and marginalized communities around us! Change the World!
Dr Don Messer, Chair of UM Global AIDS fund will be the speaker at the NE MFSA dinner, May 31 on Tuesday night.. more info will be coming and spread the word! www.umglobalaidsfund.org
Let's GROW THE GROUPS on Facebook (group FB by searching Nebraska Statewide Reconciling Network) and our new blog www.nebraskarum.blogspot.com -- and in our local churches and communities in person!
See the new URL for our NE UM global aids task force in NE: www.umcneb.org/AIDS go to it and check it out! Or www.umglobalaidsfund.org for the um global aids fund!
We have 300 + Reconciling United Methodists in NE and we need to get to 400 by General Conference in April and May 2012!
To become an RUM go to: www.RMNetwork.org today! Awaken your spirit, believe out loud, be called to witness and tell your stories -- give to RMN at events and take to the road for events! Reconciling on the Road this year and every year!
Have a get together of Reconciling folks in your town or area .. go to an event together, have a coffee or lunch meetup, birthday party fundraiser for RMN for our NE Statewide Summer email offering --
Take reconciling on the road, do a pulled pork event or BBQ get together, AIDS benefit concert, Baskets of LOVE silent auction for UM global AIDS fund, Get Active for HIV AIDS this summer or read Jimmy Creech's new book / memoir and share : ADAMS's GIFT from DUKE U press! Go to Jimmy creech's Facebook page for info!
Invite others to : Check out our group facebook : Nebraska Statewide Reconciling Network -- and our new blog for upcoming events in NE: www.nebraskarum.blogspot.com Go to : www.RMNetwork.org for info on Sing a new SONG convo coming! Go to Church Within a Church for info www.cwac.us
We could use volunteers to help at NE Annual Conference in Lincoln: two inclusive INFO tables June 1 - 4, Lincoln at St marks, UMC on south 84th:
1) to volunteer at the HIV AIDs Table for UM Global AIDS fund contact Maureen @ Mvetter@charter.net or Bill at biobb@bellsouth.net we have one person for wed already!
WE hope to sign up more AIDS ambassadors on the Clipboard at the table! If you sign up you will receive an HIV AIDS toolkit on DVD (till supplies last) or you can download it : go to www.umglobalaidsfund.org and find it to download today! The HIV AIDS TOOLKIT is full of TONS of resources for AIDS ambassadors and local churches! As an AIDS ambasador you: promote the offering Dec 4, give yourself, pray! (you can do more if you wish!) LIGHTEN THE BURDEN IV Conference will be April 23 ahead of Geneal Conference in Tampa, Florida
2) Reconciling Ministry Network Table : contact Betty Dorr : bobcdorr@cox.net if you have info or rainbows for the table - so folks can wear rainbow ribbons, stoles. rainbow ribbon crosses, or Rainbow scarves! Bring them to the table! RMN lapel pins are $2 through RMN offices, chicago!
Check out SING A NEW SONG RMN and MFSA CONVO: www.RMNetwork.org
Get involved today and create a Rainbow Basket, suitcase, or table at faith events! Some churches are doing Rainbows of HOPE art shows and more! Create rainbow banners! Symbols speak to us and let us know about safe places!
Maureen Vetter mvetter@charter.net and Wendy Smith, wsmith28@gmail.com ,
State Reconciling contacts along with 300 + RUM's (Reconciling United methodists in NE, PRN (parents reconciling network) folks and local contacts, Main email contacts!
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