Fall, 2008 Chapter Update

MFSA chapters across the jurisdictions are in action in a variety of ways.
The North Central MFSA chapters will gather winter of 2009, in the Northern Illinois conference, to reflect on the work of the past jurisdictional conference and begin to work on legislative actions for jurisdictional conference 2012. This discussion will include considering structural and leadership changes, a jurisdictional witness by MFSA and an episcopal boundary discussion. If you are interested in attending or would like more information please contact Amy Stapleton, field organizer, in the national office at amy@mfsaweb.org.

In the South Central jurisdiction, the Southwest Texas MFSA chapter is reaching and communicating with the world online. Check on the new Southwest Texas MFSA website at http://swtmfsa.wordpress.com. In addition the chapter continues to publish an E-newsletter that contains information about upcoming meetings and peace opportunities in the area. One of the areas the chapter is focusing on is “ways to increase peace and non-violence in our personal lives, the UMC, and our world.” An upcoming program will include viewing excerpts from the film, “The Narrow Path: Walking Toward Peace and Nonviolence with John Dear, S.J.”.  John Dear is a Jesuit priest, peace activist, organizer, lecturer, and author of 25 books on peace and justice.  He is a former executive director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, and he currently coordinates Pax Christi New Mexico. After the film, the chapter will hear about a local program in the Austin area, Non-Military Options for Youth.

Chapters in the Western Jurisdiction gathered in Portland at jurisdictional conference to work with and challenge the jurisdiction to live into its vision of “extreme hospitality.” Meeting prior to the jurisdictional conference at the Metanoia Peace Community. The Metanoia Peace House is an United Methodist reconciling congregation and communal household in the inner city of northeast Portland. Delegates, conference staff and MFSA members worshiped and gave witness to the works of justice and peace occurring across the jurisdiction, church and world. The California Pacific MFSA chapter met recently to plan how they might build on the actions of the Western jurisdiction. In the coming year the chapter plans to focus through education, advocacy, and action on the following issues: the environment, peace, racism, sexism, poverty, reproductive health and immigration. For more information about the Metanoia community visit http://www.metanoiaumc.org.

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