MFSA Chapter Highlights: Fall 2007 By Amy Stapleton, National Organizer This fall MFSA chapters around the country have been engaged in a variety of activities. The East Ohio Chapter hosted a fall event, Because it Matters in Uniontown Ohio. The day included a keynote address by Bishop Sally Dyck, of the Minnesota Episcopal Area who shared on the topic Few Reflections on Bridges. The event also included workshops on the Judicial Council, How Advocacy Groups Impact General Conference, Protecting Planet Earth, Globalization, Is the Church Supportive of Radical Hospitality?, Supporting Peace in the Middle East and the Global AIDS Initiative. At the MFSA National Board meeting in Nashville we welcomed the Southwest Texas Conference Chapter as an official chapter. The Austin sub-group who is especially thriving, recently created its mission statement and visioning for 2007 – 2010. The vision states, “the Southwest Texas Conference Chapter of MFSA calls on United Methodists to educate, promote, and act on Jesus’ teaching of God’s radical love and justice for all.” Goals for the Southwest Texas chapter include:
The Oregon Idaho MFSA chapter had two days of fellowship, feasting and theological conversation with members and friends of the Methodist Federation for Social Action at their Fall Retreat held at Peace House in Portland Oregon. The retreat’s theme was “Cynicism and Hope: Reclaiming Hope in a Post-Democratic America.” The retreat focused on how as a nation we have entered into a time when democracy can no longer be taken for granted and how the government agenda is more often not the agenda of the people. The chapter explored the following questions: What will be the role of Christian social action in this new environment? What can the New Testament and other available resources teach us about successfully challenging the principalities and powers that oppress us, in a time when democracy can no longer be taken for granted? The Northern Illinois Chapter celebrated the work and witness of the past 100 years of MFSA with a centennial celebration. The event speaker was Bishop Minerva Carcaño of the Phoenix Episcopal Area. Broadway UMC in Chicago provided a readers theatre that highlighted the history of the organization. The chapter affirmed it’s mission to be “a community of hope committed to a vision of the world that includes every one as beloved as God. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we work for justice and peace for all creation through prayer, education and witness.” The Northern Illinois chapter also hosted a round table discussion and dialogue on the proposed changes in the United Methodist Church structure with Bishop Sharon Rader and Rev. Bruce Robbins in mid-November. The Virginia Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of being a chapter and the 100th anniversary of MFSA in a variety of ways. This fall the chapter is hosting a workshop “A Second Look at the Death Penalty” sponsored by the VA Chapter, the Conference Committee on Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries. The workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to consider a range of death penalty issues and explore responding to this ‘life or death’ issue as Christians and United Methodists. On October 27th the New England Chapter of MFSA gathered United Methodists in fron the the Massachusetts State House to voice their opposition to the War In Iraq. The Rev. James McPhee brought greetings to the group from Bishop Peter Weaver who was not able to be present and the Rev. Michael Clark spoke to the group. After the United Methodist Witness the group joined thousands of other New Englanders in a day of protest against the war. These actions are just a few among many. MFSA chapters and members across the connection continue to be a voice of justice and hold a vision of peace. That witness inspires hope. May we continue to be faithful. |
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