Recent MFSAVoices Newsletters
MFSA News
Tribute to Bishop Melvin Talbert
Bishop Melvin Talbert died on August 3rd at the age of 89. One of seven children born to sharecropper parents in rural Louisiana, he was ordained a pastor in 1963 into a segregated Methodist church. He was elected and served as bishop of The United Methodist Church from 1980 until the year 2000.
Peace, Justice, Unity, Love: Opening Message from East Ohio MFSA Chapter Program
On January 21, 2023 the East Ohio Chapter of MFSA presented a program entitled “SEEKING PEACE with JUSTICE…In Our Time.” This event was an enriching and challenging event for Lay and Clergy who seek to find ways to implement the totality of Jesus’ message concerning justice issues.
You can find the opening message by Rev. Dr. Jack Jullivan Jr., Executive Director of Ohio Council of Churches, entitled “PEACE: JUSTICE, UNITY, LOVE…” including an overview and the video of the entire message within the article.
A Summer Reflection from Executive Director Bridget Cabrera
I recently had the pleasure of preaching on the feeding of the 5,000 in the book of John at the East Ohio AC gathering of Reconciling United Methodists and East Ohio MFSA. In that sermon, I focused on our need as a Church and a society to move beyond being bogged down by fear and scarcity. The hearts of the people gathered on that mountain were softened and opened even in the midst of all the fear and scarcity that they experienced in their time. The crowd already had everything they needed. They just needed to share what they had instead of hoard it.
The Work of the Wear Orange Campaign Continues
Every day, 120 Americans are killed by guns. During the weekend of June 2-4th, Americans honor the victims and survivors of gun violence by wearing orange. MFSA Board members, staff, and Program Council members participated in the Wear Orange campaign to raise awareness of gun violence within their communities. The work of raising awareness is only one side to advocacy work. We also need to take action. MFSA has put together a list of fives actions that you and your congregations can do today to take action on advocating for gun control within your communities.
Saying Goodbye to Carol Ngwenyama, MFSA’ s. Organizing Associate Intern
I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to serve as an Organizing Intern at the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA). It has been an incredibly fulfilling experience, and I am sincerely thankful for the knowledge, skills, and personal growth I have gained during my time with MFSA. As my internship comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous growth and learning I have experienced throughout this journey.
2023 Lent Devotional-Week 7
The woman of Samaria witnesses to us that we belong precisely because we are wonderfully different and that God in Christ, our Wonderfully Different invites us to become agents of change for the wholeness of our cosmos.
Racial Justice in Ohio
Learn more about the Black Led Organizing Collaborative and the work of East Ohio MFSA.
2023 Lent Devotional- Week 6
Take heart, family. Take courage. Prepare for joy. Because God is doing great things in us, through us, and even when we are lost in the wilderness.
2023 Week Devotional-Week 5
Humbleness is a characteristic that has supported the existence of Indigenous communities for thousands of years. In all simplicity, all because it limits the violence of hubris and exploitation.
Join the Apartheid-Free Movement
Stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and build an Apartheid-Free world starting with your faith community, city, campus, and workplace.
Sign the Petition to Stop Israeli Expansion
We call on the State Department, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and President Joe Biden to end U.S. complicity in land destruction and annexation in Wadi Foquin and throughout the West Bank by stopping aid to the Israeli government until these actions are halted.
2023 Lent Devotional- Week 4
Jesus acknowledged and affirmed them as his most faithful followers during his journey to the crucifixion.
2023 Lent Devotional- Week 3
What if we enter our season with a desire to build a beloved community where our actions are leading to tear down walls that are keeping us divided?
2023 Lenten Devotional -Week 2
I pray that this season of disease and dis-ease will bring us, people of faith and those on the faith journey, to new places of purpose, understanding, and allowances. That we be stretched to work for your Kin-dom like never before and may we find space at the table for all of your beloved.
2023 Lenten Devotional-Ash Wednesday
As I come out of winter into Lent, I look forward to spring and the Resurrection - of being edged out of the cold doldrums of stillness into the vibrant, moving warmth of life’s new expressions and colors.
Allendale UMC Offers Space for AP African American Studies Class
Justice-Seeking congregation, Allendale United Methodist Church, is offering a space for Advanced Placement African American Studies to be taught following Florida's push to ban this course in high schools.
Michigan United Methodists lead a time of storytelling at North Central Jurisdictional Conference
During the North Central Jurisdictional Conference, in early November, delegates took part in a time of storytelling, listening, and learning about "the impact of homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism on individuals within The United Methodist Church."
MFSA Commemorates the 50th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
Today marks what would have been the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. But last June, the Supreme Court of the United States eliminated the constitutional right to abortion, decimating access and jeopardizing people’s health, lives and economic security.
MLK Day Reflections
The Methodist Federation for Social Action has been looking deeply into its own life to examine how we have accommodated racist outcomes, not only in church and society, but in our own life.