Can't We Leave Jesus Out?

When I turned eighteen, I thought it would be a good idea to get a cross and flame tattoo on my back. I had grown up United Methodist and attributed much of my radical politics to my mother, who is a pastor, and because of that, I also attributed those radical politics to The UMC. Both my parents taught me social justice as a Christian value. So I was pretty surprised after I turned eighteen to see that The UMC was not as radical a place as I thought it was. I was appalled to find out that The UMC did not ordain what the Discipline names self-avowed, practicing homosexuals.

Later, after becoming a lay delegate to Annual Conference as a Junior, I was appalled at the opulence of the hotels our conference is held in and the slow-moving bureaucracy that is our church. So I wondered: what were some of the ways I could transform that tattoo into something else, something no longer Methodist-related? But then I went to Student Forum, where I learned about MOSAIC and OnFire, the young adult chapter of MFSA. Here were places where I saw hope for making The UMC into that church I thought it was growing up, that church that practiced the justice that Jesus taught us.

As a seminarian at Drew Theological School, I have had the opportunity to participate in the OnFire Borderlinks immersion trip to the border between the USA and Mexico and later to mobilize with others, including so many United Methodists, on Washington for immigration reform. Those moments were moments where I was proud to be United Methodist, amidst these people working for justice in the world and in our church.

Last semester, I researched Methodist publications for their reactions to the Red Scare, in light of the fearmongering in our time, and was so inspired by what I read about MFSA. In the new history of United Methodism, for instance, the authors write,

"In 1953 [Rev. Jack] McMichael [of the Methodist Federation for Social Action] appeared before the [House Committee on UnAmerican Activities] and challenged its accusations of Communist subversion with such telling references to the ministry of Jesus that an aggravated committee member shouted, 'Can't we leave Jesus out.'" 1

MFSA has shown me that Jesus' ministry is one of subversion, and that The United Methodist Church can live into that same ministry with the help of a few folks committed to justice. Why MFSA? Because they won't leave Jesus out of it; they are working to bring the church into that vision of justice Jesus taught us.

-

Shannon is a seminarian and Drew Theological School in Madison, New Jersey, and is pursing ordination in the Baltimore-Washington Conference.


1 Russell E. Richey, Kenneth E. Rowe, and Jean Miller Schmidt, The Methodist History in America: A History, vol. 1, (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2010) 420.

Promoting Sing a New Song in your communities

It is not too early to be thinking about how to get people excited about Sing a New Song (SANS)! At Drew Theological School last week, Drew students involved in RMN and MFSA put together a chapel service with Rev. Tanya Bennett and Mark Miller, worship leaders for SANS. Heidi Tierney, Drew alum involved in the Greater New Jersey conference RMN who is also helping with worship, preached on Romans 12:1-2. This is the service we put together using RMN's liturgy resource Shaping Sanctuary and the Companion Litany for the Social Creed.

After the service we had a lunch discussion with Rev. Steve Clunn, Coalition Coordinator for MFSA, RMN, and Affirmation, about organizing for General Conference. The whole day was an excellent opportunity to connect and share about how we at Drew can work for justice in The United Methodist Church. If you are looking for a way to motivate your church or faith community to go to Sing a New Song, worship services and lunches are great ways to get the word out! Check out ours for ideas.

Opening Worship


Sermon


Closing (including when Rev. Clunn gives Dr. Graybeal the MFSA Good Community Award)

Apply Now-- AGAPE INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM 2011

Greetings OnFire Blog Followers. Be sure to check out this exciting new opportunity. Blessings!

AGAPE INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM 2011 - scholarships

Agape provides scholarships for people who want to take part in the international camps at Agape. In particular we would like to offer scholarships to people from the Southern Hemisphere and Eastern Europe to further their participation in our international camps. We can reimburse some travel expenses and fund the cost of staying at Agape. Regretfully, we are not able to meet every request for financial aid since the demand is greater than the funds that we have available. All applications will be considered carefully.

In particular, Agape appreciates applications from people who would like to take part in a camp and stay longer as a workcamp volunteer. CRITERIA Scholarships are awarded to applicants according to the following criteria. It is very important that you refer to these points when completing the application. Priority will be given to applicants:

- who have never attended a camp at Agape
- who show interest in Agape's activities and are motivated to come to Agape
- who are willing to participate in other Agape activities (2-4 weeks of workcamp, other international camp)
- who belong to a group that is already a part of Agape's existing network or a group that wishes to build links with Agape
- who can provide a letter of support from an organization (church, association etc.) which supports their application and participation in the camp
- whose expenses are in part covered by their organization / local groups
- who will share their experience with other people once they return to their community
- who will stay in Agape also as a workcamp volunteer


WHAT TO APPLY FOR
In completing the scholarship application form, please tell us how much of your travel fare you will need reimbursed. We suggest that you apply for between 50% - 90% of travel costs and for the cost of staying at Agape. We also encourage you to apply within your organization for some financial assistance. External financial support will help us to make camp scholarships available to a greater number of participants in need of assistance. PLEASE FILL THE FOLLOWING: 1.Fill out the application form a href="http://AGAPE INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM 2011 - scholarships Agape provides scholarships for people who want to take part in the international camps at Agape. In particular we would like to offer scholarships to people from the Southern Hemisphere and Eastern Europe to further their participation in our international camps. We can reimburse some travel expenses and fund the cost of staying at Agape. Regretfully, we are not able to meet every request for financial aid since the demand is greater than the funds that we have available. All applications will be considered carefully. In particular, Agape appreciates applications from people who would like to take part in a camp and stay longer as a workcamp volunteer. CRITERIA Scholarships are awarded to applicants according to the following criteria. It is very important that you refer to these points when completing the application. Priority will be given to applicants: - who have never attended a camp at Agape - who show interest in Agape's activities and are motivated to come to Agape - who are willing to participate in other Agape activities (2-4 weeks of workcamp, other international camp) - who belong to a group that is already a part of Agape's existing network or a group that wishes to build links with Agape - who can provide a letter of support from an organization (church, association etc.) which supports their application and participation in the camp - whose expenses are in part covered by their organization / local groups - who will share their experience with other people once they return to their community - who will stay in Agape also as a workcamp volunteer

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
We will let you know the status of your application as quickly as possible. Once you receive a letter of acceptance, please fill out the second form on our website: the definitive booking which includes all travel details. During May the office can also help participants find the most economical travel rates and send the necessary invitations and documents for visas.

TRAVEL TO AGAPE AND REIMBOURSEMENT
Travel costs will be reimbursed at the beginning of the camp in Euros (not in dollars or other denominations). We do not usually provide funding before the camp begins. Please arrive in Turin airport. Arriving at Milano Malpensa airport is suggested only if travel costs are significantly lower (more than 80 Euros). Please check your application before leaving your country, and present all your travel receipts upon arrival at Agape. Without receipts you will receive no reimbursement. In case of electronic ticket, please provide with the receipt the total amount of reimbursement you require. Participants are expected to arrange their own travel to Agape. You should plan to arrive at the airport in the morning of the first day so that you will be able to arrive at Agape between 4 pm and 8 pm on the evening of the camp's start date.

ATTENDANCE AT THE CAMP
All scholarship recipients are expected to attend 100% of the camp/conference and join all activities. No late arrival is possible. You should plan to leave only on the last day of the camp, usually in the morning, unless you are staying on to volunteer for work camp. In case of late arrival or early departure, scholarship reimbursement will not be released. Please contact us if you need further information: direzione@agapecentroecumenico.org or vicedirezione@agapecentroecumenico.org Tel. (++39) 0121-807514 Fax: (++39) 0121-807690 -- Agape Centro Ecumenico Borgata Agape 1 10060 Prali (To) tel. +39 0121 807514 fax +39 0121 807690 vicedirezione@agapecentroecumenico.org www.agapecentroecumenico.org "> on our web site at http://www.agapecentroecumenico.org/sito/index.php?name=EZCMS&menu=80502&page_id=204 2.Send a support letter to:
by post: AGAPE CENTRO ECUMENICO, borgata Agape 1, 10060 Prali TO, ITALIA
by fax: (++39) 0121 80 76 90
or by email: direzione@agapecentroecumenico.org or vicedirezione@agapecentroecumenico.org This application for 2011 must be submitted no later than April 30, 2011. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT We will let you know the status of your application as quickly as possible. Once you receive a letter of acceptance, please fill out the second form on our website: the definitive booking which includes all travel details. During May the office can also help participants find the most economical travel rates and send the necessary invitations and documents for visas.



Please contact us if you need further information:
direzione@agapecentroecumenico.org or vicedirezione@agapecentroecumenico.org
Tel. (++39) 0121-807514
Fax: (++39) 0121-807690 -- Agape Centro Ecumenico Borgata Agape 1 10060 Prali (To) tel. +39 0121 807514 fax +39 0121 807690 vicedirezione@agapecentroecumenico.org www.agapecentroecumenico.org

Apply Now for Mission: Reconciliation

Greetings OnFire members! Check out this great opportunity from the United Methodist Women!

APPLY NOW FOR MISSION: RECONCILIATION

United Methodist Women is an organization whose purpose is to know God, experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ and to expand concepts of mission. In keeping with those long-held traditions, the National Seminar is a social justice leadership development event held every four years. It is an opportunity to explore current realities in the world and to dialogue about how we must respond. The 2011 National Seminar will be about enriching our understanding of the ministry of reconciliation. In a gathering that reflects our rich diversity of race, ethnicity, age and geographic makeup, the National Seminar will engage participants in:

• Bible study and spiritual reflection.
• Dialogue about current social, political and economic realities of our time.
• Critical analysis of the domestic and global issues that affect women, children and youth.
• Celebration of the extraordinary work that God is accomplishing through the witness of United Methodist Women.
• Equipping ourselves for the many works of justice—service, advocacy, caring and hospitality.
• Developing new tools to strengthen the witness of UMW conferences, districts, local units and other groups.
  

The National Seminar will be held August 13–18, 2011. Registration will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday August 13. The seminar will begin on Saturday evening, August 13, and end the evening of Wednesday August 17, with departure on Thursday August 18. The location will be Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, 2101 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd., North, Birmingham, Ala. 35203 (http://www.sheraton.com/birmingham).

Participation in the National Seminar includes United Methodist Women conference officers, district officers, selected jurisdictional representatives and Green Team members. This year, for the first time, we are conducting an open application for 25 additional women. They must reside in the United States (preferably five per jurisdiction) and must not have participated in any past National Seminar. These women must be connected to United Methodist Women through local or district units, United Methodist Women online social network or other United Methodist Women networks and are willing to be active with United Methodist Women, but do not serve in offices beyond the local or district units. Women’s Division will cover reasonable expenses of travel, registration and meals.

Space is limited and the application deadline is April 1, 2011.

To apply, go to:
https://ww2.eventrebels.com/er/Registration/RegistrationForm.jsp?ActivityID=5974&ItemID=22157

More Sing a New Song

Greetings OnFire members! Here is more information about Sing a New Song logistics from MOSAIC's website.

Sing a New Song is a multi-generational event for persons of all ages. This exciting opportunity to gather with progressive United Methodists, worship, learn and work for a fully inclusive church is a DO NOT MISS event for young adults. Learn more at the event website: sans2011.org

Hospitality Suite / Lounge

You are invited to visit the Young Adult Hospitality Lounge in the Shawnee Hospitality Suite for breakfast, snacks, soft drinks, nap, or just to hang out and with other young United Methodists. Informal gatherings are planned during recreation/affinity group time each afternoon, and late night coffee will be served each evening after event programming ends. The hospitality suite is located at the far end of the Shawnee building near Mulligan’s Pub.

Social Events

• Thursday meet and greet: Young adults are invited to meet one another in the Tall Pines lounge from 3pm until the programming begins. The Tall Pines lounge can be found by following signs posted at the pool and Big Sky Lounge (between the front desk and the hotel buildings).



• Late Night Coffee: Conversation, good music, laughter and games will be found in the young adult hospitality suite from 10pm to 1am each night. Join us for snacks, coffee and great conversations.



• Sunday Lunch: Help us finish off any leftover food (pizza will be ordered if needed).

Programming

• Thursday All-Day Forum: Join OnFire and MOSAIC for a day of education and action. We'll be exploring methods of resistance, helping us to become better organizers and activists in our own communities. We'll worship together, and in the afternoon we'll start planning action for General Conference. If you're a young adult in the UMC and you want to work for change, you don't want to miss this! All young adults are invited to attend the worship at 2pm, regardless of registration status.



• Leadership Interest Meeting: Do you have skills and passion for advocacy at the national and global level? Do you want to plan an action for equality at General Conference 2012? Have you ever wanted to serve on the board of directors of a national organization? Join current leaders and alumni of the young adult movements for a discussion about leadership at the national level with MFSA and RMN. This session with conclude with an opportunity to volunteer to work with standing working groups, upcoming projects and event planning.



• General Conference Advocacy Planning: Everyone is welcome to this time of concrete action planning, preparation and mobilizing our grassroots organizers (YOU!) to participate in the work of our Common Witness Coalition to help our church follow God’s call for justice and compassion.

Cost Reducing Options:

We have done our very best to lower expenses and make this event welcoming for those of us at all income levels, but some costs are unavoidable. Here are a few creative ways to lower your costs:

Meals: For those who cannot afford to participate in the event meal plan, light meals will be offered in the Young Adult Hospitality suite. A $20 contribution to help cover the cost of food is requested. These simple provisions will include pastry and fruit at breakfast, sandwiches and soups for lunch, and pasta on Friday evening. Coffee, tea, and snacks will also be available in the hospitality room throughout the event.

Housing: The best way to lower your lodging costs will be finding roommates. A message board has been created for this purpose at: SANS 2011 Roommates. However, if you would be willing to sleep on a couch or cot in the young adult hospitality suite, a limited number of spaces are available for participants who will be responsible for laying out meals, making coffee, and keeping the suite clean and welcoming. You can fill out the application on line for this position, or email Audrey (RMN National Organizer) with questions.

Registration Scholarships: Sing a New Song provides a limited number of scholarships to help cover event registration. For more information or an application, email RMN Associate Executive Director, Rachel Harvey at Rachel@rmnetwork.org

Educating to Counter Oppression

Greetings OnFire members! Planning on joining us in singing a new song? Here is an awesome opportunity for young people:

Young People's All Day Forum: Educating to Counter Oppression
Thursday, August 25, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Young People ages 18-35! Join OnFire and MOSAIC for a day of education and action. We'll be exploring methods of resistance, helping us to become better organizers and activists in our own communities. We'll worship together, and in the afternoon we'll start planning action for General Conference. If you're a young adult in the UMC and you want to work for change, you don't want to miss this!

Look for more information coming soon, and check out the Sing a New Song website and facebook page for more information on All Day Forums!