Missionary Renegade: Reconciliation Ministry Network Western Jurisdiction - August Update from Reverend Dr. Israel Alvaran for Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Reconciliation Ministry Network Western Jurisdiction - August Update from Reverend Dr. Israel Alvaran for Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Convocation streaming live - tune in!

Join us in San Antonio via livestream!

I am writing you from San Antonio, Texas - getting ready for our Gather at the River convocation onAugust 6-9. We are meeting at a time when marriage equality is the law of the land in the United States. We are gathering with lots of hope and resolve to work for the full inclusion of all people in the life of The United Methodist Church. With the Spirit of Love calling us to action, we are responding courageously against discrimination with acts rooted in Biblical Obedience.
The Gather at the River event is jointly sponsored by RMN and Methodist Federation for Social Action, together with other affinity groups and caucuses in our church. Gather at the River promises to be an oasis of education and fellowship for progressive and Reconciling United Methodists.
If you can't come to San Antonio, join us online! Click here to watch events streaming live and also archived video. Let your church members and friends know they can be part of this great event online.
Much love!

Rev. Dr. Israel I. Alvaran
Western Jurisdiction Organizer
Phone: 312-488-5313
izzy@rmnetwork.org
2015 RUM Sign-Up Drive Update
Goal for 2015: 1,000 new Reconciling United Methodists in the WJ
Signed up from January 1st to August 4th: 558
Numbers by Conference
22 - Alaska
179 - California-Nevada
118 - California-Pacific
37 - Desert Southwest
40 - Oregon-Idaho
106 - Pacific Northwest
53 - Rocky Mountain
3 - Yellowstone
We are a grassroots movement, and we need to get more United Methodists signed up, especially as we approach the 2015 General Conference. Every voice for LGBTQ full inclusion counts! Do a sign up drive in your local church.
Download the RUM Sign Up Drive Toolkit
Learning Opportunities Coming Up!
Register Now! "Building an Inclusive Church" Workshops

Do you want to help increase the number of Reconciling churches, communities and campus ministries? Please join us at one of our upcoming trainings to make a difference locally. In the past year we trained over 250 United Methodists on how to be Reconciling Process Coaches.
RMN has identified over 500 prospective Reconciling congregations. We need your help to engage them in widening their welcome to our LGBTQ siblings. Each process coach training will include skill building around topics common in the Reconciling process including: complex identities, framing, steps of the Reconciling Process, graceful engagement, and conflict management.
These events are free and donations are welcome. Please register online, and email or call me if you have questions or would like to host a training:izzy@rmnetwork.org, 510-717-4894
October 3, 2015 (Saturday, 9:30AM - 3:30PM)
Hillview UMC - Boise ID
Register here
October 17, 2015 (Saturday, 9AM - 4PM)
Pacific Beach UMC - San Diego CA
Register here
October 24, 2015 (Saturday, 10AM - 5PM)
Sonoma First UMC - Sonoma CA
Register here
November 14, 2015 (Saturday, 10AM - 5PM)
Southern California venue TBA (Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo area)
Check here for training events across the country
July 25th BIC Workshop - Honolulu, HI
We are grateful to Harris UMC, Trinity UMC, Cal-Pac RMN Team, and the new Hawai'i RMN Team for hosting this historic workshop. We had 50 participants from 8 local churches and community groups.