Austin District Amos Commission

Our Mission is to empower and equip members of each United Methodist congregation in the Austin District to influence public policy in ways that are consistent with the Gospel and the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church.

The Amos Commission's goal is to provide churches with resources to do advocacy and justice work. The site will provide access to speakers, trainers, training programs, web resources, lists of advocacy and community action organizations throughout Texas and the United States.

The intent is to enable every United Methodist to become passionate about doing justice, going beyond charity, to change systems, and to bring God's Kingdom here on earth.

Justice Stories

Growing Potatoes by Brian Heymans

David Cooper is a Baptist, and he grows potatoes. So what the heck is that all about you may say. Well, he is actually also a sort of a Methodist who grows other stuff too, in Richmond Virginia, and he makes sure that he gets a whole bunch of others to grow potatoes too. David is also a qualified social worker and Baptist preacher from the American Baptist Church, and he gets it. The justice part of growing potatoes I mean. And watermelons. And people. And communities. That's right, he not only feeds people, he is teaching people to feed themselves.

David is the Director of Urban Ministries for the Richmond, Virginia District of the United Methodist Church. So what's an American Baptist preacher doing working for the Methodist Church? Like I said, growing all kinds of stuff. He's a farmer, in the city. OK, enough of the potatoes.That justice element is all about food security... along with housing security, and economic security. All part of dealing with poverty elimination.

Check out www.shalomfarms.org. It's a real cool site, and they have used the farm to employ tons of people off the streets and volunteers from churches. Go to www.umumr.org/people.htm, the site for the Urban Ministries of Richmond VA. and meet Dave..... cool guy.... and, oh , browse around for some great justice ideas. That's what my friend Dave is doing.......go say hi at cooperd@umumr.org

Great stories about making change!!

For many great stories about making a difference in society, go to www.changemakers.com Browse and be inspired!!

The Blog

Blogging, who the heck invented that word..... whoever did started a process of dialogue, so lets dialogue, or blog, or whatever.

Texas Legislature Avoids Dealing with CHIPS............ Read more.........

Federal Environmental Legislation just sneaked through the House, but it's got a ways to go in the senate........Read more......

Health Care up for debate in Congress, we have the opportunity to influence ........Read More

Nothing but Nets - the big push by District Superintendent Bobbi Kaye Jones to build........Read More

Bible Blog

OK, not convinced that the Bible has anything to say about Justice?

-- Zechariah 7:9

The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever

-- Isaiah 32:17

This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.

My Job - Risktaking Justice and Mercy Workshop

Robert Linthicum led important workshop for Austin justice leaders

Bob Linthicum provided the theological and Biblical understanding of justice, and created a new vision for Austin justice leaders about how to adress the worlds pressing injustice issues. We tackled poverty, health care and ecological issues, but most important, we engaged in discovering the power of community organizing, from a global expert. In addition, Linthicum described the power of well organized Mission groups, and called on churches to cluster together to build a more effective strategy to deal with community issues.

We dealt with Poverty, Health Care, and Environmental issues at the Global, Urban and Rural levels and local leaders provided valuable lessons in how to deal with these issues at a the local level.

Register at the United Methodist Church Austin District Office, 512 444-1983 or email jill@umcad.org for more training and development opportunities.

For more details about future workshops go to the Our Workshops tab above.

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