Mission
To provide secure and affordable supportive housing and support services for persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Our Values
We believe that:
* Access to secure and affordable housing is a key determinant for the health and well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS.
* Our services must be provided in a flexible manner in order to meet the diverse needs of residents, clients and those who support them.
* Co-operation, collaboration and partnership with other service agencies are essential to the delivery of focused, cost-effective services.
* Principles of equity, access and respect of diverse communities are the cornerstone to helping PHAs thrive.
* The meaningful involvement of diverse PHA communities is essential to building and leading our agency to bring about positive and lasting change.
* Our research informs our direction through knowledge creation, transfer and exchange that lead to improved services that enhance the quality of PHA’s health outcomes and lives.
* All people have the right to live and work in an environment of mutual respect, compassion and dignity.
* Hope is essential.
Philosophy of Care
We provide our services in order to enhance quality of life, build on individual strengths and promote independence.
Click here to find out more.
October 31, 2009
Encouraging Words 10/31/09-"The Faith to Ask and the Faith to Follow"
Enjoy this sermon from Rev. Paul Turner from the Gentle Spirit Christian Church in Atlanta, GA based on Mark 10:46-52.
The Faith to Ask & The Faith to Follow from GentleSpirit on Vimeo.
SNN Recommends 10/31/09-Potters House International Fellowship (Tampa, FL)
Potter's House International Fellowship seeks to be the open arms of Christ to all people without distinction. We are an Intentionally Radically Inclusive spirit-filled church welcoming all God's children home. We stand together for the purpose of worship, fellowship, ministry, and evangelism.
Our Vision
Is to grow a lively, vibrant, cross-cultural, multi-racial, inclusive and affirming expression of the Christian community.
At Potter's House International Fellowship all are welcome at the table of the Lord regardless of gender, age, physical ability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, or socio-economic status.
Potter's House International Fellowship is dedicated to exemplifying the Radically Inclusive love of Jesus Christ.
We worship with prayer, preaching, and song. This combination produces an uplifting experience that will fill your soul to overflowing with the Love of God. If you are in need of the love of Jesus Christ; come to the Potter's House where the pieces of your life can be mended.
Lives are being changed and the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is being lifted up!
Click here to check them out.
Our Vision
Is to grow a lively, vibrant, cross-cultural, multi-racial, inclusive and affirming expression of the Christian community.
At Potter's House International Fellowship all are welcome at the table of the Lord regardless of gender, age, physical ability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, or socio-economic status.
Potter's House International Fellowship is dedicated to exemplifying the Radically Inclusive love of Jesus Christ.
We worship with prayer, preaching, and song. This combination produces an uplifting experience that will fill your soul to overflowing with the Love of God. If you are in need of the love of Jesus Christ; come to the Potter's House where the pieces of your life can be mended.
Lives are being changed and the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is being lifted up!
Click here to check them out.
Matthew 25 Resource 10/31/09-Boradway London
Our work at Broadway is helping to provide long lasting solutions in people’s lives. We want to make a real difference that lasts; it’s about helping people turn around their lives, not just changing immediate situations.
What we have learnt is that long lasting change takes time, even though we often need to act swiftly to help people in dire circumstances. As such our vision sets out a long term approach to our work, in terms of the ambitions we have for the people we work with in helping them to move their lives forward, the intentions we have for Broadway as a charity, and the competencies we need to further develop to make it happen.
Vision
Every person finds and keeps a home.
Mission
To support, challenge and inspire on the journey from street to home.
Values
Personal - keeping the individual at the centre of all we do.
Committed – providing long lasting solutions to help people turn around their lives.
Creative - finding innovative and effective solutions.
Click here to find out more.
What we have learnt is that long lasting change takes time, even though we often need to act swiftly to help people in dire circumstances. As such our vision sets out a long term approach to our work, in terms of the ambitions we have for the people we work with in helping them to move their lives forward, the intentions we have for Broadway as a charity, and the competencies we need to further develop to make it happen.
Vision
Every person finds and keeps a home.
Mission
To support, challenge and inspire on the journey from street to home.
Values
Personal - keeping the individual at the centre of all we do.
Committed – providing long lasting solutions to help people turn around their lives.
Creative - finding innovative and effective solutions.
Click here to find out more.
Obama Starts Delivering for the LGBT Community
President Obama made some of the moves this week the LGBT community has been waiting for since he took office. First, he signed the hate crimes legislation into law. Below is video from The Adovcate of his comments at the signing ceremony:
Then, on Friday he signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act and ended the ban on entry into the United States for people infected with HIV/AIDS. More here from CNN.
Then, on Friday he signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act and ended the ban on entry into the United States for people infected with HIV/AIDS. More here from CNN.
Daily Devotional 10/31/09 My Peace I Give You
From: Reflections
John 14:27, NIV: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
This verse provides comforting words for those who believe. My prayer is that each of us would gain a better understanding of the peace Christ brings. It is a peace that sustains the hearts of those whom possess it. But, it also provides others a beacon of hope. For as others see the peace of God in you, the Holy Spirit can use that peace as evidence to draw others to a saving knowledge of our Lord.
John 14:27, NIV: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
This verse provides comforting words for those who believe. My prayer is that each of us would gain a better understanding of the peace Christ brings. It is a peace that sustains the hearts of those whom possess it. But, it also provides others a beacon of hope. For as others see the peace of God in you, the Holy Spirit can use that peace as evidence to draw others to a saving knowledge of our Lord.
October 30, 2009
LGBT Helping Hands 10/30/09-Miami (OH) University GLBTQ Services
Our mission is to make the Miami community an open, safe, and inclusive environment for people of all sexualities and gender identities. We provide programming, support, and resources intended to raise awareness regarding gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) issues. Through education and conversation, we endeavor to eliminate homophobic, transphobic, and heterosexist attitudes and behaviors. As a unit of the Office of Diversity Affairs, GLBTQ Services assists the university in establishing an environment committed to diversity.
Drop by the office to chat, seek information, or just hang out. People of all gender identities and sexual orientations (heterosexual allies too!) are welcome. No assumptions about your identity will be made.
Click here to find out more.
Drop by the office to chat, seek information, or just hang out. People of all gender identities and sexual orientations (heterosexual allies too!) are welcome. No assumptions about your identity will be made.
Click here to find out more.
Encouraging Words 10/30/09-"Moving With God"
We had the pleasure of meeting Rev. Tim Jainniney, the Associate Pastor at New Hope Sanctuary in Roanoke, VA at a conference in May and became Facebook friends with him. He recently posted a sermon on his page there and was kind enough to give us permission to share it with you here:
MOVING WITH GOD
Numbers 9:15-23
Introduction
We all know by now that NHS is about to move. Our lease will soon end and we have decided that now is the time to move on and not renew. NHS has been on the move before. From a home, to a rented room, to this sanctuary, and now, to where, we are not sure, but we are hopeful about a place. We are believing God to have His way and for His will to be accomplished.
Moving to any new location is quite a step. Our passage this morning will show us some dynamics of a people of God on the move.
May I ask today - Are we ready to move? But may i further ask, are we ready to move with God?
As God moved His children along in our passage, and as God is about to move us, let's consider three key lessons.
1. We Need A Sense Of God's Presence (15-23)
In Ex. 40:2, almost a year before our passage, God led Israel out of slavery, into what is called the wilderness. From that point, God would lead them by a manifestation of His presence, a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Ex. 13:21-22). This manifestation was present on the very first day/night of their escape.
Israel could not ignore a sense of God's presence, especially since it was so very evident to them, right before their very eyes. Nor should we ignore a sense of His presence to us.
We need to purposefully, deliberately, each day, as God's children place ourselves in a position to be in His presence!
Even in a day where we have technology at our disposal and experts in every field of life, and multiple resources... never should we ever abandon the desire or substitute anything for the presence of God.
How do we place ourselves in and turn our senses towards God's presence? There are many way we can do this.
-By not denying that God is with us. "Our God is a very present help in time of trouble." (Ps. 46:1)
"Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If Isay, Surely the darknessshall cover me; even thenight shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee." (Psalm 139:7-12)
"And Lo I am with you alway (all the way), even until the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20)
-By God's Word.
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Ps. 119:105
"I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved." (Ps. 119:47)
-By prayer
"He shall call upon me, and I will answer him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him." (Ps. 91:15)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jer. 29:13)
- Praise and worship
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." (Ps. 100:4)
Psalm 22:3 tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people.
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15).
As we recognize his presence, I love what Psalm 16:11 tells us, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in the presence is fullness of joy; at the right hand there a pleasures evermore."
2. We Need A Signal Indicating God's Direction (17)
Our text says that when the cloud lifted, the people set out and when the cloud settled, the people would camp.
This was divine guidance. We see a repeated phrase (18, 20 & 23). I encourage you to mark this in your Bible... "At the Lord's command..."
What does this tell us? At the Lord's command they moved or they camped. God want us to be obedient!
God wants to control every movement of our lives. Where we live, who we marry/partner, where we work, all that we do!
Notice this... The cloud did not follow the movement of the people; the people followed the movement of God.
3. We Need A Spirit Of Mobility (20-23)
What is meant by this? When we realize that we are in the wilderness as the Israelites were, or whatever circumstance in life and the we are on the move, marching to another destination, the last thing we should have is a spirit or attitude of permanence.
Israel at one point wanted to return to Egypt, the place of slavery/oppression simply because they felt that experience was easier, that they had a place to lay their head, a place of permanence and provision even if were at the hands of their captors.
In this experience (their freedom) the had to be ready to move at a moment's notice. They never knew how long they would stay in one place. They just knew that they had to be ready when the cloud/fire moved and when it settled.
Likewise, we must be ready as a people of God and as a local congregation.
What lessons should we see in having a spirit/attitude of mobility?
A. Movement is inevitable.
- God has the journey planned out. He does not expect us to stay in one place. Did you know that the lack of movement is unhealthy? Israel, daily looked at the cloud/fire and wondered if this would be the day to move or camp. If not, if they were complacent, they would be caught off guard.
B. It is foolish to put our stakes in too deep.
-Again, at any movement...
- If our stakes are too deep or if we are too attached to where we are, we may never be able to move on in our journey. Or... we may never want to.
C. Knowing everything about the move is not necessary.
-Even though the people of Israel knew they were on their way to Canaan, they didn't know where their path would lead them on the way.
-God doesn't always tell us everything. He may take us on a detour like He did Israel (Ex. 13:17).
-Our steps may be rapid or they may be slow for whatever reason. God's timing may not be our timing.
-He may move us through unexpected difficulties.
Where ever his presence is, this should be enough and this is where we should want to be. It is far better to be in His presence than alone in our journey. Security!
Conclusion
-God wants to be present and completely in charge.
-We need to be flexible.
-Who is in charge of the journey you are on? Who is in charge of the journey of NHS?
-If you read, you will find that Israel spent 39 extra years in the wilderness because they tried to run things.
-May we (individually and as a church) follow God's presence.
MOVING WITH GOD
Numbers 9:15-23
Introduction
We all know by now that NHS is about to move. Our lease will soon end and we have decided that now is the time to move on and not renew. NHS has been on the move before. From a home, to a rented room, to this sanctuary, and now, to where, we are not sure, but we are hopeful about a place. We are believing God to have His way and for His will to be accomplished.
Moving to any new location is quite a step. Our passage this morning will show us some dynamics of a people of God on the move.
May I ask today - Are we ready to move? But may i further ask, are we ready to move with God?
As God moved His children along in our passage, and as God is about to move us, let's consider three key lessons.
1. We Need A Sense Of God's Presence (15-23)
In Ex. 40:2, almost a year before our passage, God led Israel out of slavery, into what is called the wilderness. From that point, God would lead them by a manifestation of His presence, a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Ex. 13:21-22). This manifestation was present on the very first day/night of their escape.
Israel could not ignore a sense of God's presence, especially since it was so very evident to them, right before their very eyes. Nor should we ignore a sense of His presence to us.
We need to purposefully, deliberately, each day, as God's children place ourselves in a position to be in His presence!
Even in a day where we have technology at our disposal and experts in every field of life, and multiple resources... never should we ever abandon the desire or substitute anything for the presence of God.
How do we place ourselves in and turn our senses towards God's presence? There are many way we can do this.
-By not denying that God is with us. "Our God is a very present help in time of trouble." (Ps. 46:1)
"Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If Isay, Surely the darknessshall cover me; even thenight shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee." (Psalm 139:7-12)
"And Lo I am with you alway (all the way), even until the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20)
-By God's Word.
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Ps. 119:105
"I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved." (Ps. 119:47)
-By prayer
"He shall call upon me, and I will answer him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him." (Ps. 91:15)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jer. 29:13)
- Praise and worship
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." (Ps. 100:4)
Psalm 22:3 tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people.
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15).
As we recognize his presence, I love what Psalm 16:11 tells us, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in the presence is fullness of joy; at the right hand there a pleasures evermore."
2. We Need A Signal Indicating God's Direction (17)
Our text says that when the cloud lifted, the people set out and when the cloud settled, the people would camp.
This was divine guidance. We see a repeated phrase (18, 20 & 23). I encourage you to mark this in your Bible... "At the Lord's command..."
What does this tell us? At the Lord's command they moved or they camped. God want us to be obedient!
God wants to control every movement of our lives. Where we live, who we marry/partner, where we work, all that we do!
Notice this... The cloud did not follow the movement of the people; the people followed the movement of God.
3. We Need A Spirit Of Mobility (20-23)
What is meant by this? When we realize that we are in the wilderness as the Israelites were, or whatever circumstance in life and the we are on the move, marching to another destination, the last thing we should have is a spirit or attitude of permanence.
Israel at one point wanted to return to Egypt, the place of slavery/oppression simply because they felt that experience was easier, that they had a place to lay their head, a place of permanence and provision even if were at the hands of their captors.
In this experience (their freedom) the had to be ready to move at a moment's notice. They never knew how long they would stay in one place. They just knew that they had to be ready when the cloud/fire moved and when it settled.
Likewise, we must be ready as a people of God and as a local congregation.
What lessons should we see in having a spirit/attitude of mobility?
A. Movement is inevitable.
- God has the journey planned out. He does not expect us to stay in one place. Did you know that the lack of movement is unhealthy? Israel, daily looked at the cloud/fire and wondered if this would be the day to move or camp. If not, if they were complacent, they would be caught off guard.
B. It is foolish to put our stakes in too deep.
-Again, at any movement...
- If our stakes are too deep or if we are too attached to where we are, we may never be able to move on in our journey. Or... we may never want to.
C. Knowing everything about the move is not necessary.
-Even though the people of Israel knew they were on their way to Canaan, they didn't know where their path would lead them on the way.
-God doesn't always tell us everything. He may take us on a detour like He did Israel (Ex. 13:17).
-Our steps may be rapid or they may be slow for whatever reason. God's timing may not be our timing.
-He may move us through unexpected difficulties.
Where ever his presence is, this should be enough and this is where we should want to be. It is far better to be in His presence than alone in our journey. Security!
Conclusion
-God wants to be present and completely in charge.
-We need to be flexible.
-Who is in charge of the journey you are on? Who is in charge of the journey of NHS?
-If you read, you will find that Israel spent 39 extra years in the wilderness because they tried to run things.
-May we (individually and as a church) follow God's presence.
Matthew 25 Resource 10/30/09-Three Square Food Bank (Las Vegas, NV)
Three Square is the valley’s food hub; a central location where donated and rescued food can be collected and distributed. We provide bakery, produce, dairy, non-perishable products and ready-to-eat meals to non-profit and faith-based organizations. We also facilitate childhood and senior nutrition programs. We are a place for members of the community to meet, serve and collaborate as part of the food solution.
A national model project, Three Square is a community collaborative partnership with the gaming industry, businesses, non-profit agencies, food distributors, UNLV, the CCSD, governmental entities, the media and hundreds of volunteers to efficiently and effectively serve hope to the hungry.
Click here to find out more.
A national model project, Three Square is a community collaborative partnership with the gaming industry, businesses, non-profit agencies, food distributors, UNLV, the CCSD, governmental entities, the media and hundreds of volunteers to efficiently and effectively serve hope to the hungry.
Click here to find out more.
Interview With Judge in Texas Gay Divorce Case
Recently, we posted about a story in Dallas, TX where a judge ruled that banning same-sex marriage violated the equal protection clause of the U. S. Constitution (duh!). The Dallas Voice interviewed her about how she approached the case and how she has dealt with the backlash (hat tip to PageOneQ). Here's an excerpt:
“I was sitting at my dining room table and I was thinking, I’ve got to make this decision, I’ve got to rip this Band-Aid off and I’ve got to make this decision,” Callahan said, adding that she wasn’t struggling with the constitutional principle behind the ruling, but with the backlash she was sure to face.
“My dad always used to tell me that a billion people can believe in a bad idea, and it’s still a bad idea. And that man taught me to have the courage of my convictions and to do what’s right
— it’s always the right time to do the right thing. And as I’m sitting there and all this is going through my head, I’m looking at the back of this bag, and I went, ‘Oh my God, I just got my answer.’
“‘Let us have faith that right makes might,’” Callahan said, reading from the back of the bag, “and in that faith, let us to the end dare to do our duty as we understand it. — Abraham Lincoln.”
“I do my duty,” Callahan said. “That’s what you elected me to do.”
As Callahan concluded her brief remarks, fellow members of Stonewall Democrats of Dallas gave her a standing ovation, just as they had when she took the microphone.
"It's always the right time to do the right thing," now that's a keeper!
Click here to read the rest of the Dallas Voice story.
“I was sitting at my dining room table and I was thinking, I’ve got to make this decision, I’ve got to rip this Band-Aid off and I’ve got to make this decision,” Callahan said, adding that she wasn’t struggling with the constitutional principle behind the ruling, but with the backlash she was sure to face.
“My dad always used to tell me that a billion people can believe in a bad idea, and it’s still a bad idea. And that man taught me to have the courage of my convictions and to do what’s right
— it’s always the right time to do the right thing. And as I’m sitting there and all this is going through my head, I’m looking at the back of this bag, and I went, ‘Oh my God, I just got my answer.’
“‘Let us have faith that right makes might,’” Callahan said, reading from the back of the bag, “and in that faith, let us to the end dare to do our duty as we understand it. — Abraham Lincoln.”
“I do my duty,” Callahan said. “That’s what you elected me to do.”
As Callahan concluded her brief remarks, fellow members of Stonewall Democrats of Dallas gave her a standing ovation, just as they had when she took the microphone.
"It's always the right time to do the right thing," now that's a keeper!
Click here to read the rest of the Dallas Voice story.
Daily Devotional 10/30/09 No Regret
From: Reflections
2 Corinthians 7:10, NIV: Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
What should have been sometimes escapes us. What could have been may cause regret. What would have been sometimes forsakes us, to blind us to what could be yet. It is unfortunate that many of us live enslaved to the past. Life is always ahead of us—what is behind us can become lifelessness. Mistakes made, heartaches, and regrets: they can be helpful teachers for our living today, but they can also be crippling if held on to.
2 Corinthians 7:10, NIV: Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
What should have been sometimes escapes us. What could have been may cause regret. What would have been sometimes forsakes us, to blind us to what could be yet. It is unfortunate that many of us live enslaved to the past. Life is always ahead of us—what is behind us can become lifelessness. Mistakes made, heartaches, and regrets: they can be helpful teachers for our living today, but they can also be crippling if held on to.
October 29, 2009
Encouraging Words 10/29/09-"Be Willing to Start Small"
From Jentezen Franklin Ministries:
For who hath despised the day of small things?Zec 4:10
D. L. Moody became a spokesman for God and a changer of nations. But if you'd met him early in life you wouldn't have thought it was possible. Although he was raised in church, he was spiritually ignorant. When he moved to Boston he began attending a Bible-preaching church. In April of 1855, a Sunday school teacher came to the shoe store where he worked and led him to Christ. A month later, when he applied to become a member of that church, it was clear that he knew nothing about the Bible. One of his Sunday school teachers later wrote, 'I've never met anyone who seemed less likely to become a Christian of clear and decided views, much less fill any place of public usefulness.' So they asked him to take a year of Bible study. During his interview with the membership committee a year later, his answers were only slightly improved. He was barely literate and used atrocious grammar. Nobody on that church committee thought God would ever use him. But they were wrong. And the people who say you will never amount to anything for God, are wrong too! Every oak tree starts as an acorn. Jesus began in a stable but He didn't stay there. David was a shepherd boy with a slingshot but he became Israel's greatest king. Joseph was a prisoner but he became prime minister. Understand this: you are a seed capable of producing a harvest for God. So take all that you have and all that you are, place it into God's hands and be willing to start small.
For who hath despised the day of small things?Zec 4:10
D. L. Moody became a spokesman for God and a changer of nations. But if you'd met him early in life you wouldn't have thought it was possible. Although he was raised in church, he was spiritually ignorant. When he moved to Boston he began attending a Bible-preaching church. In April of 1855, a Sunday school teacher came to the shoe store where he worked and led him to Christ. A month later, when he applied to become a member of that church, it was clear that he knew nothing about the Bible. One of his Sunday school teachers later wrote, 'I've never met anyone who seemed less likely to become a Christian of clear and decided views, much less fill any place of public usefulness.' So they asked him to take a year of Bible study. During his interview with the membership committee a year later, his answers were only slightly improved. He was barely literate and used atrocious grammar. Nobody on that church committee thought God would ever use him. But they were wrong. And the people who say you will never amount to anything for God, are wrong too! Every oak tree starts as an acorn. Jesus began in a stable but He didn't stay there. David was a shepherd boy with a slingshot but he became Israel's greatest king. Joseph was a prisoner but he became prime minister. Understand this: you are a seed capable of producing a harvest for God. So take all that you have and all that you are, place it into God's hands and be willing to start small.
SNN Recommends 10/29/09-Bretheren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests
Vision Statement
For our community we will:
* Visibly advocate for justice on behalf of all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (lgbt) people.
* Reach out to lgbt persons and allies who share a connection with Mennonite and Church of the Brethren heritages.
* Provide opportunities for lgbt persons and allies to nurture relationships, celebrate community, and build networks of solidarity, empowerment, support and care.
* Provide intentional support and advocacy for lgbt youth and young adults.
* Connect people with lgbt-positive theological and spiritual resources.
* Empower individuals and groups to advocate for justice and work for change.
* Acknowledge the limitations of our worldviews and commit to broadening our understanding and appreciation of human diversity.
For the church we will:
* Be a persistent voice for an open and inclusive church.
* Call congregations to be actively open and inclusive communities.
* Hold denominational leadership accountable to their denomination’s vision of social justice, expecting fair play, honesty, integrity, risk and courage.
* Develop denominationally sensitive theological, biblical and spiritual resources.
* Provide educational opportunities for our denominations and related educational institutions.
For society we will:
* Participate in the broader social justice movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people by building alliances with other denominational and secular organizations who share similar concerns.
* Responsibly advocate for religious practices and policies that support democratic visions and an inclusive society.
* Intentionally connect our experiences of injustice with other forms of social discrimination and commit ourselves to resist oppression in all its forms.
Click here to check them out.
For our community we will:
* Visibly advocate for justice on behalf of all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (lgbt) people.
* Reach out to lgbt persons and allies who share a connection with Mennonite and Church of the Brethren heritages.
* Provide opportunities for lgbt persons and allies to nurture relationships, celebrate community, and build networks of solidarity, empowerment, support and care.
* Provide intentional support and advocacy for lgbt youth and young adults.
* Connect people with lgbt-positive theological and spiritual resources.
* Empower individuals and groups to advocate for justice and work for change.
* Acknowledge the limitations of our worldviews and commit to broadening our understanding and appreciation of human diversity.
For the church we will:
* Be a persistent voice for an open and inclusive church.
* Call congregations to be actively open and inclusive communities.
* Hold denominational leadership accountable to their denomination’s vision of social justice, expecting fair play, honesty, integrity, risk and courage.
* Develop denominationally sensitive theological, biblical and spiritual resources.
* Provide educational opportunities for our denominations and related educational institutions.
For society we will:
* Participate in the broader social justice movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people by building alliances with other denominational and secular organizations who share similar concerns.
* Responsibly advocate for religious practices and policies that support democratic visions and an inclusive society.
* Intentionally connect our experiences of injustice with other forms of social discrimination and commit ourselves to resist oppression in all its forms.
Click here to check them out.
Matthew 25 Resource 10/29/09-Our Savior's Outreach Ministries (Minneapolis, MN)
From homelessness to concentrated poverty to the marginalized immigrants and refugees... the inner-city is full of challenges and opportunities. For over 25 years, the programs of Our Saviour’s Outreach Ministries have been joining hands with our neighbors to address these challenges.
We provide educational services for adult immigrants and refugees – over 450 each year – including classes in English, math, computers, and citizenship preparation. read more
We operate an emergency shelter and transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness. Over 650 people each year find the encouragement and hope they need to get into traditional housing. read more
The engine behind it all? Our volunteer corps. Over 1,400 people each year come top serve meals, teach English classes, do grounds clean up – and so much more.
Click here to find out more.
We provide educational services for adult immigrants and refugees – over 450 each year – including classes in English, math, computers, and citizenship preparation. read more
We operate an emergency shelter and transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness. Over 650 people each year find the encouragement and hope they need to get into traditional housing. read more
The engine behind it all? Our volunteer corps. Over 1,400 people each year come top serve meals, teach English classes, do grounds clean up – and so much more.
Click here to find out more.
National Resource Center on the way for LGBT seniors
From 365gay.com
The Department of Health and Human Services will establish a national resource center to help communities support and serve their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elders.
Through its Administration on Aging, HHS will award a single resource grant in the amount of $250,000 annually, depending on the availability of funds. According to HHS, the center will provide resources to LGBT organizations, as well assisting mainstream aging services providers in developing cultural competence in serving LGBT elders.
“Despite the many advances our community has seen, LGBT elders face significant discrimination from senior care providers, including in places where we are most vulnerable, such as assisted living facilities and end-of-life care,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “As more and more openly LGBT people reach their later years, it is incredibly important to ensure that we are treated with dignity, respect and fairness. We applaud HHS for taking this important step on behalf of older LGBT Americans.”
HRC and Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) host a collaborative forum on LGBT aging issues, available at www.hrc.org/issues/aging/. As part of the New Beginning Initiative, coordinat ed by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, SAGE has advocated for policy changes that would benefit LGBT elders. Earlier this month, the Administration on Aging issued the first-ever grant focused on LGBT aging to the Los Angeles LGBT Community Service Center.
Of course, the usual suspects from the anti-gay Religious Right have issues with this. From Holy Bullies & Headless Monsters:
Yesterday, the Family Research Council spoke out against Obama Administration plans to create a national resource center for lgbt seniors:
HHS has no idea how many LGBT seniors exist. No one does! The movement is only a few decades old, and people who are 80- or 90-years-old didn't grow up in a culture where it was acceptable to identify with this lifestyle.
Of course, the real tragedy here--apart from the unnecessary spending--is that, given the risks of homosexual conduct, few of these people are likely to live long enough to become senior citizens! Yet once again, the Obama administration is rushing to reward a lifestyle that poses one of the greatest public health risks in America.
These people no longer have a direct line to the White House, and statements like this are a reminder how important it is for LGBT rights to keep it that way.
The Department of Health and Human Services will establish a national resource center to help communities support and serve their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elders.
Through its Administration on Aging, HHS will award a single resource grant in the amount of $250,000 annually, depending on the availability of funds. According to HHS, the center will provide resources to LGBT organizations, as well assisting mainstream aging services providers in developing cultural competence in serving LGBT elders.
“Despite the many advances our community has seen, LGBT elders face significant discrimination from senior care providers, including in places where we are most vulnerable, such as assisted living facilities and end-of-life care,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “As more and more openly LGBT people reach their later years, it is incredibly important to ensure that we are treated with dignity, respect and fairness. We applaud HHS for taking this important step on behalf of older LGBT Americans.”
HRC and Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) host a collaborative forum on LGBT aging issues, available at www.hrc.org/issues/aging/. As part of the New Beginning Initiative, coordinat ed by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, SAGE has advocated for policy changes that would benefit LGBT elders. Earlier this month, the Administration on Aging issued the first-ever grant focused on LGBT aging to the Los Angeles LGBT Community Service Center.
Of course, the usual suspects from the anti-gay Religious Right have issues with this. From Holy Bullies & Headless Monsters:
Yesterday, the Family Research Council spoke out against Obama Administration plans to create a national resource center for lgbt seniors:
HHS has no idea how many LGBT seniors exist. No one does! The movement is only a few decades old, and people who are 80- or 90-years-old didn't grow up in a culture where it was acceptable to identify with this lifestyle.
Of course, the real tragedy here--apart from the unnecessary spending--is that, given the risks of homosexual conduct, few of these people are likely to live long enough to become senior citizens! Yet once again, the Obama administration is rushing to reward a lifestyle that poses one of the greatest public health risks in America.
These people no longer have a direct line to the White House, and statements like this are a reminder how important it is for LGBT rights to keep it that way.
Daily Devotional 10/29/09 The Former Things
From: Reflections
Hebrews 6:12, NIV: We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
We are told by Paul that if we are in Christ, we are a new creation; “old things are past away, behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). In his words and throughout scripture we find a principle of change that takes place, and continues to take place, in the heart of any who come to the Lord. We are encouraged not to turn again to the “former things” we did before we knew Him. But to continue moving forward--building on top of what God has made us--growing to maturity in our faith.
Hebrews 6:12, NIV: We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
We are told by Paul that if we are in Christ, we are a new creation; “old things are past away, behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). In his words and throughout scripture we find a principle of change that takes place, and continues to take place, in the heart of any who come to the Lord. We are encouraged not to turn again to the “former things” we did before we knew Him. But to continue moving forward--building on top of what God has made us--growing to maturity in our faith.
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