From Whosoever online magazine.
As the old hymn says, "They will know we are Christians by our love." Jesus made clear that the way the world will know we follow Him is by the consideration we show each other. This is why constructive dialogue between Christians is so important. We've had precious little of it lately, but perhaps, as the Religious Right continues to decline in power, we may see more. The powerful never seem to be able to empathize with the powerless.
Sometimes people have to hear their own rhetoric echoed back to them before they can truly understand the effect it has, or what they're really saying. This should never be done in any childish, "I'm rubber and you're glue" sense. But the Gospels present a very reciprocal point of view on how people ought to deal with each other: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." While Christians are encouraged to move past "an eye for an eye" thinking, there is indeed a biblical basis for considering how what we do affects others by imagining how we'd feel if it were done to us.
Most anti-gay Christians treat LGBT people in a way they would never want to be treated themselves. Common sense shows this quite clearly. The majority say they don't hate us, and even claim that they love us ("hate the sin, but love the sinner"). But their actions and words toward us seldom show anything any reasonable person could interpret as love.
Christian doctrine is like the tip of a mountainous iceberg. Most of the truth is submerged, and we can scarcely fathom its mass and depth. All we have, to tell us it's there, is that very tiny tip sticking out of the water. I have come to conclude that the mistake conservative Christians make is that they think that little tip is all there is, wrongly believing that they see it all - or even that it is all knowable.
Click here to read the rest of this essay at Whosoever.org
November 28, 2009
LGBT Helping Hands 11/28/09-National LGBT Health Alliance (Australia)
The National LGBT Health Alliance has been established by a number of organisations from across Australia that provide health-related programs, services and research targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other sexuality, sex and gender diverse people (LGBT).
The Alliance acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connections to land and community. We pay our respect to all Australian Indigenous peoples and their cultures, and to elders of past, present and future generations.
Alliance members have come together to work collaboratively to improve the health and wellbeing of sexuality, sex and gender diverse people by:
* advocating with one voice on the health needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other sexuality, sex and gender diverse people and communities at a national level
* building the capacity of our members to work with and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other sexuality, sex and gender diverse people and communities.
We work across a broad range of health areas, striving to improve LGBT health in many different ways.
Click here to find out more.
The Alliance acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connections to land and community. We pay our respect to all Australian Indigenous peoples and their cultures, and to elders of past, present and future generations.
Alliance members have come together to work collaboratively to improve the health and wellbeing of sexuality, sex and gender diverse people by:
* advocating with one voice on the health needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other sexuality, sex and gender diverse people and communities at a national level
* building the capacity of our members to work with and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other sexuality, sex and gender diverse people and communities.
We work across a broad range of health areas, striving to improve LGBT health in many different ways.
Click here to find out more.
One Family and a Hockey Team Strike Back at Homophobia
There is a wonderful story on ESPN.com about how a young man named Brenda Burke told his family and friends he was gay. What makes this story out of the ordinary and noteworthy of coverage by ESPN is that the young man's father is the general manager of a team in the National Hockey League, and the son works with the hockey team at the University of Miami-Ohio, currently the top ranked team in U. S. college hockey. Here's a quote from the father, Brian Burke:
"I had a million good reasons to love and admire Brendan. This news didn't alter any of them.
I would prefer Brendan hadn't decided to discuss this issue in this very public manner. There will be a great deal of reaction, and I fear a large portion will be negative. But this takes guts, and I admire Brendan greatly, and happily march arm in arm with him on this.
There are gay men in professional hockey. We would be fools to think otherwise. And it's sad that they feel the need to conceal this. I understand why they do so, however.
Can a gay man advance in professional hockey? He can if he works for the Toronto Maple Leafs! Or for Miami University Hockey. God bless Rico Blasi! And I am certain these two organizations are not alone here.
I wish this burden would fall on someone else's shoulders, not Brendan's. Pioneers are often misunderstood and mistrusted. But since he wishes to blaze this trail, I stand beside him with an axe! I simply could not be more proud of Brendan than I am, and I love him as much as I admire him." -- Brian Burke
Here's a quote from the coach at Miami-Ohio:
"Brendan is a great guy, personable and caring. As student manager, he is involved in a lot of things for us -- video, stats and community service, to name a few of his duties.
To my knowledge, there has been nothing negative [since he came out to us]. I think it goes along the lines that Brendan is part of our family. Everyone respects Brendan, and that's all that really matters.
The players are awesome. They are very sensitive to language and how we talk in the locker room. Again, it goes back to our culture and working on relationships and behaviors.
[As far as whether a player could come out and be able to function like a normal college player], that's a tough one and I don't want to speak for any other program. As far as Miami is concerned, we are about the person. I believe we would be accepting and honestly not even think twice about it.
I think having Brendan as part of our program has been a blessing. We are much more aware of what you say and how we say it. I am guilty as anyone. We need to be reminded that respect is not a label, but something you earn by the way you live your life." -- Miami University hockey coach Enrico Blasi
While I do think that these two men are not the norm in hockey or major sports in general, their public stances will certainly help raise the bar at least a little bit.
Enjoy the story at ESPN.com.
"I had a million good reasons to love and admire Brendan. This news didn't alter any of them.
I would prefer Brendan hadn't decided to discuss this issue in this very public manner. There will be a great deal of reaction, and I fear a large portion will be negative. But this takes guts, and I admire Brendan greatly, and happily march arm in arm with him on this.
There are gay men in professional hockey. We would be fools to think otherwise. And it's sad that they feel the need to conceal this. I understand why they do so, however.
Can a gay man advance in professional hockey? He can if he works for the Toronto Maple Leafs! Or for Miami University Hockey. God bless Rico Blasi! And I am certain these two organizations are not alone here.
I wish this burden would fall on someone else's shoulders, not Brendan's. Pioneers are often misunderstood and mistrusted. But since he wishes to blaze this trail, I stand beside him with an axe! I simply could not be more proud of Brendan than I am, and I love him as much as I admire him." -- Brian Burke
Here's a quote from the coach at Miami-Ohio:
"Brendan is a great guy, personable and caring. As student manager, he is involved in a lot of things for us -- video, stats and community service, to name a few of his duties.
To my knowledge, there has been nothing negative [since he came out to us]. I think it goes along the lines that Brendan is part of our family. Everyone respects Brendan, and that's all that really matters.
The players are awesome. They are very sensitive to language and how we talk in the locker room. Again, it goes back to our culture and working on relationships and behaviors.
[As far as whether a player could come out and be able to function like a normal college player], that's a tough one and I don't want to speak for any other program. As far as Miami is concerned, we are about the person. I believe we would be accepting and honestly not even think twice about it.
I think having Brendan as part of our program has been a blessing. We are much more aware of what you say and how we say it. I am guilty as anyone. We need to be reminded that respect is not a label, but something you earn by the way you live your life." -- Miami University hockey coach Enrico Blasi
While I do think that these two men are not the norm in hockey or major sports in general, their public stances will certainly help raise the bar at least a little bit.
Enjoy the story at ESPN.com.
Daily Devotional 11/28/09 Dealing With Stress
Cease striving and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10
Have you noticed how easy it is to get all stressed out? I mean, you get behind with assignments at work or at school… the chores at home begin to pile up… the internal pressure starts to mount… and to top it all off, you get sick and just want to crawl in bed.
That scenario describes the start of my year. Up until this morning, I felt SO behind and SO anxious as I projected into the near future. As I prayed, I reminded the Lord that I needed sermon topics and sermon titles and some additional staff and direction for the year and this and that and the other… and that I needed all this stuff today!
After I rambled through my stressed out prayer, the Lord reminded me of one verse, Psalm 46:10 – “Cease striving and know that I am God.” Cease striving literally means to let go and relax. Isn’t that great! I came to God with all my stress, and He told me to relax and let it all go.
RELAX… HE IS GOD
All the things you and I need, He has. All the things we strive for… and worry for… and agonize over, He has in abundance. That is why He says in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (the things we worry about and stress over) will be added to you.”
The best medicine for stress is just to remember that God is God… and you and I are not. You see, I do not have to come up with sermon titles and topics and direction and whatever else, all I have to do is sit at His feet and relax in Him and lay my burdens down at the altar. He knows what I need, and He will supply that need as I trust in Him. “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass” (1 Thes. 5:24).
LIFE’S TOO SHORT
Life is too short to live it all stressed out. Furthermore, anytime we are all stressed out, it reveals a heart that is not actively trusting God. God did not make you to carry the burdens of life. He wants to carry them for you and work through you to get everything accomplished that He has for you to do.
Take time right now to lay all your burdens and deadlines and pressures at His feet. You will be amazed at the change in your perspective as you relax… and let go… and trust Him to do it through you.
Have you noticed how easy it is to get all stressed out? I mean, you get behind with assignments at work or at school… the chores at home begin to pile up… the internal pressure starts to mount… and to top it all off, you get sick and just want to crawl in bed.
That scenario describes the start of my year. Up until this morning, I felt SO behind and SO anxious as I projected into the near future. As I prayed, I reminded the Lord that I needed sermon topics and sermon titles and some additional staff and direction for the year and this and that and the other… and that I needed all this stuff today!
After I rambled through my stressed out prayer, the Lord reminded me of one verse, Psalm 46:10 – “Cease striving and know that I am God.” Cease striving literally means to let go and relax. Isn’t that great! I came to God with all my stress, and He told me to relax and let it all go.
RELAX… HE IS GOD
All the things you and I need, He has. All the things we strive for… and worry for… and agonize over, He has in abundance. That is why He says in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (the things we worry about and stress over) will be added to you.”
The best medicine for stress is just to remember that God is God… and you and I are not. You see, I do not have to come up with sermon titles and topics and direction and whatever else, all I have to do is sit at His feet and relax in Him and lay my burdens down at the altar. He knows what I need, and He will supply that need as I trust in Him. “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass” (1 Thes. 5:24).
LIFE’S TOO SHORT
Life is too short to live it all stressed out. Furthermore, anytime we are all stressed out, it reveals a heart that is not actively trusting God. God did not make you to carry the burdens of life. He wants to carry them for you and work through you to get everything accomplished that He has for you to do.
Take time right now to lay all your burdens and deadlines and pressures at His feet. You will be amazed at the change in your perspective as you relax… and let go… and trust Him to do it through you.
November 27, 2009
In Our Own Words 11/27/09-Welcoming or Tolerating?
"We welcome homosexuals."
"We can't condone homosexual behavior."
How many churches do you know that make both of those statements?
I was reminded of that reading a story in the Christian Post where a Lutheran pastor in Minnesota tried to get his church to leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) after the denomination voted to allow ordination of non-celebate homosexual pastors. When the congregation voted on and rejected that idea, he resigned and started a new church with people leaving his old one. The pastor used both of the opening phrases to describe his old church.
Seriously, if we were "welcomed" into a church but told that our "behavior" of having sex with each other was considered sinful, I don't think we would feel very welcome. Tolerated, maybe, but certainly not welcome. Who wouldn't feel the same way? Sadly, that concept continues to be a mystery to many mainline churches who have to tried to convince people (and perhaps their own congregations) that allowing people in the door without swift and direct condemnation is a sufficient display of Jesus' love.
Isn't this just one tiny step better than the worn out "Hate the sin, love the sinner" approach some of the more fundamentalist churches take, especially when the hate part is so often directed at the aforementioned sinners.
Remember, the only people Jesus cast out and was sharply critical of were the religious types, the ones who administered the Law that had grown so it was impossible for anyone to be in total compliance. He loved sinner of all types, but the religious leaders really got on his nerves, mainly because their rules put obstacles between people and His Father. Jesus came down to earth and suffered on the cross to give us a path to the Father, not to keep "certain types" away and out of fellowship with Him.
Jesus doesn't tolerate sinners, He loves them. Perhaps our churches should put more effort into doing the same.
"We can't condone homosexual behavior."
How many churches do you know that make both of those statements?
I was reminded of that reading a story in the Christian Post where a Lutheran pastor in Minnesota tried to get his church to leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) after the denomination voted to allow ordination of non-celebate homosexual pastors. When the congregation voted on and rejected that idea, he resigned and started a new church with people leaving his old one. The pastor used both of the opening phrases to describe his old church.
Seriously, if we were "welcomed" into a church but told that our "behavior" of having sex with each other was considered sinful, I don't think we would feel very welcome. Tolerated, maybe, but certainly not welcome. Who wouldn't feel the same way? Sadly, that concept continues to be a mystery to many mainline churches who have to tried to convince people (and perhaps their own congregations) that allowing people in the door without swift and direct condemnation is a sufficient display of Jesus' love.
Isn't this just one tiny step better than the worn out "Hate the sin, love the sinner" approach some of the more fundamentalist churches take, especially when the hate part is so often directed at the aforementioned sinners.
Remember, the only people Jesus cast out and was sharply critical of were the religious types, the ones who administered the Law that had grown so it was impossible for anyone to be in total compliance. He loved sinner of all types, but the religious leaders really got on his nerves, mainly because their rules put obstacles between people and His Father. Jesus came down to earth and suffered on the cross to give us a path to the Father, not to keep "certain types" away and out of fellowship with Him.
Jesus doesn't tolerate sinners, He loves them. Perhaps our churches should put more effort into doing the same.
Encouraging Words 11/27/09-A Love Issue
How different would our world be if all Christians took this approach? How much pain would be avoided by LGBT people?
A lot! Thanks to Tips-Q for the link.
A lot! Thanks to Tips-Q for the link.
Open Letter to a State Senator on Same-Sex Marriage
It appears the momentum that was building in New York to give legal recognition to same-sex marriages has largely dissapated, which led one resident to compose an open letter to his state senator. We thought it was worth sharing with you-here's an excerpt:
Your office has made it painfully clear to me when I called that you are against same sex marriage. I don’t understand your fears.
If it is a religious issue, religion really has no place in politics. Nobody is asking that you marry someone of the same sex. I am not afraid of opposite-sex marriage. You were elected to support the community that you serve. You need to listen to all the voices in that community rather than just acting on your personal beliefs.
Marriage can’t just be about procreation. If that were the case, we should not allow folks to marry unless they’re going to have children. If they can’t physically have children, they should have to adopt children or annul their marriage.
I have been in a monogamous relationship for a few months shy of 20 years. We were married in Toronto Nov. 7, 2003. I’d like to believe that America, and New York in particular, would be more forward-thinking than any other country, but sadly that is not the case.
I am involved in the community. I take great care of my property. I’m a great neighbor, friend, relative, and employee.
I work hard. I pay taxes. I vote to pass school budgets although I don’t have children. I recently received your mailing inviting me to your ‘family day,’ although you have no desire to recognize my family.
Everyone should be allowed to be involved with any consensual partner they choose, regardless of race, color, religion or sexual orientation.
Click here to read the rest of the letter on 365gay.com.
Your office has made it painfully clear to me when I called that you are against same sex marriage. I don’t understand your fears.
If it is a religious issue, religion really has no place in politics. Nobody is asking that you marry someone of the same sex. I am not afraid of opposite-sex marriage. You were elected to support the community that you serve. You need to listen to all the voices in that community rather than just acting on your personal beliefs.
Marriage can’t just be about procreation. If that were the case, we should not allow folks to marry unless they’re going to have children. If they can’t physically have children, they should have to adopt children or annul their marriage.
I have been in a monogamous relationship for a few months shy of 20 years. We were married in Toronto Nov. 7, 2003. I’d like to believe that America, and New York in particular, would be more forward-thinking than any other country, but sadly that is not the case.
I am involved in the community. I take great care of my property. I’m a great neighbor, friend, relative, and employee.
I work hard. I pay taxes. I vote to pass school budgets although I don’t have children. I recently received your mailing inviting me to your ‘family day,’ although you have no desire to recognize my family.
Everyone should be allowed to be involved with any consensual partner they choose, regardless of race, color, religion or sexual orientation.
Click here to read the rest of the letter on 365gay.com.
Daily Devotional 11/27/09 I Never Knew That
The LORD your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. - Zephaniah 3:17
How does God feel most of the time? Is He happy… sad… concerned… detached… upset… angry… disappointed… frustrated? Your honest answer to that question speaks volumes about how you interact with God.
Lots of people see God as a sad God: He is sad over their sins and disobedience. He is grieved over the state of the world. Others see God as a mad God: He has a hair-trigger temper and often goes ballistic. He will zap you if you get out of line… and enjoy seeing you punished.
THE BIBLICAL VIEW
What is the biblical view of God? The Bible teaches that although God gets sad (Gen. 6:6) and gets mad (Ex. 4:14), God is not mad or sad by nature. God is a glad God. To be in His presence is to be in the fullness of joy (Ps. 16:11)… because His heart overflows with joy and gladness.
And when God thinks of you… He begins to shout and sing with joy. You are His special treasure (Ex. 19:5). You are His trophy of grace (1 Tim. 1:16). He is SO excited about you!!
THIS CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
I am convinced that many Christians miss out on the good, glad heart of God. They have such a negative view of God in their minds that it is impossible for them to really enjoy a relationship with Jesus.
I wonder how many of us are going to stand before Jesus at the end of our lives and be totally blown away that He is so different from what we believed Him to be. I wonder if your dialogue that first encounter with Jesus might be something like this:
“Lord, I never knew that you loved me so much. I never knew that you were so excited about me. Jesus, I would have lived a different life, one filled with love and laughter and no worries, had I only known how you felt about me.”
And He will respond, “My child… did you not read about Me in the Bible? Did you not know that I am the Father of the prodigal son? Did you not read that I rejoice over you with shouts of joy? Did you not hear that I love you with an everlasting love?”
“Yes, Lord.” I heard those words while I was on earth… but I guess I never really believed them.”
God wants you to believe Him in this life!! He wants you to rest in His love and grace. He wants you to rejoice that you are His and He is yours, and His banner over you is love.
God is a glad God who has a heart for you!! He wants to help you in your struggles. He wants to change you so that you can be like Him and your life can overflow with the good fruit of the Spirit.
Make it a point today to work on removing any erroneous, dysfunctional views that you have of God’s character. Replace those lies with the truth (see Luke 7:36-50, Ex. 34:6-7, John 8:1-11). Remember… when you know the truth, the truth shall set you free (John 8:32).
How does God feel most of the time? Is He happy… sad… concerned… detached… upset… angry… disappointed… frustrated? Your honest answer to that question speaks volumes about how you interact with God.
Lots of people see God as a sad God: He is sad over their sins and disobedience. He is grieved over the state of the world. Others see God as a mad God: He has a hair-trigger temper and often goes ballistic. He will zap you if you get out of line… and enjoy seeing you punished.
THE BIBLICAL VIEW
What is the biblical view of God? The Bible teaches that although God gets sad (Gen. 6:6) and gets mad (Ex. 4:14), God is not mad or sad by nature. God is a glad God. To be in His presence is to be in the fullness of joy (Ps. 16:11)… because His heart overflows with joy and gladness.
And when God thinks of you… He begins to shout and sing with joy. You are His special treasure (Ex. 19:5). You are His trophy of grace (1 Tim. 1:16). He is SO excited about you!!
THIS CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
I am convinced that many Christians miss out on the good, glad heart of God. They have such a negative view of God in their minds that it is impossible for them to really enjoy a relationship with Jesus.
I wonder how many of us are going to stand before Jesus at the end of our lives and be totally blown away that He is so different from what we believed Him to be. I wonder if your dialogue that first encounter with Jesus might be something like this:
“Lord, I never knew that you loved me so much. I never knew that you were so excited about me. Jesus, I would have lived a different life, one filled with love and laughter and no worries, had I only known how you felt about me.”
And He will respond, “My child… did you not read about Me in the Bible? Did you not know that I am the Father of the prodigal son? Did you not read that I rejoice over you with shouts of joy? Did you not hear that I love you with an everlasting love?”
“Yes, Lord.” I heard those words while I was on earth… but I guess I never really believed them.”
God wants you to believe Him in this life!! He wants you to rest in His love and grace. He wants you to rejoice that you are His and He is yours, and His banner over you is love.
God is a glad God who has a heart for you!! He wants to help you in your struggles. He wants to change you so that you can be like Him and your life can overflow with the good fruit of the Spirit.
Make it a point today to work on removing any erroneous, dysfunctional views that you have of God’s character. Replace those lies with the truth (see Luke 7:36-50, Ex. 34:6-7, John 8:1-11). Remember… when you know the truth, the truth shall set you free (John 8:32).
November 26, 2009
Encouraging Words 11/26/09-Six Things We Can Learn From the Pilgrims
Here is a classic thanksgiving message from Billy Graham:
The Mayflower's voyage to the new world was a "survival test" on a huge scale. The passengers had sold their possessions and had to work for years to pay for their passage. The ship had no heat or plumbing. Storms raged, and a main beam cracked in mid-ocean.
But after more than two months on the Atlantic Ocean, this band of 102 people arrived before Christmas, 1620. William Bradford wrote in his journal, "Being thus arrived at a good harbor, and brought safely to land, they fell on their knees and blessed the God of heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof." What a celebration that must have been!
But just after Christmas a serious sickness broke out, and in the next three months nearly half the Pilgrims died. Hunger and illness stalked them, but they never wavered in their purpose.
Today, if these Pilgrims could observe our troubled world with its disillusioned outlook, its rebelliousness and its erosion of traditional values, they would be not only dismayed but also shocked. However, since their time, certain things have not changed. There is still lust, greed, hatred and prejudice in the human heart. There is still persecution and war in the world.
With all of the world's churches and universities, we would do well to go back to the church and the school of early Plymouth to see what those pioneers can teach us.
Click here to read the rest of Dr. Graham's message.
The Mayflower's voyage to the new world was a "survival test" on a huge scale. The passengers had sold their possessions and had to work for years to pay for their passage. The ship had no heat or plumbing. Storms raged, and a main beam cracked in mid-ocean.
But after more than two months on the Atlantic Ocean, this band of 102 people arrived before Christmas, 1620. William Bradford wrote in his journal, "Being thus arrived at a good harbor, and brought safely to land, they fell on their knees and blessed the God of heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof." What a celebration that must have been!
But just after Christmas a serious sickness broke out, and in the next three months nearly half the Pilgrims died. Hunger and illness stalked them, but they never wavered in their purpose.
Today, if these Pilgrims could observe our troubled world with its disillusioned outlook, its rebelliousness and its erosion of traditional values, they would be not only dismayed but also shocked. However, since their time, certain things have not changed. There is still lust, greed, hatred and prejudice in the human heart. There is still persecution and war in the world.
With all of the world's churches and universities, we would do well to go back to the church and the school of early Plymouth to see what those pioneers can teach us.
Click here to read the rest of Dr. Graham's message.
Matthew 25 Resource 11/26/09-Freestore Foodbank (Cincinnati, OH)
In the last 40 years, we’ve grown from one man’s passion for helping his neighbors into one of the region’s largest food banks.
We distribute on 10 million pounds of food annually in 20 counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana through a trusted network of over 400 local members agencies such as soup kitchens and shelters, food pantries, churches, daycare and senior centers, and many other community and social services organizations.
Unlike other food banks in the area, we operate a Client Services Center in Over-the-Rhine, which works to meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable citizens, including the homeless, the unemployed, the working poor, and families in crisis. By providing emergency food services, we work to determine the root causes of poverty and food insecurity are able to provide services aimed at creating self-reliance. When people come to us for food, we help them find the other things they may need -- a safe place to live, access to affordable healthcare, clothing or job skills and placement. For our work, food is not the end product rather it is the beginning of a much larger conversation to help our community’s citizens work towards self-reliance.
Core Values
Commitment: We will not accept hunger
Compassion: We embrace diversity
Respect: We are in service with our neighbors
Empowerment: Those we serve can succeed independently
Community: We collaborate with other in our region
Click here to find out more.
We distribute on 10 million pounds of food annually in 20 counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana through a trusted network of over 400 local members agencies such as soup kitchens and shelters, food pantries, churches, daycare and senior centers, and many other community and social services organizations.
Unlike other food banks in the area, we operate a Client Services Center in Over-the-Rhine, which works to meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable citizens, including the homeless, the unemployed, the working poor, and families in crisis. By providing emergency food services, we work to determine the root causes of poverty and food insecurity are able to provide services aimed at creating self-reliance. When people come to us for food, we help them find the other things they may need -- a safe place to live, access to affordable healthcare, clothing or job skills and placement. For our work, food is not the end product rather it is the beginning of a much larger conversation to help our community’s citizens work towards self-reliance.
Core Values
Commitment: We will not accept hunger
Compassion: We embrace diversity
Respect: We are in service with our neighbors
Empowerment: Those we serve can succeed independently
Community: We collaborate with other in our region
Click here to find out more.
Using Religion As a Weapon
As a former member of the Roman Catholic faith, I (Jim) know that there are plenty of people devoted to the rituals and practices of the church who don't totally agree with the church's increasingly militant stand on political issues like abortion and same-sex marriage. It appears that the church is ready to withold the opportunity for full participation in the Eucharist (communion), perhaps the most sacred rite of Roman Catholicism, from people who don't sign up for their political agenda. This sickens us and makes us think that the Catholic Church needs to decide what it wants to be, a structure under which people can worship God, or a political and social service organizaton. It appears to be moving strongly in the direction of the latter. Here is an excerpt from an essay posted on the blog "Unite the Fight" that details the reasons for this concern.
In what Sen. Patrick Kennedy has admitted was a long time coming, Bishop Thomas Tobin of Rhode Island wrote the Catholic senator an email informing him that he will not be allowed to partake of the Eucharist, or what is commonly known as Communion, because of his support of reproductive rights, in particular when it comes to health care reform.
In a statement issued Sunday, Tobin made known he informed Kennedy in February 2007 that it would be "inappropriate" for him to continue receiving the fundamental Catholic sacrament, "and I now ask respectfully that you refrain from doing so."
The bishop is not deterred. The most recent development occurred Tuesday morning on a Rhode Island radio show on which Bishop Tobin appeared.
"If [Sen. Kennedy] cannot abide by the teaching of this church, not just this one but others and ... what it means to be a Catholic ... maybe he should find another fine Christian denomination where he can be more comfortable," the bishop said.
Bishop Tobin also has the ear of Rhode Island Gov. Carcieri, who is a member of the anti-LGBT National Organization for Marriage and, in a move many criticized has heartless, recently vetoed the bill that would have given domestic partners the right to make burial arrangements for each other.
But can we honestly be surprised that this is the direction that Catholic Church leadership is headed? Strong-arming politicians to craft secular law to reflect church law?
Patrick Kennedy told the Providence Journal that Tobin had barred him from receiving communion and instructed priests in the diocese not to administer the sacrament "because of the positions that I've taken as a public official."
Naturally the question arises, "What public policy positions will the church hound policy makers on next? Marriage equality?"
Michael Jones at Change.org says, "It was a narrowing of Catholic theology to strip issues like poverty and social justice from the forefront of the Church, and replace them with opposing abortion, gay marriage, and stem cell research. It was also a call to Catholic politicians: oppose abortion and gay marriage at all costs, or risk the threat of the Church denying you Communion and publicly tarring and feathering you as a sinner."
And he's right. The Archdiocese of Washington D.C. threatened to throw the poor and homeless under the bus, claiming they will end their charity work if the District City Council passed their same-sex marriage legislation.
Let's not forget to that they are issuing a new edict that will be signed by hundreds of U.S. Bishops that will strongly unite them all behind a common statement condemning the love between gays and lesbians. Behind this they can rally and step into public policy making more than ever before.
Moreover, the church has pledged $2 million to fight marriage equality, despite closing parishes left and right due to lack of funds.
Click here to read the rest of this essay.
In what Sen. Patrick Kennedy has admitted was a long time coming, Bishop Thomas Tobin of Rhode Island wrote the Catholic senator an email informing him that he will not be allowed to partake of the Eucharist, or what is commonly known as Communion, because of his support of reproductive rights, in particular when it comes to health care reform.
In a statement issued Sunday, Tobin made known he informed Kennedy in February 2007 that it would be "inappropriate" for him to continue receiving the fundamental Catholic sacrament, "and I now ask respectfully that you refrain from doing so."
The bishop is not deterred. The most recent development occurred Tuesday morning on a Rhode Island radio show on which Bishop Tobin appeared.
"If [Sen. Kennedy] cannot abide by the teaching of this church, not just this one but others and ... what it means to be a Catholic ... maybe he should find another fine Christian denomination where he can be more comfortable," the bishop said.
Bishop Tobin also has the ear of Rhode Island Gov. Carcieri, who is a member of the anti-LGBT National Organization for Marriage and, in a move many criticized has heartless, recently vetoed the bill that would have given domestic partners the right to make burial arrangements for each other.
But can we honestly be surprised that this is the direction that Catholic Church leadership is headed? Strong-arming politicians to craft secular law to reflect church law?
Patrick Kennedy told the Providence Journal that Tobin had barred him from receiving communion and instructed priests in the diocese not to administer the sacrament "because of the positions that I've taken as a public official."
Naturally the question arises, "What public policy positions will the church hound policy makers on next? Marriage equality?"
Michael Jones at Change.org says, "It was a narrowing of Catholic theology to strip issues like poverty and social justice from the forefront of the Church, and replace them with opposing abortion, gay marriage, and stem cell research. It was also a call to Catholic politicians: oppose abortion and gay marriage at all costs, or risk the threat of the Church denying you Communion and publicly tarring and feathering you as a sinner."
And he's right. The Archdiocese of Washington D.C. threatened to throw the poor and homeless under the bus, claiming they will end their charity work if the District City Council passed their same-sex marriage legislation.
Let's not forget to that they are issuing a new edict that will be signed by hundreds of U.S. Bishops that will strongly unite them all behind a common statement condemning the love between gays and lesbians. Behind this they can rally and step into public policy making more than ever before.
Moreover, the church has pledged $2 million to fight marriage equality, despite closing parishes left and right due to lack of funds.
Click here to read the rest of this essay.
Daily Devotional 11/26/09 When You Don't Feel Thankful
WHEN YOU DON'T FEEL THANKFUL
He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me. - Psalm 50:23
What do you do when your life is going south? What do you do when it is “THANKSGIVING” and you have just lost a loved one… or just lost your job… or just lost your marriage? Surely you cannot be expected to give thanks… can you?
Sometimes thanksgiving is a sacrifice. Sometimes we must thank God through clenched teeth and chocked back tears. Thanksgiving in the midst of a terrible storm brings tremendous joy to His heart. It shows the Lord that we really trust Him… regardless of the adverse circumstances we are facing.
THE THANKSGIVING CONSTANT
Perhaps you are one this year who is having trouble finding good in your life. Look no further than Jesus. He never changes. Despite everything you might be facing, you can rejoice in Him. You can give thanks for Him and His love and care for you. You can give thanks that He promised to work all things together for good.
Train yourself to give thanks in everything. Remember… a sacrifice of thanksgiving brings honor to the Lord. Thank Him for that trial you are facing. Thank Him for that sorrow. He will use your thanks for His glory and your ultimate good!
He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me. - Psalm 50:23
What do you do when your life is going south? What do you do when it is “THANKSGIVING” and you have just lost a loved one… or just lost your job… or just lost your marriage? Surely you cannot be expected to give thanks… can you?
Sometimes thanksgiving is a sacrifice. Sometimes we must thank God through clenched teeth and chocked back tears. Thanksgiving in the midst of a terrible storm brings tremendous joy to His heart. It shows the Lord that we really trust Him… regardless of the adverse circumstances we are facing.
THE THANKSGIVING CONSTANT
Perhaps you are one this year who is having trouble finding good in your life. Look no further than Jesus. He never changes. Despite everything you might be facing, you can rejoice in Him. You can give thanks for Him and His love and care for you. You can give thanks that He promised to work all things together for good.
Train yourself to give thanks in everything. Remember… a sacrifice of thanksgiving brings honor to the Lord. Thank Him for that trial you are facing. Thank Him for that sorrow. He will use your thanks for His glory and your ultimate good!
November 25, 2009
LGBT Helping Hands 11/25/09-AIDS Project of Central Iowa (Des Moines)
Our agency has a long history of serving people living with HIV. In 1987, an involved group calling themselves the Central Iowa AIDS Project voluntarily began the task of addressing HIV incidence in and around Des Moines. In 1990, the Mayor’s Task Force on AIDS recommended this coalition form an independent agency.
What is now known as the AIDS Project of Central Iowa (The Project) opened its doors in December 1991, becoming a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1993. The Project has grown and is now the largest HIV/AIDS service and prevention agency in the state of Iowa. Our agency provides personalized direct care services to hundreds of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as provides prevention services to thousands of Iowans at-risk for contracting the disease.
Click here to find out more.
What is now known as the AIDS Project of Central Iowa (The Project) opened its doors in December 1991, becoming a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1993. The Project has grown and is now the largest HIV/AIDS service and prevention agency in the state of Iowa. Our agency provides personalized direct care services to hundreds of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as provides prevention services to thousands of Iowans at-risk for contracting the disease.
Click here to find out more.
What to Make Out of the ENDA Delay
The Bilerico Project has a post up looking at the delay in Congress considering the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that would protect LGBT people for being fired because they are LGBT across the nation. It's not an optimistic view:
It was a surprise to most people that the markup of ENDA, scheduled for last Wednesday morning at 10 am, was abruptly postponed on Monday night at 6:30 pm, heralded by a terse red notice on the House Committee on Education and Labor website. After all, ENDA had been touted for months as the next promise to be kept to our community, with LGBT House leaders embracing a vote in September or October.
The ENDA delay is ominous, and likely to be long. As The New York Times reported yesterday, a massive legislative logjam is building up in the Senate.. Once the Senate is done debating health care, there will be dozens of priority bills.
At the same time, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is setting a new legislative priority: the immediate creation of a jobs bill from scratch in the House, and Senator Reid has said the same for the Senate. Jobs are, of course, very important, but that effort will likely suck all the oxygen from the room for quite a while. Delaying ENDA puts it behind everything else. And then midterm elections will hit. And DADT is scheduled for next year, and DADT could easily supercede ENDA.
This delay is also giving the fundies more time to heat up their branding irons. In addition, the more delay, the more that the Committee doing the "tweaks" is going to start getting pressure to tinker with the "gender identity" provisions.
Click here to read more of the analysis of this issue.
It was a surprise to most people that the markup of ENDA, scheduled for last Wednesday morning at 10 am, was abruptly postponed on Monday night at 6:30 pm, heralded by a terse red notice on the House Committee on Education and Labor website. After all, ENDA had been touted for months as the next promise to be kept to our community, with LGBT House leaders embracing a vote in September or October.
The ENDA delay is ominous, and likely to be long. As The New York Times reported yesterday, a massive legislative logjam is building up in the Senate.. Once the Senate is done debating health care, there will be dozens of priority bills.
At the same time, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is setting a new legislative priority: the immediate creation of a jobs bill from scratch in the House, and Senator Reid has said the same for the Senate. Jobs are, of course, very important, but that effort will likely suck all the oxygen from the room for quite a while. Delaying ENDA puts it behind everything else. And then midterm elections will hit. And DADT is scheduled for next year, and DADT could easily supercede ENDA.
This delay is also giving the fundies more time to heat up their branding irons. In addition, the more delay, the more that the Committee doing the "tweaks" is going to start getting pressure to tinker with the "gender identity" provisions.
Click here to read more of the analysis of this issue.
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