Open our eyes
to what we need to see,
Open our ears
to what we need to hear,
Open our minds
to what we need to know,
Open our hearts
to what we need to bear,
Open our hands
to what we need to give,
Open our lives
to justice and love.
~Ruth Burgess, Iona World Aids Day prayers
Remember the Mashiah Foundation, ELCA missionaries in Africa who have established a home for women and children with HIV/AIDS and help them develop a livelihood through sewing/quilting.
Story from the ELCA website:
http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Stories-of-Faith-in-Action/2009/Quilting-Transforms-Lives.aspx
Website of the foundation that organizes this work with stories of people touched by their ministries:
http://mashiahfoundation.org/
Blog showing the beautiful quilting and sewing these women do:
http://womenofhopecreations.blogspot.com/
Monday, November 29, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Christmas Gift Giving Ideas
If you would like some Fair Trade gift giving ideas for the holidays, here are a few, but there are many more!
1) In Bloomington, visit Global Gifts on the Square for Fair Trade gifts and also the Divine Chocolate Advent calendars;
2) Order directly online or on the phone from SERRV (where we ordered the items for sale in the narthex) at:
www.serrv.org
Some additional gifts that help others and/or the environment (just google these names):
1) ELCA Good Gifts ( eg. God's Global Barnyard, Healing and more)
2) National Wildlife Federation: see "plant a tree" ornaments and more
3) Heifer International
There are lots of ways to give gifts that make a difference to others and the earth, so please share more of your ideas in the comment portion here - thanks!
1) In Bloomington, visit Global Gifts on the Square for Fair Trade gifts and also the Divine Chocolate Advent calendars;
2) Order directly online or on the phone from SERRV (where we ordered the items for sale in the narthex) at:
www.serrv.org
Some additional gifts that help others and/or the environment (just google these names):
1) ELCA Good Gifts ( eg. God's Global Barnyard, Healing and more)
2) National Wildlife Federation: see "plant a tree" ornaments and more
3) Heifer International
There are lots of ways to give gifts that make a difference to others and the earth, so please share more of your ideas in the comment portion here - thanks!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Sister Synod in Indonesia
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the earthquake in Indonesia, especially with our Sister Synod. If you would like to learn more and contribute via Lutheran World Relief, just cut and paste this link:
http://www.lwr.org/emergencies/10/IndonesiaQuake/index.asp
We also pray for a reduction in religious tension in Indonesia, especially for or Sister Synod there. For a little background, you can cut and paste this article from the NYTimes:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/30/world/asia/30iht-indo.html
http://www.lwr.org/emergencies/10/IndonesiaQuake/index.asp
We also pray for a reduction in religious tension in Indonesia, especially for or Sister Synod there. For a little background, you can cut and paste this article from the NYTimes:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/30/world/asia/30iht-indo.html
Friday, November 12, 2010
LWR and Cholera in Haiti
Please pray for all of those struggling in Haiti. Here is some information from LWR on the situation and how you can donate:
http://www.lwr.org/emergencies/10/haitiearthquake/
http://www.lwr.org/emergencies/10/haitiearthquake/
Guatemalan Issues
Here are a few articles on the political, economic and crime challenges in Guatemala. These are an important part of the context for our Sister Parish relationship. Please share other articles you come across too as we go along this journey of learning together about the issues our sisters and brothers in Chichipate face.
On crime and politics:
http://www.economist.com/node/16381040?story_id=16381040
On drug related crime:
http://www.economist.com/node/15663302
On malnutrition and politics:
http://www.economist.com/node/14313735
NYTimes country background and articles:
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/guatemala/index.html?scp=1-spot&sq=guatemala&st=cse
On crime and politics:
http://www.economist.com/node/16381040?story_id=16381040
On drug related crime:
http://www.economist.com/node/15663302
On malnutrition and politics:
http://www.economist.com/node/14313735
NYTimes country background and articles:
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/guatemala/index.html?scp=1-spot&sq=guatemala&st=cse
Monday, November 8, 2010
AIDS Quilt and World Aids Day
World Aids Day is coming in just a few weeks (Dec. 1). Bloomington is lucky enough to have the AIDS quilt on display here in for a few days now. Please see the article from the HT below for details.
AIDS quilt panels to be displayed at IU
By Dann Denny331-4350 | ddenny@heraldt.com
November 8, 2010, last update: 11/7 @ 10:47 pm
A panel from the AIDS Memorial Quilt that was displayed Oct. 31 at Bloomington High School North. A 520-panel section of the quilt will be displayed at IU starting Thursday. Chris Howell | Herald-Times
A 520-panel exhibit of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on view at no charge starting Thursday at Alumni Hall in the Indiana Memorial Union.
“This is a pretty big deal, and we’re excited about it,” said Bethany Lister, a spokeswoman for the event. “There have been several other displays in Bloomington, the last occurring in 2004. But this is the biggest.”
It will also be the biggest ever held in the state. Before this event, the largest display of the quilt in Indiana was in 1999, also in Alumni Hall.
“It’s important to keep educating the younger generation about AIDS,” Lister said. “Lots of undergraduates don’t know who Ryan White was, and AIDS is no longer headline news.”
Lister said today’s young people are not as frightened by AIDS because there are several medications that can effectively treat it. “But even though these medications can improve the quality of life and extend life, there is still no cure,” she said.
The exhibit will be massive. Some of the panels will be hanging on the ceiling. Others will be attached to walls or on the floor. Ryan White’s panel is included in the display, along with the panels commemorating the lives of other Hoosiers.
“You walk around and you don’t know where to look next,” said Kathryn Brown, a sexual health educator at the IU Health Center and member of the Community AIDS Action Group of South Central Indiana. “I want students to understand that if they have never been to a quilt display, it’s a really emotional experience. Once you walk in there you immediately realize that you just can’t stay there for just five minutes.”
After a student reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday in the Indiana Memorial Union Gallery, there will be an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. the same day, with the exhibit remaining open that night until 9:30. The exhibit will also be open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 15. There will be a closing ceremony at 4 p.m. Nov. 15.
There will be related events, such as performances by Kaia, the Bloomington Peace Choir, Voces Novae, Quarryland Men’s Chorus and the African American Choral Ensemble; multiple screenings of "Common Threads", a documentary about the quilt; community quilting bees; and closing remarks from Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan. Visit www.thecaag.org for more information. All events are free and open to the public.
The AIDS Memorial Quilt is presented by CAAG of Southern Indiana, The Names Project and Union Board.
AJ O’Reilly, Union Board canvass director, said, “I hope people take away that AIDS is still around and is not just an issue that is overseas. The goal is to get people talking about these issues.”
Liz James, Union Board coordinator of the AIDS Quilt display, said many college students today know nothing about the quilt, which was part of the ’80s and ’90s American culture.
“I think the AIDS Memorial Quilt display will make my generation more motivated to make a difference when they realize what the past generation has done to foster AIDS education and awareness,” she said.
To learn more about the AIDS Memorial Quilt display — including schedules, photos, and volunteer information — visit www.thecaag.org.
About the quilt
The AIDS Memorial Quilt began with a single panel created in San Francisco in 1987.
The panels come from every state in the nation and every corner of the globe.
The panels have been sewn by friends, lovers and family members.
Many of the panels, which are the size of coffins, are 3-D — with personal items attached to them such as a T-shirt, teddy bear and jewelry.
The quilt has raised more than $4 million for services for people with AIDS.
The quilt totals 1.3 million square feet.
AIDS quilt panels to be displayed at IU
By Dann Denny331-4350 | ddenny@heraldt.com
November 8, 2010, last update: 11/7 @ 10:47 pm
A panel from the AIDS Memorial Quilt that was displayed Oct. 31 at Bloomington High School North. A 520-panel section of the quilt will be displayed at IU starting Thursday. Chris Howell | Herald-Times
A 520-panel exhibit of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on view at no charge starting Thursday at Alumni Hall in the Indiana Memorial Union.
“This is a pretty big deal, and we’re excited about it,” said Bethany Lister, a spokeswoman for the event. “There have been several other displays in Bloomington, the last occurring in 2004. But this is the biggest.”
It will also be the biggest ever held in the state. Before this event, the largest display of the quilt in Indiana was in 1999, also in Alumni Hall.
“It’s important to keep educating the younger generation about AIDS,” Lister said. “Lots of undergraduates don’t know who Ryan White was, and AIDS is no longer headline news.”
Lister said today’s young people are not as frightened by AIDS because there are several medications that can effectively treat it. “But even though these medications can improve the quality of life and extend life, there is still no cure,” she said.
The exhibit will be massive. Some of the panels will be hanging on the ceiling. Others will be attached to walls or on the floor. Ryan White’s panel is included in the display, along with the panels commemorating the lives of other Hoosiers.
“You walk around and you don’t know where to look next,” said Kathryn Brown, a sexual health educator at the IU Health Center and member of the Community AIDS Action Group of South Central Indiana. “I want students to understand that if they have never been to a quilt display, it’s a really emotional experience. Once you walk in there you immediately realize that you just can’t stay there for just five minutes.”
After a student reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday in the Indiana Memorial Union Gallery, there will be an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. the same day, with the exhibit remaining open that night until 9:30. The exhibit will also be open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 15. There will be a closing ceremony at 4 p.m. Nov. 15.
There will be related events, such as performances by Kaia, the Bloomington Peace Choir, Voces Novae, Quarryland Men’s Chorus and the African American Choral Ensemble; multiple screenings of "Common Threads", a documentary about the quilt; community quilting bees; and closing remarks from Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan. Visit www.thecaag.org for more information. All events are free and open to the public.
The AIDS Memorial Quilt is presented by CAAG of Southern Indiana, The Names Project and Union Board.
AJ O’Reilly, Union Board canvass director, said, “I hope people take away that AIDS is still around and is not just an issue that is overseas. The goal is to get people talking about these issues.”
Liz James, Union Board coordinator of the AIDS Quilt display, said many college students today know nothing about the quilt, which was part of the ’80s and ’90s American culture.
“I think the AIDS Memorial Quilt display will make my generation more motivated to make a difference when they realize what the past generation has done to foster AIDS education and awareness,” she said.
To learn more about the AIDS Memorial Quilt display — including schedules, photos, and volunteer information — visit www.thecaag.org.
About the quilt
The AIDS Memorial Quilt began with a single panel created in San Francisco in 1987.
The panels come from every state in the nation and every corner of the globe.
The panels have been sewn by friends, lovers and family members.
Many of the panels, which are the size of coffins, are 3-D — with personal items attached to them such as a T-shirt, teddy bear and jewelry.
The quilt has raised more than $4 million for services for people with AIDS.
The quilt totals 1.3 million square feet.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
LWR/SERRV Gift Items and Guatemalan Purses to Support Sister Parish
1) Look for the LWR/SERRV items for sale in November in the narthex. There are lots of great holiday gift ideas! All profits will support future Sister Parish delegations.
2) Look for Guatemalan purses soon! A group of women in Chichipate have made a handbags in a variety of colors and sizes and they should be arriving in the next few weeks. Keep your eyes out for them! The purses will be offered as a gift for donations to St. Thomas/Sister Parish.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Interfaith Shelter link and information
St. Thomas supports the Interfaith Shelter here in Bloomington, Indiana. Check out the website for the Interfaith shelter with background information, training, schedules, FAQs, donation opportunities and more!
http://interfaithwintershelter.org/
http://interfaithwintershelter.org/
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