Faith Communities at the DC Center tag:www.thedccenter.org,2009-10-30:/blog//1 2012-05-30T20:02:22Z Movable Type 4.32-en Faith Based Town Hall for AIDS 2012 tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2411 2012-05-15T18:25:00Z 2012-05-15T19:09:39Z Front Desk dcc.pngAre you interested in the International AIDS Conference/AIDS 2012? Did you know that it's happening right here in Washington, DC? Want to find out more about this extraordinary event and how you can be a part of it? On May 31st 2012 The DC Community Coalition's faith based work group will host a Faith Based Town Hall at The Westminster Presbyterian Church (400 I Street SW. Washington, DC 20024). There will be representatives from AIDS 2012 to answer questions about Interfaith Worship Service, The Interfaith Pre-Conference, and of course AIDS 2012. The doors open at 6:30pm with lite refreshments and a meet and greet. The program will begin promptly at 7pm.

Don't miss this great opportunity to meet fellow worshipers as well as get some great information about this historic event happening in our city. For more information please visit dccaids2012.org 

]]> Capital Pride Interfaith Service tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2329 2012-04-16T18:51:43Z 2012-04-16T19:15:31Z This year's Capital Pride Interfaith Worship Service will take place on Tuesday June 5th at 7:30 PM at Luther Place Memorial Church, 1226 Vermont Avenue NW Washington DC 20005. The guest speaker will be Dana Beyer. Dr. Dana Beyer has always been immersed in politics and social change. Growing up in New York City with her social conscience formed by traditional Jewish ethics, most of her strongest childhood memories and emotional milestones were formed by our nation's most courageous leaders. As a child, Dana was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement of the 1960's. She remembers President Kennedy's ringing words during his Inaugural Address, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." It was Robert Kennedy's candidacy for President during Dana's sophomore year in high school that spurred her to take action and to become part of the political process. The service will feature a performance by the Rock Creek Singers. Rock Creek Singers is a select, spirited, chamber ensemble of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC that performs a growing repertoire of a cappella and accompanied classical and contemporary music for audiences throughout the national capital region. For more information or to get involved contact the Celebration of the Spirit Coalition by e-mail at: cotsc.gw@verizon.net. The DC Center lgbtinterfaith.pngThis year's Capital Pride Interfaith Worship Service will take place on Tuesday June 5th at 7:30 PM at Luther Place Memorial Church, 1226 Vermont Avenue NW Washington DC 20005.

The guest speaker will be Dana Beyer. Dr. Dana Beyer has always been immersed in politics and social change. Growing up in New York City with her social conscience formed by traditional Jewish ethics, most of her strongest childhood memories and emotional milestones were formed by our nation's most courageous leaders. As a child, Dana was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement of the 1960's. She remembers President Kennedy's ringing words during his Inaugural Address, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." It was Robert Kennedy's candidacy for President during Dana's sophomore year in high school that spurred her to take action and to become part of the political process.

The service will feature a performance by the Rock Creek Singers. Rock Creek Singers is a select, spirited, chamber ensemble of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC that performs a growing repertoire of a cappella and accompanied classical and contemporary music for audiences throughout the national capital region.

For more information or to get involved contact the Celebration of the Spirit Coalition by e-mail at: cotsc.gw@verizon.net.

]]> Collective Brightness: LGBTIQ Poets on Faith, Religion, and Spirituality tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2234 2012-02-28T22:04:55Z 2012-03-24T15:50:08Z The DC Center and GLOE at JCC are proud to celebrate the release of the new book Collective Brightness: LGBTIQ Poets on Faith, Religion, and Spirituality. The DC Center will host a reading and reception for this book on Friday August 3rd at 7:00 PM at the DC Center for the LGBT Community, 1318 U Street NW. Featured guests include contributing authors Yermiyahu Ahron Taub, Joseph Ross and Regie Cabico. This event is co-sponsored by GLBT Outreach and Education (GLOE) at the Jewish Community Center. The first anthology of its kind, with poets representing the United States, Singapore, Korea, Australia, the United Kingdom, India, Malaysia, Japan, and other countries, "Collective Brightness" gathers more than 100 established and emerging contemporary LGBTIQ poets writing from and about various faiths, religions, and spiritual traditions. Collective Brightness is the kick-off event for the 2012 OutWrite Book Festival. The OutWrite Book Fair can be described as two days packed full of book readings, book vendors, book discussions, poetry readings and more. Thousands of new and used LGBT themed books and magazines will be on sale. In addition to book vendors, the DC Center will have a large number of used LGBT books for sale. Find out more about OutWrite at www.outwritedc.org. The DC Center collective.jpgThe DC Center and GLOE at JCC are proud to celebrate the release of the new book Collective Brightness: LGBTIQ Poets on Faith, Religion, and Spirituality. The DC Center will host a reading and reception for this book on Friday August 3rd at 7:00 PM at the DC Center for the LGBT Community, 1318 U Street NW. Featured guests include contributing authors Yermiyahu Ahron Taub, Joseph Ross and Regie Cabico. This event is co-sponsored by GLBT Outreach and Education (GLOE) at the Jewish Community Center.

The first anthology of its kind, with poets representing the United States, Singapore, Korea, Australia, the United Kingdom, India, Malaysia, Japan, and other countries, "Collective Brightness" gathers more than 100 established and emerging contemporary LGBTIQ poets writing from and about various faiths, religions, and spiritual traditions.

Collective Brightness is the kick-off event for the 2012 OutWrite Book Festival. The OutWrite Book Fair can be described as two days packed full of book readings, book vendors, book discussions, poetry readings and more. Thousands of new and used LGBT themed books and magazines will be on sale. In addition to book vendors, the DC Center will have a large number of used LGBT books for sale. Find out more about OutWrite at www.outwritedc.org.

]]> Red Dragon Festival February 11th tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2192 2012-02-04T22:00:22Z 2012-02-04T22:33:46Z The DC Radical Faeries invite you to join them for the Red Dragon Feast, an annual magical feast and fundraiser for healing blood-borne disease. Donations benefit community building and a local charity committed to healing blood borne disease. The event takes place Saturday, February 11th starting at 2:00 PM at Renaissance Hall, Westminster Presbyterian Church: 400 I St. S.W. City: Washington, DC 20024. The event takes place in three phases: 1. drumming, dancing and ritual; 2. feasting and toasting; and 3. a silent and live auction. We focus our intent by wearing red clothes, eating red food, and toasting with red drink. We honor the survivors of these diseases, the health care professionals and researchers who are fighting to help them, and the memory of those who have died from blood-borne diseases. This three hour ceremony is a festive, collective prayer for cures ... an event that is serious fun! For more information about LGBT Faith and Spirituality in the District, check out these links: Center Faith on Facebook Center Faith on Twitter The DC Center reddragonfest1.jpgThe DC Radical Faeries invite you to join them for the Red Dragon Feast, an annual magical feast and fundraiser for healing blood-borne disease. Donations benefit community building and a local charity committed to healing blood borne disease.

The event takes place Saturday, February 11th starting at 2:00 PM at Renaissance Hall, Westminster Presbyterian Church: 400 I St. S.W. City: Washington, DC 20024.

The event takes place in three phases: 1. drumming, dancing and ritual; 2. feasting and toasting; and 3. a silent and live auction. We focus our intent by wearing red clothes, eating red food, and toasting with red drink.

We honor the survivors of these diseases, the health care professionals and researchers who are fighting to help them, and the memory of those who have died from blood-borne diseases. This three hour ceremony is a festive, collective prayer for cures ... an event that is serious fun!

For more information about LGBT Faith and Spirituality in the District, check out these links:

Center Faith on Facebook

Center Faith on Twitter

]]> Opening for LGBT Ministries Program Coordinator tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2152 2012-01-24T22:24:54Z 2012-01-24T23:07:33Z Unitarian Universalist: Associations of Congregations Position Title: LGBT Ministries Program Coordinator Staff Group: Multicultural Growth and Witness Reports To: Witness Ministries Director Location: Washington, DC (onsite) Grade: 12, full-time Purpose: The basic purpose of the LGBT Ministries Program Coordinator is to build the capacity of Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations and leaders to advocate, witness,and organize effectively for LGBT justice and equity at the local, state, and national levels; to represent appropriately the Unitarian Universalist Association in public witness, championing LGBT justice and equality including prayer, vigils, rallies, conferences, and webinars. To work in coalition with interfaith and human rights organizations that advocate for LGBT justice and equality; to support and conduct social media advocacy on behalf of LGBT rights; to support the capacity of UU congregations to welcome, include, and minister to LGBT persons; and, to build the capacity of Unitarian Universalist congregations and leaders to work in multiracial/multicultural coalitions and partnerships for LGBT justice and equality. Principle Responsibilities: 1.Identifies opportunities for Unitarian Universalist congregations and leaders to participate in witness and advocacy such as social media campaigns, legislative advocacy, and actions that support LGBT justice and equality at the local, state, and national levels. Raises awareness about LGBT issues on the international level. 2. Develops tools and resources that build the capacity of Unitarian Universalist congregations and leaders to witness,advocate, and organize on LGBT justice and equality, including how to identify interfaith and community partners, work in coalitions, and cross cultural boundaries. 3. Works with the Standing on the Side of Love Campaign Manager to organize and promote social media strategies and advocacy on LGBT justice and equality. 4. Collaborates with Witness Ministries and Multicultural Growth staff to educate congregations about the theological grounding of social justice and anti-oppression. 5. Works with Multicultural Growth staff to help congregations and leaders foster inclusion to welcome, affirm, and engage LGBTQ persons better and to educate congregations about the intersections of LGBT justice advocacy and other anti-oppression advocacy related to race, gender/gender identity, class, and ability/disability. Works with UU independent organizations such as Interweave and TrUUst. 6. Collaborates with the UUA International Office staff to promote awareness and engagement in actions on international LGBT issues. 7. Collaborates with UUA Ministries and Faith Development staff to promote and especially to support the needs of LGBTQ youth and young adults. 8. Writes public statements on behalf of the UUA President, the Witness Ministries Director, and the Unitarian Universalist Association on LGBT justice and equality. 9. Performs additional duties as requested by supervisor, the Director of Multicultural Growth and Witness, the Vice President for Ministries and Congregational Support, or the President. Qualifications: This is an exempt grade 12 position (entry $51,200; midpoint $64,700). The ideal candidate is a Unitarian Universalist minister, ministerial candidate or religious professional. Experience in community and/or interfaith organizing plus social justice advocacy is required. Must be able to work collaboratively with mission-aligned Multicultural Growth and Witness colleagues and across staff groups. The qualified candidate must also possess excellent organizational skills and experience working with UU congregations, religious professionals, and lay leaders. Individual must be involved in and knowledgeable about issues relevant to LGBT communities, and must prove a strong commitment and experience in 2 developing and advancing LGBT resources and programs. Computer proficiency required, especially Microsoft Office and Outlook. Social media/online organizing is desired. Occasional travel is required. How to Apply: People with disabilities, people of color, Hispanic/Latino/a and LGBT candidates are encouraged to apply. Send cover letter and résumé--indicating "LGBT Ministries Program Coordinator" in the subject line--to careers@uua.org, via fax to (617) 367-3237, or to Human Resources, UUA, 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108. E-mail submissions preferred. Front Desk rainbow-chalice.jpg

Unitarian Universalist: Associations of Congregations

Position Title: LGBT Ministries Program Coordinator
Staff Group: Multicultural Growth and Witness
Reports To: Witness Ministries Director
Location: Washington, DC (onsite)
Grade: 12, full-time

Purpose: The basic purpose of the LGBT Ministries Program Coordinator is to build the capacity of Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations and leaders to advocate, witness,and organize effectively for LGBT justice and equity at the local, state, and national levels; to represent appropriately the Unitarian Universalist Association in public witness, championing LGBT justice and equality including prayer, vigils, rallies, conferences, and webinars.

To work in coalition with interfaith and human rights organizations that advocate for LGBT justice and equality; to support and conduct social media advocacy on behalf of LGBT rights; to support the capacity of UU congregations to welcome, include, and minister to LGBT persons; and, to build the capacity of Unitarian Universalist congregations and leaders to work in multiracial/multicultural coalitions and partnerships for LGBT justice and equality.

Principle Responsibilities:

1.Identifies opportunities for Unitarian Universalist congregations and leaders to participate in witness and advocacy such as social media campaigns, legislative advocacy, and actions that support LGBT justice and equality at the local, state, and national levels. Raises awareness about LGBT issues on the international level.

2. Develops tools and resources that build the capacity of Unitarian Universalist congregations and leaders to witness,advocate, and organize on LGBT justice and equality, including how to identify interfaith and community partners, work in coalitions, and cross cultural boundaries.

3. Works with the Standing on the Side of Love Campaign Manager to organize and promote social media strategies and advocacy on LGBT justice and equality.

4. Collaborates with Witness Ministries and Multicultural Growth staff to educate congregations about the theological grounding of social justice and anti-oppression.

5. Works with Multicultural Growth staff to help congregations and leaders foster inclusion to welcome, affirm, and engage LGBTQ persons better and to educate congregations about the intersections of LGBT justice advocacy and other anti-oppression advocacy related to race, gender/gender identity, class, and ability/disability. Works with UU independent organizations such as Interweave and TrUUst.

6. Collaborates with the UUA International Office staff to promote awareness and engagement in actions on international LGBT issues.

7. Collaborates with UUA Ministries and Faith Development staff to promote and especially to support the needs of LGBTQ youth and young adults.

8. Writes public statements on behalf of the UUA President, the Witness Ministries Director, and the Unitarian Universalist Association on LGBT justice and equality.

9. Performs additional duties as requested by supervisor, the Director of Multicultural Growth and Witness, the Vice President for Ministries and Congregational Support, or the President.

Qualifications: This is an exempt grade 12 position (entry $51,200; midpoint $64,700). The ideal candidate is a Unitarian Universalist minister, ministerial candidate or religious professional. Experience in community and/or interfaith organizing plus social justice advocacy is required. Must be able to work collaboratively with mission-aligned Multicultural Growth and Witness colleagues and across staff groups.

The qualified candidate must also possess excellent organizational skills and
experience working with UU congregations, religious professionals, and lay leaders. Individual must be involved in and knowledgeable about issues relevant to LGBT communities, and must prove a strong commitment and experience in 2
developing and advancing LGBT resources and programs. Computer proficiency required, especially Microsoft Office and Outlook. Social media/online organizing is desired. Occasional travel is required.

How to Apply: People with disabilities, people of color, Hispanic/Latino/a and LGBT candidates are encouraged to apply. Send cover letter and résumé--indicating "LGBT Ministries Program Coordinator" in the subject line--to careers@uua.org, via fax to (617) 367-3237, or to Human Resources, UUA, 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108. E-mail submissions preferred.

]]> Study of Religious / Spiritual Same-Sex Attracted Individuals tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.2079 2011-12-10T01:55:13Z 2011-12-10T01:57:34Z Are you a same-sex attracted person? Would you like to win a $50.00 Amazon.com gift certificate? Take the quick, online survey. You must be over 17 years of age and be religious or spiritual in some way. The survey should take you about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Just follow the link below to get started: CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY You will play an important part in bringing valuable knowledge to issues of religion and spirituality that many same-sex attracted people face. If you have any friends or acquaintances that qualify, please forward this to them! (The above study is a doctoral dissertation research project through Penn State University. Your participation in this study is completely voluntary and you may cease involvement at any time. No personal identifying information will be requested and therefore will not appear in any publications or presentations of the research. You will be asked for an e-mail address so that the gift card can be sent to you if you win the raffle. The study has been approved by the Penn State research ethics board (#37493, 814-865-1775). If you have questions or comments, you may contact me, the principle researcher, Dorian Kondas, at dck179@psu.edu or my advisor, Dr. Kathy Bieschke, at kxb11@psu.edu). If you have received this as an e-mail message, please do not hit reply because you may only reply to a listserve. Thanks for participating! The DC Center lgbtinterfaith.pngAre you a same-sex attracted person? Would you like to win a $50.00 Amazon.com gift certificate? Take the quick, online survey. You must be over 17 years of age and be religious or spiritual in some way.

The survey should take you about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Just follow the link below to get started:

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY

You will play an important part in bringing valuable knowledge to issues of religion and spirituality that many same-sex attracted people face.

If you have any friends or acquaintances that qualify, please forward this to them!

(The above study is a doctoral dissertation research project through Penn State University. Your participation in this study is completely voluntary and you may cease involvement at any time. No personal identifying information will be requested and therefore will not appear in any publications or presentations of the research. You will be asked for an e-mail address so that the gift card can be sent to you if you win the raffle. The study has been approved by the Penn State research ethics board (#37493, 814-865-1775). If you have questions or comments, you may contact me, the principle researcher, Dorian Kondas, at dck179@psu.edu or my advisor, Dr. Kathy Bieschke, at kxb11@psu.edu).

If you have received this as an e-mail message, please do not hit reply because you may only reply to a listserve.

Thanks for participating!

]]> A Very Faerie Yule 2011 tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.2073 2011-12-06T20:32:24Z 2011-12-06T20:49:37Z Come celebrate the holiday season at The Open Hearth Foundation on Wednesday, December 21, 7:00PM -9:00 PM. Please accept this invitation to attend A Very Faerie Yule 2011 ... a festive Winter Solstice Ritual and Yule Party. Please consider this year's theme "Just When It Looks Darkest" ... a time for reflection and celebration. Please invite others along to honor the grand cycle of nature ... and spend time friends sharing holiday cheer! Come celebrate the "reason for the season" and wear something festive! We'll serve hot and heavy hors d'oeuvres, delicious decadent desserts and bright bubbly beverages. - Don't bring food - Do bring friends - Donations Welcome The Open Hearth Foundation‎ 1502 Massachusetts Ave SE Washington, DC 20003 Metro: Potomac Avenue (orange and blue line) Parking: Street Parking after 6:30pm Directions: http://openhearth.org/location Questions? Contact Eldritch@EldritchVentures.org or 202-309-5486 RSVP on Facebook. Front Desk very faerie yule graphic.jpgCome celebrate the holiday season at The Open Hearth Foundation on Wednesday, December 21, 7:00PM -9:00 PM.

Please accept this invitation to attend A Very Faerie Yule 2011
... a festive Winter Solstice Ritual and Yule Party.

Please consider this year's theme "Just When It Looks Darkest"
... a time for reflection and celebration.

Please invite others along to honor the grand cycle of nature
... and spend time friends sharing holiday cheer!

Come celebrate the "reason for the season" and wear something festive!
We'll serve hot and heavy hors d'oeuvres, delicious decadent desserts and bright bubbly beverages.

- Don't bring food
- Do bring friends
- Donations Welcome

The Open Hearth Foundation‎
1502 Massachusetts Ave SE
Washington, DC 20003

Metro: Potomac Avenue (orange and blue line)
Parking: Street Parking after 6:30pm
Directions: http://openhearth.org/location

Questions? Contact Eldritch@EldritchVentures.org or 202-309-5486

RSVP on Facebook.

]]> Has Anyone Tried to Cure You of Being Gay? tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.2072 2011-12-06T20:24:54Z 2011-12-06T20:50:48Z Has anyone tried to cure you of being gay? Share your story! Help Expose the lies behind "conversion" therapy and help other LGBT people who have undergone or are considering "therapy" to "cure" themselves. Tuesday December 13th at Bus Boys & Poets, 2021 14th Street NW at V Street. 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The idea that one's sexual orientation can be changed through therapy is a dangerous lie, and has been discredited by medical and counseling organisations. Please join the Southern Poverty Law Center and Truth Wins out to learn from experts about this fraudulent practice, share storeis about "conversion therapy," and understand how we can protect LGBT rights. RSVP appreciated but not required. Call (855) 841-8356 or e-mail ashley@splcenter.org. The DC Center cure2.pngHas anyone tried to cure you of being gay? Share your story! Help Expose the lies behind "conversion" therapy and help other LGBT people who have undergone or are considering "therapy" to "cure" themselves.

Tuesday December 13th at Bus Boys & Poets, 2021 14th Street NW at V Street. 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

The idea that one's sexual orientation can be changed through therapy is a dangerous lie, and has been discredited by medical and counseling organisations. Please join the Southern Poverty Law Center and Truth Wins out to learn from experts about this fraudulent practice, share storeis about "conversion therapy," and understand how we can protect LGBT rights.

RSVP appreciated but not required. Call (855) 841-8356 or e-mail ashley@splcenter.org.


]]> National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.2025 2011-11-18T22:17:15Z 2011-11-19T02:28:44Z The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is the coming together of all people of faith to unite with purpose, compassion and hope. Through the power of God's love we will educate every American about HIV prevention facts; encourage and support HIV testing; advocate for the availability of compassionate care and treatment for all those living with the disease in every community in America; and love unconditionally all persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS takes place March 4th through 10th, 2012. For more information, visit www.nationalweekofprayerforthehealingofaids.org The DC Center prayerweek1.gifThe National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is the coming together of all people of faith to unite with purpose, compassion and hope. Through the power of God's love we will educate every American about HIV prevention facts; encourage and support HIV testing; advocate for the availability of compassionate care and treatment for all those living with the disease in every community in America; and love unconditionally all persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS takes place March 4th through 10th, 2012. For more information, visit www.nationalweekofprayerforthehealingofaids.org

]]> Center Arts Presents: Kazim Ali's Poetry Reading and Presentation tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.1933 2011-10-04T19:20:47Z 2011-10-11T17:53:47Z Please join us for an evening with award-winning writer Kazim Ali. Kazim will read selections from his work and also share reflections on his recent trip to Palestine and Israel. Thursday, October 20 7:00 PM-9:00 PM The DC Center 1318 U Street, NW $5 suggested donation Kazim Ali is the author of two books of poetry, The Far Mosque, winner of Alice James Books' New England/New York Award, and The Fortieth Day. As a translator, he has published Water's Footfall by Sohrab Sepehri. Ali is also the author of the novel Quinn's Passage, named one of "The Best Books of 2005" by Chronogram magazine, The Disappearance of Seth, Bright Felon: Autobiography and Cities, Orange Alert: Essays on Poetry, Art and the Architecture of Silence, and Fasting for Ramadan. He is an assistant professor of Creative Writing at Oberlin College and teaches in the Stonecoast MFA program of the University of Southern Maine and is a founding editor of Nightboat Books. Sponsored by: The Asian American Literary Review The DC Center for the LGBT Community Interfaith Peace-Builders Split This Rock RSVP on Facebook. Sign up to volunteer. Front Desk Kazim Ali graphic.jpgPlease join us for an evening with award-winning writer Kazim Ali. Kazim will read selections from his work and also share reflections on his recent trip to Palestine and Israel.

Thursday, October 20
7:00 PM-9:00 PM
The DC Center
1318 U Street, NW
$5 suggested donation

Kazim Ali is the author of two books of poetry, The Far Mosque, winner of Alice James Books' New England/New York Award, and The Fortieth Day. As a translator, he has published Water's Footfall by Sohrab Sepehri.

Ali is also the author of the novel Quinn's Passage, named one of "The Best Books of 2005" by Chronogram magazine, The Disappearance of Seth, Bright Felon: Autobiography and Cities, Orange Alert: Essays on Poetry, Art and the Architecture of Silence, and Fasting for Ramadan.

He is an assistant professor of Creative Writing at Oberlin College and teaches in the Stonecoast MFA program of the University of Southern Maine and is a founding editor of Nightboat Books.

Sponsored by:
The Asian American Literary Review
The DC Center for the LGBT Community
Interfaith Peace-Builders
Split This Rock

RSVP on Facebook.

Sign up to volunteer.


]]> Wayne Hoffman reads "Sweet Like Sugar" tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.1899 2011-09-13T16:42:30Z 2011-09-13T16:56:05Z Wayne Hoffman, gay author and bear extraordinaire, will be reading from his new novel, "Sweet Like Sugar" on Sunday, September 18 · 2:00pm - 3:00pm at Barnes and Noble, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, MD. In Yiddish, there is a word for it: bashert--the person you are fated to meet. Twenty-something Benji Steiner is skeptical of the concept. But the elderly rabbi who stumbles into Benji's office one day has no doubts. Rabbi Jacob Zuckerman's late wife, Sophie, was his bashert. And now that she is gone, he grapples with grief and loneliness. Touched by the rabbi's plight, Benji becomes his helper--driving him home after work, sitting in his living room listening to stories. Their friendship baffles everyone, especially Benji's sharp-tongued, modestly observant mother, but Benji is rediscovering something he didn't know he'd lost. The test of their friendship, and their faith, lies in the difficult truths they come to share. With each revelation, Benji learns what it means not just to be Jewish but to be fully human--imperfect, striving, and searching for acceptance. Front Desk Sweet Like Sugar graphic.jpgWayne Hoffman, gay author and bear extraordinaire, will be reading from his new novel, "Sweet Like Sugar" on Sunday, September 18 · 2:00pm - 3:00pm at Barnes and Noble, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, MD.

In Yiddish, there is a word for it: bashert--the person you are fated to meet. Twenty-something Benji Steiner is skeptical of the concept. But the elderly rabbi who stumbles into Benji's office one day has no doubts. Rabbi Jacob Zuckerman's late wife, Sophie, was his bashert. And now that she is gone, he grapples with grief and loneliness.

Touched by the rabbi's plight, Benji becomes his helper--driving him home after work, sitting in his living room listening to stories. Their friendship baffles everyone, especially Benji's sharp-tongued, modestly observant mother, but Benji is rediscovering something he didn't know he'd lost.

The test of their friendship, and their faith, lies in the difficult truths they come to share. With each revelation, Benji learns what it means not just to be Jewish but to be fully human--imperfect, striving, and searching for acceptance.

]]> Save the Date: National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.1809 2011-08-03T02:58:57Z 2011-08-03T03:02:18Z The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is the coming together of all people of faith to unite with purpose, compassion and hope. Through the power of God's love we will educate every American about HIV prevention facts; encourage and support HIV testing; advocate for the availability of compassionate care and treatment for all those living with the disease in every community in America; and love unconditionally all persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS takes place March 6th through 12th, 2011. For more information, visit www.nationalweekofprayerforthehealingofaids.org The DC Center prayerweek1.gifThe National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is the coming together of all people of faith to unite with purpose, compassion and hope. Through the power of God's love we will educate every American about HIV prevention facts; encourage and support HIV testing; advocate for the availability of compassionate care and treatment for all those living with the disease in every community in America; and love unconditionally all persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS takes place March 6th through 12th, 2011. For more information, visit www.nationalweekofprayerforthehealingofaids.org

]]> Bilingual Guide on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and the Bible for Latino/a Families and Churches tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.1808 2011-08-03T02:50:13Z 2011-08-03T02:55:22Z HRC is proud to announce the release of it's latest guide and pastoral resource, A La Familia: A Conversation About Our Families, the Bible, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. LGBT people often face unique challenges in Latino/a families and churches. To help in the process of acceptance and inclusion, A La Familia is born out of a profound desire to faithfully integrate an excluded group of people back into the life of their churches and families. This bilingual guide was written by HRC Religion Council member Miguel De La Torre and jointly produced by HRC, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and UNID@S. Conversations about sexuality, gender identity, faith, and family are essential for building and sustaining robust and vibrant communities that value the spiritual life of all its people. A La Familia, written by Latinos/as for Latinos/as will generate and support such conversations among Latino/a Protestant and Catholics about family, the Bible, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and what God calls us to be to one another. A La Familia can be downloaded for free here; www.hrc.org/familia The DC Center alafamilia.pngHRC is proud to announce the release of it's latest guide and pastoral resource, A La Familia: A Conversation About Our Families, the Bible, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. LGBT people often face unique challenges in Latino/a families and churches. To help in the process of acceptance and inclusion, A La Familia is born out of a profound desire to faithfully integrate an excluded group of people back into the life of their churches and families. This bilingual guide was written by HRC Religion Council member Miguel De La Torre and jointly produced by HRC, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and UNID@S.

Conversations about sexuality, gender identity, faith, and family are essential for building and sustaining robust and vibrant communities that value the spiritual life of all its people. A La Familia, written by Latinos/as for Latinos/as will generate and support such conversations among Latino/a Protestant and Catholics about family, the Bible, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and what God calls us to be to one another.

A La Familia can be downloaded for free here; www.hrc.org/familia

]]> MCC DC Participates in the SHARE Program tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.1774 2011-07-25T20:06:45Z 2011-07-25T20:32:02Z The Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC is one of the area's largest participants in the SHARE (Self Help And Resource Exchange) program. The program helps to defray "top-dollar" grocery food items, for a fraction of the price of commercial grocery stores. MCCDC offers ANYONE (regardless of their relationship status with the church or income level) to participate in the program by pre-ordering various packages of groceries (varied by contents and amount) for our once-a-month distribution. All orders are placed with the strictest of confidentiality. You typically order your food package(s) at the beginning of the month, pay by the middle, and pick them up toward the end. MCCDC provides advanced announcements of each month's order / payment / distribution schedule. The Pastoral Care Ministers pick up the grocery packages and bring them to the church for pick up and distribution (on a pre-determined Saturday). For more information, contact: www.mccdc.com The DC Center dwaynejohnsona1.gifThe Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC is one of the area's largest participants in the SHARE (Self Help And Resource Exchange) program. The program helps to defray "top-dollar" grocery food items, for a fraction of the price of commercial grocery stores. MCCDC offers ANYONE (regardless of their relationship status with the church or income level) to participate in the program by pre-ordering various packages of groceries (varied by contents and amount) for our once-a-month distribution.

All orders are placed with the strictest of confidentiality. You typically order your food package(s) at the beginning of the month, pay by the middle, and pick them up toward the end. MCCDC provides advanced announcements of each month's order / payment / distribution schedule. The Pastoral Care Ministers pick up the grocery packages and bring them to the church for pick up and distribution (on a pre-determined Saturday).

For more information, contact: www.mccdc.com

]]> Milk and Honey: A Celebration of Jewish Lesbian Poetry tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.1700 2011-06-25T23:41:59Z 2011-06-28T21:11:35Z Join us on August 6th at 7pm as we celebrate the new book Milk and Honey: A Celebration of Jewish Lesbian Poetry edited by Julie R. Enszer. This event is free and open to the public. This is the closing event for the OutWrite LGBT Book Fair. Find out more at www.outwritedc.org In this land of Milk & Honey, poems flow. Contemporary Jewish, lesbian poets address an array of experiences - relationships between and among women, family relationships, politics, solitude, ethical responsibilities, history, solidarity, and community. Milk & Honey features beloved poets like Ellen Bass, Robin Becker, Elana Dykewomon, Marilyn Hacker, Sharron Hass, Eleanor Lerman, Joan Nestle, Lesléa Newman and Ellen Orleans, as well as new and emerging voices. With language and imagery that moves from the sensual and political to the tender and serene, Milk & Honey explores the vibrant, complicated, exhilarating experience of being Jewish and lesbian--or queer--in the world today. About Julie Enszer Julie R. Enszer's first book of poems is Handmade Love (A Midsummer Night's Press). She has published also published the chapbook Sisterhood (Seven Kitchens Press). She has an MFA from the University of Maryland and is enrolled currently in the PhD program in Women's Studies at the University of Maryland. This event is co-sponsored by GLOE - GLBT Outreach & Engagement, which engages metropolitan Washington's LGBTQ Jewish community by sponsoring original programming and fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment at the Washington DCJCC. The DC Center milkandhoney.pngJoin us on August 6th at 7pm as we celebrate the new book Milk and Honey: A Celebration of Jewish Lesbian Poetry edited by Julie R. Enszer. This event is free and open to the public.

This is the closing event for the OutWrite LGBT Book Fair. Find out more at www.outwritedc.org

In this land of Milk & Honey, poems flow. Contemporary Jewish, lesbian poets address an array of experiences - relationships between and among women, family relationships, politics, solitude, ethical responsibilities, history, solidarity, and community.

Milk & Honey features beloved poets like Ellen Bass, Robin Becker, Elana Dykewomon, Marilyn Hacker, Sharron Hass, Eleanor Lerman, Joan Nestle, Lesléa Newman and Ellen Orleans, as well as new and emerging voices.

With language and imagery that moves from the sensual and political to the tender and serene, Milk & Honey explores the vibrant, complicated, exhilarating experience of being Jewish and lesbian--or queer--in the world today.

About Julie Enszer

Julie R. Enszer's first book of poems is Handmade Love (A Midsummer Night's Press). She has published also published the chapbook Sisterhood (Seven Kitchens Press). She has an MFA from the University of Maryland and is enrolled currently in the PhD program in Women's Studies at the University of Maryland.

This event is co-sponsored by GLOE - GLBT Outreach & Engagement, which engages metropolitan Washington's LGBTQ Jewish community by sponsoring original programming and fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment at the Washington DCJCC.

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