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MetroEast News - Serving the Southern Illinois Region

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Out-N-About Dinner Club- Jan 9th (all invited)

www.HopeandHelpCenter.Org

Jan 9th ~ Out-N-About Dinner Club @ Soda Fountain Square
7pm - 9pm (Lafayette Square) www.sodafountainsquare.net
INFO---
outandabout@mccgsl.org

The Out N About ministry is a social outreach of MCCGSL, and offers fun and fellowship on a monthly basis. If you are looking to make new friends, this is a great opportunity to meet some great people.

Rumor has it, if your a "1st timer", Dinner is FREE!

More info at: www.MCCGSL.org or email outandabout@mccgsl.org for more details!

Monday, December 29, 2008

Rev. Elder Emeritus Troy Perry - Founder MCC Churches

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/

I recently came accross this sermon he delivered to MCCLA in 2005, in honor of the Denomination's 37th Anniversary. The video begins with a short music program, and scripture readings, followed by the message.

Rev. Elder Emeritus Troy Perry is the founder of Metropolitan Community Churches, beginning in Los Angeles- October, 1968. Rev. Perry served as the Moderator of the Demonomination for many years. Leading our church into hundreds of congregations in dozens of countries around the globe. Today, MCC churches are moderated by Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, who also served as pastor of the LosAngeles Congregation in the early 1990's.

http://www.mccchurch.org/

Friday, December 26, 2008

Employment Workshop @ The Hope and Help Center



http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/

MCCGSL & The Hope and Help Center will be hosting an Employment Workshop for anyone who is currently seeking employment, or simply wishes to refresh job-seeking skills.

Topics include: Resume writing, Interview Skills, Job-Seeking Strategies, and more!

To RSVP for this FREE EVENT: info@hopeandhelpcenter.org

MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT: http://hopeandhelpcenter.org/jobs.aspx

**You may forward this to anyone of interest

Save the DATE!! January Events~

www.HopeandHelpCenter.Org

Jan 9th ~ Out-N-About Dinner Club @ Soda Fountain Square
7pm - 9pm INFO--- outandabout@mccgsl.org

Jan 11th ~ Worship Participant Training
Anyone interested in participation in worship services at MCCGSL
INFO --- worshipparticipants@mccgsl.org

Jan 17th ~ Recovering from Homophobic Religion ( a seminar series begins)
An in-depth exploration of homosexuality and the bible
Space is limited ~ REGISTER TODAY (FREE) info@mccgsl.org
Series takes place SATURDAYS 9AM to 10:30

Jan 23rd ~ Out N About GAME NIGHT 7PM
All are welcome! Fun and Games outandabout@mccgsl.org

Jan 23rd ~ Admin. Board Meeting (1919 S. Broadway)

Jan 26th & 28th ~ The Hope and Help Center
- EMPLOYMENT SKILLS WORKSHOP
Regisiter at: info@hopeandhelpcenter.org
This two-day seminar series, is designed to assist our community
with skills needed for job seeking in todays market.
Topics include:
RESUME writing, INTERVIEW skills, and Job Search assistance

**All events sponsored by MCCGSL, and offer community participation without financial cost. We invite EVERYONE to join us, whether you are a member of MCC or any church.

"Come as you are... Believing as you do!"
www.MCCGSL.org www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

Thursday, December 25, 2008

"Light a Candle" DVD available soon!

www.HopeandHelpCenter.Org

DVD’s of the choir concert will be for sale. Orders may be placed after worship on 12/21 & 12/28and the night of the concert in the CHEF’s reception area. Reserve your copy today!

For more information contact Katie Hotze, photoart_productions@hotmail.com.
Not in St. Louis? contact The Hope and Help Center, we will arrange to send you one!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas from The Hope and Help Center!



www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

The staff of MCCGSL, and volunteers of The Hope and Help Center, wish you and your loved ones a joyful Holiday Season, and may you be filled with the warmth of spirit, and Joy as we share this special time of celebration of God's Love, and birth of Jesus.

We have been honored to serve the needs of our community in 2008, and are looking forward to new endeavors in the new year. We wish to thank each of our supporters and visitors, that have made The Hope and Help Center possible.

Warmest Regards,

Colby , editor- The Hope and Help Center

webmaster@hopeandhelpcenter.org

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Co-Pay Assistance Program Now Available



Truvada, Viread and Emtriva Co-Pay Assistance Program Now Available

Gilead Sciences has launched a Truvada co-payment assistance program to help eligible people living with HIV reduce their out-of-pocket medication expenses. The program kicks in for insurance co-payments above $50 and covers up to $200 a month for Truvada (tenofovir plus emtricitabine), as well as Viread (tenofovir) and Emtriva (emtricitabine) if they are used separately.

HIV-positive people are eligible for the new Gilead program if they have out-of-pocket costs associated with insurance co-payments for their medications and their prescriptions are not covered by Medicaid, Medicare, a state AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) or other government-funded assistance program.

Because of its licensing agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb, Gilead is unable to extend its co-payment assistance program to prescriptions for Atripla (efavirenz, tenofovir and emtricitabine). Additionally, Massachusetts residents are not eligible for the program.

Patients can enroll by obtaining a co-payment assistance card from their physicians or health care providers. If a health care provider does not have a card available, patients can call a toll-free number (888.358.0398) to enroll immediately and receive a card in the mail.

Search: Truvada, Viread, Emtriva, Atripla, co-payment, insurance, ADAP, Medicaid, Medicare, assistance

Monday, December 22, 2008

Breast Cancer Screens (FREE) Jan 7th~~'09


Breast Cancer Screening January 7

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/
FREE Breast Cancer Screening on Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 at St. Anthony of Padua Parish Hall. Please print out, post and distribute this flyer as appropriate.

A few quick things...

*$10 Schnucks Gift Card for all women who have a mammogram*

Appointments are required for mammograms and can be made by
calling Barb, the Parish Nurse, at 314-655-0554.


St. John's Mercy Neighborhood Ministry
3660 Gravois Ave
Saint Louis, MO 63116



www.stjohnsmercy.org/services/neighborhoodministry

Hwy 40 Update


http://hopeandhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2008/12/hwy-40-update.html

Please be aware of the upcoming I-64 highway closures:

Starting at 3:00 p.m. on December 14, 2008, MoDOT and Gateway Constructors
will begin closing I-64/Highway 40 from Kingshighway to 170; the west
portion of the highway, from 170 to Ballas Road will reopen at the same
time, and be open before rush hour on December 15, 2008.

* On December 15, 2008, Oakland Avenue will close completely at I-64
and remain closed for six months; when Oakland reopens, Clayton Road at I-64
will be closed completely for six months.


* On December 15, 2008, Laclede Station Road will close for 90 days.


* On December 19 - 22, 2008, McCausland will be closed completely; it
will reopen on December 23, 2008


* On December 29, 2008, Hanley will close completely at I-64 for 8
months; when Hanley reopens, Big Bend will be closed, and will remain closed
for six months.


* On January 12, 2009, Claytonia Terrace will close intermittently for
90 days.


* The Hampton bridge over I-64 into Forest Park will reopen on May 22,
2009

For more information visit: www.modot.mo.gov

Sunday, December 21, 2008

MCCGSL Media "HUB" & Photo Album!


http://mccgsl.podbean.com

Now you can find all of MCCGSL online media at one central "Hub"!
Visit Us online, and catch the latest sermons! Audio & Video

ALSO SEE the MCCGSL Photo album! http://mccgsl.shutterfly.com

As always, find the latest updates from The Hope and Help Center ~ find our RSS feed here:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/thehopeandhelpcenter

Free Prescription Assistance (MO ONLY)

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

The MoRX plan works with Medicare Part D to help missourians save money on prescriptions. MoRX covers 50% of the Medicare Part D "gap" and pays 50% of the Medicare Part D co-pays. No enrollment fee or deductible is required.

To learn more visit online at www.morx.mo.gov
or call 1-800-375-1406
**This program is provided by the MO Dept of Social Services

DOWNLOAD INFO NOW:

Saturday, December 20, 2008

"Light A Candle" This Sunday @6pm

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/
MCC of Greater St. Louis will present it's annual Christmas concert for ONE NIGHT ONLY this year, due to our temporary location at 112 Sidney Street in Soulard. An evening of festivities and music have been planned for December 21, 2008 @ 6pm.


WHEN: Dec 21, 2008 6PM


WHERE: 112 Sidney Street (IN SOULARD) 63104


WHO: MCCGSL Choir & Friends!


More info? choir@mccgsl.org


EVERYONE IS INVITED!! (SPACE IS LIMITED)

Thursday, December 18, 2008

HELP with Christmas Gifts - Share or receive

Help Someone or Get Help (St. Louis Metro) www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

If you need help with Christmas gifts, money, etc. or can help someone else please visit www.needsharing.org .

It's a Christian based website that's totally free and can make a world of difference in someone's life. (This Site IS NOT affiliated with The Hope and Help Center, but may be useful!)

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

December E-News Update

http://HopeandHelpCenter.org/enewsupdates.aspx

Download as PDF file:

"Light A Candle" Christmas Sunday @6pm

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/
MCC of Greater St. Louis will present it's annual Christmas concert for ONE NIGHT ONLY this year, due to our temporary location at 112 Sidney Street in Soulard. An evening of festivities and music have been planned for December 21, 2008 @ 6pm.


WHEN: Dec 21, 2008 6PM


WHERE: 112 Sidney Street (IN SOULARD) 63104


WHO: MCCGSL Choir & Friends!


More info? choir@mccgsl.org


EVERYONE IS INVITED!! (SPACE IS LIMITED)

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Salon Owner Needed

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

Salon Owner Needed to RENT entire salon - $650 (Emerson Park Metrolink)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: ckluthe@justinepetersen.org
Date: 2008-12-16, 2:40PM CST

Dont miss this amazing opportunity!

justinePETERSEN, a local non-profit organization is currently developing a HAIR & NAIL SALON, to be located at the Emerson Park Metrolink station.

This fully furnished salon will be for RENT in January 2009. The Salon is located adjacent to the Emerson Park Metrolink platform, in a newly completed building. Salon includes 3 stations, reception desk, and two dry-stations.

Owner would operate as thier own business, and would be responsible for staffing, and product lines they wish to offer. Rent of the entire salon is $650/mo. *individual stations not offered*

About the LOCATION: Emerson Park Metrolink Station, is a full-service Park & RIDE station, with more than 2000 daily commuters that utilize the station as an arrival or departure destination. It is a modern facility, which already houses a St.Clair county Sherrifs office, Cafe, and soon a Business Resource Center (WIFI hotspot)

INTERESTED?? Contact us today to learn more! ckluthe@justinepetersen.org
or 314-664-5051 ext 112

http://www.justinepetersen.org/

http://posting.stlouis.backpage.com/gyrobase/classifieds/VerifyAd.html/1379627/9305b8dd

Monday, December 15, 2008

Join the Hope and Help Center! Subscribe today

SUBSCRIBE NOW



http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/
As the story goes: "it was through a casual conversation at a party..." many of us may already know what happened next.
It was the beginning of a bold vision.
Both the Hope and Help Center, and the even larger mission
"One Saint Louis".
A bold and inclusive community HUB; where our community interacts as ONE.
The Hope and Help Center of St. Louis is here to provide a central source of information and resources. To foster those "Casual Conversations" that create miracles.
314-707-7267

Subscription available via RSS reader, or by email updates.
Email subscribers get ONE email per day, at either 6:30PM or 11:30pm (your choice)

6PM Mail delivery: visit: http://feeds.feedburner.com/hopeandhelpcenterofstlouis

11PM Mail delivery: visit: http://feeds.feedburner.com/thehopeandhelpcenter
RSS Subscribers may choose either selection!

Breast Cancer Screening January 7

www.hopeandhelpcenter.org

Breast Cancer Screening January 7

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

FREE Breast Cancer Screening on Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 at St. Anthony of Padua Parish Hall. Please print out, post and distribute this flyer as appropriate.

A few quick things...

*$10 Schnucks Gift Card for all women who have a mammogram*

Appointments are required for mammograms and can be made by calling Barb, the Parish Nurse, at 314-655-0554.


St. John's Mercy Neighborhood Ministry
3660 Gravois Ave
Saint Louis, MO 63116

314-865-0927 ext 4

314-865-0679 (fax)

www.stjohnsmercy.org/services/neighborhoodministry

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Sage is awarded grant from MCCGSL

http://www.HopeandHelpCenter.Org/sage.aspx

http://www.sagemetrostl.org/

MCCGSL, awards annually 10% of the proceeds from the Annuall Golf classic to a community organization each year. The 2008 Recipient was SAGE, which received a check for $2300 to further the programs with this wonderful organization.

To Learn more, visit them online,
We also have additional information available for download, at: http://www.HopeandHelpCenter.Org/sage.aspx

Recent Articles :
Monday, November 3, 2008
SAGE now offers expert panel

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/sage.aspx
SAGE is excited to announce a new resource available to you through the SAGE Metro St. Louis Website. "SAGE's Ask the Expert Forum Directory" is an online resource forum hosted by the founding SAGE, SAGE USA, and made available to SAGE affiliates. At SAGE's Ask the Expert, you can ask questions related to LGBT aging, life planning, your rights and the law. To access this sight simply go to the SAGE Metro St. Louis website and click on the "Ask the Expert" tab.

We thank SAGE USA for making this resource available to LGBT older adults in Metro St. Louis. Please feel free to share this information with your family and friends!

SAGE Metro St. Louis
(314) 821-4845
http://www.sagemetrostl.org

Friday, December 12, 2008

"Anyone But Me" Launches on Strike TV!!

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/

ANYONE BUT ME
Webseries from Susan Miller

LAUNCHES TODAY ON STRIKE TV

ANYONE BUT ME, a new webseries about diverse young people finding their way in the post 9/11 age, premieres today. .

So, please click on http://www.strike.tv/show/anyone-but-me
right now or tonight or even tomorrow.

Every week we'll be adding new episodes, and each episode will always be available for viewing as many times as you like. So give us a look and help us build a presence on the web.

To learn more about the series, go to www.anyonebutmeseries.com

Kwanzaa Holiday Expo

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat., Dec. 13; noon-6 p.m., Sun., Dec. 14
Where: West End Community Center, 724 N. Union
Extra special: Gospelfest, 2-5 p.m., Dec. 13 (no extra charge)
Cost: $5 per person
Info: 314-367-3440, www.betterfamilylife.org

The Expo, sponsored by Better Family Life Inc., features African-American vendors selling products such as apparel, custom-made jewelry, fine art, books, household goods, self care products, fine fabrics and food. Entertainment includes Expressions in Poetry; Focus, vocal ensemble; Mixed Images, rhythm and blues band; Matiff Hip Hop Dancers; Ptah Williams Jazz Trio and Working the Spirit, music ensemble.

"Light A Candle" concert DEC 21st @6pm

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/
MCC of Greater St. Louis will present it's annual Christmas concert for ONE NIGHT ONLY this year, due to our temporary location at 112 Sidney Street in Soulard. An evening of festivities and music have been planned for December 21, 2008 @ 6pm.


WHEN: Dec 21, 2008 6PM


WHERE: 112 Sidney Street (IN SOULARD) 63104


WHO: MCCGSL Choir & Friends!


More info? choir@mccgsl.org


EVERYONE IS INVITED!! (SPACE IS LIMITED)

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Breast Cancer Screening January 7

Breast Cancer Screening January 7

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
FREE Breast Cancer Screening on Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 at St. Anthony of Padua Parish Hall. Please print out, post and distribute this flyer as appropriate.

A few quick things...

*$10 Schnucks Gift Card for all women who have a mammogram*

Appointments are required for mammograms and can be made by calling Barb, the Parish Nurse, at 314-655-0554.


St. John's Mercy Neighborhood Ministry
3660 Gravois Ave
Saint Louis, MO 63116

314-865-0927 ext 4

314-865-0679 (fax)

www.stjohnsmercy.org/services/neighborhoodministry

News & Notes 12-7-08

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

Download the News and Notes for the Second Sunday in Advent 12-7-08

Bring a TOY this Sunday!

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Bring a new, unwrapped toys for children ages 1-14 years.
OR
Donte gift certificates to area vendors to assist with toy drive shopping.

Make a monetary donation to the Holiday Gold for Kids Toy Drive.

MCCGSL will be collecting these toys at our Sunday Services on DECEMBER 14th
Or Drop them by the offices at 1919 S Broadway during the week! Every litle bit helps someone!


WHY?

The children you are helping are living with the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS.
The toys you give them will most likely be the only toys they receive this holiday season.
The Holiday Gold for Kids Toy Drive provides hope to many during the holiday season!

WHEN?
Monday, November 26 – Friday, December 21, 2007
MORE INFO?
Call: Stacey Slovacek (314) 454-4714
or email: danny@mccgsl.org
http://projectark.wustl.edu/toydrive.html

Sunday, December 7, 2008

"Light a Candle" Concert Dec 21st - MCC Choir

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/
MCC of Greater St. Louis will present it's annual Christmas concert for ONE NIGHT ONLY this year, due to our temporary location at 112 Sidney Street in Soulard. An evening of festivities and music have been planned for December 21, 2008 @ 6pm.


WHEN: Dec 21, 2008 6PM


WHERE: 112 Sidney Street (IN SOULARD) 63104


WHO: MCCGSL Choir & Friends!


More info? choir@mccgsl.org


EVERYONE IS INVITED!! (SPACE IS LIMITED)

Holidays w/ BAND TOGETHER DEC 20TH


www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

Celebrate the holidays with your favorite community band.
On Saturday, December 20, BandTogether, the St. Louis GLBTA community concert band, presents “A Most Wonderful Christmas,” its annual holiday concert. The program includes a blend of traditional holiday carols, Bizet’s “Farandole”, new takes on classics like Mannheim Steamroller’s “Hallelujah,” along with nicely wrapped packages of other holiday favorites and surprises.

Although the concert is open to the public and admission is FREE (no tickets required), tax-deductible donations and applause are greatly appreciated. Consider becoming a BandFriend with your donation; information will be available at the concert.

www.BandTogetherSTL.com


WHAT: Holiday Concert – “A Most Wonderful Christmas”
WHEN: Saturday, December 20, 2008, at 8 pm
COST: FREE, but donations graciously accepted.
WHERE: E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center,
560 Trinity Avenue (in the Delmar Loop)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BandTogether, the St. Louis GLBTA community concert band, was formed in 1997 and has grown to include over 100 musicians and dozens of volunteers and boosters. The organization produces four public performances each year and participates in the annual PrideFest parade.

As a volunteer community band, BandTogether's main purposes are to provide the GLBTA community's instrumentalists a musical outlet and to offer unique musical offerings to the community and beyond.

Weekly Devotional - Second Sunday of Advent - LOVE

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

Weekly Devotional - Second Sunday of Advent - LOVE

by Rev. Sue Yarber

1 Corinthians 13

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

It doesn't seem to matter how many times I have heard these words, each time I get a key phrase that rings in my head as a resounding bell, bidding me to take a closer look inside. I can quickly list the ways in which I fall short of the kind of love described in the epistle to the church at Corinth. It is far more challenging to see the ways that I bear this kind of love in the world. Even to consider that I am a Christ-bearer, one who strives to exemplify Christ's love in this broken and battered world, is a lot to take in.

Beyond the worldly notions of love: romantic, giddy, passionate love, and nurturing, gentle, protective love, there is a love that lasts forever, a truth that never dies. God's unconditional love for us lays a road for us to follow into the light of day that will not darken. Love is, in the end the only thing that matters. It is the one thing upon which every life is, ultimately, measured. I have never preached a funeral in which the person's profession was the main topic or the kind of car they drove was of any consequence whatsoever. All I have ever talked about is how the person demonstrated love for God and the world around them. Love is the only thing that lasts forever.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can now receive the weekly meditation in your email inbox. Please indicate on your attendance card or email danny@mccgsl.org to be added to the list.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

JOB OPENING @ MCCGSL

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/
http://www.mccgsl.org/

MCC of Greater St. Louis (MCCGSL) has an immediate opening for an
administrative assistant.

Interested Candidates should contact: dan@mccgsl.org
Download Job Description:

On Transgender at MCCGSL

http://hopeandhelpcenter.org/transgenderunity.aspx
On Transgender at MCCGSL
From: Ramblings on the Road to transition
location: Home
mood: hopeful
music: Doug Smith - Guitar - Order of Magnitude

Through the years the Transgender population at Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Saint Louis has been rather small. Part of that is I suspect due to the bad rap that Transgendered folks get from many religious denominations and partly due to a lack of outreach to the Transgender community. As a part of our TDOR service for 2008 we made a point of inviting members of the St. Louis Gender Foundation to join us as we paid respect to those who died this year because they tried to live their lives as who they truly were. While their turnout was limited it would appear that the ice has been broken. A case in point. Two women who are Gender Foundation members and have recently started transition and the Real Life Test have contacted me in the last couple of weeks looking for information on MCCGSL. Both came to our 11:30 service today and I would venture to guess that they will be back - this is our modern or "contemporary" service and I suspect that they may have been a bit surprised by the sheer energy/exuberance that they found. Not to mention the warm but not I hope overpowering greeting. A comment from one was "This is nothing like the Church of England!". Welcome Stephanie and Chrissie - we hope to see much of you in the future. And if you prefer something more traditional then our 9:30 service may be to your liking.

So what comes next? I've spoken of joining the Gender Foundation and I suspect that this will be my next move. The chance to put a human face on MCCGSL and let them get to know us is something not to be missed. An email asking in effect "Can I come out and play too?" will be sent - I'll be interested in the response.

Cross posted to: Transchristian
Tags: religion, transgender
Posted on Nov. 30th, 2008 at 04:08 pm http://a-nony-mouse54.livejournal.com/62224.html

Friday, December 5, 2008

A Nehemiah Time? Cindi Love - Exec Dir. UFMCC

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
A Nehemiah Time?

Is MCC facing a Nehemiah time? In the seven-page Interim Report on the state of MCC at year end, Executive Director, the Rev. Dr. Cindi Love describes why she thinks we are. The report reviews and applauds what has been achieved as part of MCC's restructuring approved by the General Conference July 2001, details the steps that have been taken across the denomination to increase efficiency and control costs (particularly in a declining global economy) and analyzes where we are right now. In closing, Rev. Love suggests ways that every MCC member, ally and church can come together, and dig deeper, driven by conviction and faith, to meet the challenges of this Nehemiah time. To read the full report, click here. (PDF webpage)

Rev. Dr. Cindi Love
Executive Director

Thursday, December 4, 2008

"Light a Candle" Concert Dec 21st!! ONE NIGHT ONLY

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/
MCC of Greater St. Louis will present it's annual Christmas concert for ONE NIGHT ONLY this year, due to our temporary location at 112 Sidney Street in Soulard. An evening of festivities and music have been planned for December 21, 2008 @ 6pm.


WHEN: Dec 21, 2008 6PM


WHERE: 112 Sidney Street (IN SOULARD) 63104


WHO: MCCGSL Choir & Friends!


More info? choir@mccgsl.org


EVERYONE IS INVITED!! (SPACE IS LIMITED)

Hwy 40 Construction Update


www.hopeandhelpcenter.org

Please be aware of the upcoming I-64 highway closures:

Starting at 3:00 p.m. on December 14, 2008, MoDOT and Gateway Constructors
will begin closing I-64/Highway 40 from Kingshighway to 170; the west
portion of the highway, from 170 to Ballas Road will reopen at the same
time, and be open before rush hour on December 15, 2008.

* On December 15, 2008, Oakland Avenue will close completely at I-64
and remain closed for six months; when Oakland reopens, Clayton Road at I-64
will be closed completely for six months.


* On December 15, 2008, Laclede Station Road will close for 90 days.


* On December 19 - 22, 2008, McCausland will be closed completely; it
will reopen on December 23, 2008


* On December 29, 2008, Hanley will close completely at I-64 for 8
months; when Hanley reopens, Big Bend will be closed, and will remain closed
for six months.


* On January 12, 2009, Claytonia Terrace will close intermittently for
90 days.


* The Hampton bridge over I-64 into Forest Park will reopen on May 22,
2009

For more information visit: www.modot.mo.gov

Volunteers NEEDED! Set-Ups & TearDowns OH MY!


www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

Hello Leaders-

I have been so grateful for all of your help. We are almost there. This is
Sunday is the big test. We have a set up and a tear down. In addition, we
have to be out of the building by 1:00PM. We will be very light in what we
bring up and accommodations have been made for the 2nd service. CHEF's will
only be serving coffee and water. The amazing Kirk Wood will once again
serve as the on-site coordinator for both the set up and tear down. Thanks
to Ron White for filling in last Sunday! No one has actually signed up to
set up chairs this Sunday. If you are able to set up chairs this Sunday,
please respond to this email. Team leaders, you will want to arrive in time
to have your space set up by 8:45AM. At the end of the second service, we
will need all hands on deck to assist with a fast and efficient tear down.
Once again, please read the tear down instructions below to see how to best
make that happen. As always, I invite you to bring a friend....

Finally, I don't have any chair anchors for the chair set up on 12/14. If
you can't set up chairs on 12/7, please let me know if 12/14 works

-12/7 Set up & Tear down (no risers)

-12/14 Set up (risers)

Ministry leaders are clear on their set up and tear down responsibilities.



I have copied all of the folks who have helped over the last year. I want to
make sure that you are aware so that you can assist when available and
recruit others to assist. Kirk Wood is the on -site coordinator for set ups
and tear downs. If you are able to assist with any of these set ups or tear
downs, please follow these guidelines:

-Set ups: If you wish to help move ministry & worship items from the
basement to the main level, Kirk and I arrive at 7AM. If we have enough
folks, we will have some folks bring the chairs from the back of the kitchen
to the banquet hall for the chair volunteers. We must be done with the
elevator by 7:45 for the sound & multimedia volunteers. If you wish to
assist with chairs, please arrive by 8AM. We set up between 275-300 chairs
each week. In an effort to ease set up and tear down, we will not have
multimedia screens through the end of December with the exception of the
Christmas Concert. I have listed above the Sundays we will bring the Choir
risers up. I have also asked all ministry leaders to minimize the items that
are coming up.

-Tear Downs: All chairs should be stacked in stacks of ten. (Sometimes
optional) Chairs can remain in the banquet hall. Team leaders will pack up
all of their items and place in the "staging area" which is in the area of
the Welcome Center. You can assist in taking items from the staging area to
the elevator. There will typically be someone stacking the elevator. The
Sound & Multimedia team will also stack their items in the staging area.
Please assist with putting their items on the elevator. If you plan to
assist the Sound team move their items before it is in the staging area,
please make sure that the items are ready to be moved. After the elevator is
loaded, we need help taking the elevator downstairs and unloading in the
storage area. It is possible, depending on how much is upstairs, there might
be two loads. We are typically done with the tear down by 1:30. (30-45 min
following worship)

Danny Gladden
Communications & Volunteer Ministries
MCC of Greater St. Louis

314-361-3221 ext. 104

http://www.mccgsl.org/

Monday, December 1, 2008

TFL Releases 2nd Album- Whosoever!

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/
http://www.tflmusic.com/

We are proud to announce the long anticpated release of TFL's second Album " Whosoever"
Now Available!

TFL (Turner, Fraley & Long) is an exciting Christain music group based in St. Louis, MO. Our message in music is clear: it is a message of hope, of peace, and of love for every believer. Through this site we hope you'll learn more about us, listen to our music clips and see when we'll be in concert in your area.

BUY IT NOW! http://www.tflmusic.com/id5.html

Listen to clips from the first Album: www.myspace.com/faithstreet

News from Doorways & MO AIDS TASK FORCE



Advocates Urge Obama Administration To Develop U.S. HIV/AIDS Strategy
http://www.doorwayshousing.org/
HIV/AIDS advocates on Tuesday called on President-elect Barack Obama to adopt a comprehensive approach to domestic HIV/AIDS policy when he takes office, CQ HealthBeatreports. The groups encouraged the incoming administration to develop a national strategy to address HIV/AIDS in the U.S. and recommended implementing a domestic HIV/AIDS program modeled after the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. HIV/AIDS researcher Robert Gallo recently proposed a similar approach. "It is astonishing that [the U.S.] has never really set an overall plan and agenda for the country, with measurable outcomes, accountability established and specific timetables for getting to those results," Rebecca Haag, executive director of AIDS Action Council, said. The advocates also called for increased federal funding for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and research programs and called for a departure from some policies enacted under the Bush administration.

Carl Schmid, director of federal affairs at the AIDS Institute, said he is "optimistic" about Obama's election and hopes the new administration will bring "renewed leadership on the domestic HIV/AIDS front" because the disease is "still a major, significant health crisis" in the U.S. Advocates in a letter sent to Obama's transition team -- which included policy recommendations aimed at guiding him during his first 100 days in office -- encouraged the administration to support the higher amounts proposed for federal funding for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and research programs in competing fiscal year 2009 appropriations measures. According to Schmid, the priority given to HIV/AIDS programs in the President-elect's first budget "will be a good signal to the Obama administration's commitment to the domestic [HIV/AIDS] epidemic."

The advocates also called for an increase in federal funding for NIH, including an increase of $450 million for HIV/AIDS research. They also support additional funding for CDC, including an increase of $200 million for HIV prevention and surveillance. In addition, the group called for a $100 million increase in FY 2009 funding for the Ryan White Program and a $614.49 million increase for the program in FY 2010. Christine Lubinski, vice president of global health at the Infectious Diseases Society of America, said the Ryan White Program "has not been funded at adequate levels," adding, "We'll be looking for a budgeting increase and leadership in extending the Ryan White Care Act, which will sunset on Sept. 30."

Haag called on Obama to end some existing policies, including the ban on federal funding for needle-exchange programs, which she called "one of the most effective" tools to reduce HIV transmission. Haag also criticized abstinence-only sex education programs. According to Haag, strong leadership will be necessary to unite and coordinate the efforts of 17 federal agencies that currently work on HIV/AIDS issues. "We have asked that the national AIDS strategy be driven out of the White House," Haag said, adding that "the force of the president's leadership" will be necessary to address HIV/AIDS in the U.S. (Weyl, CQ HealthBeat, 11/25).
Sincerely,
Kevin Crandall
Development and Advocacy Associate
Doorways





Ezekiel Project Ministry & MCC ConNEXTion


Locally Visit the EZEKIEL PROJECT MINISTRY @ MCCGSL!
MCC has published an updated resource guide for HIV/AIDS information.

2012 Digital Directory



www.DanielMcCree.Org

Thanks for everyone's patience...

BellevillePride~ MetroEast News