HOME - Submit News/Events or Editorials to: danielmccreeorg@gmail.com
Or editor@danielmccree.org

FEATURES EVENTS FACEBOOK HOME
MetroEast News - Serving the Southern Illinois Region

Monday, March 30, 2009

Rev. David Lafary- MCCGSL announcement




David Lafary
announced today that as of June 1 I will be the new pastor of Congregational Life at MCC of Greater St. Louis.
Be a Friend on Facebook!
Mccgsl Church We are pleased to announce that Rev. Dave Lafary has been named Pastor of Congregational Life for MCCGSL! We look forward to welcoming Rev. Dave to St. Louis in the coming months.

3/18/2009: Rev. Dave Lafary named Pastor of Congregational Life
The MCCGSL Board of Directors voted to hire Rev. Dave Lafary of Macomb, IL as the new Pastor of Congregational Life. For the last 17 years, Rev. Dave has served as campus minister for the Wesley Foundation at Western Illinois University. Rev. Dave brings a number of gifts and experiences to MCCGSL including small group leader; mission experience coordinator; and campus and community ministry. Rev. Dave will join us after the completion of the spring semester at Western Illinois in May 2009. We welcome Rev. Dave to MCCGSL.


Holy Week Services & Volunteer Reception

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
Holy Week Services
Palm Sunday: April 5,
9:30 AM Worship Service
11:30 AM Worship Service
112 Sidney St.

Holy (Maundy) Thursday: April 9
“This is my body, broken for you. When you eat me, remember me…. This is my blood poured out for you. When you drink it, remember me”.

These are very familiar words for followers of Jesus. More than rhetoric, Jesus lived these words and modeled a life of service and sacrifice.

Join other followers of Jesus on Thursday, April 9, 5:30 to 7:30 at 1919 S. Broadway to reflect on the themes of service and sacrifice.

Good Friday: April 10
This year we are inviting you to participate in the creation of our Good Friday service. The evening will be a night of reflection and contemplation, at 1919 S. Broadway, that will allow us to worship through the experience of art. The most important piece is what we need from each of you. We are going to have a Good Friday Gallery and the artwork that you create will be displayed that night. You are invited to participate in the way that is meaningful to you. Some themes that you might consider are faith, grief, loss, anxious anticipation and unconditional love. You are encouraged to use a wide range of materials from wood and nails to canvas and paints to create your piece. With your participation we hope to envision, explore, and express the Passion of Christ.

Join us anytime on Friday, April 10, 5:30 to 7:30 at 1919 S. Broadway

Easter Sunday: April 12
9:30 AM Worship Service
11:30 AM Worship Service
112 Sidney St.
______________________________________________________________________
Children's Easter Egg Hunt: April 12
MCCGSL is having an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 12 at 1919 S. Broadway after the 11:30 service. There will be two separate areas set up for the hunt; one for children 5 and under and one for children 6 to 10. Older children will also receive a bag of treats. After the hunt, we will have a reception in the room that is designated for Children’s Church. We are in need of volunteers to help make this day a success. If you can do one of the following, please make arrangements with the designated leader:
• Provide 8 to 12 stuffed plastic eggs (Margaret Bley, 314-719-6975)
• Provide snacks for the reception (Dusty Geiger, 314-504-0996)
• Provide security for the hunt (i.e., make sure no children wander too close to the street) (Christine White, 314-952-7709)
Thanks for all your help in making this event the children will remember!

MCCGSL Says THANK YOU to our Volunteers!
Join us for the Volunteer Appreciation Reception
Monday, April 20

Join us anytime between 5:30-7:30PM for:
-Hors d'oeuvre Reception
-A special preview of the narthex and sanctuary
1919 S. Broadway

RSVP to danny@mccgsl.org or 361-3221 ext. 107

Sunday, March 29, 2009

This Wednesday~ Spiritual Expression thru Art!


March 25 and April 1 from 5:30 - 9:00pm. @ 1919 S. Broadway

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/
This year we are inviting you to participate in the creation of our Good Friday service. The evening will be a night of reflection and contemplation that will allow us to worship through the experience of art. The most important piece is what we need from each of you.

You are invited to reflect on the events that surrounded Jesus' death as an inspiration to share their artistic gifts. Some themes that you might consider are faith, grief, loss, anxious anticipation and unconditional love.

You are encouraged to use a wide range of materials from wood and nails to canvas and paints to create your piece. With your participation we hope to envision, explore, and express the Passion of Christ.
So now what:
Think outside the box and create an expressive piece of art to be displayed in the Good Friday Gallery.
There will be two work nights at 1919 S. Broadway on

March 25 and April 1 from 5:30 - 9:00pm.

We will provide space and some art supplies. Please sign up if you plan to attend the work night so that we can provide enough materials for everyone.

Sign-up sheets are available at the Welcome Center or you can email katie.hotze@mccgsl.org .
All artwork should be turned in by Sunday April 5.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Building Together Announcement- GREAT NEWS!

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org


"Praise God from whom all blessings flow!"


Two weeks ago, I announced to the congregation that construction at 1919 S. Broadway had temporarily stopped. This was due to an appraisal that came in much lower than anticipated, temporarily delaying the closing of MCCGSL loans. Anyone who has recently attempted to sell, purchase, or refinance real estate can certainly relate to this new reality in our economy.

At the end of that announcement, I requested that members and friends of MCCGSL pray for God to supply the resources to bridge the gap between our loan and the appraised value at 1919 S. Broadway. Specifically, I asked members and friends to pray about what God would have them do: to pray for God's resources; or to pledge assets as collateral for the MCCGSL loan; or to give a portion of their 3 year pledge immediately. All I requested as Senior Pastor was that individuals pray and respond as God led.

It is with overwhelming gratitude to God that I share with you today that the gap between the MCCGSL loan amount and the appraised value of collateral has been bridged. God has supplied the financial needs of MCCGSL through your prayers, your donations, your pledged assets as collateral, and your response to God's leading.

Further, Pulaski Bank loan committee officials have now approved our loan in the total amount of $1,936,000 for the acquisition and renovation of 1919 S. Broadway. IFF (Illinois Facilities Fund) has increased their approved loan to $450,000. Closing is tentatively set for Friday, April 3rd. Construction will resume after closing.

Once again, we are reminded that God is indeed able to supply all our needs. Let us give praise to God!


Blessings and peace,

Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell, Senior Pastor
MCC of Greater St. Louis

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

More Help for Uninsured Patients


www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

March 23, 2009
More Help for Uninsured Patients

Together Rx Access, a multicompany collaborative patient assistance program that provides discounts on prescription drugs for people without health insurance, has widened its eligibility criteria so that 90 percent of uninsured Americans will qualify.

As the number of uninsured Americans has risen in the past decade, so has the number of people living with HIV who do not have access to affordable treatment—including those who do not qualify for Medicaid or AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP). For these individuals, there are company-led patient assistance programs.

But income limits for these programs resulted in many people falling through the cracks.

The Together Rx Access program, which provides savings on prescription medications—including, but not limited to antiretroviral treatments—reports it has increased its income limits.

Cooperating companies that make HIV medications include Abbott, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer and Tibotec. Now, a single person making up to $45,000 per year qualifies for the program, up from $30,000 per year.

For a family of two, the limit has increased from $40,000 to $60,000. For a family of three, the limit has increased from $50,000 to $75,000.People interested in applying for the program can call 1-800-966-0407 or
IL RESIDENTS & the ADAP program:
MO RESIDENTS & MORx Plan:

Roundtable Discussion sponsored by St. Paul UCC, Belleville

www.BellevillePride.com
Roundtable Discussion sponsored by St. Paul UCC, Belleville
will view the DVD, "For the Bible Tells Me So"--a perspective on religion and homosexuality.
Saturday, April 18, 10 am to 12 Noon.
St. Paul UCC 115 B"" St. Enter from "C" St. lower level, Paul's Cinema

The Roundtable is open to people of all "faiths" and those of no "faith."
If you are pressed for time, it's ok if you want to just view the DVD and not stay for the discussion.

For more information call:
Lou Ryseff 618-791-0875
or
Barbara "Jessie" Arms 618-277-0743
www.BellevillePride.com

Metro East Gays and Straights
Located in Belleville, Illinois, Metro East Gays and Straights (MEGS), is a project of the Coalition for Economic and Social Justice (CESJ), a non-profit, 501c3 organization. The Metro East is an area which includes many small cities and towns east of St. Louis and across the Mississippi River. Because some gay people feel a need to go to St. Louis to freely express their true selves, the founders of MEGS wanted to foster an atmosphere of acceptance for gay people in the Metro East.


We work toward building communities in the Metro East, which encourage acceptance of gay identity and create a welcoming, friendly and inclusive environment. Additionally, because Southern Illinois is part of the Bible Belt", small towns and rural areas south of Belleville are quite conservative. Thus, MEGS is committed to working for gay justice in all of Southern Illinois as our resources permit.

We believe in honoring the uniqueness and diversity of all individuals. We work to include all people, regardless of race, religion, and other issues that divide us and keep us from working together for our mutual interests.Since our founding we have made significant progress. Our accomplishments include: 1)organizing the first Pride Event for the Metro East. You can learn about Pride 09 at xxx pride 09 website xxx 2) Created a weekly social/support group for lesbians that meets weekly in Belleville, IL (xxxcheck the link titled "3C's"xxx; 3) initiated the first meeting to establish a Metro East chapter of Parents and Friends of Gays and Lesbians (PFLAG) (xxx see linkxxx); 4) developed a MetroEast committee to respond to homophobic letters to the editor and be available to speak at churches, services organizations, and other groups that are interested in meeting gay people and dialoguing; 5) established a committee to discuss ways to ensure that senior gays have full access to social services (Link xxx); and 5 blazed the first jgay ustice trail to Cairo, IL.(xxx see link xxx)

About Us: MEGS was founded by Barbara Arms, Janet Brannon, Janet Wright, and Betty Hofstetter (Betty has since moved out of the area). Later, these women were joined by MEG Advisors: Dave Brannon (husband of Janet), John Kreisel, Vicki Niederhofer, Rev. Carol Shanks, Bill and Helen Whicher, and Carol Williams, xxxx more advisors.

The Board of Directors for the Coalition for Economic and Social Justice (CESJ) are Barbara Arms, and living in San Francisco, Aileen Hernandez, Anne G. Politeo, and Betty Traynor. CESJ has numerous advisors throughout the United States.How You Can Help: 1. Volunteer to take on a task. We can use volunteers in many areas, depending on your skills and interests. 2. Help us with outreach, on the Internet and/or by handing out flyers and educational materials. 3.Give us a donation that may be used as a tax deduction.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

SAGE-Fossilage POT LUCK EVENT~ RSVP

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
Fossilage and SAGE are co-sponsoring a potluck and an educational video.

Purpose: To reduce isolation of older gay people and work to insure equal access to all services offered to senior citizens in St. Clair County. Thursday,

April 9
6:30 pm to 8:15 pm
PSOP (Programs and Services for Older Persons)
201 N. Church St. cross street is "B"
Call Jessie for more information: 618-277-0743

www.SageMetroSTL.org

Spiritual Expression thru Art- Your invited!


March 25 and April 1 from 5:30 - 9:00pm. @ 1919 S. Broadway

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/
This year we are inviting you to participate in the creation of our Good Friday service. The evening will be a night of reflection and contemplation that will allow us to worship through the experience of art. The most important piece is what we need from each of you.

You are invited to reflect on the events that surrounded Jesus' death as an inspiration to share their artistic gifts. Some themes that you might consider are faith, grief, loss, anxious anticipation and unconditional love.

You are encouraged to use a wide range of materials from wood and nails to canvas and paints to create your piece. With your participation we hope to envision, explore, and express the Passion of Christ.
So now what:
Think outside the box and create an expressive piece of art to be displayed in the Good Friday Gallery.
There will be two work nights at 1919 S. Broadway on

March 25 and April 1 from 5:30 - 9:00pm.

We will provide space and some art supplies. Please sign up if you plan to attend the work night so that we can provide enough materials for everyone.

Sign-up sheets are available at the Welcome Center or you can email katie.hotze@mccgsl.org .
All artwork should be turned in by Sunday April 5.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Call to ACTION- IL Residents -Equality legislation is pending!

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

call Holbrook now--Civil Unions‏

618-394-2211 His office doesn't usually answer the phone so leave a message. If you are not gay, it is important to let Holbrook know that.

Our representative, Tom Holbrook, District 113, will not vote for the passage of H.B. 2234--Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act" Why?

He says it is not well written from a legal/legislative point of view. to read the bill-- www.ILGA.gov I called the office of Greg Harris, District 13, who wrote and introduced the bill and shared my concern w/ Harris' staff.

Yesterday I got a call back and Harris will set up a meeting w/ Holbrook to learn of his specific concerns. Janet Brannon spoke w/ Holbrook and Holbrook claims that the calls have been 50 to 1 against. We are just starting our phone campaign. Get your friends and neighbors to call also. And forward this email to all supporters.

Remember, we are not asking for "marriage" in this bill--just equal rights as guranteed by the US and Il Constitution.

www.BellevillePride.com

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

FREE Counseling in St. Louis County

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
Creve Coeur Counseling is providing Free Support Groups in St. Louis County.

We are forming 4 groups: two general groups (one adult, one teen), and two "coming out" groups (one adult, one teen). If the interest is there, we are willing for offer groups for specific populations and topics. (ie. gay, lesbian, transgendered, sexual abuse survivors, etc.)

Groups will be held at our offices in Creve Coeur, near Olive and Lindberg.

If you are interested, call 314-991-010 to sign up for a group, or for more information.

You can also email me at susan@susanhalllpc.com or visit our website at:
www.cccastl.com

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Spiritual Expression thru Art ~ your invited!


March 25 and April 1 from 5:30 - 9:00pm. @ 1919 S. Broadway

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
This year we are inviting you to participate in the creation of our Good Friday service. The evening will be a night of reflection and contemplation that will allow us to worship through the experience of art. The most important piece is what we need from each of you.

You are invited to reflect on the events that surrounded Jesus' death as an inspiration to share their artistic gifts. Some themes that you might consider are faith, grief, loss, anxious anticipation and unconditional love.

You are encouraged to use a wide range of materials from wood and nails to canvas and paints to create your piece. With your participation we hope to envision, explore, and express the Passion of Christ.
So now what:
Think outside the box and create an expressive piece of art to be displayed in the Good Friday Gallery.
There will be two work nights at 1919 S. Broadway on

March 25 and April 1 from 5:30 - 9:00pm.

We will provide space and some art supplies. Please sign up if you plan to attend the work night so that we can provide enough materials for everyone.

Sign-up sheets are available at the Welcome Center or you can email katie.hotze@mccgsl.org .
All artwork should be turned in by Sunday April 5.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Good Friday Service ~ The Spiritual Art

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/

Good Friday Service
This year we are inviting you to participate in the creation of our Good Friday service. The evening will be a night of reflection and contemplation that will allow us to worship through the experience of art. The most important piece is what we need from each of you. You are invited to reflect on the events that surrounded Jesus' death as an inspiration to share their artistic gifts. Some themes that you might consider are faith, grief, loss, anxious anticipation and unconditional love. You are encouraged to use a wide range of materials from wood and nails to canvas and paints to create your piece. With your participation we hope to envision, explore, and express the Passion of Christ.

So now what:

  • Think outside the box and create an expressive piece of art to be displayed in the Good Friday Gallery.
  • There will be two work nights at 1919 S. Broadway on March 25 and April 1 from 5:30 - 9:00pm. We will provide space and some art supplies. Please sign up if you plan to attend the work night so that we can provide enough materials for everyone. Sign-up sheets are available at the Welcome Center or you can email katie.hotze@mccgsl.org.
  • All artwork should be turned in by Sunday April 5.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Metro Service Cuts - March 30th

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/

Unfortunately, due to a shortfall of funding, our metro transit authority has undergone some drastic changes in both personel, and service levels.

Effective March 30th, the system will eliminate several bus routes. These cuts do affect area throughout the city, so please take a moment to review any changes that may affect you. There may be other services available, which may be able assist you.

http://hopeandhelpcenter.org/rideshare.aspx

RideFinders - St. Louis METRO MO & IL

RideFinders provides a FREE ridematching service to help commuters find other commuters to carpool or vanpool with to work in the St. Louis region.
www.Ridefinders.org
Register Now

**Metro Service Cuts-

effective March 30, 2009**

Do you have the ability to offer someone in YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD a ride to Church on Sunday?

To register your ZIP CODE as a rideshare to church, email us

webmaster@hopeandhelpcenter.org

More Info at: http://hopeandhelpcenter.org/rideshare.aspx

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Rev. Jeff Bert on YOU TUBE!

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
Hi Friends ~

I just wanted to share this with you. MCCSanFrancisco was involved in an interfaith service, held in front of City Hall last week, on the morning that the California Supreme Court was going to start hearing arguments about Prop 8 (same sex marriage). The choir was there singing and also sang the background music for this slideshow. Troy Perry was also there - he's in the first pic of the slideshow. Rev Jeff is also here and there throughout. At about 1:07 into the show, he's pictured with Troy Perry and standing between Rev Lea Brown, the senior pastor at MCCSF and Joshua Love, a seminarian. The woman with pink hair and blue dress is the choir director, Stephanie Smith!! I believe the evening shots at the end are from the night before - there was a vigil in the Castro.
Just thought you might like to see this.

YouTube Link! Celebration of Hope and Justice - MCCSF performs "I Ain't Afraid"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyCyviyAfBg

Monday, March 9, 2009

IL- Marriage Equality- Call to Action

Metro East Gays and Straights (MEGS)

and our friends Representative Greg Harris introduced HB 2234 IL Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act. While not "marriage" it does provide for legal protections for gay couples. Check the bill at www.ILGA.gov

The bill has passed out of committee and the next step is a floor vote. I have left a message with Representative Tom Holbrook, representative for the 113th District to see how he stands on this bill.

I need a volunteer to keep track of this bill and work w/ MEGS to determine the best strategy to insure its passage. We might want to do a written petition and/or use www.metroeastpride.com as a way for people to indicate their support---and other tactics. email or call if you can help on anything related to this activity.thanks jessie 618-277-0743

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Do You HULU?




Recently launched, HULU is an online resource for television. For many of us, we have neglected or cannott afford the new DTV converter box. This may be a simple solution if you are online, without cable. (or when your not near a TV).


HULU.com offers a large selection of current television shows (full episodes) that are often available within 24hrs of air-date. If you haven't checked it out~ you may find it useful.
No membership~ no fees. & FEWER COMMERCIALS than broadcast.




Friday, March 6, 2009

Drug Levels in Hair Predict Treatment Success

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

March 5, 2009

Drug Levels in Hair Predict Treatment Success

Measuring protease inhibitor (PI) concentrations in hair samples can help predict antiretroviral (ARV) treatment success, according to a study published in the February 20 issue of AIDS.For ARV treatment to be maximally effective, levels of the drugs need to remain high enough in the body to stop HIV replication. A number of factors can cause drug concentrations to fluctuate—including poor adherence (not taking meds correctly), absorption problems in the gut and drug interactions—and ultimately jeopardize the long-term success of treatment. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), which measures drug concentrations in the blood, is one method to ensure that ARV levels are high enough to effectively treat HIV. However, TDM is an expensive and a time-consuming process that hasn’t always proved to consistently predict treatment success. Human hair, however, has been used successfully for some time in forensic science—think CSI or Law & Order—to measure concentrations of drugs and toxins ingested over a period of days or weeks, and it has proved quite accurate.To determine whether PI levels in hair correlate with treatment success, Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, from the University of California in San Francisco, and her colleagues studied samples from 224 HIV-positive women enrolled in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS). Seventy of the women started taking a regimen including Kaletra (lopinavir plus ritonavir), and 154 began a regimen that included Reyataz (atazanavir). Every six months, the women’s viral loads were measured and hair samples, consisting of about 10 to 20 strands, were collected and analyzed.Gandhi and her colleagues found that PI concentrations in hair samples were highly consistent with treatment success. With Kaletra, the more drug that was present in the hair, the more likely a woman was to have an undetectable viral load. The one third of women who had the highest hair concentrations of Kaletra were almost 40 times more likely to have an undetectable viral load, compared with the one third of women who had the lowest levels of Kaletra in hair. In women taking Reyataz, those with the highest hair concentrations were nearly eight times as likely to have an undetectable viral load.The technology to measure hair concentrations is relatively easy and inexpensive. Therefore the authors state that it could have many beneficial uses. Not only would it allow health care providers and researchers to help predict treatment responses in their patients and study subjects, but it could also potentially be used in the developing world as a substitute for expensive viral load tests. Gandhi suggests that providers could take hair samples and then do follow-up viral load tests only in those with low levels of drug in their hair.
Search: hair, protease inhibitors, Kaletra, lopinavir, ritonavir, adherence, Reyataz, atazanavir, Monica Gandhi, therapeutic drug monitoring

http://www.poz.com/rssredir/articles/hiv_hair_protease_761_16228.shtml

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Children and Foreclosures: The Economic Crisis Hits Home

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
Children and Foreclosures: The Economic Crisis Hits Home

WHAT: "Children & Foreclosures: The Economic Crisis Hits Home"
WHEN: March 12, 2009 from 7:45 AM - 9:45 AM
WHERE: Children's Agenda/VCR Offices, 2401 N. Grand Blvd.

On Thursday, March 12 please join us in the Vision for Children at Risk/St. Louis Children's Agenda offices for a webcast presented by Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago and the Urban Institute on the effects of mortgage foreclosures on children.

As the national housing market unravels, 2.2 million foreclosure actions were started last year alone. Renters and homeowners have been forced to move, and the trauma is rippling across neighborhoods and anchor institutions of every size and description.
The executive branch and Congress are pouring billions of dollars into stemming the tide of foreclosures, evictions, and neighborhood distress -- via a foreclosure-prevention initiative, the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, and the economic stimulus package's homelessness-prevention funds. But so far, the crisis's impact on children has been largely unexplored.
Join us as we investigate such issues as:

foreclosures' effects on kids and the research needed to understand those outcomes better;
the circumstances of families seeking help and local strategies to prevent foreclosures;
strategies for stabilizing neighborhoods hit hard by the housing market's collapse; and
the opportunities and challenges for states, localities, service organizations, and families presented by Washington's would-be remedies.

Panelists:
Malcolm Bush, research fellow, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago
Ingrid Gould Ellen, co-director, Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy, New York University
Olivia Golden (moderator), institute fellow, Urban Institute; former assistant secretary for children and families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Thomas Perez, Maryland secretary of labor, licensing and regulation
Others to be announced

To register for the webcast call 314-534-6015 or Click Here to send an email.
Children's Agenda Contact Information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
email: vcr@visionforchildren.org
phone: 314-534-6015
web: http://www.visionforchildren.org

Sunday, March 1, 2009

LGBT Equality Day w/ PROMO MARCH 25th

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

Join us on March 25th for LGBT Equality Day. MCC of Greater St. Louis has partnered with PROMO to celebrate this day of unity and diversity.

For more information visit us online at: www.MCCGSL.org
or email: info@hopeandhelpcenter.org

2012 Digital Directory



www.DanielMcCree.Org

Thanks for everyone's patience...

BellevillePride~ MetroEast News