Creating a Life that Matters starts Sept 16th

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/

Creating a Life that Matters - Enroll in Fall Classes today~

Classes forming now at MCC of Greater St. Louis.

ALL ARE WELCOME to participate in this Seminar, designed for making the most out of life, and relationships. Creating a Life that Matters is an upcoming Educational opportunity for those interested in strategies for a more Spiritually sustaining life and Relations with others.

RSVP for FALL Enrollment

REGISTRATION FEE $25 (scholarships available)

To reserve your place in our upcoming classes, email us at info@mccgsl.org

Dedication Ceremony AUG30th - 1919 S. Broadway

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis, will hold a special Sanctuary Dedication on August 30, 2009, special guests include Rev. Elder Lillie Brock, Region 6 Elder.

ALSO COMING SOON~ Mark your Calenders!

Community-Wide Grand Opening Celebration on September 26th, 2009. This event will feature the music of MCCGSL Choir, Band Together, Fruit Jam, and the Gateway Mens Chorus.
And other community leaders.

August 30th, 10AM Sanctuary & Legacy Tile/Brick Dedication
~ Special Guest ~ Rev. Elder Lillie Brock (Region 6 Elder)

Sept 26th - Community Wide Event "Grand Opening Celebration"
1919 South Broadway
St. Louis, MO 63104
http://www.mccgsl.org/

MCCGSL Choir selected in National Competition

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
www.HowSweetTheSound.com
www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis is proud to announce the choir has been selected to represent our region in the nationwide "How Sweet the Sound" search for the best church choir in the nation.

The MCCGSL Choir will perform at the ScottTrade Center on September 21st
TICKETS from $5 availabe at www.TicketMaster.com

Come and show your support as they hope to be selected for round 3 competition, and may receive $5,000 for the church.

EVENT Sponsored by Verizon Wireless

JOB FAIR- AUGUST 21st @ Convention Center

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

Job Fair
Friday, August 21, 2009
11am-3pm
The America's Center 701 Convention Plaza

Companies that will be there:

Ameristar Casino
FBI
Federal Reserve Bank
Advance Auto Parts
Lumniere Place Casino & Hotels
Magellan Health Services
MODot
St. John's Mercy
Wal-Mart
Shop'n Save
School Districy of Clayton
Hazelwood Police Department
ITT Corporation
Ladue Schools
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Dept
Verizon Wireless
Commerce Bank
Mo Dept of Corrections

Pre register at www.tjfairs.com
for more info call 1800-695-1939

Near Southside Coalition - Upcoming Health Events

1. There is HIV Screening sponsored by Saint Louis Efforts for AIDS and Joint Neighborhood Ministry on Wednesday, Aug. 19th from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 2911 McNair.

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

For those unable to make it then, they can call to make an appointment at 1027 S. Vandeventer, Suite 700.
The number is 314.645.6451 and office hours are (;30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. M-F.

2. There is free mammagraphy screening for uninsured women on 3
Wed., Sept. 16th between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
at Isaiah 58 Ministries at
2149 S. Grand Blvd.
Appointments are required.
Call June at 314.776.1410 M-F from 10-2.

3. Several organizations have Christmas programs for families in need.
St. Vincent De Paul, with Grace Hill and Kingdom House, has a program.

People can contact Father Otto at St. Vincent De Paul at 314.231,9328.
Also St. John's Mercy Neighborhood Ministries has one. Contact Chery Persons at 314.865.0927.



4. There's a community meeting about the H1N1 virus at Grace Hill on Sat., Aug. 29th at 12th & Park.`

Metro East Pride Announces Leadership for 2010 Event

http://www.jobsandjustice.org/

on behalf of http://www.bellevillepride.com/ http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/

Dear Friends of Metro East Pride:

With your support, Metro East Pride Festival for 2009 was a resounding success for all involved from beginning to end. Large crowds from both sides of the river included strawberry-clad toddlers, senior citizens, students, gay and straight couples, and humans of almost every ethnic group.

Sixty-five booths included corporations, civic organizations, churches, arts and crafts, and of course—food and beer vendors. Most businesses within the Pride area benefited from the event. An eclectic variety of performers kept people entertained.

Lea DeLaria returned to a hometown crowd who embraced her with open arms. Her father, godmother, elementary and high school teachers and old friends were among those who brought lawn chairs and enthusiastically applauded her reminiscences, comments, and jazz vocalizations. She graciously posed for pictures and signed CDs in front of Escapade after the performance.

Once again, Pride Festival was accomplished without any major incidents involved. We thank you for your contribution to our success.



Now, we are transitioning to a new leadership team for Pride Festival for 2010.

The officers are:
Kay Campbell, 2010 President
Colby Kluthe, 2010 Vice-President
Sherry Haskins and Amy Wiser.

Advisors include: Chuck Adams, Jerry Angevine, Janet Brannon, Rick Hembree, Vicki Niederhofer, Harold Schwartz, Carol Williams, Terry Williams, and Janet Wright.

Our goals for 2010 are outlined as follows:

1. Embrace diversity in all its forms. Be inclusive of all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race or ethnic group, or age. (The just-concluded festival was a panorama of this.)

A vision that includes greater community interaction between the LBGT community and Belleville. This involves Pride’s participation in local events and cooperation to make this an even better place to live.

It involves dialogue and support of local businesses. It involves advance planning with businesses located within the Pride Festival perimeters to ensure that any problems are solved and that the Festival is advantageous to all parties.

Increased participation as a group in environmental issues, and in helping to alleviate poverty in our community. We are all cognizant that festivals are fun. We desire to be recognized as a responsible part of our greater community as well.

Thank you for your continued involvement in the success of Pride Festival 2010.

Jessie Arms

Coordinator for Pride ‘08 and ‘09

MEGS is sponsored by the Coalition for Economic & Social Justice (CESJ), a 501C3 Organization

National March for Equality - St. Louis AUG 17th

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org


Planning Meeting - National March for Equality (ST. LOUIS)

Show-Me No Hate will be hosting the first of several planning meetings for the National March for Equality. This FREE EVENT will be held on Monday at Mokabee's Coffeehouse, located at Grand & Arsenal in South St. Louis city.

Anyone interested is encouraged to attend this event.
More more information visit SHOW ME NO HATE

Monday, August 17, 2009
Time: 5:15pm - 7:00pm
@ Mokabee's Coffee GRAND & ARSENAL




Description
Come to the first of several planning meetings for the Missouri/St. Louis contingent headed to Washington DC this Fall. All Missouri residents are encouraged to attend this informational meeting on Monday, August 17th at 5:15pm, location is Mokabe's Coffee House near Tower Grove Park.The National March for Equality in Washington DC is Oct 10-11, 2009. This historic event is taking place on the Columbus Day holiday weekend, National Coming Out Day weekend and will be the 30th Anniversary of the first LGBT rights march on the Washington Mall.This meeting is informal and you are encouraged to bring a friend to help with this momentous challenge of bringing as many Missourians to DC in October.

We are currently speaking with several local and regional organizations, politicians and activists on the idea of building a stronger Missouri Marriage Equality coalition. Show Me No Hate believes that Marriage Equality has gained so much ground in 2009 but we feel it will continue to gain support in 2010. We know Missouri was one of the first states where the voters accepted writing discrimination into our Constitution.

A Marriage Equality coalition would help reverse that discrimination and the climate it has since created. There has even been talk about putting Marriage Equality back up to the Missouri Voters in 2012.For any organization to tackle such an ambitious voter ballot iniative they need to be not only organized but focused with a clear plan to win. This takes money, time and lots of grassroots energy. We feel strongly in the possibility of building that energy now for a victory in 2012.

We are looking for some creative thinkers as we explore different ideas. Nothing is on or off the table other than building a strong Marriage Equality coalition in our state. Are you ready to Show Us your creativity?Please send us an email at ShowMeNoHate@GMAIL.com

"One Saint Louis" names Nina Balsam as Executive Director

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
www-OneStLouis.org (coming soon)

Nina Balsam, J.D. has been named Executive Director , by the One Saint Louis Board of Directors.

Ms. Balsam received her doctorate of Law from Washington University in St. Louis, in 1976.
She has devoted her carreer to the empowerment of people. Prior to her joining One Saint Louis, Ms. Balsam worked as the legal advocacy projects director for the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic Violence, as well as managing attorney at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.

The Missouri Coalition Against Domestic Violence named an award after Balsam and presented her with the first Nina Balsam Meritorious Service Award in 1996. She was also among the first recipients of the Sunshine Peace Award, a national award honoring those who work in the field of domestic violence.

One Saint Louis, a newly formed non-profit organization has announced a new Executive Director, and Board of Directors. One Saint Louis was envisioned in 2007, following a focus group lead by Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell, Senior Pastor, (MCC of Greater St. Louis) and Rev. Jeff Bert. (MCC of San Franciso)

Founded with the misson of a St. Louis region, that offers everyone the opportunity to fully participate in our shared community and all its advantages- regardless of income, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical capabilities or other "differences" that sometimes block full community participation.

One Saint Louis is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of under-served of Greater Saint Louis by providing:
** A radically inclusive environment
** The tools, resources, and support for enriching peoples lives
** empowerment for people to pursue their mental, physical, social and spiritual well-being.

As a new organization, One Saint Louis will work closely with existing programs and by establishing new programs to fill gaps in the needs of our community.
One Saint Louis has incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, lead by its Board of Directors:
Kathy Wallace, President
Keith Ardenrieth, Vice President
Mavis Kennedy, Treasurer
Deborah Sheperis, Secretary
Susan Menhard
Jan McGah

The One Saint Louis Board wishes to acknowlege Ms. Mavis Kennedy, for her early work in the establishment of the organization and to Mr. Michael Desmond, who was part of the planning group and served on the board prior to a scheduling conflict.

One Saint Louis will be housed at 1919 South Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63104
For additional information, a website will be launched in the near future at: www.OneStLouis.org
info@onestlouis.org
For immediate information, please contact the offices at 314-361-3221

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

Newly Updated- The H&H Media Center

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

VISIT THE MEDIA CENTER ONLINE

We are proud to announce that we have updated our media selections at The Hope and Help Center. Here you will find our HuB of media picks, with everything from News & Documentaries relevant to the LGBT community, as well as video sermons, and much more.

NEW FEATURE TRAILER~ "Call Me Troy" ~ We will have a special showing of this entire film in October, view the trailer online today.

NEW FEATURES FROM~

Lea Delaria (clips from OUTLAUGH festival, and more)
Betty Butterfield - goes to the MCC (and others)
Pauly Paulette (NCIS TV SHOW)
Gay Marriage in IOWA~ a heart-warming documentary clip

STILL FEATURED HERE--
Clips from MILK (the historical documentary)

VISIT THE MEDIA CENTER ONLINE

Get this widget!

Park Avenue Coffee Celebrates 3rd Anniversary

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

Proud Supporter of this Locally owned LGBTIQ Establishment
Park Avenue Coffee Company is celebrating it's 3rd Anniversary, at its location in Lafayette Square.


Located at 1919 Park Avenue, 63104; They have earned a reputation for supporting local businesses, and established itself as an Anchor to the entire neighborhood. Both the store owner, and the staff are committed to serving our community, and even donates its coffee for the C.H.E.F.S Team at MCCGSL, and extends it's hospitality to functions and events throughout the city~ Pick up your Gooey Butter Cake for your next Event~ and make it a HIT!

Park Avenue Coffee, (formerly perk on the park), offers residents a quality selection of whole beans, as well as specialty coffees by the cup. And of course we must mention the 65 flavors of Gooey Butter Cake, they are becoming well known for.
In August, receive a FREE COFFEE when you purchase bulk beans.


(details online at www.parkavenuecoffee.com )





Support Local Small Business ~ Shop Park Avenue Coffee (FREE WIFI 24/7)





1919 Park Avenue
St.Louis, MO 63104
www.ParkAvenueCoffee.com

dale@parkavenuecoffee.com

CREDIT WORKSHOP @ justine PETERSEN ~August 29th (FREE)

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

August 29th 10AM to 11AM
(Daycare provided free of charge)

Join the Staff of justine Petersen on August 29th, for a credit builder workshop. Topics include, building a positive credit profile, and strategies for debt managment, budgeting, and financial health. justine Petersen is a local non-profit organization, with services relating to small busines loans (SBA), credit education, and Homebuyer services.
http://www.justinepetersen.org/

CLASSES ARE FREE OF CHARGE

justinePETERSEN
1023 N. Grand
St. Louis, MO 63106
Reserve your place by calling the JP offices 314-533-2411
or email: kschell@justinepetersen.org

Help Project ARK Kids with School Supplies

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

MCC Friends and Family,
Please take sometime this week or next to pick-up school supplies for Project Ark kids and we've added another community organization the helps kids in north city.

This week Aug. 7-9 in Missouri is tax relief time. So if you buy then you won't have to pay sales tax. Yeah! I know that this economy has many of us stressed out and in a financial bind, but even you can just get a glue stick, or a pack of pencils, that will help our drive to help these kids who are living with HIV/AIDS or who are among the poorest kids in the city.
We're looking to provide: pencils, paper, glue, scissors, folders, erasers, crayons, colored pencils, backpacks, etc.
Thanks for all you do to help others in our community who are less fortunate than us.

With love,

Community Support Team - MCCGSL


DONTATIONS ACCEPTED AT ~ 1919 S. Broadway, 63104





Sponsored by: Project ARK ~AIDS/HIV Resources & Knowledge
4169 Laclede Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63108
phone: 314.535.7275
fax: 314.535.1814

Senate passes the Matthew Shepard Hates Crimes Prevention Act

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org


U.S. Senate passes the Matthew Shepard Hates Crimes Prevention Act

Equality Illinois applauds the passage of Matthew Shepard Hates Crimes Prevention Act, which adds sexual orientation and gender identity to existing federal hate crimes laws. We are especially grateful to the Illinois delegation - Senators Richard Durbin and Roland Burris - for co-sponsoring this important bill.

But this bill is not yet law. The Senate approved the Matthew Shepard Act as part of a larger defense appropriation bill, and now the Senate and the House of Representatives have to reconcile their passed versions of the bill before one version can reach the desk of President Obama.

Learn more about hate crimes prevention and what you can do about it at http://www.equalityillinois.org/.

Sunday Church not your thing? MCCGSL Offers an Alternative~

www.MCCGSL.org
www.HopeandHelpCenter.Org

Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis offers an alternative to those in our community, who aren't able to visit on Sunday mornings. By offering our Video Sermons, Weekly Devotionals, and other resources completely online.

"The Outreach to our community, must reach beyond our four walls. ",
explains Colby Kluthe, editor of The Hope and Help Center. "By offering such resources online we are able to offer spiritual support to those who may not live near our facilities, including those who live in rural parts of our region, and quite simply, those who are not yet comfortable going to church in the traditional sense."

MCC of Greater St. Louis, has been a part of the fabric of the LGBT community since 1973, and has long since had a tradition of "Radical Inclusiveness". With a newly renovated facility at 1919 S. Broadway, MCCGSL is looking forward to expanded outreach as the congregation of more than 350, continues to grow in both number, and spiritual unity.

"Come as you Are... Believing as you do." Is a phrase the members have really taken to heart.
However it is recognized that many in our community-at-large consider MCC a church home. Today they have a variety of ways to become a part of our ministry, even if "Going to church" simply isn't thier style."

"Through our online outreach, we have been able to connect with many people, who otherwise may not have found a community where they are welcome, and accepted in God's love~ just as they are. Many of them, participate in the "virtual world", and are what I like to call "Online Members".

MCC of Greater St. Louis Worships Sundays at 9AM, and 10:30AM , 1919 South Broadway in Soulard, or as stay updated online at www.MCCGSL.org, and at
The Hope and Help Center, located online at www.HopeandHelpCenter.org .

VIEW OUR LATEST VIDEO SERMONS ONLINE