Pathways to power was the main topic of discussion at the “Empowering Action for the Common Good: Affirming Faith Forum” at the LGBT Center of Raleigh on Friday, March 23, at 6:30 pm. The goal to work for the common good extends to and beyond the vote on May 8th. The forum generated more ideas on how to join with others in improving relationships in the community while working to defeat the proposed amendment to the state constitution. (more…)
April 5, 2012
Empowering Action for the Common Good
Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: affirming, christianity, church, church within a church, Community Building, covenant, definition of church, ecclesia, equality, family values, inclusion, justice, koinonia, LGBTQ, LGBTQ health, marriage equality, ministry, ministry development, same-sex marriage, tradition |Leave a Comment
February 2, 2012
The Week that Was
Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: affirming, change, church, church within a church, Community Building, covenant, definition of church, dignity, ecclesia, equality, family values, inclusion, justice, koinonia, LGBTQ, LGBTQ health, marriage equality, mental health, ministry, ministry development, same-sex marriage, tradition |Leave a Comment
RCCares’ work this past week provided a scope of snap shots of the many different parts Being church incorporates. There are many more faces to ministry as you surely could attest. We enliven the praxis of living into the kindom of love’s reign in many bits and pieces. Our life is a lively kaleidoscope of how we love in sorrow and joy every day. Thank Goodness that we do not stand alone.
On Saturday we were engaged via phone conference with other Rainbow Access Initiative board members in the Capital District in New York as we designed the next steps for establishing the program format for RAI’s Art of Health Expo 2012. Focus on breakout sessions included discussion on the content of the presentations and the support needed for proposed sessions. The aim of the Expo event is to bring the artistic skills of LGBTQ people to the foreground for the purpose of enhancing healthy living amid creative exchange. (more…)
October 4, 2011
Community Ministry takes physical form as our actions respond to the needs for equality and justice!
Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: church within a church, Community Building, family values, LGBTQ health, transgender |Leave a Comment
I pray all is well with you and that you are busy with the things that matter to you. I love that I can be busy with establishing programs through RCCares and find that the ground work is simply exhilarating and often times sheer joy! I look forward to our next phone conference Board Meeting November 1, 2011. Meanwhile, the visions that we have talked about continue to take shape toward reality as earlier this month Andy sent in the paper work required in order to establish our church as a nonprofit charity. We are continuing our search for liability insurance for the board and professional liability insurance for me. I hope to volunteer as a chaplain after I have that in place. And just for the fun of it, check the web site www.rccares.org to see how we look on line. Please remember to email any info you want shared on the site as well as suggestions, concerns & additions.
Since last we spoke, I have continued to work on completing the online Grant Writing Course I am taking from UNC. To my great pleasure, I have found a niche for my desire to be a writer in grant writing!?! I have been volunteering with Equality North Carolina ( www.equalitync.org ) and find that, now that the proposition to change the state constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman will come to a popular vote in May, there is more need than ever for advocacy for the LBGTQ community for equality and justice. I am glad that we are here. Two weeks ago I attended a Harm Reduction Conference in Durham, NC ( www.nchrc.net ) . I have volunteered with this state group since July and had worked with the National Coalition in different venues including presenting at the 8th Annual International Conference last winter. The third organization that I have been concentrating on building collaboration with is the LGBT Center of Raleigh ( www.lgbtcenterofraleigh.com ) to continue with faith based organizing while volunteering on the OutRaleigh Festival planned for next May.
Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia at the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association National Conference (www. glma.org ) to participate in the discussion about current concerns and advocacy needs for establishing accessible health care and human services. On the last day of the conference we joined two other organizations, Southern Comfort (www.sccatl.org/index.php ) and WPATH (www.wpath.org/) and what a convergence of energy that was. Next month I will participate in the Church Within A Church ( www.cwac.us ) National Conference in Tucson, Arizona.
Community Ministry takes physical form as our actions respond to the needs for equality and justice!
July 24, 2011
Marriage Ceremony – Celebration of Renewal
Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: affirming, church, church within a church, covenant, dignity, ecclesia, equality, family values, inclusion, koinonia, LGBTQ, LGBTQ health, marriage equality, New York, same-sex marriage, tradition |Leave a Comment
Andy and I have been deeply involved with and heavily invested in the passage of the Marriage Act in New York. Our ministry in community has reached out from within the neighborhood into city wide efforts to create loving and justice-seeking actions. And today we celebrate with all those who are making their covenants legal, renewing their promises and/or enlarging the scope of the marriage rite. Our gift to you who are looking for just the right words to express love and care for each other is the Marriage Service/Covenant Renewal Service we performed with friends. (more…)
March 31, 2010
LGBT Health Month
Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: affirming, church within a church, Community Building, ecclesia, family values, justice, LGBTQ, LGBTQ health, mental health, ministry |Leave a Comment
We would like to invite you to bring New York LGBT Health Month to your community – whether it is in New York or not!! (Why should New Yorkers have all the good health practices?) As you may already know, the National Coalition for LGBT Health has named March 28th-April 3rd, 2010 the 8th annual National LGBT Health Awareness Week.
Rainbow Access Initiative is a member of the Healthcare Committee of the NYS LGBT Health & Human Services Network (coordinated through the Empire State Pride Agenda), and we know that our community’s health is too fabulous (and important) to fit into just one week! So we’ve decided to declare March 2010 as the first annual New York LGBT Health Month.
Our theme this year is “31 Ways for 31 Days”…so throughout the month of March, leading up to National LGBT Health Awareness Week, we are encouraging LGBT New Yorkers and the organizations that serve them to educate, advocate and organize around LGBT health and wellness in all its various forms—physical, sexual, spiritual, emotional and social. We’d love it if all LGBT people everywhere would join us in considering March to be LGBT Health Month by implementing good health practices into their daily routines.
We at CWAC believe it is very difficult to have healthy spiritual practices if we do not take care of our physical being as well as we can, and also that it is tough to be physically healthy if we are spiritually hurting. So, following this article, you will find a series of daily posts reminding us that good health care runs the gamut from taking some very simple steps to some exceedingly important, complex ones. I hope you read them all in good physical, spiritual and emotional health.
For more information on LGBTQ health issues visit Rainbow Access Initiative and choose from the menu options on the left side.
For more information on spititual health for LGBTQ visit CWAC’s website or click on the “email us” button and contact me.
March 31, 2010
Get Enough Sleep
Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: church within a church, Community Building, LGBTQ health, ministry development |Leave a Comment
When people get less than 6 hours of sleep each night, their risk for developing certain diseases begins to increase. There are known benefits to getting enough sleep: it supports heart health, it reduces stress, it may help prevent cancer, keeps you more alert and may help strengthen memory, to name a few. Not getting enough can impair judgment, reaction time, vision, concentration, and short-term memory. So get a good night’s sleep!
For more information on LGBTQ health issues visit Rainbow Access Initiative and choose from the menu options on the left side. Of particular interest might be the section on obtaining the services of culturally-competent health providers – it explains why special attention is needed for LGBTQ healthcare in the first place.
For more information on spititual health for LGBTQ visit CWAC’s website or click on the “email us” button and contact me. CWAC’s anti-heterosexist, anti-racist stand for spiritual justice might just provide the safe place you’re looking for.
March 30, 2010
Reduce Stress
Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: church within a church, Community Building, ecclesia, family values, justice, LGBTQ health, mental health |Leave a Comment
Everyone deals with stress in their life. As LGBT people, there are aspects of our experience that can create more stress for us on a daily basis: homophobia, transphobia, discrimination, coming out. Find healthy ways to reduce stress: talk to a friend, go for a walk or bike ride, or engage yourself in a hobby you enjoy.
For more information on LGBTQ health issues visit Rainbow Access Initiative and choose from the menu options on the left side. Of particular interest might be the section on obtaining the services of culturally-competent health providers – it explains why special attention is needed for LGBTQ healthcare in the first place.
For more information on spititual health for LGBTQ visit CWAC’s website or click on the “email us” button and contact me. CWAC’s anti-heterosexist, anti-racist stand for spiritual justice might just provide the safe place you’re looking for.
March 29, 2010
Use Sunscreen
Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: church within a church, Community Building, LGBTQ health |Leave a Comment
1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer, the most common cancer in the U.S. and the most common cause is the sun. So, yes, even in March in New York, thinking about sun protection is important…because sunscreen isn’t just for the beach! Whether you’re planning a trip to warmer climates or hitting the slopes, use it any time you are outside.
For more information on LGBTQ health issues visit Rainbow Access Initiative and choose from the menu options on the left side. Of particular interest might be the section on obtaining the services of culturally-competent health providers – it explains why special attention is needed for LGBTQ healthcare in the first place.
For more information on spititual health for LGBTQ visit CWAC’s website or click on the “email us” button and contact me. CWAC’s anti-heterosexist, anti-racist stand for spiritual justice might just provide the safe place you’re looking for.
March 28, 2010
Use Clean Needles
Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: church within a church, justice, LGBTQ health |Leave a Comment
Sharing needles spreads HIV and Hepatitis C; and dirty needles can cause other infections. If you use needles for drugs, hormones or prescription medicines like insulin, make sure they’re new and/or clean. Find an LGBT-friendly syringe exchange program in your area or a pharmacy in NY’s Expanded Syringe Access Program (ESAP) where you can buy them.
For more information on LGBTQ health issues visit Rainbow Access Initiative and choose from the menu options on the left side. Of particular interest might be the section on obtaining the services of culturally-competent health providers – it explains why special attention is needed for LGBTQ healthcare in the first place.
For more information on spititual health for LGBTQ visit CWAC’s website or click on the “email us” button and contact me.
March 27, 2010
Support Safe Schools
Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: church within a church, dignity, ecclesia, family values, inclusion, justice, LGBTQ health, marriage equality, ministry development, suicide prevention |Leave a Comment
A 2007 study found that in NY State, 64% of LGBT High School students reported feeling unsafe in their schools. Help make schools in your area safer by supporting LGBT youth and the agencies that serve them…and advocate for school change by supporting organizations like GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) and/or legislation to make LGBT students safe like the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA).
For more information on LGBTQ health issues visit Rainbow Access Initiative and choose from the menu options on the left side. Of particular interest might be the section on obtaining the services of culturally-competent health providers – it explains why special attention is needed for LGBTQ healthcare in the first place.
For more information on spititual health for LGBTQ visit CWAC’s website or click on the “email us” button and contact me. CWAC’s anti-heterosexist, anti-racist stand for spiritual justice might just provide the safe place you’re looking for.
March 26, 2010
Get Regular Eye Exams
Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: inclusion, LGBTQ health, ministry development |Leave a Comment
Regular eye exams are important – much more happens during an eye exam than you might think! Your doctor checks your eyes for common eye diseases, assesses how well your eyes work together as a team, and evaluates your eyes as a telling indicator of your overall health. Whether you’re an LGBT person or not, taking the best care of yourself (every part of yourself!) that you can is a crucial step toward health and wellness.
For more information on LGBTQ health issues visit Rainbow Access Initiative and choose from the menu options on the left side. Of particular interest might be the section on obtaining the services of culturally-competent health providers – it explains why special attention is needed for LGBTQ healthcare in the first place.
For more information on spititual health for LGBTQ visit CWAC’s website or click on the “email us” button and contact me. CWAC’s anti-heterosexist, anti-racist stand for spiritual justice might just provide the safe place you’re looking for.
March 25, 2010
Get Involved, Get Connected
Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: church within a church, Community Building, dignity, family values, inclusion, LGBTQ health, mental health, ministry development, suicide prevention |Leave a Comment
Many LGBT people report feelings of isolation—especially youth, seniors and those in rural communities. Connecting with other LGBT people, getting support and building community can be the foundation of a healthy life. Seek out LGBT groups and organizations in your area—join a club/group or volunteer—and connect with other LGBT people in your area!
For more information on LGBTQ health issues visit Rainbow Access Initiative and choose from the menu options on the left side. Of particular interest might be the section on obtaining the services of culturally-competent health providers – it explains why special attention is needed for LGBTQ healthcare in the first place.
For more information on spititual health for LGBTQ visit CWAC’s website or click on the “email us” button and contact me. CWAC’s anti-heterosexist, anti-racist stand for spiritual justice might just provide the safe place you’re looking for.
March 24, 2010
Report Violence
Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: church within a church, Community Building, family values, justice, LGBTQ health, mental health, ministry development |Leave a Comment
LGBT people are often the target of violence—from strangers and even at the hands of people we love and trust. Domestic Violence occurs in about 1 in 4 LGBT relationships. 20% of respondents in a recent study reported experiencing a sexual orientation based personal or property crime, and another recent report showed an increase of LGBTQ related sexual assault of 171%!! If you or anyone you know is dealing with any kind of violence, whether physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual, contact an LGBT-affirming anti-violence program in your community.
For more information on LGBTQ health issues visit Rainbow Access Initiative and choose from the menu options on the left side.
For more information on spititual health for LGBTQ visit CWAC’s website or click on the “email us” button and contact me.
March 23, 2010
Protect Yourself
Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: church within a church, LGBTQ health, ministry development |Leave a Comment
Anyone can get HIV and other STDs, but LGBT individuals may be at increased risk. Gay and bisexual men of all races continue to be a risk group severely affected by HIV; transgender communities are estimated to have HIV infection rates ranging from 14 – 69%; and STDs such as herpes and Chlamydia are just as common among lesbians as other women. No sexual activity is 100% safe, but you can protect yourself if you’re sexually active by using protection properly and consistently, getting tested regularly for HIV and STDs, and communicating with your partner(s).
For more information on LGBTQ health issues visit Rainbow Access Initiative and choose from the menu options on the left side.
For more information on spititual health for LGBTQ visit CWAC’s website or click on the “email us” button and contact me.
March 22, 2010
Know if You’re Depressed
Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: affirming, church within a church, Community Building, ecclesia, family values, LGBTQ health, mental health, suicide prevention |Leave a Comment
A 2000 survey reported that 70 percent of lesbians and 60 percent of gay men said they sought mental health counseling in some form. It’s normal to feel “down” sometimes, but if those feelings persist or become too extreme, consider talking to a professional about it. There are also free, anonymous depression screening tools available online like the one at www.depression-screening.org
LGBT people often do not receive proper mental health care. Providers often lack the basic knowledge of the mental health needs of LGBT people; they don’t understand the diversity of different populations within the LGBT communities, and they lack the ability to refer patients and clients to appropriate community resources and referrals.
For many years, homosexuality was classified as a mental disorder and studies reported high rates of suicide suicide attempts among young people who identified as homosexual. Did the classification cause gay people to be depressed or did the depression result from the classification? Since the declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder professionals have been able to address the issue of depression directly. Nonetheless, many still do not understand the situation. And there are still diagnoses listed in the DSM-4 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) that apply to transgender persons. Mental disorders may cause limitations in one’s life, but they often are seen as a secondary problem. Our job, when dealing with the professionals, is to clarify the confusion and make it clear that being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender is not a ‘hook’ on which to hang mental health issues.
For more information on LGBTQ health issues visit Rainbow Access Initiative and choose from the menu options on the left side.
For more information on spititual health for LGBTQ visit CWAC’s website or click on the “email us” button and contact me.
Rev Jenna Zirbel
