March 13, 2010

Take the Stairs

Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: church within a church, Community Building, dignity, LGBTQ health, mental health |
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Almost everyone can stand to think about ways to improve their overall fitness level and the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association lists fitness among the top ten health issues for both LGBT people. Thinking fitness doesn’t always have to mean major life changes or expensive gyms. Make small changes like taking the stairs, choosing a farther parking spot or getting of the subway one stop earlier to get your heart working and help maintain strong bones and muscles.

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 12, 2010

Learn More About HPV

Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: church within a church, Community Building, dignity, family values, LGBTQ health, ministry development |
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Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can cause warts, cervical cancer and anal cancer, especially in HIV-infected men and women. A digital rectal exam (when a medical provider inserts a finger into the anus) can detect warts and other problems that should be treated. An anal Pap smear may also identify problems needing treatment, especially for HIV-infected persons. There are vaccines available that can prevent warts and HPV-associated cancers in women and men. Find a medical provider who understands the needs of LGBT patients and ask about getting checked and getting the vaccine.

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 7, 2010

Reflecting on the Past Year

Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: affirming, christianity, church within a church, Community Building, covenant, definition of church, dignity, ecclesia, equality, family values, inclusion, justice, koinonia, LGBTQ, ministry, ministry development, theology, tradition |
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THOUGHTS FROM THE PARTICULAR ….

We live and work in the reality of everyday struggle and celebration. Life on our street is in touch with people wondering how we will pay our bills, especially the utilities. We wonder if we can get employment before we fall too far behind in debt. Jobs are hard to find; even harder is keeping the car repaired. The on street parking is an altogether different challenge with every-other-day restrictions dedicated to the 9:00 o’clock hour. A lot of the time we spend our physical energy on transportation. Our homes belong to landlords many of whom are slow or even unresponsive to our requests, quite like the police when we call about an altercation. And the density of families and neighbors living close together brings relationship issues through the walls with easy flow to the street.

It might be easiest just to ignore the neighbors for pseudo privacy, a way to focus attention on my own issues. I may dress up and leave my street – get miles away – leaving the problems of the day behind for a moment, possibly to go worship. But more easily I can shut my door, turn up my noise and drown out the disappointments, fears of failure; my hopes exhausted just like my body by too much exercise in reaching for opportunities just beyond my grasp. (more…)

March 6, 2010

Support LGBT Teens

Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: church, church within a church, Community Building, dignity, ecclesia, family values, justice, LGBTQ health, mental health, suicide prevention |
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LGBT youth face great challenges. They are at greater risk for academic failure because schools are often unsafe. Lack of support often leads to feelings of isolation and depression; and LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide. Offer support to local organizations that provide services to LGBT youth. Mentor and model a sensitive and encouraging approach with LGBT teens in your own life. If you know an LGBTQ youth in need of help, connect them resources like The Trevor Project at 1-866-4UTREVOR or http://www.thetrevorproject.org/

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 “Suicide”.

March 5, 2010

Know Your Health Insurance Options

Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: church within a church, Community Building, dignity, ecclesia, family values, justice, LGBTQ health, ministry development |
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Studies show 1 in 4 gay and lesbian adults have no health insurance (twice the rate of heterosexuals). The rate is even higher for our trans sisters and brothers. Lack of health insurance should be a serious concern for all in the U.S., but even more so for LGBT. Learn about the kinds of insurance that might available to you and those you love—and support and advocate for health coverage that includes LGBT people and their families.

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 3, 2010

Care for LGBT Seniors

Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: affirming, church within a church, Community Building, dignity, ecclesia, equality, family values, justice, LGBTQ health, mental health |
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LGBT people come in all ages…and our community’s seniors are an important part of who we are, but services for them are often lacking.

Around 75% of LGBT seniors live alone, compared to 33% of their straight neighbors. Unlike heterosexual elders, 4 out of 5 of whom have children, 90% of LGBT seniors have no children. When 40% of straight seniors have no life partner, that figure jumps to 80% for LGBT. Add to that the fact that 50% of LGBT seniors do not feel welcome at senior centers when they are open about their sexuality, and it becomes easy to see why senior LGBT health outcomes are so negatively affected by isolation and loneliness.

Find a group for LGBT seniors in your area or a program that serves them and donate your time, money and/or support.

For more information on LGBTQ health issues visit Rainbow Access Initiative and choose from the menu options on the left side. In particular, the tap for “Aging Issues” may be eye-opening.

For more information on spititual health for LGBTQ visit CWAC’s website or click on the “email us” button and contact me

February 9, 2010

Mutual Possibilities

Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: affirming, change, church within a church, Community Building, dignity, LGBTQ, ministry development |
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Rainbow Access Initiative, Inc., last year initiated an award for professionals/companies who have advanced the availability or quality of health care or human service delivery in the Capital Region of New York. The award will be repeated this year and is set to become an annual event.

Falling within Pride week, the award dinner draws together people from many vocations and walks of life to raise awareness of the difficulties that some people who are LGBT face in accessing basic care, as well as recognize those in our community who help dismantle the barriers that exist. Those in attendance at the awards dinner and those who access RAI resources represent a cross-section of the Capital District LGBT community and their allies, which is virtually identical to those reached by CWAC.

The awards are funded in part by selling sponsorships in the event. The sponsorships are offered at various levels, up to $5,000. The $250 sponsorship level is what we recognize as most helpful in making a connection – a connection between CWAC as a body of people working as Being the church and RAI as a group of dedicated people looking for a way to flourish.

Honorary committee sponsor ($100)

Business or Individual will be listed as Honorary Committee member on invitation, program and event signage
1 event ticket

Bronze sponsor ($250) As above plus:

Identified as Bronze Sponsor on all event advertising, invitations, posters and program
Company listed on all signage at the event
Online listing in Capital Region Health Resources Directory
2 event tickets

December 1, 2009

World AIDS Day – Schenectady

Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: church within a church, Community Building, dignity, family values, koinonia |
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21 Years of Light and Hope

Jenna, representing CWAC, is proud to have been one of the organizers of this year’s World AIDS Day observation in Schenectady. It has been a few years since the last commemoration was held in Schenectady, so this year’s event is particularly meaningful.

Since the beginning of the epidemic, HIV/AIDS has claimed over 25 million lives. Millions struggle daily to live well with the disease – some in our own community! People living with HIV/AIDS are your friends, neighbors, family members, and coworkers. HIV/AIDS affects us all!

Join us at City Hall as we walk to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in our community. Over complimentary hot chocolate, listen to personal stories of people infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS, share your own story at our “open mic”, and speak with Schenectady’s AIDS service providers.

Beginning at 5:00pm on Tuesday, December 1^st 2009, we will gather at City Hall and march to Proctor’s Theater, where the event will continue.

June 14, 2009

Family Diversity Day at NY State Museum

Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: church within a church, Community Building, dignity, ecclesia, equality, family values, justice, koinonia, ministry |
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As part of Pride Week in the Capital District of NY, Family Diversity Day was celebrated on Saturday, June 13, with activities and information tables at the State Museum of NY. Families of all shapes, sizes, colors and couplings demonstrated what true diversity of love and family values looks like. Jenna represented the Trevor Project, a non-profit engaged in many efforts to save young people’s lives, especially LGBT youth at risk of suicide. Along with Jenna were Jenn, a co-worker with Jenna, and her husband, Andy.

Jenna also got to speak with some folks about CWAC and possible alternatives for worship. We are confident that the time is approaching for making a new start of some kind.

Many contacts were made with teachers, youth group leaders and other interested parties about holding Lifesaving workshops – an educational function of the Trevor Project that seeks to educate young people about suicide prevention, peer support and triggers that can lead to suicidal thoughts. Every time a training occurs, more people become educated enough to help prevent suicide in our greatest asset – our young people.

May 11, 2009

Trevor Lifeguard Workshop Program

Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: affirming, change, church within a church, Community Building, covenant, definition of church, dignity, ecclesia, equality, inclusion, koinonia, ministry, ministry development, theology |
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Recently, I underwent facilitator training for the Lifeguard Workshop Program of the Trevor Project, in which I was trained to give presentations and lead programs in schools. This school workshop program was developed to help young people become more aware of the myriad issues surrounding sexuality and gender identity, and to promote acceptance of LGBTQ youth nationwide.

StaticLatinGirl300x250 The Trevor Project operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for gay and questioning youth. Staffed by trained volunteer counselors, the helpline provides support and crisis intervention services for young people.

In addition to operating the crisis and suicide prevention helpline, The Trevor Project also provides online support to young people through the organization’s website and provides lifesaving guidance and vital statistics to educators and parents.

The Trveor Project also conducts outreach programs accross the country to educate young people about suicide prevention and to help build acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in classrooms and communities around the country.

May 1, 2009

Opportunities

Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: affirming, change, christianity, church, church within a church, Community Building, covenant, dignity, ecclesia, equality, genda, inclusion, justice, koinonia, marriage equality, ministry, ministry development, religion, same-sex marriage, theology |
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Opportunities continue to present themselves, more so now since my participation in E&J Day at the capital on 4/28. It is a practice that helped me remember my worth as a minister and my ability to nurture my passion in engaging with a community in servant leadership. Andy and I represented the church as a body living in the community of love, nurturing each other.

May 1, 2009

Equality & Justice Day – NY State Capital

Posted by Rev Jenna Zirbel under Uncategorized | Tags: affirming, covenant, dignity, equality, genda, inclusion, justice, marriage equality, religion, same-sex marriage |
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On April 28, I participated in a rally for equality and justice at the New York state capital with 2000 people. We were an incredibly diverse crowd, including constituents from the far reaches of the state. We spoke with those who have been voted into office to represent us. We spoke so that those representatives would recognize the common interests and the needs of the people of New York state. We know the stories of our lives shed light on why passing into law GENDA (Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act), Dignity (Dignity for all Students Act) and same-sex marriage is the way to opening civil rights to LGBT in order that we all might flourish.

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