World AIDS Day was observed locally by two events sponsored by the Anne Arundel World AIDS Day Committee.  The first, on November 23, was a workshop for children about HIV and AIDS, held at Freetown Elementary School in Glen Burnie. About 60 teens participated and gained a better understanding of loving relationships, safe sex, risky sexual behavior, taking care of one's body, etc. They enjoyed expressing themselves and they drew pictures of what they learned, which were later displayed on the walls at Evolve Chesapeake.

It was there, at our Sacred Gathering last Sunday, that the second event took place. Our community and guests viewed a DVD that Rick Dove had made about World AIDS Day, after which he spoke about how important it is to get tested and know one's status. On our community table was placed a big red ribbon on which many little votive candles were arranged. Everyone who wished to remember loved ones who had died from AIDS was invited to come up and light a candle in their honor.  It was a simple and deep gesture.

 

Romans 13:8-12a

       The reading: "Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet"; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light."
       There are two messages in this reading:

1. Love sums up the law. This is God's vision for humanity: learn how to love one another.  Dan Savage was recently asked in an interview, What does it take to "get it"?  A certain Vice President got it when he was able to change his position on marriage equality because of his heart connection with his daughter.
2. Awakening. Advent has to do with awakening. Christ invites us to be awake, not to live on auto-pilot or addicted to drugs, alcohol, shopping, etc. Awaken to your life, to who you are. Be fully human. Find the Divine in your pain, in your pleasure, in your creativity, in compassion...in everything! Find the One who brings a closeness of Divine Presence. And, find out your HIV status if you don't already know it. It is important to do this.    

At our Welcome Table in the Lobby there are books for sale by Matthew Fox, John Shelby Spong, Marcus Borg, and others.  You'll also find Rick Dove's beautiful cards with nature photos.  Buying these will help support Evolve Chesapeake's ministry.

Maryland CURE (Maryland Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants) is an organization supported by GAIN whose mission is to reduce the number of lives - victims, offenders, prisoners, and families - wasted in the endless cycle of crime, victimization, incarceration, and recidivism.  They will attend -and invite those interested to attend - the Annual Public Comments Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 6:15 pm before the Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy.  The meeting will be held in the House Office Building, Judiciary Committee Hearing Room (Room 100), at 6 Bladen Street, Annapolis, Maryland.

 "Thus, we believe that there can be a future of more sunrises and sunsets, and more opportunities to go and do great things in the world, which is truly very good news."      ~ from Scott's blog, It "Guts" Better, Dec. 3, 2013