World Aids Day
In a letter sent out to all Congregational Churches Adora Lee, UCCSA HIV/AIDS Coordinator encourages all churches to participate in World Aids Day "as the day that people around the world will pause to remember all those who are infected and affected by AIDS. The world will also take time out to commemorate the lives of those lost to the global AIDS crisis. World Aids Day is a day of recommitment to doing all that we can to stop the spread of HIV. It is a time to consider whether or not we are responding to people living with HIV and AIDS in the most compassionate way. This year’s theme is “Stigma and Discrimination: Live and Let Live”. There are many things that we as Christians can do to respond to the HIV/AIDS crisis in our midst. … Start an AIDS ministry or project. Encourage members of your congregation to provide meals, home care, clothing transportation and support to people living with HIV and AIDS. Create in your congregation an atmosphere of love, support and openness for people living with HIV/Aids.”
In response to this call RUC set aside the 23th November as AIDS Sunday in attempt to offer support and hope for those who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.
A litany on the beatitudes
(for World Aids Day)
Bless people with HIV/AIDS, and all who face life-threatening illnesses,
with a vision of their eternal worth.
Blessed are those who suffer, for God will comfort them.
Bless those who grieve in the AIDS crisis.
Blessed are the mournful, for they will receive
what God has proised.
Bless those who are humbled by a positive HIV test
with a fresh appreciation for their bodies and their lives.
Blessed are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires,
for God will satisfy them fully.
Bless those who seek justice for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Blessed are those who are merciful to others,
for God will be merciful to them.
Bless those who seek a cure and medical treatment.
Bless all who offer Your people care.
Bless loved ones who stand alongside those who are infected,
that they may be strenghtened by your Spirit.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are those who are compassionate,
for they will be called God’s children.
Bless all who work to reconcile church and society
with those who are rejected and isolated because of HIV/AIDS. Amen.
At the last World AIDS Day Service, Robert challenged the congregation to volunteer one hour a week or a month to help confront the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Approximately ten people have come forward and have accepted this challenge. Meetings have been held in February and March to explore potential volunteer opportunities for these people. At this juncture we are pursuing efforts such as counseling at Pollsmoor to affected inmates, spending time at a crèche with infected babies, and collection and distribution of food parcels.
Also in the spirit of this challenge, Judy Cooke will be presenting Soul City Training about HIV and AIDS Saturday from 9-1 in April (date to be set). If you are interested in attending please fill out and return the form at the bottom of the page indicating specific topics that you would like addressed during this training. More information will follow closer to the date of this training.
Please feel free to join us in accepting this challenge and speak to the minister, Robert Steiner.
You may wish to complete the following and place it in the offering bag during a service.
I am interested in attending a 4-hour workshop on HIV AIDS at RUC. ___ Yes ____ No
I would be interested in hearing about the following issues:
__ Transmission __ Issues and Concerns of the affected
__ Diagnosis __ Treatment (Anti-Retrovirals)
__ Prevention __ Myths vs. Realities of HIV/AIDS
Other______________________________________________________________________
Name: ________________________ Contact (tel or email):_________________________
{{date}}
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