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Sunday, Dec 1, 2002
World AIDS Day

Did you know that World AIDS Day was founded out of Metropolitan Community Churches?
 

In 1985, frustrated with a  lack of broad community response in San Diego to the AIDS pandemic, Rev. David Farrell (then senior pastor of MCC San Diego, CA and today MCC Web Manager) set aside a weekend to focus attention on the AIDS crisis.

Under Rev. Farrell's leadership, the San Diego MCC congregation sponsored a 50-hour prayer vigil, conducted workshops, and invited participation by a broad spectrum of faith communities, social workers, medical specialists, funding organizations and community groups.

The event was so successful that the following year -- in 1986 -- Metropolitan Community Churches asked Rev. Farrell to lead an international campaign to help other MCC churches sponsor AIDS Day weekend observances. Organizational kits were prepared and posters were printed and in 1986, MCC churches around the world hosted World AIDS Day events, services, workshops, and vigils.

These simple but powerful observances struck a responsive cord in communities around the world.

When the results were in, more than 5000 churches and temples from a broad spectrum of faith communities had joined hands with 300 MCC congregations to sponsor World AIDS Day events in 1986.

By 1988, the United Nations and the World Health Organization jointly proclaimed December 1 of each year as World AIDS Day -- and the observance became an annual international event in communities around the globe.

On Sunday, December 1, we encourage you to attend a World AIDS Day service to honor those who have lost their lives to complications from HIV and AIDS -- and as a witness that we are still living with the AIDS crisis.

BEARING WITNESS... HONORING LIVES...
AIDS Watch is compiling a roster to memorialize the lives of persons lost to HIV and AIDS.

Visit http://www.aidswatch.org/ and add the names of friends, family members, co-workers, fellow worshippers, and loved ones to this lasting tribute.

There is no cost to friends and family members to remember a loved one. The memorial is a powerful reminder of the value of every human life -- and a reminder that HIV and AIDS do not discriminate.

To add a name, simply visit http://www.aidswatch.org/
On the opening page, click "Add A Name."

LITURGICAL RESOURCES FOR AIDS DAY SERVICES:

If you are looking for prayers, readings, and other ideas for World AIDS Day services, visit the website of Christian Aid UK at Christian Aid worship resources -- or if your browser does not support clickable links, visit http://www.christian-aid.org.uk/worship/church/hiv02/index.htm

This year's theme is "Together In Hope And Prayer."

These materials have been prepared by an international team from Uganda, Ireland, and England. Please note that these materials as posted on the Internet do not incorporate inclusive language, and will need to be edited or adapted for use in MCC churches.

Additional information, along with press kits, can be found at the United Nations website at
Press Kit World AIDS Day - History of WAD or at http://www.unaids.org/wac/2000/wad00/files/history_WAD.htm

MCC OFFERS ON-LINE LISTSERV:

Finally, a reminder that MCCers offer a LISTSERV for people of faith with HIV and for those involved in HIV and AIDS ministry and programs. To sign-up for this free service, visit http://www.mccchurch.org/ On the opening page, click on "Interactive Pages" and scroll down to the section that says "UFMCCHIV@yahoogroups.com." Click on the link for more information or to sign-up.

For additional information, please contact:
Jim Birkitt, MCC Communications Director
MCC Communications Department
8714 Santa Monica Boulevard, 2nd Floor
West Hollywood, CA  90069
Tel. (310) 360-8640
E-Mail: info@MCCchurch.org