BMC NewsNet
Vol. 9, No. 6
December 2008

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With sadness, we remember Phil and Louie Rieman,

1)   Phil and Louie Rieman Remembered

2)   World AIDS Day

3)  Transgender Advocacy Resources Offered

4)   Youth Advisor Workshop

5)   Helen Herbst Honored

6)   Sabbatical Announced

7)   Last Chance for 2008!

1)  Phil and Louie Rieman Remembered

The BMC community expresses its sorrow at the tragic loss of Phil and Louie Rieman, pastors of the Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, who were killed in a car accident on December 26. Phil and Louie were compassionate and caring individuals who were fierce and gentle advocates for a more peaceful and just world. We extend our condolences to their family, especially their children, Ken, Tina and Cheri, and mourn the loss of these extraordinary individuals. A recording of their memorial service can be found on the Bethany Seminary website at www.bethanyseminary.edu.

2)  Worlds AIDS Day

December 1 marked the 10th International World AIDS Day. According to United Nation figures, 33.2 million people worldwide are living with HIV, including 2.1 million children. Approximately 95% of those with HIV live in developing countries. While rising access to treatment has meant longer life spans and fewer deaths, an estimated 2.1 million people died from HIV related deaths in 2007. To learn more about HIV/AIDS and what you can do to help, go to www.unaids.org.

3) Transgender Advocacy Resources Offered

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) announces the development of two important resources to help individuals and congregations increase understanding and become better advocates for transgender people. Gender Identity and Our Faith Communities is a new curriculum that can be downloaded from the HRC website. The material draws from a wide array of personal experience, religious and cultural analysis, and diverse faith journeys and is designed in time segments that add up to three hours. In addition, HRC is also launching Out in Season: A Transgender Encounter with the Church Year, a seasonal resource that will feature commentaries and reflections from a wide range of transgender experience. To access these resources, go to the HRC website at www.hrc.org and click on Religion and Faith under Issues at the top of the page. If you have trouble finding the resource, please feel free to contact the BMC office at bmc@bmclgbt.org.

4)  Youth Advisor Workshop

Recent studies have indicated that the long term health of lgbt youth is related to the degree of acceptance that she or he finds from her or his family and community. To assist youth leaders in their understanding and care towards youth in their care who may be lgbt, BMC has developed a workshop addressing the needs and issues lgbt or questioning youth. If you are interested in learning more about this resource, please contact Carrie Fry-Miller, BMC Kaleidoscope Coordinator at bmc@bmclgbt.org or call 612-343-2060.

5)  Helen Herbst Honored

Helen Herbst of La Verne, California, will be honored by both BMC and her church community at the La Verne Church of the Brethren on Sunday, January 11, with a lunch and program. Helen has had a long connection with BMC, sharing her hope, support and compassion. BMC is delighted to recognize this amazing woman of faith and courage. All are invited to attend. In order to plan for food, please let Susan Boyer (La Verne pastor) know you are coming by calling 909-593-1364 and leaving a message.

6)  Sabbatical Announced

One of the benefits offered to the BMC Executive Director is the opportunity to take sabbatical time. Carol Wise is taking advantage of this and will be taking a 10 week sabbatical beginning March 16, 2009. She will be using the time to study the dynamics of social movements, work on worship resources, write and rest. If you have suggestions for good books or materials, please share them! Board vice-president Ralph McFadden will serve as director during Carol’s absence.

7)  Last Chance for 2008!

Today is your last chance to make 2008 contributions to BMC. Your support is greatly needed to enable BMC to continue our important work of support, education, advocacy and hope. Checks may be sent to PO Box 6300/Minneapolis, MN  55417, or you may give on-line at the BMC website at www.bmclgbt.org. Thank you so much for your support and generosity. Together we are making a difference!

BMC NewsNet is an electronic newsletter produced by Carol Wise and Carrie Fry-Miller for the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Interests (BMC).   BMC seeks to provide programming, support and advocacy for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals and their families and friends.  For questions, comments or to unsubscribe from this list, contact the BMC office at PO Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406-0300, USA; bmc@bmclgbt.org; or 612.343.2060.

To donate to BMC, go to our website at www.bmclgbt.org and click on Donate Now. You can also send a check to the BMC office, PO Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN  55406. Thank you for your generous support!

BMC Staff

Carol Wise – Executive Director, SCN Coordinator

Carrie Fry-Miller - Kaleidoscope Coordinator, BMC Volunteer

Randall Friesen – Outspoken Editor