February 4, 2005

GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 9

communitygroups

Where the boys are

Fraternity uses parties and outings to foster healthy behaviors

by Andrew Hyde

Dayton-You may have heard talk about a new fraternity for gay and bisexual men ages 18 to 29. Epsilon Mu Pi, or the Mu Crew for short, is AIDS Resource Center Ohio's new program reaching the young GLBT community with HIV prevention education in a social setting.

A key principle of the project is that, espe-

AIDS Resource Center Ohio

cially for youth, creating social and peer support systems that encourage healthy behaviors helps individuals adopt and practice these behaviors. Much like an actual fraternity this group of young men host theme parties, outings, planning meetings and are even getting involved in community service.

The program was created several years ago at the University of California-San Francisco and has slowly crept across the country. The

fraternity was created to provide gay, bisexual and questioning men a group to become a part of, take ownership of, and send out safer sex education in their communities through social networking. The program is directed toward guys ages 18 to 29 and is usually funded through grants obtained by the individual AIDS service organization providing the program.

Since mid-November the Mu Crew in Dayton has been going strong, hosting events like a pajama party, Halloween bash, potluck dinners, movie nights, a pool party, and a huge New Years blow-out. Coming soon is a trip to the world's largest cave for hiking and camping and a white water rafting trip, as well as many other huge ideas. Also, all Mu Crew events are drugand alcohol-free to promote healthy lifestyles and avoid the pressures of most parties and club atmospheres.

Most guys out of high school lose a huge portion of their social groups and being gay makes fraternities or the workplace difficult places to build a strong circle of friends. The

All Saints Community Church grows in its first decade

by Paula Zidonis

Cortland, Ohio-Have you heard about "The Dome?"

The Dome, otherwise known as All Saints Community Church, is an affirming Christian fellowship, welcoming all to worship regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or spiritual background. "Being Jesus to Others" is All Saints' motto, purpose and promise.

The founders of the church are Reverend Thomas Begert-Clark, senior pastor, and Steven Begert-Clark, director of music ministries. They held their first worship service on November 6, 1994 with just a handful of charter members. The congregation has expanded over the years and continues to grow. On October 31, All Saints celebrated its tenth anniversary, proud to have an active attendance of over 50 parishioners each Sunday with a membership roll of over 100.

On December 31, the church was saddened by the retirement of Reverends Tom and Steve. The congregation is currently in the process of seeking candidates for both a part-time pastor and a music director who will stimulate and lead the special, wonderful and unique congregation with God's Word, wis-

dom and worship. Those who would like more information regarding the part-time pastor position should contact deacon Karla Simpson, pastoral search committee chair, at ksimp6979@aol.com. For the music director's position, please contact Dorothy Schroeder,

chair of the board of trustees at ohdoeline@aol.com, or call the church at 330-637-1946.

Those who have never attended All Saints Community Church, it is worth the time and effort. You definitely need to experience God's peace and love that is present within this church and congregation, the complete and unequivocal welcome here.

Worship service is held every Sunday at 10:30a.m. with pre-worship (music) starting at 10:15 a.m. All Saints offers the sacraments of baptism, anointing, marriage and holy union to all official members and the sacrament of Eucharist each Sunday to all of the community of believers. The church is located at 4530 Niles-Cortland Road (Ohio 46) in Cortland, Ohio, just north of Warren and Youngstown. See www.allsaintsonline.org for more information. ✓

Paula Zidonis is a member of All Saints Community Church.

Pool standings

Cleveland-These are the standings for the Shooters Pool League as of January 24 matches. This is the second half of the second season of an annual pool league which shoots on Monday nights. Although it is a semi-competitive league, all skill levels can compete as matches are based on individual handicaps.

Play begins at 7:30 pm at the home team's bar where four matches are played each week, consisting of as many games as needed for one player to win the number of games of their handicap.

For more information, contact the league at 440-871-4699 or buteohawk1@comcast.net

Matches Won Lost

Games Won Lost

Upcoming matches Monday, February 7

Mu Crew is tailored for those in the professional world as well as students at all the surrounding colleges, to make friends and find support from their peers.

Ninety percent fun trips, parties and meetings, ten percent education. This combination seems to be the perfect percentage to keep guys involved and yet not burned out on the ongoing message. The Mu Crew is reaching the community like wildfire and over the course of the next couple years the HIV

infection rate will hopefully decrease in the area. HIV is on the rise again and the Mu Crew is doing its best to make sure the young community knows the facts about the virus and how to protect themselves and their friends.

For more information see www.the MuCrew.com or www.ARCOhio.org.

Andrew Hyde is the coordinator of the Mu Crew.

Pater Noster has outreach for newly-diagnosed HIV+

by Fr. Phillip Zimmerman

Columbus-Positive PEERS is a new HIV outreach program developed and sponsored by Pater Noster House. PEERS stands for Prevention, Education, Empowerment, Responsibility and Support.

cies and doctors, resource and agency referrals, a phone hotline, an informative web site and a newsletter.

The first meeting of the group was on January 20. The next meeting will be on the third Thursday of the month, February 17., at 7:30 pm at Pater Noster House, 4313 Alkire

Pastor Noster House

The goal of this project is to provide an affirming, open, safe, supportive place for people who have recently been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS to meet others who prove that you can live with the virus. The primary objective is to educate people about HIV and how to live with the virus, to give participants a sense of empowerment and responsibility, and to provide a social outlet that is affirming and nonjudgmental for those who participate in this program.

Positive PEERS provides social gatherings, peer support groups, guest speakers, educational forum, contact with health agen-

Road, Columbus.

If you are interested in participating in the program or volunteering your time and talent to this important project, please contact Fr. Phillip Zimmerman, director of Pater Noster House, 614-870-6460 or at Pater NosterHouse@aol.com. All are welcome.

Father Phillip Zimmerman is the director of Pater Noster House.

Friday bowling standings

Cleveland-These are the standings of the North Coast Bowling Association's Friday night bowling league at the end of play January 28.

The Friday night league is a fun social league with plenty of openings. No experience is necessary. Bowling begins at 6:45 pm every Friday at Ambassador Superior Lanes, 1500 Superior Ave. in downtown Cleveland.

For more information, contact the league at 216-661-5532.

Team

1. Mustangs

2. Thighmaster 3. Beyond a Mess

4. Deco Bitter Bitches

Won Lost

5. Alternative Pins

6. Married With Children

7. Decopauge

8. The Bald and the Beautiful

9. Oh Spare Me

10. BADGERLZ

11. Golden Organs

12. Finger Holes

13. Dixsie Chicks

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