On Saturday - April 5th at 5:00 p.m., Grace Church welcomes the community to witness the unification of Hip Hop music & worship. The Hip Hop Mass is a worship service that will present the Gospel in a way that transcends age, gender, race, religious affiliation, & socio-economic status. The service will follow a traditional worship order, but incorporate hip hop to reach individuals who may otherwise not receive God's message. The goal is to reach out to young people & others using their language, culture & sensibilities to communicate the word of God. The Hip Hop Mass will take place the 1st Saturday of every month. Refreshments immediately following the service.  For more information contact outreach@gracecollegehill.org or 513-681-0743.  Tell a friend or neighbor...this is an event you do not want to miss!

 

Ruth joined Grace in 2001 and has served on Mission Council for three years.  The start of her vestry work began as a result of a nomination she received from Mary McClain.  Interestingly enough both Ruth and David Mukasa were asked at the same time to serve on the Mission Council.  Ruth explained that she told Bishop Price that she would come on board only if David did, as a result the Mission Council gained two new members.  Never underestimate the influence of peer pressure!  Ruth has taken courses at the University of Cincinnati, Mount St. Joseph, and Cincinnati State in computer programming and business administration; however her true strength is in accounting.  She worked as Senior Accountant for Parking Company of America for several years and is now retired.  Ruth has a twin brother, a deceased brother, and many nieces & nephews as well as grand nieces and nephews.  Ruth volunteers at Mercy Mt. Airy two days week and she enjoys golfing.

The theme for March is sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention.  This is a mature subject.  Discussions here are not intended for children but they may become the impetus for such discussions between parents and their preadolescents, adolescents and young adults. Earlier this month we noted that sometimes the cornerstone principles of STI prevention: abstinence and fidelity, are not enough.  Societal changes include delayed first marriages and youth becoming sexually active at earlier ages. Public health threats as a consequence of risky behaviors include: increasing intravenous drug abuse and infections such as the deadly Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).  Those who are sexually active and not married need to take aggressive steps to prevent STIs and stay SAFE. 

 

Safer Sex Practices:
o Sexual Abstinence remains the safest sex practice.  Wikipedia (www/Wikipedia.com), a frequently consulted "online" information source, defines sexual abstinence as "the practice of voluntarily refraining from some or all aspects of sexual activity."  There should be no physical contact of a sexual nature, obviously including but not limited to "making love". 
o Non-Penetrative Sexual Behaviors (AKA "Outercourse") such as massage, clothed rubbing of bodies together, non-intimate touching, hugging and kissing, shared sexual fantasies are all safe from risks of becoming infected with an STI.
o Physical Barriers - The proper and obsessive use of such physical barriers as latex condoms (for men and for women) have proven to be effective in preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. 
o Engaging in Sexual Behavior with only one partner - again, the ideal here is for each member of a couple planning to be sexually active, not to have engaged in intimate sexual behavior with any other person. 

 

Safer Social Practices: If you are thinking about or have already become sexually active, be prepared to:
o Tell your partner if, when, where and how you want to be touched or don't want to be touched.
o Mutually share your sex histories and get tested - insist that your partner get tested for STIs as well then share your results with each other.
o Get regular physical check-ups, including checks for infections.
o Insist on always following safe sexual behavior practices.
o Acknowledge that physical intimacy finds its best expression in stable, committed, loving relationships that include not only sexual behaviors, but also creativity, mutual respect, power sharing, tolerance, forgiveness, problem-solving, mutual sharing and trust. 
Should you have concerns or want additional information about the material presented above, please contact your local health care provider, the Public Library, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov), the Rector, or someone on the Grace Church Health and Wellness Ministry Committee (Chaired by Mrs. Florence Poyer, R.N.)

 

Prepared by: Walter S. Handy, Ph.D., member, Grace Church Health and Wellness Ministry Committee

 

The Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre will be performing in Cincinnati at the Aronoff on April 28-29, 2008 at 8:00 p.m.  Grace has the privilege of being able to offer a group rate of $36 per ticket.

 

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater grew from the now fabled performance in March 1958, at the 92nd Street Young Men's Hebrew Association in New York. Led by Alvin Ailey and a group of young African-American modern dancers, that performance changed forever the perception of American dance. Today, led by Artistic Director, Judith Jamison, AAADT has gone on to perform for an estimated 21 million people in 48 states and in 71 countries on six continents, including two historic residencies in South Africa. The company has earned a reputation as one of the most acclaimed international ambassadors of American culture, promoting the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance.  To purchase tickets or for more information contact Jim Edgy at 513-541-2415 or gechurch@fuse.net.

 

Christ Community in College Hill will host weekly youth activities at the Rock Cafe in College Hill on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.  This initiative is designed to give youth an opportunity to interact with their peers and engage in purposeful dialogue in a safe environment.  Food will be provided and all College Hill youth are welcome.

 

For more information contact Ron Whitt, CCCH Mentor & Youth Worker at 443-554-6385 or ronsxp@verizon.net.

 

Contributed by Ron Whitt

We still have vacancies on the Flower and Coffee Hour schedules.  If you can assist please contact Jim Edgy at 513-541-2415 or gechurch@fuse.net.  Thank you to all who have volunteered to date.

 

Body Recall, Tuesday - 10:00 a.m.
Yoga, Tuesday - 6:00 p.m.
Only $8.00 per session. See Laura

 

 

Mar 26     (Re-Scheduled) Mission Council 6:00 p.m.

 

Mar 22     Easter Vigile - St. James Church 8:00 p.m.

 

Apr 5       Hip Hop Service 5:00 p.m.