Volume 3 Issue 1 ~~~Winter 1998
Integrity/Calgary
Support for gay, lesbian and bisexual Christians & friends
Reflections
This year we seem to have come into our own. With numbers consistently over 20, there are new faces and lots of good energy at each service. Although people do come to 'meet and greet', or just to check us out, Christ is at the centre. We have all been personally moved at those moments when we have gathered around to pray for healing for one of our members. New comers often remark on the great singing. The invitation from the Barnabas Fellowship gave us an opportunity as a group to perform a ministry for some singular evangelical Christians and to increase their understanding of who we are. There may be a return visit in the new year. Our plans for a retreat, and encouragement from other Integrity chapters to join them at the General Synod, are signs we are coming of age.
Here we are in Adventthe season in which we reflect on all the different ways in which God comes to us:
-in vulnerability and poverty, as the Christ child
-at the end of time as Judge
-and in between, in our longing for justice,
in affirmation received from friends & lovers,
in unexpected surprises,
in accomplishments achieved with careful planning and hard work,
in sexuality and spirituality
in rich tradition and fresh creativity.
In all things, at all times, 'O come, o come Emmanuel!' JP
Donations Appreciated
On our behalf, St. Stephen's Church has kindly agreed to issue tax deductible receipts for donations of $35. These donations to St. Stephen's are in lieu of rent. Become a supporter. If you would like to do this please speak to Tim. You can reach Tim at 686-1127.
General Synod
The General Synod is the elected decision-making body of the Anglican Church of Canada. It meets every three years. Integrity has participated in the Synod since 1983. Integrity operates a booth, gives out brochures, lobbies and otherwise "schmoozes" with delegates. If we hope to change the church's attitude, this is an important ministry.
In 1995, six Toronto members and four Vancouver members represented Integrity Calgary could be therein 1998!!!
If you are interested in being part of a Calgary presence in Montreal, May 21-29, 1998, please come to a meeting at Jim's on Friday January 9th, 7:30 p.m., or phone 270-9661. JP
When any duty is to be done, it is fortunate for you if you feel like doing it; but, if you do not feel like it, that is no reason for not doing it. - W. GLADDEN.
Kill the Rainbow
Perceptions, October 1997
At a recent world youth festival in Paris, the Pope and 5,000 priests attending the final mass were adorned in Rainbow coloured outfits. Designed by French couturier (and devote Catholic) Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, the rainbow was designed with the intent of each color representing different continents. Noting the link to gay pride, many conservative Catholics objected to the use a rainbow, which also adorned festival hats, t-shirts, umbrellas, and crucifixes. Monsignor Michel Dubost, the chief organiser of the festival exclaimed, "Homosexuals didn't invent the rainbow! Besides I don't see why you have to be ugly to be a Christian!" SF
Our Rainbow's History....
by S.F. written from research using mainly the advocate.
Many people have often wondered about the origin of the sixstriped rainbow flag that you see so often hanging outside gay establishments and homes. The first flag was designed in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, a San Francisco Artist in response from a local activist in need of a community symbol. Baker designed a flag with eight stripes pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. The colours represented sexuality, life, healing, sun, nature, art, harmony, and spirit. Baker dyed and sewed the material for the first flag himselfin the true spirit of Betsy Ross! Soon after, Baker approached San Francisco's Paramount Flag Company about mass producing and selling this "gay flag." Unfortunately hot pink was not commercially available for mass production; thus the flag became seven stripes. Later that year, indigo was dropped due to the difficulty in having uneven colours during the Harvey Milk funereal parade route (i.e. three colours on one side of the street and three on the other). Soon six colours became the standard and the flag quickly became recognised by the International Congress of Flag Makers. SF
Retreat
There is a day retreat planned for on January
31, 9am-5pm at the FCJ Centre. The cost will be $20 and will include
a meal. Please book ahead by calling Jim at 270-9661 before January
18. JP
Sorrento
Have you ever been to Sorrento Centre? It's a gorgeous resort location on Shuswap Lake, run by the Anglican Church. Do you feel like a vacation which includes some good food for thought? Among their wide variety of offerings next summer, Sorrento is presenting "Gay and Lesbian people and the Gospel", July 19-25. More information can be obtained from Sorrento Centre, Box 99, Sorrento, B.C. V0E 2W0. Or ask Dan.
Embracing Spirituality, Embracing Sexuality
Exploring lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered realities in a faith context, this will be a weekend of worship, workshops, speakers, panels, discussions, social time and networking.
March 20-22, 1998
Grant MacEwan Community College
Edmonton, Alberta
For more information call: (403) 433-5034 or email: katharine.moore@ualberta.ca
Cost $125.00, billets are available upon request.
GLSCA
Calgary's Gay and Lesbian Community Services Association, has started to plan its 4th Annual Art Show Extravaganza "Expressions '98." The fund raising proceeds go toward hiring GLCSA's first program coordinator for the peer support drop in center. Volunteers are needed to help support this proud community event. For more information call Shayne at 282-2808. SF
Drop us a line
Do you have a story, article or idea you wish to share? All articles must include name address and phone number. Names will not be published upon request.
Integrity /Calgary
P.O. Box 23093
Connaught Postal Outlet
Calgary, AB, Canada
T2S 3B1
(403) 270-9661
Mailing lists for Integrity/Calgary are strictly confidential. Inclusion or receipt of this newsletter or membership in Integrity/Calgary does not imply sexual orientation.
