Thursday, March 11, 2010

Gay Straight Alliance for Youth

The Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) for youth in grades 7 - 12 is having an Affirming Art event. We'll meet on Saturday, March 20, 5 - 10 PM at Augustine United Church (444 River) in Winnipeg, MB. As we'll be doing some painting, it'd be best to wear clothing that is not brand new.
Attached is the poster for the group.


Find us on Facebook! Search for "Rainbow Ministry GSA" and click on the fan page that comes up (not the group). You'll get all the latest info and updates!
Help the GSA succeed by spreading the word -- talk it up with your youth, hang the poster in your church, include a blurb in your announcements, forward this email to those you think would appreciate the info. This group is open to all youth, regardless of their religious affiliation -- so this can certainly be forwarded to those not part of the United Church.
For more info, please contact Craig at (unitedchurchgsa@hotmail.com).

For poster for up-coming GSA activities please see:
http://www.scribd.com/full/28224265?access_key=key-2kgl72i1b9ey8e7favhy

St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) and Celtic Christianity



*In the Celtic tradition there is a belief in an “anam-cara” or soul friend. For a fuller explanation see anam-cara-the-friend-of-your-soul link or Anam Cara - Soul Friend link . You could ask the youth if they feel it is important to have an anam cara or soul friend in their life. What sorts of things would they find an anam cara helpful to talk with? What qualities would they look for in an anam cara?

~Two of the most beloved Christian figures in Ireland are St. Brigid and St. Patrick. One activity you can do is to weave a St. Brigid’s cross. You can find easy instructions here at St. Brigid cross instructions link . You can also find information on the legend of how St. Patrick used a shamrock to teach about the Trinity here at Shamrock legend link

* Just for You ~ If you’re interested in doing further reading about soul friends pick up a copy of the late John O’Donohue’ book Anam Cara. It is widely available in bookstores, libraries and on-line. Or pick up another resource book on Celtic Christianity or being a soul friend. Soul Tending by Jennifer Youngman is another good resource book especially for those working with older youth and young adults. It is available to borrow here: Resource Centre Library link . The Godbearing Life: The Art of Soul Tending for Youth Ministry by Kenda Creasy Dean and Ron Foster also comes highly and personally recommended. You can also borrow it at Resource Centre Library link.

~For a truly in-depth look at what Celtic Christianity believes see Celtic Christianity background link.