Reopening of Joy MCC HIV/AIDS Ministry

Joy Metropolitan Community Church announces the renewal and expansion of its HIV/AIDS Ministry with a grand opening event, “The Doors Are Now Open,” Sunday, March 1, 2009 in the church’s courtyard between 10:30 am and 2:00 pm. There will be information regarding the expanded ministry, the Orange County Health Department will provide HIV/AIDS materials, free and confidential HIV Testing and a “Let’s Talk About Sex” forum .

The goal of the expanded ministry, which is inclusive and welcoming of all people, is to provide spiritual care which fosters hope and support for those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, promote HIV prevention and address issues related to the myths, fears, prejudices and complacency that fuels the HIV epidemic. Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator of MCC, stated “Wake up, MCC. It is 2008, and HIV and AIDS are still raging, like a hurricane that seems to dissipate, but then gathers strength over a warm Gulf.“ At Joy MCC we say, “Wake up! It is 2009, and HIV and AIDS are still raging.”

The Joy MCC HIV/AIDS Ministry will answer the call by providing a support group function that will begin meeting Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 6:30 pm and meet every Tuesday thereafter at Joy MCC’s Page House, 1611 PAGE ST, ORLANDO, FL. Page House is across the street from and behind JOY MCC’s Sanctuary. Additionally, a buddy mentoring program, ”Friends to Friend”, is being established to help anyone newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS to survive and thrive during this critical period. The “Friend’s to Friends” motto says is: “No one should be alone. Now you don’t have to be.”