Have you wondered what struggles transgender people face? Have you ever thought about where our ideas of “appropriate” gender expression come from? Do you feel called as a person of faith to stand with those who are marginalized, but are not sure how to advocate politically from a religious voice? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then we have a workshop for you! On March 28th from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, our congregation is sponsoring and hosting a moving workshop on “Gender Identity and Our Faith Communities.”
Hebrew Scripture Reading—Zechariah 7: 1-12
Jaime Silahua is a handyman who works hard to support his partner and their three children. He is an active member of his church and can frequently be found doing various maintenance tasks around it. In 2007, Jaime’s 15-year-old son Erick was diagnosed with leukemia. The months that followed would throw his family not only into the hardships of fighting this disease but also into the hardships of fighting for their home. Jaime’s family lives in a “one-story, ranch-style” house. They bought it seven years ago for $281,000 on a 30-year fixed interest loan. A week before this past Christmas, however, they were notified by the bank that their home would be going into foreclosure due to falling behind on mortgage payments. Jaime had earlier sought to have his mortgage modified but his lender denied his petition because his income fell $220 short of the required amount.
Every year, during the month of March, hundreds of thousands of events are held throughout the country to acknowledge and recognize the amazing accomplishments of women.
This national celebration and recognition of women’s historic achievements began in 1980 when National Women’s History Week was proclaimed by Presidential Proclamation. In 1987, this national celebration was expanded by Congressional Resolution to an entire month by declaring March as National Women’s History Month.
The knowledge of women’s history provides a more expansive vision of what a woman can do. This perspective can encourage girls and women to think larger and bolder and can give boys and men a fuller understanding of the female experience. (more…)