While it may not be frequently in headlines anymore, AIDS is not over yet; over 40 million people are still living with HIV and need friendship and assistance, say leaders of the United Methodist-related Center for Health and Hope.
Courtesy Illustration
To renew awareness of the needs of people with HIV/AIDS, the Center and its partners plan an Ecumenical and Interfaith Community World AIDS Day Dec. 1 at Park Hill UMC in Denver, Colo. The Rev. Dr. Valerie Jackson, Park Hill's lead pastor, chairs the planning team that includes three other Center board members, Larry Sondergroth, Clietta Terry, and the Rev. Dr. Don Messer, executive director.
The main speaker will be Davina Conner, a young woman living with HIV who has become a major spokesperson and advocate. Denver Mayor Mike Johnson will provide a video, and Daryl J. Walker is providing the music. Imani Latif of It Takes A Village will participate.
Among this year's Denver-area sponsors are St. John's Cathedral, Trinity UMC, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Crazy Love Africa, Mountain Sky United Methodists, Park Hill UMC, Association of United Methodist Retired Clergy (UMARC), and others. Additional sponsors are invited at various financial levels. Details are at World-AIDS-Day-Sponsorship | healthandhope (centerforhealthandhope.org)
"We hope other leading churches, progressive businesses, and caring individuals will join us," Dr. Messer said in an email.
The observance begins at 6 p.m. (MT) with a short memorial candlelight walk around the block where Park Hill UMC is located at 5209 Montview Blvd, Denver to remember those who've died from AIDS and honor loved ones living with HIV. A healing service will be held after the memorial walk, followed by a reception with refreshments from Gateaux Bakery.
See more details on the work of the Center for Health and Hope on its website.