Grand Valley Interfaith Network

Faces & Voices Homeless in America Exhibit @ Crossroads UMC in the Wesley Room Sunday June 11, 8 am - 12 noon Tues. - Thur. June 13 - 15, 9 am - 8 pm Fri. June 16, 9 am - 12 noon Sat. June 17, 9 am - 2 pm Sun. June 18, 8 am - 12 noon A multimedia exhibit designed to educate the public and raise awareness of the life experience of the homeless. Go to www.gvpeacejustice.org/current-issues-around-the-grand-valley/faces- voices/ and / or www.facesvoices.squarespace.com/ for more information on the exhibit. Crossroads UMC (970)242-0577. Grand Valley Peace and Justice (970)985-4253

Anti-Bias crimes, Hate Crimes, intolerance and bigotry are on the rise in the Grand Valley, the US (and around the world). Given today's "political climate" - we now live an an uncertain world where people feel free to express their hate and bigotry publicly without consequences. Please join me in my efforts to educate and to make our society an inclusive one - no matter what race, religion, sexual orientation, We are ONE people - human beings with hopes and aspirations. As human beings we MUST support, respect, embrace and celebrate our differences and we MUST act against bias and unfairness. No longer should any of use tolerate or ignore the acts of hate that have reached every area in our community. Our goal is to create public awareness of this ever-growing climate of intolerance and hatred and ELIMINATE this. My I am so incredibly touched at the amount of people who have reached out to us. After what happened, we left town for a few days and we just got

Good morning everybody, Last night a picture came through on my Facebook feed showing that one of our Grand Junction neighbors woke up to realize that their  garage had been vandalized with horribly explicitly racist words and the words "kkk was here." If we combine this action along with the kkk flyers that were dispersed in the Redlands in February I am very concerned that this type of hate is getting a larger voice in the valley. I would like to write a letter or make a statement that as faith communities we stand united against this type of behavior. My hope is that we will get the majority of ministers and faith communities in the valley to sign the letter. I think a strong united voice is very needed at this moment in time.  If you would be interested in helping me word the letter or are willing to sign please let me know. I have included a very preliminary sample of what I hope the letter might look like, but absolutely welcome the insights and wise

Loka Hatha Yoga will be holding a free public retreat, Sitting on the Porch, from 1pm to 3pm on Friday May 19. The event will include training in Jnana Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Bhakti Yoga, with street cleaning and wildlife service to follow. Meet at the Ashram, 2478 Brookwillow Loop, Grand Junction. Class limited. RSVP's required. (970) 778-2835.

One of our GVIN member faith organizations has purchased a building where they found an outdoor wooden cross that they do not need. It was wired for lighting and had been attached to the outside of the building. They would love to pass it on to anyone who might like to have it. It is in storage indoors. If anyone is interested, they can contact me, Sherry Cole, at 970.261.7695. Thank you so much.

You are invited! Immigration in our community will be the focus of the first Information Cafe hosted at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Thursday, May 11. This "Immigration 101" event will explore some of the myths and truths of how immigration impacts our community, families and businesses as well as the personal situations of documented and undocumented families, and how they are being treated and empowered here. Two guests associated with the Hispanic Affairs Project (HAP) will make presentations regarding their work on immigration and our community: TomAcker, president, HAP board of directors, and Estrella Ruiz, HAP organizer. HAP staff and volunteers have worked in the local community with health care agencies and law enforcement. A statewide group, CIRC, and its political emphasis on documenting abuse and Know Your Rights program, will also be discussed. There will be ample time for your questions, and light refreshments will be available. Donations will be acce