Grand Valley Interfaith Network

Grand Valley Interfaith Network (GVIN) participated in several activities around Grand Junction on Martin Luther King Day on January 20, 2020. In fact, GVIN members were involved in week-long events and activities throughout the community. From special movies at the Avalon Theater to the Inclusivity Proclamation at the City Council meeting to a special service at the Unitarian Universalist Congregational Church to offering materials and information at the CMU campus to a generous meal at Clifton Christian Church. There was MUCH going on! Here are just a few photos to recognize some of our GVIN members and many of the day's participants. A special thank you to Stan McKeese and his group for all the arrangements and oversight throughout the week.

ADDRESSING THE PERSONAL CHALLENGES OF AGING IN AMERICA On the four Thursdays in February, First Congregational United Church of Christ will offer a series of one-hour presentations on the medical, relational, and emotional challenges of aging in the United States. The presentations will be based on Dr. Atul Gawande’s book, Being Mortal. The sessions will run from 10 AM to 11 AM weekly. Americans face the same challenges in aging as people around the world, but we also face unique challenges based on our medical care system and our approach to end-of-life issues. The class will identify some of those challenges and offer various options for maximizing our aging and end-of-life experiences. Reading the book, Being Mortal , is not required but will enhance your class experience. There is no fee for the series but individuals are asked to register by calling (970-242-0298) or emailing ( office@uccgj.org ) the church office. The series will be led by the Rev. Dr. David Dethm

by Rev. Dr. Carla Ryan, Chair/President of GVIN GVIN is currently doing an extensive re-examination of itself as an organization: What is its purpose? Who are its active Members?  Do we include "Friends" who wish to affiliate from the sidelines? In what projects do we get involved? Do we have political interests? Social Justice? Educational? Human benevolence? Do our organizational documents support our evolving focus and membership? To see through the fog of this confusion, GVIN formed a Task Force to address these issues and to draft or update documents that reflect the current attitudes and focus of its members, and how the organization can support those intentions. (See "Covenant of Cooperation" on ABOUT page.) It is not the first time this self-examination has occurred.  Over the past 43 years, GVIN members have asked these questions, made adjustments, and kept moving forward in projects that supported each other and specific aspects of the com