++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ As We Are (AWARE) A Safe Place in the Christian Community for Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual People A Safe Place... We all long for safe places where we can "take off our masks," relax, speak honestly and just be ourselves. But where can we who are gay, lesbian or bisexual find such places of safety and security? It is encouraging that many people are coming to recognize that God calls everyone to extend love and compassion to others regardless of differences in sexual orientation. But acceptance does not come easily and many challenges often rise to the surface during the process. It is with these challenges in mind that AWARE seeks to provide a safe place within the Christian community for those who are gay, lesbian or bisexual. D AWARE takes a positive approach to being gay, lesbian or bisexual. We are accepting, affirming and supportive. Our group is a place of hospitality for all. D AWARE recognizes that Christians hold a variety of viewpoints on a number of questions related to sexual orientation. We welcome the participation of those holding differing views and we encourage dialogue. We require only the common commitment to recognize the worth of all participants and to treat alternative views with respect. D AWARE recognizes that people respond in various ways to their sexual orientation. We respect each other's responses while we dialogue together about how to live with integrity as people of faith. D Confidentiality is essential for maintaining the group as a safe place. We insist that the identities and personal life stories of those who attend must be kept confidential. ...In the Christian Community... In the Christian community? Yes! AWARE is a faith-based support group. We discuss how our faith relates to our everyday lives as gay, lesbian and bisexual people. In AWARE we seek to gain insight from the Scriptures, from various Christian authors and speakers, and from each other's life experiences. Prayer is also an important part of our meetings. AWARE was founded by Christians and continues with a strong Christian focus. But don't be scared off. AWARE welcomes you! D Most people in AWARE are Christians whose faith is important to them. They come from many different church backgrounds, including both Protestant and Catholic. D At the same time, AWARE welcomes everyone, regardless of faith. We also welcome those with no religious background or affiliation. We invite you to join us on a spiritual journey. D AWARE welcomes those who are uncertain or in turmoil about their faith or about the church. For many people AWARE is a place of healing in relationship to God and the Christian community. D AWARE also welcomes those in the Christian community who are seeking to reach out to gays, lesbians and bisexuals. If all this sounds a bit intense, come and visit us. While we often struggle together with personal concerns and questions, you will discover that we also have a lot of fun together. ...For Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual People Have you ever said, "I'm gay," "I'm lesbian," or maybe, "I'm bisexual"? For some of us it's difficult to get the words out of our mouths. Or maybe it's frightening to even admit that those words could be ours. Many of us have come to peace with ourselves (some easily, others through great struggle) and feel comfortable talking about our sexual orientation. No matter where you find yourself in the search for self-acceptance, AWARE welcomes you. D Some of us in AWARE are very "out": we are open in many settings about the fact that we are gay, lesbian or bisexual. Others of us are very discreet about whom we tell. Those of us in AWARE respect you wherever you are in your "coming out" journey and we are here to support you every step of the way. D AWARE also welcomes those who are uncertain about their sexual orientation and who would like to grow in a better understanding of themselves. D In addition to group support meetings, AWARE often brings in guest speakers for special presentations. We frequently have meetings for family members and friends of gay, lesbian and bisexual people who may be having difficulties dealing with related issues. If you would like to come to one of these meetings, please let us know. No matter what your experiences of being gay, lesbian or bisexual have been, and even if you've never (knowingly) met a gay, lesbian or bisexual person before, AWARE welcomes you! Mission Statement: AWARE is a Christian organization whose mission is to provide faith-based support for gay, lesbian and bisexual people and to promote a positive response within the Christian community. AWARE's Services: AWARE provides individual as well as group dialogue for gay, lesbian and bisexual people and their families. We also provide educational presentations for church, school and other public settings. We welcome your inquiry or invitation. Why Our Name? AWARE stands for As We ARE. All of us want to be loved and accepted as we are. By our name we intend to communicate a genuine desire to extend the love of Christ without condition and regardless of sexual orientation. On that foundation we invite people to be more aware of each other and to celebrate our diversity. History: The first AWARE group was started in 1983 by a few people in the Christian Reformed Church in Toronto, Ontario. In September of 1991, AWARE groups were formed in London, Ontario, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. All of these groups are still operating and they continue to meet and grow. During the summer of 1993 several AWARE participants joined together and formed a non-profit (501(c)(3)) corporation called As We Are (the full name of which AWARE is an acronym). In January of 1994, thanks to the financial contributions of many people, As We Are, Inc., opened an office in Grand Rapids and hired Rev. Jim Lucas, the only openly-gay ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church, as its chaplain to lead the organization's ecumenical work. In January of 1995, a few friends and acquaintances of Rev. Lucas who reside in California decided to begin their own regional chapter of AWARE. Out of their efforts AWARE West Coast was born. Under the guidance of Rev. Jim Lucas, AWARE West Coast maintains contact with the other AWARE groups in Michigan and Canada while expanding its programs and ministries to meet the various needs of the Christian and gay communities, primarily in Southern and Central California. Please feel free to write (or call) for more information: AWARE Toronto 330 Woodfield Road Toronto, Ontario M4L 2X1 AWARE London P.O. Box 1053 Postal Station B London, Ontario N6A 5K2 AWARE Grand Rapids P.O. Box 7824 Grand Rapids, MI 49510 (616) 456-6174 AWARE West Coast 706 E. Tujunga #E Burbank, CA 91501 (818) 558-5185 all inquiries are kept confidential