The largest AIDS awareness program targeting African Americans will kick off Sunday, March 2. The weeklong program will include special workshops, church services and the opportunity to meet and hear about the successes and struggles of individuals who are living with HIV/AIDS.

On Wednesday, March 5, from 10 a.m.-noon, Nashville residents who have been infected and affected by HIV/AIDS will openly share how the AIDS epidemic has forever changed their lives and what must be done to prevent it from happening to others. “A Day in the Life of an HIV+ Individual” will take place at the Metropolitan Interdenominational Church. The session is part of “The Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS,” an observance comprised of thousands of churches across the nation, Africa and the Caribbean, committed to stopping the transmission of HIV/AIDS through education and compassion.

The Balm In Gilead, a not-for-profit organization based in New York City, sponsors the international program. The local programs are made possible with support from the Metropolitan Interdenominational Church, the Vanderbilt HIV Vaccine Program, Department of Religious Studies at Vanderbilt and Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.

Also on Wednesday, March 5, at noon, Pernessa Seele, international AIDS activist and founder of The Balm In Gilead, will address dozens of Nashville ministers in an effort to conquer the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Also appearing will be gospel music television host Bobby Jones. Several other events have been planned for this week of healing and hope. For more information, call Cassandra Finch at 615-254-0250 or the First Response Center at 321-9791.

Schedule for The Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS:

Sunday, March 2, at 9 a.m.: Special AIDS observance service, Metropolitan Interdenominational Church, 2128 11th Ave. N., Nashville. Free and open to the public.

Monday, March 3, at noon: Prayer Vigil, Metropolitan Interdenominational Church, with organist Leon Corder. Free and open to the public.

Tuesday, March 4: “Church Day on the Hill.” Individuals living with HIV spend the day at Legislative Plaza learning how to become better advocates for their health. Free and open to the public.

Wednesday, March 5, at 10 a.m.: “A Day in the Life of an HIV+ Individual” Metropolitan Interdenominational Church. Free and open to the public.

Wednesday, March 5, at noon: Pernessa Seele, international AIDS activist and founder of the Balm In Gilead, addresses the Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship at Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church, 2708 Jefferson St., Nashville. Television host Bobby Jones will also appear. This event is intended for the Ministers Fellowship members, for information on attending, call the First Response Center at 321-9791.

Thursday, March 6, at noon: Awards luncheon for individuals who work in the field of HIV/AIDS at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Magnolia Room. Co-sponsored by Vanderbilt Department of Religious Studies. This event is intended for HIV/AIDS outreach workers, for information on attending call the First Response Center at 321-9791.

Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m.: Youth Rally with Christian rappers, skits, food and fun as teens and young adults raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, Metropolitan Interdenominational Church. Co-sponsored by the Vanderbilt HIV Vaccine Program. Please note this event is intended for teens and young adults.

Saturday, March 8, at 10 a.m.-noon: Workshop, “How churches can create an effective HIV/AIDS ministry through education and service,” Scarritt-Bennett Center. Facilitator: The Rev. Martin D. McLee from Union United Methodist Church in Boston, Mass. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, March 8, at 6 p.m.: Worship Service, Metropolitan Interdenominational Church. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, March 8, at 7 p.m.-Sunday, March 10, 7 a.m.: All-night prayer service for the healing of AIDS, Metropolitan Interdenominational Church. Free and open to the public.

Posted 2/28/03 at 10 a.m.