Please join us at the upcoming Monday, May 9, 2016 support meeting of PFLAG Sedona/Verde Valley. We will be screening a 22-minute long documentary film called, “A Family Like Mine”, directed by Katherine Kearns. This engrossing documentary from a young Idyllwild student explores the world of children brought up by same sex parents in a society where homosexuality is a constant source of controversy.

Having grown up as the adopted child of a single gay man, Katherine Kearns wondered if there were more families like hers. She didn’t have to go very far to find several children of LGBT couples, and she met many of her subjects through people she knew from school. Kearns explores her family situation and talks about being raised by LGBT parents with others. At only eighteen years old, Kearns is able to relate with her subjects and brings out vulnerable moments.

Some of the most touching parts of the film come from how these children and couples define family.  “My definition of family isn’t necessarily one that is based in blood but one that is based in love,” says Dennis Duban. He and his husband, Kevin Montgomery, raised a daughter who is now actively fighting for human rights.

Although the family structures featured are all different, one thing they have in common is the love they share for their children. Kearns beautifully captures the hardships and blessings of growing up with gay parents.

The support meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Painted Cliffs Hall at The Church of the Red Rocks, 54 Bowstring Drive, Sedona, AZ. You won’t want to miss this meeting! All are invited and welcome to attend.

 

On Monday, April 11, 2016, the monthly support meeting of PFLAG Sedona/Verde Valley will feature a special screening of the film “Sacred Journeys”. “Sacred Journeys” , which premiered at the Sedona International Film Festival in February, was written, produced and stars local Sedona resident, Glenn Scarpelli, along with Mackenzie Phillips and Stephen Wallem. Glenn will join us for the screening and will also share his own story.

“Sacred Journeys” is about Marco, a man not living his life fully. When a surprise visit from his past turns his world upside down, Marco might just discover what’s been holding him back all this time. This witty yet tender short film shows what new beginnings can look like in the age of a modern family. Glenn, Mackenzie and Stephen play gay characters who discover what it’s like to get a second chance in life.

Glenn Scarpelli has been in the entertainment business for over 30 years. Starting his career as a child actor, he is best known for his role of ALEX on the long running CBS Classic Sitcom, “One Day At A Time” along with Valerie Bertinelli, Bonnie Franklin, Mackenzie Phillips and Pat Harrington. He is a native New Yorker and got his first break on Broadway at age 8 in “Golda” starring Anne Bancroft, playing Golda Meir’s son. His favorite film credit was playing Audrey Hepburn’s son in the Peter Bogdanovich film, “They All Laughed”.

The support meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. at The Church of the Red Rocks, 54 Bowstring Drive, Sedona, AZ. You won’t want to miss this meeting! All our invited and welcome to attend.

Our next support meeting will feature Ms. Deidre Moulinier, Deacon at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Sedona. Deirdre Moulinier began working with HIV/AIDS in 1989 as a health educator for Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry which was a collaborative outreach by Christ Episcopal Church in Alexandria, VA and the American Red Cross. Ms. Moulinier continues to be an educator and advocate for those living with HIV/AIDS.

Deirdre is ordained as an Episcopal Deacon at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Sedona. She is overseeing the display of three panels of the Names Project AIDS Quilt as part of World AIDS Day. The quilt is now on display at St. Andrew’s through the end of January of 2016.

Deirdre’s other outreach ministries include providing Pastoral Care to members in and outside of the community, facilitating a Caregivers Support Group, overseeing Community of Hope, a pastoral care group based on the Benedictine Rule of Life and serving as a member of Mental Health Coalition of Verde Valley.

Please join us on Monday, January 11, 2016 at the Church of the Red Rocks, 54 Bowstring Drive in Sedona. The meeting begins at 7:00 pm. You won’t want to miss Deirdre Moulinier’s inspiring story.