Fostering Community – There is community on the streets. The Marin Interfaith Street Chaplaincy invites people to discover the sacred in their lives and shared experience. By forming circles with each other, we discover and explore the ripples we send through each others' lives. By becoming aware of the effects of our everyday actions, we can recognize the sacred and change how we interact with the world.

Regular Events | Projects | Annual Events (W/ Photo Galleries)

Regular Events:

Wellness Gathering – The Wellness Group is the focal point of the Chaplaincy community. Each week, we explore what it means for us to be community together. Our spiritual practice is offering support to each other and offering ourselves in service to our community. Tuesday, 4 p.m., Geneva Room, First Presbyterian Church, 1510 Fifth Avenue (at "E"), San Rafael

Art Group – each Wednesday afternoon, Bob King, the Chaplain Assistant leads a group in creative activities. Wednesday, 2 p.m., St. Vincent de Paul Offices, 822 B Street, San Rafael

Circle of Spirit – twice a month, the Chaplaincy meets with members of the street community at a local coffee shop in San Rafael for fellowship and conversation. This gathering allows the street community to be visible in a positive and productive way. Thursday, 4 p.m., Aroma Cafe, 1122 4th Street, San Rafael - call Chaplain for monthly schedule

Memorial Services – by honoring the lives of those who have gone before, we call the community to an awareness of their connection and their need to care for themselves and each other.

Men’s Group – Working with members of the ManKind Project (mkp.org), The Chaplaincy offers a bi-weekly men’s group that encourages the men of the Street Community to be authentic men of integrity. The group meets every other Thursday at 2:30 PM in front of the St. Vincent De Paul Dining Room. Participants in this group will be eligible for scholarships and invited to attend the ManKind Project’s New Warrior Training Adventure (ncal.mkp.org) as it is hosted in Northern California.

Projects:

Sidewalk Sideshow Productions – Informational Brochure. Originating from the Celebration of Life held on July 22, 2007, this group from the Street Community came together with the tactical assistance of the Chaplaincy for the purpose of providing a venue for creative expression. The mission of the Sidewalk Sideshow is: “We are a collective of artists working together to nurture community that enables free flowing love and compassion through creative expression in a supportive environment.” With a goal of seasonal performances, the next show - Will Play For Fun - is Saturday, November 3, 2007.

Annual Events:

Thanksgiving Service – [Photo Gallery] each year, the Thanksgiving Eve Service is a chance for the street community to gather together with the community at large. For Thanksgiving 2006, poets and musicians from the street shared their gifts alongside of local clergy and faith leaders.

Memorial Service – [Photo Gallery] each year, the Memorial Procession in June/July is an opportunity for the street community to interface with the community at large to raise awareness about the harshest of realities of living without shelter. By reading the list of names of all of those who have died in past years, we honor their lives and pledge that they will not be forgotten. 2007 will be the 10th Annual Memorial Procession.

Celebration of Life – [Photo Gallery] A celebration directly following the Annual Memorial Procession, organized and performed by the street community as a response to the memorial service, celebrating the life and gifts we have. The first Celebration of Life was held in conjunction with the 2007 Memorial Service.