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 – the Chaplaincy meets weekly 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. Friday, 9 a.m., Aroma Cafe, 1122 4th Street, San Rafael.

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.

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.

Summer Suppers – [Photo Gallery]The Marin Interfaith Street Chaplaincy hosted the first three Summer Suppers in the fall of 2010 at the St. Vincent DePaul Dining Room, 822 B Street, San Rafael.

With approximately 100 people in attendance at each gathering, members of nearly a dozen different faith communities gathered to break bread and share fellowship with folks from the Street Community. The meals were prepared and served tableside by volunteers from the Street Community. Sidewalk Sideshow Productions hosted an open mic during each dinner. We look forward to seeing you there!

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.

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. 2011 was the 14th 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.

We are grateful to the Marin Community Foundation for providing a portion of the funds necessary for our work.