On Jan. 3, nearly 100 people gathered at The Center in Hillcrest for Metropolitan Community Church’s “Service of Reflection and Hope”. The church sought to provide support, peace and solace in the midst of the disaster in South Asia with prayers, readings, music, the lighting of candles and a special offering.

Through the coverage of three local TV stations, a write-up in the San Diego Union-Tribune and gifts totaling $1501.35 to the Red Cross International Response Fund, the service offered an opportunity for the city to see how the GLBT community cares and responds.

“With millions of lives touched by this disaster and hearts saddened worldwide, there was no question that we had to do something; it was just a matter of bringing people together,” said MCC Associate Pastor Dan Koeshall. “We were very pleased with the response and deeply moved by everyone’s generosity.”

MCC offers worship services each Sunday at The Center at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. For more information, contact (619) 521-2222.

The Greater San Diego Business Association holds its first mixer of 2005 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jan. 19, at the Top of the Park. The event will feature American and ethnic cuisine by Chef Carmelita Rivera of Gourmet Expressions.

Last year’s mixer at Top of the Park drew 250 attendees.

“It’s always been a highly successful venue for the GSDBA,” said GSDBA Executive Director Joyce Marieb. “The hotel management is very supportive of our events. And this particular mixer will ring in the New Year for many local businesses. We’re starting our celebrations early and continuing throughout the year.”

The cost is $5 for members and $7 for guests. Price includes food and a free first drink. Top of the Park is located at 525 Spruce St. For more information about GSDBA mixers, memberships or its business networking groups, call (619) 296-4543.

The next JYPride Rotating Shabbat takes place Friday, Jan. 28, at 6:00 p.m. at Congregation Beth Israel. Services will be followed by dinner at a nearby local restaurant immediately thereafter. All are invited to attend, but reservations are required for the dinner no later than Friday, Jan. 21. All are invited to attend.

JYPride serves the San Diego Jewish GLBT community, and is a collaboration between the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, the Jacobs Family Campus, the United Jewish Federation, other organizations in the Jewish community and The Center.

Congregation Beth Israel is located at 9001 Towne Centre Dr.

Contact Melanie Rubin of the LFJCC at (858) 362-1141 for additional information and to RSVP for the dinner.

The Center and Ebony Pride present a celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 17, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Center.

The event, “Remember, Celebrate, Act: A Day On… Not A Day Off”, will feature a dramatic reading of King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech as well as entertainment, food and a silent auction. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration is free and open to the public.

“Martin Luther King Day is a celebration for all people, not only for African-Americans, as King fought for the civil rights for all Americans,” said Ken Riley, co-chair of Ebony Pride. “King taught us that when one group of us does not have full equal rights, none of us have them.”

King’s widow, Coretta Scott King, continues his legacy and is a major champion for GLBT civil rights.

For more information about this event, call (619) 515-3606.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego will be holding an informational meeting and auditions on Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 7:00 p.m. at the University Christian Church, located at 3900 Cleveland Ave., across from the Hillcrest post office. All those interested are welcome and can sing something that the chorus provides or can also bring other music.

There are also opportunities for non-singing members who wish to volunteer in operations. Call (619) 275-ARTS for further information.

Bring a buddy or partner to a day dedicated to the wellbeing of women. The Center’s Women’s Resource Center and Comprehensive Health Center are holding a full day of healthy workshops and services Saturday, Jan. 22, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free, and childcare will be provided.

At 12:00 noon, a healthy cooking class will teach you to make treats that are both good and good for you; at 1:30 p.m., there is a partners massage workshop, teaching you relaxation techniques; at 2:30 p.m. is “Safer Sex in the City”, detailing everything you ever wanted to know about safer sex with women; at 4:00 p.m. is a women’s wellness panel, introduced by Councilmember Toni Atkins, where you can learn about women’s healthcare in San Diego and ask doctors anything via anonymous question ballots. Low or no-cost mammograms and breast exams in a comfortable, GLBT-friendly environment, will be offered throughout the day.

ASL or interpreters will be provided with seven-day advance notice.

The Center will also be hosting two future Women’s Wellness fairs, on Saturday, May 21, and Saturday, Sept. 17, also from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Admission, again, is free.

The Center is located at 3909 Centre St. Call Claudia Lucero at (619) 692-2077 ext. 206 or email clucero@thecentersd.org for further information or to reserve a spot. Space is limited.

The Live and Let Live Alano Club’s annual gala takes place Saturday, Jan. 29, at The Center. In addition to honoring individuals who have made a difference in or through the club, Bonnie Henderson will perform a piece from her play, Come A Little Closer, and Soul Notes will provide musical entertainment. Dinner will be provided by California Cuisine. The VIP reception begins at 6:00 p.m. and the program starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person for VIP and $85 per person for general admission. Call Kevin at (619) 497-1702 or Carla at (619) 246-6807 for more information.

Over 15,000 people are expected to attend the seventh annual San Diego Multicultural Festival taking place Saturday, Jan. 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. along the Martin Luther King Promenade in downtown San Diego’s marina – across from the San Diego Convention Center, and around Fourth Avenue and Market Street on Harbor Drive.

Conceived of by the Centre City Development Corporation, the festival features a variety of ethnic food, merchandise and community information booths; two stages of multicultural performances and entertainment; an artist’s circle and a children’s area with free hands-on activities. The aim of the festival is to bring together people and ideas from all different cultures and corners of the globe to celebrate and learn from their differences.

Admission is free. Contact Jacki Taylor at (619) 533-7145 or via email at taylor@ccdc.com.

Prime Timers, a social group for mature gay and bisexual men and their admirers, is holding several events in January, including coffee and conversation at David’s Coffeehouse, taking place at 10:00 a.m. on Jan. 22 and Jan 29. Look for the Prime Timers sign. David’s Coffeehouse is located at 3766 Fifth Ave.

Other events this month include a dinner at Brians’ American Eatery on Thursday, Jan. 27. Brians’ is located at 1451 Washington St. Call Dennis, the activities director, at (619) 287-0375 to RSVP.

Prime Timers provides its members with opportunities to come together in a supportive atmosphere to enjoy social, educational and recreational activities in San Diego County. Call Tom at (858) 274-9621 in the evenings, or email tom@PrimeTimers-SD.org, for more information.

The Live and Let Live Alano Club’s annual gala takes place Saturday, Jan. 29, at The Center. Bonnie Henderson will perform a piece from her play, Come A Little Closer, and Soul Notes will provide musical entertainment. Dinner will be provided by California Cuisine. The VIP reception begins at 6:00 p.m. and the program starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person for VIP and $85 per person for general admission. Call Kevin at (619) 497-1702 or Carla at (619) 246-6807 for more information.