Xipango Furnishings of the World has reopened under new ownership. After a month of being closed, the Galleria-area store is now once again open but under the leadership of C.J. Braun, Randy Judd Harrelson, Kevin Besch, and Martin Corbello, who stepped in and rescued the store from liquidation. Xipango features an exotic blend of furniture and accessories from the Orient, South America, and various countries throughout the world. Xipango, 5000 Westheimer, Suite 116, 713/850-0020.

Now open is Dervish, an eclectic whirlwind of home and fashion, carrying a large line of independent clothing designers, along with BCBG, Calvin Klein, Gabiz-Paris, Tessutto, Moo-Roo handbags, and Andrew Mark N.Y. watches. Dervish also carries unique signature, handcrafted collectibles and retro-styled prints–as well as a menagerie of bronze, silver, and glass including period, deco, and modern pieces for the home. Not to mention the 36-feet display of your favorite one-of-a-kind candles and home fragrances–either for you or a gift for that surreal critic. Dervish, 5162 Buffalo Speedway, 713/668-0135.

Gene and Claudine Smith of Cyprus, Texas, announce the opening of the beautiful Camelot Garden. The exquisite garden and beautiful banquet facility can seat up to 250 guests. The banquet room opens up onto the patio and gardens of 100-year-old oak trees, breathtaking gazebos, fountains, and a fishpond. Camelot Gardens is a full-service facility for weddings, commitment ceremonies, and receptions, and welcomes same-sex couples. For further information and appointment, call 281/955-6276.

GiveForChange.com, an online philanthropy website, has teamed up with Working Assets to make matching donations of the federal tax rebates, up to a total of $1 million. Since the tax rebates you will receive will be up to $300 for individuals and $600 for families, they will match all donations of exactly $300 and $600 made via their website at www.GiveForChange.com As a special bonus, receive an American Airline travel certificate for all gifts of $300 or more made to PFLAG via GiveForChange.com. Receive a discount of up to $95 on an adult roundtrip domestic fare and up to $100 off international fares. Each certificate is valid for up to four individual travelers. Certain restrictions apply. If you would like to participate in this year's matching program, log on to www.GiveForChange.com and choose PFLAG as the recipient. Any donation of $300 or more is eligible for the travel certificate. Certificates will be mailed with your acknowledgement. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing as PFLAG receives updates from GiveForChange once a month. If you have any questions, you can contact PFLAG’s Jeff White at jwhite@pflag.org or 202/467-8180, ext. 218.

Houston Potters’ Guild and Gallery announces its fall show at the Upstairs Gallery, 2433 Rice Blvd., September 22—October 5. Opening reception is Saturday, September 22, 6—8 p.m. The show features contemporary furniture by Jo Alcalde & Leslie Ravey, photography by Gary Brockway, watercolor by Patty Browning, fused glass by Gene Hester, and monoprint lithographs by Billie Wilmesmeier. For more information, call 713/528-7687.

The Fan Factory Theatre Company announces the opening of You Should Be So Lucky by Charles Busch, September 22—October 20. Special benefit pay-what-you-wish performances for the AIDS Foundation of Houston’s Camp Hope, a weeklong retreat for children with AIDS, will be performed on Thursdays, Sept. 22 & 27, 8 p.m.; and Friday, Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m. The play is a contemporary Cinderella story set in Greenwich Village. They describe it: "Rated PG-13 with Gay Theme." Tickets $10/students. $7. Midtown Arts Center, 1423 Holman at LaBranch. Reservations: 713/688.4631. General info: 713/659-5266.

Don't miss the Houston Women's Festival, which will be Saturday, October 27, 1 p.m.—midnight at the Garden in the Heights. This year's entertainment line-up on the Courtyard Stage will feature Elizabeth White, Jennifer Marks, & Edie Carey, Ruthie Foster, Cafe Mocha, Sean Wiggins, Ann Reed, Susan Gibson, Patrice Pike, and Cowboy's Nightmare. Also added to the festival will be the Cafe Stage, located in the Marketplace, and features Jeanne Kauffman, Yvonne Perea, Sarah Golden, and Miss Money. Again this year, the visual and performing art show in the Main Hall will exhibit the work of emerging and established artists, and the marketplace will feature a variety of interesting vendors. For more information, visit www.hwfestival.org and please join this celebration of music, art, and community. As always, the festival is open to everyone.

Longtime Montrose neighbor Grace Lutheran Church welcomes their new pastor, the Rev. Bill Pierce, who emphasizes that Grace Lutheran is a diverse Christian community that welcomes everyone! Every Sunday, the church has Christian education classes at 9 a.m. and worship services at 10:30 a.m. For further information, call 713/528-3269.

Jesse Jennings, D.D., minister of Creative Life Spiritual Center of Spring, Texas, announces their special effort and interest to welcome gay, lesbian, bi, & trans individuals to their already all-embracing diverse community. Dr. Jennings challenges individuals to "Settle for More!" Jennings says that his center/church is "a sunlit, shame-free spiritual alternative, just 40 minutes from the Montrose." Dr. Jennings understands the value of everything in life and therefore offers two Sunday morning services (9 & 11 a.m.) so that a Saturday night party or a Sunday morning brunch does not have to be sacrificed. For further information/directions, call 281/350-5157 or visit the website at www.creativelife.org.

Thomas announces that he is now available as the Rent-a-Clergyman for special services for the GLBT community. Thomas says there is an alternative choice when planning your wedding/commitment ceremony or anniversary ceremony. Thomas embraces Universality Spirituality; he can help you create the perfect ceremony to honor life's special events. The first of its kind, he even offers the Rite of Coming Out Ceremony. "Why does 'coming-out' have to be such a challenge?" he says. "Why not celebrate it?!" Thomas is also available for memorial services/funerals or any other blessing/ceremonies that one might need. So, if you are looking and open to greater possibilities, contact Thomas at 713/522-7626 or RentAclergyman@AOL.com.