earth Healer - Bazaar Committee - Kimberly & Carey - Communications Committee

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1 earth Healer The Official Newsletter of Gaia Community, An Earth-Based, Pagan-Themed, Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Kansas City FEBRUARY 2008 PAGE 1 Spring Bazaar is coming! With the success of this year's Winter Bazaar, many of our vendors asked if it would be possible for Gaia Community to host a spring event of a similar nature. Authorization was given to pursue that option at the January Ritual for Business, so stay tuned for more information on this new community fundraiser, tentatively scheduled for April! - Bazaar Committee 'Herald' needed for Announcements Nicole is no longer running our weekly announcements, as you may have noticed when attending some recent Sunday rituals. It's much easier for people to remember what is coming up if they have it in printed form rather than shouted out during ritual, though, so we'd really like to have someone step up and help out with this easy task. It's easy to get most of the information off of the website or from this very newsletter, and the job is much easier for a non ritualist (since they won't be worrying about running ritual and remembering to print this on Sunday). A template is available from what is being printed right now (by David, the Committee Chairperson); access to and of course a printer (and scissors!) are a must. Interested? Just catch David at some point, or e mail him at communications@gaiacommunity.org. - Communications Committee All Sunday activities take place at Shawnee Mission UU Church; 7725 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS (near 87th & Metcalf) and begin at 4 P.M. unless otherwise noted. Excellence in Ritual class Ever participated in a ritual at Gaia Community and thought, "Wow! That was great! I wish I could get involved in leading ritual like that!"? Ever participated in a ritual at Gaia Community and thought, "Wow! That was terrible! I could do better ritual than that in my sleep!"? Either way, your next chance to enroll in the Excellence in Ritual class, our ritualist training program, is coming up soon, and we'd love to see a class full of interested, talented people who are just itching to play along (or to show us how it's done). Excellence in Ritual is eight weekly sessions of participatory classroom time, followed by a hands on internship period (lovingly referred to as "ritual boot camp"), culminating in a final ritual done entirely by the students (this year's final is set for July 27 th ). The program covers the ins and outs of public ritual Gaiastyle, teaches some technical aspects of ritual performance, and addresses many of the challenges of serving a diverse faith community. The class is a prerequisite to joining ritual teams, although anyone is welcome to take it. Classes will begin the first week in March, so if you are interested in joining the group, please contact one of us at eir@gaiacommunity.org or in person by Feb. 24 th. - Kimberly & Carey What's Inside This Issue GAIA ARO UN D TO W N, CARIN G CO N N E CTIO N S CO RN ER... 2 S UN D AY RITUAL S CH ED ULE... 3 RITUAL FO R BUS IN ES S MIN UTE S...4 S O CIAL JUS TICE CH ALLENGE...5 CALE N D AR...6

2 PAGE 2 FEBRUARY 2008 Gaia About Town Voices of Gaia (every week before ritual, at SMUUCH): Voices of Gaia, Gaia Community's choir, has started meeting again after a very long summer break. You'll find us in the Theater Room below Barn Chapel on Sundays at 2 p.m. New members are always welcome. We prefer that you have some experience singing, particularly with choirs, can match pitch and can follow a musical score. Our current incarnation is as a women's choir, but if you're a tenor or bass and really want to sing with us, contact Kitty in person or at songbird@kc.rr.com and we'll figure something out. Ritual Teams Meeting (2/7, 6:45 PM, at E3HQ): Part time slots to help with Sunday rituals are now available to formerly active ritualists; if you are interested, please contact Debbie in person or at rtc@gaiacommunity.org. As always, any member of the congregation may help with a particular ritual, so if you have an interest let someone know! February's meeting will be at the Entropic Trinity's house. Ritual for Business (2/9, 9:30 AM, at SMUUCH): This is our monthly church business meeting. Anyone, member or not, is welcome to come and provide input or ask questions, although only Full Active Members can participate in the consensus process. If you've ever had an official question or concern, this would be the place to bring it. Any questions or items for the agenda can be communicated to the board at board@gaiacommunity.org or in person. Social Justice Committee Meeting (2/12, 7 PM, at Andrew's): Now meeting regularly on the second Tuesday of each month. This meeting will be at Andrew's new place: W. 76th Terr. #34 in Overland Park; you can also find him in person or e mail him at sj@gaiacommunity.org! We're currently wrapping up the Heifer International project mentioned on page 1, and working on the next one (detailed on page 5). Games Night (2/15, 7 PM, at SMUUCH): Kick back and relax; NO OFFICIAL BUSINESS IS ALLOWED! Bring a game, bring a friend, bring some munchies, or just bring yourself! Usually held in the Barn Chapel or downstairs in the Jefferson room, depending on weather and/or what games are available. Religions of Kansas City Study Group (2/19, 7 PM, at SMUUCH): A new study group has formed to explore and learn about the variety of religions present in Kansas City. If this is a subject that interests you, please Lizzy at president@gaiacommunity.org, find her in person, or just join them on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 PM! Friday Night Supper Club (2/22, 8 PM): February's supper club will be at B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ, a great place to eat that is isolated by the bridge construction at 85 th & Troost (take 83 rd from Holmes or 84 th from Paseo to Tracy Ave to get there; look for a map in upcoming announcements). Contact Terry at fnsc@gaiacommunity.org or in person to save a seat! Board of Trustees President Lizzy Ticer president@gaiacommunity.org or Vice President Terry Ross vicepresident@gaiacommunity.org or Treasurer Nola Cavanaugh treasurer@gaiacommunity.org or Secretary Jennifer Gadd secretary@gaiacommunity.org or Members at Large Via Baker viator753@hailmail.net or Yale Giffin niveustigris@hotmail.com or Greta Erhardt or greta@gaiacommunity.org... or contact them all at board@gaiacommunity.org! Men's Group (2/23): Twigs n Berries, the pagan men's covenant group, will be meeting on the 23 rd of this month. Exact details will be forthcoming in the weekly announcements and on the website; contact Jeff or Brian for more information. Caring Connections Corner Birthday blessings go out this month to Brandy on the 1 st, Carey on the 5 th, Thayne on the 9 th, Mercedes on the 12 th, and Leanne on the 22 nd. Let Caring Committee know of others that we're missing! Congratulations as well to some of our fabulous kids! Tony Butler was a soloist in the musical Seussical recently, and both Sami and Cory Dozier each made the Honor Roll twice so far this year! Also, Terry's son Phillip got engaged last month (he and his brideto be are in Springfield working on their MBAs, so you may not see them in person soon). In addition, our energies and thoughts go to all of those who are moving, changing jobs, or just waiting ever so patiently for winter to be over with. Particularly, our thoughts go to Greta, whose father passed away not long ago. If you or another attendee of Gaia Community are hospitalized or going through a difficult time, please contact the Caring Committee at caring@gaiacommunity.org, or on our voic at , or by contacting one of the Committee members in person: Terry Ross, Debbie Dozier, or Cynthia Mathis.

3 FEBRUARY 2008 PAGE 3 Sunday Schedule (held at 4pm unless otherwise noted) Voices of Gaia meets at 2:00 PM, Sacred Rhythms at 3:30 PM Sunday, February 3rd SABBAT Imbolc (w/potluck) Ritualists: Amanda, Kimberly, Via & Linda Imbolc is often celebrated in conjunction with Brigid, and with her as our patron for this year, it will certainly be no different! One of Brigid's gifts is that of inspiration; not just the inspirational moment itself, but how to recognize it, utilize it, and carry it forward to inspire others as you move through the world. As with every high holiday, there will be a potluck meal after the ritual; please bring a dish, dessert, or drink for eight hungry people, and remember to bring your own table setting, so we don't have to use disposable dishes! Remember to label your ingredients for those with dietary concerns. Sunday, February 10th Class Bisexuality/Biphobia Facilitators: Kimberly & Jacki This week, we continue our Welcoming Congregation series with a participatory class in which we will work within a safe space to explore and discuss myths, facts, stereotypes and stories about bisexuality. Whatever your score on the Klein Grid, you'll probably learn something (and if you're asking yourself what the Klein grid is, then you'll definitely learn something). Sunday, February 17th Currently Active Ritualists Andrew Turner Barbara Devin Scrogum Jacki Kelley Kimberly Linda Boyce Via Baker Amanda Pence David Reynolds Eric Simpson Jeff Park Kitty Degler Lizzy Ticer Yale Giffin Please see Debbie Dozier, the Ritual Teams Coordinator, if you are a former ritualist who would like to rejoin teams. Ritual Learning to See (New Member Sunday) Ritualists: Kitty, Lizzy, Yale, and Michelle Solvej Come join us for an afternoon of 'Learning to See' as we work to break through our layers of mythic reality. Who might you be now if you had the opportunity to re write part of the story of your life? How can you use that new story to change your current and future mythic reality? Help us to welcome our new members and create new stories together. Sunday, February 24th Workshop Reading the Tarot Through the 4 Levels of Reality Facilitators: Kitty & Kimberly In this experiential class, we'll be using the concept of the Four Levels of Reality as a method of reading Tarot cards. Please bring a picture deck of Tarot cards (or more than one to share) and a notebook to journal in if you wish. Don't worry if you don't have a deck, we'll bring extras. No Tarot experience necessary! Ritual Teams A Look Ahead to Next Month... Mar. 2nd Spring Cleaning (SOS) Mar. 9th Ritual: Queer Gods Mar. 16th Class: Totems Mar. 23rd SABBAT: SPRING EQUINOX Mar. 30th Ritual: We Could Be Heroes (All Fools)

4 PAGE 4 FEBRUARY 2008 Mooings from the CoW Summary of January's Ritual for Business (RfB) I. Meeting called to order at 9:45. Attending: Jennifer, David R., Terry, Yale, Via, Erin, Devin, Barbara, Lizzy, Nola, Greta, Kitty, Linda, Amanda, Kimberly, Carey II. Agenda agreed, with amendments III. Minutes agreed, with amendments IV. Treasurer s Report: November final: Income 1, Expenses 1, Final Phone bill went up.03 in Nov. They keep going up a dime or so every month. December: WB kept separate and final was $ and this has been added into the budget as net profit. Barbara points out that this would not meet NFP audit standards. Nola will adjust for transparency in record-keeping. Dec. Income: 1,175.71, Expenses $1, Final so far Greening the Basket was very low, but pledges were outstanding. December is not yet closed out because the school has not yet billed us for the WB venue. Tax letters going out this month. Nov. report approved. Dec. report tabled. V. Standing Committees (Committee of the Whole) 1. Ritual Teams: Changed RTC term to one year, Debbie will continue, and the terms will be filled on a volunteer schedule, rather than rotation basis. They are taking steps to increase participation. 2. Caring: John is currently at Kinder Care and is progressing, but they haven t said when he might be released. Terry wants people to notify the comm. of joys as well as concerns. 3. Communications: Earth Healer went out 1/11. Blurbs are not coming in for rituals, which delays publication. Nicole is no longer doing announcements, so we need a volunteer for that. 4. Winter Bazaar: The committee felt the bazaar went well. Surveys indicate vendors support this year s changes and some proposed changes. 5. Social Justice: All the Casa Kids got something. Families were thrilled and it was a huge success. The next project up to Imbolc is the Heifer Project. We re buying sheep. VI. Unfinished Business 1. Strategic Planning: Lizzy did a divining, seeing as how the universe seems not to want this to happen. Lizzy s omen indicate that we should try again, and she will organize it. VII. New Business 1. Stewardship: The weakness of the comm. has been longevity of leadership. Terry proposes that Via and Kimberly head the committee. Agreed. Terry proposes that Gaia send the new comm. chairs (possibly one other person) to the PSD seminar on stewardship at the cost of $125 for three people and hotel fees, if necessary. Agreed. The seminar is Jan KidSpace: The KSTF presented a comprehensive proposal. The committee agreed to implement the proposal with amendments after lengthy discussion. The final amended proposal will be available at the next RfB. 3. Spring Bazaar: The WB committee proposes that they be empowered to hold a Spring Bazaar. Agreed. The new SB committee proposes that they be allocated up to $500 for this bazaar. Agreed. 4. Board Position Replacement: Lizzy proposes that Carey Oxler s member-atlarge position ending at the next general election will be filled by Via Baker. Agreed. 5. Supper Club: We need a volunteer to coordinate this event. Terry will take it in the interim and find his replacement. 6. Moms Against the War: May 11, 2008, on Mothers Day event. SMUUCh is asking us to sign on as a sponsor this event and send congregants to the event. The planning meeting is tomorrow for interested parties. Via will attend the meeting and get more information. 7. PSD Meeting: April in Omaha. We have five people planning to attend. Kitty is the coordinator. Gaia members will be presenting a program on earth-based rituals. Meeting adjourned at 12:47.

5 FEBRUARY 2008 PAGE 5 Social Justice Project: What Would Gaians Do? So far our Social Justice projects (started when Hestia was the community patron, and continuing with Brigid) have met with great success overall. Among other tasks, we got to play Secret Santa for the C.A.S.A. kids, donate to the animals at Wayside Waifs, and ship goods to pagan soldiers and sailors serving their country. We've also collected a small flock of sheep (4+ so far, and one week left as of this writing!) for Heifer International, in honor of Imbolc and Brigid. But our next project is going to be a little different. With the weather warming up and having just raised a substantial amount of funds for the Heifer challenge, we're encouraging the community to do things for this cycle, instead of buy things. Earth Day is coming up, and we want to collect evidence of all the good projects you do. Doing the Earth Day Walk on April 19 th? Bring your pledge sheet to ritual, and then record your success afterward! Are your kids helping out at one of the area recycling centers? Write it down! Planting a garden or shopping for locally grown food? Brag about it! Below you'll find two sample leaves to record what you've done, and a 'tree' will be available on Sundays for pinning them onto. Part of this reflects our commitment to the Green Sanctuary program, the official UUA program recognizing environmental excellence and responsible action by its member congregations. But it also reflects the goals set forward in our Mission Covenant: To model and teach sustainable living in both an urban and rural context. We'll run this project at least through the Earth Day ritual on April 20 th. Ready? Go! - Social Justice Committee

6 PAGE 6 FEBRUARY 2008 P.O. Box Kansas City, MO Address Correction Requested Caring for the Earth and each other because our lives depend on it. Contact Earth Healer Send letters, articles, poetry or prose, borrowed wisdom, comments and suggestions to: earthhealer@gaiacommunity.org or by phone ( ) no later than the 24th of each month. Please tell us if you are receiving duplicate copies of Earth Healer, if we re getting your name or address wrong, or if you prefer to receive the newsletter by e mail. David, Editor FEBRUARY 2008 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 4 PM: Ritual: The Peaceful Warrior 4 PM: SABBAT: Imbolc (w/potluck) PM: Class on Bisexuality/Biphobia 17 4 PM: Ritual: Learning to See (NMS) 24 4 PM: Workshop: Four Levels of Tarot Imbolc :45 PM: Ritual Teams E3HQ PM: Social Justice Committee Andrew's PM: Religions of Kansas City Study Group PM: Games SMUUCh PM: Supper B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ, 1205 E. 85 th St, KCMO Leap Day 2 Groundhog Day Keepers of the Flame Broadway Church 1 PM: Sacred Crafting Debbie's 8 9 9:30-11:30 AM: Ritual for Business Men's Covenant Group TBD Ritual Team Rededication

earth Healer The Official Newsletter of Gaia Community, An Earth-Based, Pagan-Themed, Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Kansas City

earth Healer The Official Newsletter of Gaia Community, An Earth-Based, Pagan-Themed, Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Kansas City MAY 2007 Covenant Groups Enacted At our April Ritual for Business