Rev. Terry Riley

Rev. Terry Riley
Keeping the Faith in the Biblebelt

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Modern Wicca Today Evolving and Growing

There seems to be some controversy among Pagans about Wicca/Paganism becoming to organized. The fear, I believe, is that if Wicca and other Nature Based religions get to focused on running Legal Churches and maintaining a non- profit status that the Spiritual aspect of the religions will suffer. I hear the cry, "Nature is my Religion," Which seems a bit ironic, when I see this posted everywhere on social networks from PC's where the "Nature" Pagan is typing, in a artificially heated and air-conditioned environment, who probably drives a vehicle to and from their place of employment that is a organized institution designed to produce, sell or distribute a product or service , all, for the ALL mighty dollar, in order to survive in the community in which they live. Unless you live in a cave you are a part of an organized community
Pagans are suppose to worship Nature, to me, it's one of many parts of what I consider my community. I have a Circle in my yard and I'm out there no matter what the weather communing with my Gods. Does that mean I can't commune with them if I'm in a building? And what about those who are disabled, who have great difficulty in getting into Nature? Most Circles I seen outside in our community, aren't handicap accessible. So, yeah I see a need for Pagan/Wiccan Temples and Buildings. I've always believed that Eclectic Wiccan/Pagan Churches were necessary and provided fellowship and  assistance to those who practiced a more solitary path. It gives them a place to join without having to follow a pre-set Tradition. But the Church is more than just it's congregation. It is a part of the community in which it exists. Therefore it is not just there for the Pagans, it is there a a vital part of the community as well. To do this Pagan Churches have to get involved within their environment. In this way they have the opportunity to inform and educate the people to the sacredness of Nature. You can not do this without involving your fellow human beings.

Now in saying all this brings me to what's happening at SDCW - ATC. The Church has struggled for the last twenty years trying to serve the larger pagan community; but now we are about to receive some of the fruit of our labors. Home Depot in Jonesboro, AR has nominated the SDCW - ATC as their local charity. They will donate $5000 a month in building materials to the Church. The Church then gives back to the community in helping the Elderly and Aging and low income families with home repairs. A labor of love. This is our Community Out Reach Program. C.O.R.P. To get this established and under way the national organization  GOOD360 is the partner with Home Depot.  There is a one time administration fee of $600, once paid Home Depot will continue to donate from now on to the Church! We are in the process of raising this money. We have done well so far with about $200 in donations to the Church; but our window of opportunity is shrinking. I'm requesting all who wish to help with our project please send your donations to your through paypal to sdcwatc@yahoo.com or mail checks, money orders to 104 Main St. Lake city, Ar. 72437.

Thank you and Blessed Be!  

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Home Depot accepts SDCW - ATC as local Charity

O.K. The Home Depot deal had a glitch; but it has been rectified! Had to call in the big dog, Pete Pathfinder Davis!! Home Depot in Jonesboro, AR has accepted the SDCW - ATC as their local Charity. They will donate $5000 a month in building materials to the Church! Now we still need the $600 one time administration fee. So Please send your donations on your paypal account to sdcwatc@yahoo.com or mail your checks , money orders, made out SDCW - ATC to 104 Main St. Lake City, AR 72437. This is a big deal folks in our area. For the first time a national organization has recognized Wicca as equal to the other Faiths in our area. Plus it allows us to give back to the community at large through our C.O.R.P Program. This assist the Elderly and Aging on fix incomes with home repair in our community. I've already got a request from the E. ARK. Area Agency on Aging. We've got 8 members ready to go to work. So please help us by sending any amount of donations you can!
Blessed Be!
Terry