March Light Bearer

Astrology unfolded into a significant science for me when I began to see it function as a way of describing relationships. How and why we interact with others in our Astrology brought to life

"default" style--whether between persons, ourselves, or with our environment--gives us a framework to work within which allows us to communicate more effectively. These ancient interrelationships have energy patterns behind them which, when their essence is pondered, bring a new level of understanding and acceptance of ourselves and others. Learning a method for spiritualizing these Dennis teaching

relationships under Dennis's guidance was not only an interactive delight, but also another foundational piece to be carried for a lifetime of exploration.

March Class Schedule

March 1
ORDINATION SERVICE at 4:30 PM

March 2

HEART/MIND BLESSING

During this blessing, the recipient remains fully clothed, lying on a healing table, while one of the ancient biblical healing oils is intuitively chosen for him or her. The ritual, inspired by the desire to be in resonance with the loving compassionate heart of God, establishes a connection and an energy balance between the heart and the mind. The blessing takes about 20 minutes and recipients make donations to support the work of the Wellness Center.

March 3 - 7
ESOTERIC CHRISTIANITY I: ESOTERIC CHRISTIANITY AND ITS HIDDEN MYSTERIES
Rev. Carol Parrish

According to St. Augustine, the true religion has always been in existence, but when Christ came in the flesh, it began to be called Christianity. Together we will explore the Faith, its origins and its powerful message. Esoteric teachings are designed to lead us deep within to the core of our nature and turn on the energies that ignite Love-Wisdom and the Will to walk the Path of Initiation.

The powerful magnet Christianity introduced to the world through the message of Jesus Christ was "equality" for all. As souls we recognize our sameness, but we also all realize personalities are not equal. Some are more talented, some less so, but the Soul of each is precious. We strive for a way to live from the heart. We shall explore the lessons, assignments, and tools of transformation to make them our own. (Bring EC 101 lessons by Carol Parrish or pay $50 material fee.) CEU'S PENDING $225/250 incl. lunch

March 8
SKILLS DAY

This insightful day begins at 10 AM with a lecture and messages by Carol Parrish and assistants ($4 donation). From 11:15 to closing, students and others share their personal intuitive skill-astrology, numerology, psychic and Shustah attunements, Reiki, Healing Touch, and others-in 15-minute private appointments ($8 each).

March 10 - 14
ESOTERIC CHRISTIANITY II: THE MYSTIC LIVES WITHIN
Rev. Carol Parrish and Rev. Giovanna Vannall

Embracing Sophia as the Holy Spirit of Wisdom, we will expand our understanding through a new look at the Bible, grasping a bit of Gnosticism, exploring the Mysteries and the role of prayer and meditation. Within our era Christianity is maturing to take its place within the family of world religions. We would be wise ones of our tradition.

We embrace the healing consciousness as we move from dogma to spirituality, from the law approach to the heart centered way of life. We restore respect for the Mother who has always been with us even when her presence was denied. The holy path leads deep within, and we are destined to come to know the ways of the Soul. We shall continue to use the EC course lessons and learn how to lead others in the study of them. (Bring EC 102 lessons by Carol Parrish or pay $50 material fee) CEU'S PENDING $225/250 incl. lunch

March 14, 15
MARY MAGDALENE: LOST BRIDE OF THE EASTER MYSTERIES
Margaret Starbird

This workshop will explore the role and legends of Mary Magdalene, the "beloved companion" of the Bridegroom/King sacrificed at the Spring Equinox. Ms. Starbird will discuss Mary's story as a woman but more importantly as the embodiment of Sophia and the archetype of the "Lost Bride" - the feminine principle denigrated in Western Civilization. Slides of medieval artwork and an experiential art meditation will enhance the experience of the "Bride in Exile" and the importance of reclaiming the Sacred Partnership of Christ and Sophia that was once at the heart of the Christian story. $100

March 16
HEART/MIND BLESSING

April Class Schedule

April 12
SOPHIA'S PLAYSHOP: Celebrating the Right Brain
Rev. Connie Swan

Play is perhaps the least-recognized of the Divine Feminine's expressions. Too much left-brain focus can cause us to crystallize into predictability, to allow busy-ness to slide into workaholism, to get stuck in being serious. Your face really can freeze that way! Come experience the possibilities of play as spiritual practice. We'll co-create a safe, sacred space where we can let go of the need to do things "properly" and allow Sophia's playful creative energy to flow. Spiritual exploration can be joyful and fun.
$75

April 14 - 18
RITUALS FOR FESTIVALS AND FUN
Rev. Carol E. Parrish and Rev. Retha Banez

In nine sessions, learn modern, holistic, and effective ritual processes that allow benevolent cosmic forces to move and work in a way of service particularly suited to the new Aquarian group energy. These rituals awaken greater appreciation of working with spiritual forces. Developing an appropriate sense of timing and right use of unfolding opportunities to bless and empower, renowned ritualist Rev. Parrish and Rev. Banez equip us to work with the incoming Ray 7 energy. CEU's available for LCSW & ACSW
$225/250 includes lunch

April 18 - 20, 26 - 27

LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY TRAINING
Rev. Marjorie Stuth and Rev. Retha Banez

This two-week-end preparation for Lay Eucharistic Minister certification is offered for LCCC certified lay practitioners. The first week-end will consist of training in the preparation of this sacrament, including prayers and articles needed for communion in a non-church environment. Instruction includes how to establish areas for service in your community, as well as arrangements for consecration and delivery of Hosts. The second week-end, the students will utilize their training in various staged environments and scenarios. Training will close by noon on Sunday with an anointing ceremony for prepared candidates. All ministers are invited to take this helpful training.
$150 plus $25 fee for communion kit and materials

April 21 - 25
CHURCH SACRAMENTS: Tools of the Spirit
Rev. Marjorie Stuth and Rev. Retha Banez

Gain a deeper understanding of the sacraments as a means to more fully connect with divine love and inspiration. Two experienced, dedicated ministers teach us how to use and distribute ever-present spiritual energies. Morning sessions offer discussion and instruction. Afternoon sessions provide practical demonstrations of sacraments and keys to revitalize these rituals of our faith. This class will equip us to cooperate more easily with the incoming Ray 7 energy of the Aquarian Age.
CEU's available for LCSW & ACSW
$225/250 includes lunch

Community News

The Recent Evolution of the Garden Committee

by John Cutrell

The Gardening Committee historically has been part of the Sparrow Hawk Village Home Owners Association (HOA). During the discussions that were held as part of the renewal of the garden, several things became apparent:

� that the group had broader interests than gardening,
� that food preparation and preservation should be part of our focus,
� that the group needs to pursue funding from outside the Village.

As a result, the name of the group was changed to be the Food and Agriculture Committee. In the pursuit of outside funding, it became apparent that the committee would have better success if it were a Section 501 3C(3) organization, which the HOA is not.

Subsequently, the group was invited to participate in the Cherokee Nation's program, entitled Community Association Training and Technical Assistance. This program is aimed at helping 501 C(3) organizations to be more effective in achieving their goals. This learning process has lead the group to realize it would be better if it became part of the Community Association of Sparrow Hawk. That transfer is currently underway. The HOA has agreed to this move.

Meanwhile, the garden activities are going forward. Progress was made during February on the garden shed. This is a 24 X 16 ft. building to house gardening supplies, tools and equipment. Funding for the shed is coming from community supported dinners; e.g. Mexican night and the Italian Extravaganza. The next such affair is scheduled for April 26th when the menu will be pizza made to individual specifications. croissants

Seedlings are being reared in the Community Building under fluorescent grow-lights. Funds for the purchase of material to build the plant stands, purchase the fluorescent fixtures and lamps and the growing trays are coming from donations received at the Saturday morning Farmers' bagels

Market. There are no veggies available currently, but the Village Baker (VB) is supplying a variety of breads for villagers with a yen for bread. Thus far the VB has come up with: French bread baguettes, herbal wheat bread, sourdough, Assiago cheese bread, chocolate bread, oatmeal-walnut scones, blueberry-peach crumb, sun-dried tomato focaccia bread, and cinnamon rolls. fresh baked loaf

Hopefully forthcoming (and if there is an interest) are croissants and bagels. The VB is also open to suggestions if none of this meets your needs. The gardening group is grateful for the substantial donations thus far received via the Farmers' Market. Plans call for it to continue as long as there is an interest. If you are not an early riser and can't make it at opening time--8:30 am Saturday--write ahead to reserve: john@cutrell.net.

Great labor cannot be carried on alone. A great labor is a teamwork. This team is composed of co-workers, who not only have the awareness of the goal, knowledge, skill, and endurance, but are also enthusiastic, self-sacrificing, and highly dedicated to the goal. When one meets such co-workers, he feels a joy that is extremely rare.

--Torkom Saraydarian