Primordial Christianity. Neopaganism Zen Arts, Taoism, Oriental mysticisms Discordianism Shamanism / American Native Ritualism Guerilla Ontology Celtic Christianity Creation Spirituality Science Process Theology Kabala Mysticism Medieval Christian Mysticism Norse Mysticism Military/Martial Expressionism Essentialism / Jungian Mysticism High Magick Bokononism Etc.
Personal practices: Presumably, this is the largely unseen bulk of the work done by people in a religious group of almost any kind. It's about being spiritual/enlightened beings in our daily lives and endeavors. It's highly personal and variable, even secret in some cases. It's why we need to get together -- to share experiences and to train for new ones.
General gatherings: Recent events of geographic dispersal have put general gatherings into hibernation. When numbers in the Champaign, IL locale were higher, our general gatherings included the Sunday potluck, a concept inspired by early christians, who were working from the Judaic tradition of Sabbath. We get together, eat, consider our relative places in the universe, and discuss what we will. Here we also share information about our activities, compare points of view (sometimes widely differentiated), have demonstrations and presentations of belief/opinion/inspiration/instruction, and generally encourage each other. There are other general meetings/gatherings, such as campouts, study sessions and seminars, at which anyone in the group is welcome.
Orders: There are several orders within the church which pursue more specialized realms of thought/practice/belief. Detailed descriptions of each and their activities and philosophies are available.
The Order of Balance concentrates on shamanic systems of reality selection, how they relate and are related to each other, and community service.
The Grey Sentinels work with ZenChristian concepts and practice martial arts and Eastern and christian mysticism.
Llan Dobhran seeks to develop a new liturgy of celebration out of the interpenetration of pagan and christian traditions.
The New Eden Society seeks to engender enlightenment and work in harmony with the earth to improve the future for all.
Past projects have included:
The New Eden Society's organic garden. We joined efforts to grow our favorite crops and share in the proceeds.
Llan Dobhran's wheel of the the year, working together to develop a series of rituals for the feasts at the eight spokes of the year.
Camping trips to Muscoutin State recreation area - weather permitting.
Clan Black Wolf, a household of the SCA, has had several activities including the Jubilee Olde English Faire in June.
"The monastery". We are raising/saving funds to create our own retreat center and semicommunal living zone, which will host many activities spiritual, artistic, agricultural, and practical.
Information:
e-mail: gscc@prairienet.org
URL: http://www.prairienet.org/gscc/gsccqa.htm