June 1, 2020 This year, as in too many others, there have been several instances of violence and brutality toward black people—including but certainly not limited to the murders of …
COVID-19 Update May, 24 2020
May 24, 2020 Dear Church of the Earth Members, On Friday May 22nd, Governor Cooper moved us into Phase 2 …
Fairy Tales: Survival Guides for Difficult Times
You are probably looking for one of two things right now—a practical guide on how to survive a pandemic or an unadulterated escape from reality. I propose that fairy tale— proper ones, not cheap lust stories or political propaganda dressed up in magic and whimsy—are both, but only at the proper time.
Why Beltane is My Favorite Holiday
Beltane is the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice, and is traditionally celebrated on May 1st. However, the astronomical midpoint is usually a few days later. While Beltane Day is very sacred to me, I also celebrate a whole Beltane season, which, for my personal practice, involves a fortnight of festivities centered on May 1st and astronomical Beltane.
Community
Right now, we’re having to create community a bit more purposefully than we may have in the recent past. We can’t gather at Lake Wheeler or Umstead Park, or at a coffee shop or restaurant. Those of us who don’t like to talk on the phone are having to talk on the phone. Some of us have created cards or written letters and mailed them for the first time in years. We are learning how to make all the online meeting tools work so we can see and talk to those we love.
Council Chair Update
I want to update you on what we are doing to keep us safe and connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. As I write this, the Governor of North Carolina has issued a Stay-At-Home Order. About two weeks prior to this, Church of the Earth had already decided to postpone all gatherings in person, as many of our attendees fall into the categories of highest susceptibility to the virus.
A COVID-19 Update from Church of the Earth
A current update from the Council at Church of the Earth
Announcement from Church of the Earth regarding COVID-19
Church of the Earth is cancelling all activities for the remainder of March. We do this to keep each other safe.
Staff Picks: Fiction (Part Two)
I know you have been waiting with bated breath to see those 11 other juicy books people have recommended. As promised, here they are!
Staff Picks: Fiction (Part One)
Staff Picks: Fiction (Part One)
We had 22 books submitted for this article. Here are the first 11, and the next newsletter will have the others. (Bonus Round: See if you can guess who recommended which book!)