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The
Church of the Earth Nation
Founded in 1979, inspired by the teachings and ways of life of indigenous peoples worldwide, we encourage and support those who, though living modern lives, are working to restore balance and harmony in their personal lives, their communities and our planet. As a world, we currently struggle with our human need to be an integral part of a larger group of people working for the common good, yet we live in a world increasingly structured to serve a corporate monetary good enjoyed primarily by a controlling few. Compelling myths generated by corporate giants are technologically fed to us encouraging our increasing dependence on purchased goods. The Giant always promises wondrous things if we obey its rules, but we find that those rules often are at odds with the well-being of the Earth. The mythology of "The Mean Giant" is ancient. It appears that every era brings forth its version of this myth. And during each era, the Giant is experienced as a very real threat to the world of the simple, heart-centered peasant. We recognize this timeless quest to both share in the benefits the Giant promises and to live an ethical, useful and spiritually-fulfilling life. Whether or not you are consciously aware of the power of this myth operating in your life, each day you make choices that balance these forces...or not. Our karmic paths are varied. We feel no need to judge the choices of others, only to live by our own inner calling. We welcome those who are choosing to move toward Earth-caring lifestyles, develop local sustainable community and occasionally take that next brave step to protect some part of this beautiful living planet. Our church is the wholeness, the holiness, of our back yard: a garden, a ceremonial circle, a pond, a forest. We hope you will attend a similar "church" of your choice, a place you recognize as sacred, a place which truly nourishes your soul. We hope you will tell us about the wonders of that special place and your adventures in being its caretaker. Our creed is that which we have found to be true in our lives, that which fosters peace, provides sustenance for all living creatures, restores fertility to the land, and gives something to other human beings which brings about their delight. We forgive ourselves and others for not doing it as right as we might and celebrate when it turns out much better than we expected. We believe our artistic creativity is a divine grace and encourage everyone to allow more time for this grace to flow. Music, dance, visual arts, gardening, cooking, crafting our clothing, homes and ceremonies for life's transitions are our sacraments. We honor those who utilize these creative energies to uplift and inspire humanity. We revere the tribal peoples who were able to make every utilitarian object something of exquisite beauty and respect those civilizations whose architecture was designed to magnify the spirit. We have much to learn from the native arts and sacred ways, not to duplicate the form, but to once again steady ourselves on the path from our heart to its full material manifestation. Our
church service is happening anytime the creative juices are flowing.
Whether you are here or there, we enter a common and exalted consciousness
when we allow mindful creativity to occur. Please join us often in this
state of grace. And, if you wish, send us an image or words about the
creation flowing through you. To
learn more about living in harmony, attend our classes, workshops, trainings
and special events, click on Schedule page at www.CarolBridgesArtQuilts.com,
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