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SWC 2005 ANNUAL REPORT & STATE OF THE CONGREGATION
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| Merry Meet Staff, Congregation and Friends, Many of you know that we have had a full and eventful year. Currently we are looking for land/site to house the IICRS and SWC administrative offices and convention. We are not limiting our area of search and always welcome additional information and recommendations. We are currently in very preliminary negotiations with the Council of Magickal Arts here in Texas, exploring the possibility of purchasing 108 acres they own near Schulenburg. We are also looking in several other areas including Mississippi, Tennessee and Virginia. The criteria we have established are: 1) the land must be at least 100 acres; 2) the land must be situated within two hours of a major airport; and 3) broadband services must be available. Again, we solicit your comments, suggestions and recommendations. As with this type of ownership we know that we will be taking on a huge responsibility, but know that you are there to help to make our dreams a reality. Many of you have enjoyed the coin that we have up for donation at www.sacredwell.org. Because of your comments we are adding a pendant that is in final design and should be out next month. We also have designed a full alter kit using five coins which should be available later this year. We were fortunate to work with Red Wheel Weiser Conari the publisher of A Book of Pagan Prayer by Ceisiwr Serith (Paperback - June 2002) We will be adding this book to the web site for donations. We have added additional books on our recommended reading list via Amazon.com. Our web mistress has done an outstanding job redesigning our web site. The web site is more pagan/wiccan friendly, easier to move through and packed full of information. You will notice a new link to CafePress with our new designs for t-shirts, mugs, and other items. We are looking for ideas and art. If you would like to contribute please let us know. Additionally if you have logos or graphics specific for your group, you may send them to us and we can place them on the site and have them available on any and all products that CafePress carries. We are looking for someone to help with our prison service initiatives. We receive dozens of requests for information from inmates from all over the country. Requests come from all areas, federal and state institutions and juvenile facilities. We really need someone who is interested and has the time to answer the mail and correspond with these individuals (we would prefer all such mail to be routed through the SWC PO Box to protect your privacy). If you have some time and could help please let me know. Once again, thank you for your support, ideas, and communications. Without you, we would not be where we currently are. We feel blessed to have your support and know that together we will see a permanent structure for our school and church. Love is the Law And Love is the Bond ANNUAL REPORT 2005 c.e. Board of Deacons Executive Committee 31 December 2005 Term: July, 2005 thru June, 2007 Reverend Tama L. Oringderff (Permanent Executive Committee) Term: July, 2005 thru June, 2007 Executive Director: Rev Tama L. Oringderff ANNUAL SESSION ANNUAL CONVOCATION The scope of programs and services of the Congregation continues to increase exponentially. We now support thirty-one military faith groups seven community open circles and study groups world wide. The following are the milestones, achievements and services for this 2005. Congress on Ministry in Specialized Settings (COMISS Network). The Sacred Well Congregation was elected to full membership as a Religious Endorsing Body in COMISS. Membership in and support from this organization will greatly enhance our efforts to become an endorse of chaplains for both the military services and the VeteranŐs affairs. The International Institute for Cultural and Religious Studies. We are now actively looking for a site to house the IICRS and the SWC administrative offices. We are currently looking at sites in Texas, Virginia, Tennessee and Mississippi; our search, however, is not restricted to these locations. We will also be designing and constructing the IICRS.org web site. We hope to have a program of inter-active ctive classes available by the end of the year. Dr. Oringderff and Rev Schaefer continue to explore accreditation issues and alternative solutions that involve cooperation with other accredited institutions. Support to Military Personnel. The Sacred Well Congregation provides Denominational Support and Credentialing to twenty-one military groups world-wide. We continue to participate in a number of programs providing comfort and support for deployed military personnel. We have been a resource and advocate for returning military members and their families, and given the current conditions, this is an area of service that we need to greatly expand in terms of scope and outreach. We plan to provide more assistance in terms of pre-deployment support activities, support for family members who remain behind, and expanded support for personnel returning from deployments to assist them and their families in the difficult task of reintegration. Dr. Oringderff and Rev Schaefer continue to serve as consultants for the DoD Armed Forces Chaplains Board, and are active members of the Lackland Air Force Base Chaplains Resource Board. In this capacity they have made themselves available for on-call crisis intervention and emergency services. Rev Schaefer and Rev Brenda Schaefer lead the BMT Wiccan Faith Group at Lackland that provides religious education and services for basic military trainees, tech school and other transit and permanent party personnel assigned to Lackland. Total annual attendance in these programs is almost 3,500 with an average weekly attendance of 60 to 75 personnel be a resource and a sanctuary for transient military personnel passing through the area. Community Service Activities 1. Local charities support. Our local groups continue to support a wide range of local charities and service organizations including food banks, shelters, and animal protection facilities. In addition to our volunteer and direct support, we contribute to these facilities, we contribute to the Disabled American Veterans, Salvation Army and Good Will Industries though out the year with collection drives. Vision for the Future. For the immediate future we plan to increase our support and services for underserved populations wherever we have a presence. For the long-term, we are actively seeking a site for the IICRS. The property will need to be at least 100 acres, situated in an area within two hours of an international airport, have broadband capability and be serviced by utilities. We continue to lay the groundwork for the establishment of a Holistic Life and Wellness Center in the greater San Antonio area. The Center will be geared for the underserved and underprivileged of the community at large. Programs will include counseling services, focusing on battered women and children and at-risk youth; mentoring and life-training programs, and a sanctuary and place of fellowship for those in crisis or in need. Would like to see similar centers established regionally across the country and in Europe and wherever we have permanent Congregational presence and representation. Financial Report: In audit. Activities and Advisements. The International Council of Clerics issued the following advisements: ADVISEMENT AND SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS Ecumenical Proceedings: Ordinations: Clergy: Reverend Patricia Stevens Deaconry: Deaconess Karen Salaerts Emissarial Appointments and Deaconry Candidates Emissary Augusta G. Derrick Authorization and Issuance of Charters, Warrants and Patents: 864th Open Circle (SWC), Afghanistan Adoption of Covenants: None For the Executive Committee of the Board of Deacons: Rev. Dr. David L. Oringderff |
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