Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 11:12:06 -0700 (PDT) From: Joy Williams Subject: Ring Cycle part 1 To: cawpagan-l@netcom.com MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: owner-cawpagan-l@netcom.com Precedence: list Okay, I don't how many parts there are, but I will begin this process: If you have question or suggestion...this is still a semi-draft...write in your the subject line Response RC, part 1, or 2, or 3. CHURCH OF ALL WORLDS THE RINGS SYSTEM By Anodea Judith and the Lifeways RINGS Committee The RINGS system is the successor to the "PIP," or Progressive Involvement Program. This description of it was accepted and approved by Members at CAW's Annual Meeting July 31, 1993. It is a first effort to describe this system and therefore may in future undergo changes. The Church of All Worlds (CAW) is organized into a metaphoric form of nine concentric circles (see Stranger in a Strange Land, Heinlein), which provide a basis for training, growth and commitment. These Circles are grouped into three basic RINGS, each comprised of three Circles. The RINGS denote, first, Seekers; second, Scions, and third, Clergy. (Yes, the CAW is a 3-Ring Circus!) This system is designed to create a sense of spiritual accomplishment and focus, as well as a foundation for training and service into the Clergy. Each Circle assumes incorporation and completion of previous levels. It should be emphasized that there is absolutely no expectation or requirement that you, as a member of the CAW, need to progress into the Circles at all, unless you yourself so desire. Many members are perfectly content to remain in 2nd Circle indefinitely, and only a very few feel called to become Priestesses or Priests. But if you should wish to become more involved in the workings of CAW, and to help evolve a network of Pagans interested in changing themselves and the world around us for the better, here's how: FIRST RING: SEEKERS (Circles 1, 2 and 3) Ring Color: Green PURPOSE: GROWTH CIRCLE ONE: CONTACT If you are reading this, you have already come into contact with us, and this automatically puts you in Circle One. One purpose of this phase is to make contact. Ways to accomplish this are: Read Green Egg. See if there is a local Nest in your area, and attend a meeting. Attend our events or classes. Get to know some CAW members. Decide whether you like us enough to formally join. TRANSITION TO CIRCLE TWO: If you decide to join, then you simply fill out an application and send us the current fee for yearly dues. If you do not know where to find an application, write to Church of All Worlds, P.O. Box 1542, Ukiah, CA 95482. Joining the Church automatically puts you in: CIRCLE TWO: GETTING TO KNOW US (minimum, 6 months) Once you join, you will receive one year's worth of quarterly issues of our national publication, Green Egg, and the smaller CAW membership newsletter, The Scarlet Flame. You will also receive a membership card, a bibliography, a membership handbook (in progress) and a 10% discount on all classes and events sponsored by the Church or its subsidiaries. The purpose of this phase is to get to know the people, the philosophies of the Church, our religious practices, and the movement we are a part of. Ways to accomplish this are: Read the following books: Stranger in a Strange Land, by Robert Heinlein ( 1961 edition). While this wonderful science fiction classic is a bit outdated by now, it was the seminal book out of which the Church of All Worlds, in its original form, was conceived. From this book we got the concept of "grokking," the ritual of water sharing, and the "waiting is" that will remind you of why everything takes so long. Drawing Down the Moon, by Margot Adler. This book chronicles the Neo-Pagan revival, and describes the movement of Goddess-oriented worship and the people that are part of it. This is a sizable tome; and for those who may feel daunted, we ask that you at least read the Chapter on the Church of All Worlds. It gives you some idea of our past history and development. The Spiral Dance, by Starhawk. If you are unfamiliar with the religious practices of Neo-Paganism, this book has become the standard introductory classic. Well-written, it covers the basics you need to know to be able to follow our general liturgical style and the meaning behind it. In addition to reading, we ask that you to: Attend your local Nest meetings. Take classes that are offered. Attend festivals.* Subscribe to other newsletters Read other books of your choice. Seek out other members and ask them questions. Take time to "smell the roses" during this phase of getting to know us. *(A listing of Pagan festivals nationwide can be obtained for $4.50 per year through Larry Cornett, a CAW Scion, at 9527 Blake Lane #102, Fairfax, VA 22031.) TRANSITION TO CIRCLE THREE: Once you feel certain that this is the right place for you and that your own ideas are complementary to ours, we ask you to write a short essay (1-2 pages) describing your understanding of the Church of All Worlds, and how you see yourself fitting in. You might include special skills you'd like to offer, pertinent ideas that sing to your soul, or what you hope to get out of your affiliation with us. This will enable us to know better how to serve our members, and to make sure people do not have the wrong impression of us. Acceptance of the essay puts you in: CIRCLE THREE: GROWING (minimum 6 months from acceptance of essay) Now that you have placed your feet firmly upon the path, we request that you turn your attention to personal growth and education. Ways to accomplish this are: Begin some form of magical training if you haven't already. This can come from classes, correspondence course, private teacher, and in some cases where a lengthy time period is allowed, simple osmosis. Some people come to us who have already completed this level prior to their contact with us. If so, simply continue, and you will be credited for previous experience. Establish a regular spiritual practice. This can be meditation, Tai Chi, exercising, a daily ritual of some kind, establishing a home altar, daily meal blessings, prayers, puja, yoga, or taking care of animals. It should enhance your own state of being, strengthening mind, body, and spirit. Develop social skills and relationships by becoming active in your local Nest, working together with other people in ritual, or joining a philosophically aligned group outside of CAW. Spend time in intimate contact with Mother Nature, through hiking, backpacking, gardening, eco-activism, or nature study. Begin exploration of the basic bibliography, reading at least four more books from at least three different categories. Subscribe to an additional Pagan journal. (Green Egg usually lists and describes other journals.) Take training in communication skills and group dynamics. Since we are a grass roots organization, creating as we go, skills such as "active listening" or understanding of family system dynamics are crucial to further involvement. Believe us, if you get involved further, you will need them! Explore your own issues from childhood, if you have not already done so, working with any addictions to a substance or process you may be subject to, and finding a means of support for your own psychological health and further growth. This may involve entering therapy, a 12-step group, co-counseling, receiving body work or other group experience, such as our Chakra Intensive. Joy Williams / dhummer@netcom.com Scion in the Church of All Worlds From owner-cawpagan-l@netcom.com Tue Jun 21 20:54:36 1994 Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 11:51:58 -0700 (PDT) From: Joy Williams Reply-To: Joy Williams Subject: Ring Cycle part 2 To: cawpagan-l@netcom.com MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII Sender: owner-cawpagan-l@netcom.com Precedence: list TRANSITION TO SECOND RING: Becoming a Scion After spending a minimum of six months from your previous essay, and a minimum of one year from date of joining (though we suggest much longer), you may feel you are ready to work within the organization by offering service in the form of time, energy, or other skills that are needed. If so, you may wish to become a Scion. (This does not mean that we do not accept help from those who are not Scions, but that Scions are formalizing their commitment to service.) If you wish to do this, we ask that you contact Lifeways to find a "Scion Advisor," and call the advisor up and have a chat about CAW, being a Scion, and what it's all about from the perspective of someone who's doing it. If you remain interested, then we ask you to obtain two letters of recommendation from members of your local Nest, or the equivalent if not Nest yet exists (responsible, adult Pagan associates). These letters should attest to your organizational skills, your general character, your communicative abilities, and your ability to inspire confidence in others. We also ask that you have a conversation with a clergy member and get them to make a verbal or written recommendation. In addition, we ask that you demonstrate your ability to think critically and express yourself knowledgeably about comparative religion by writing the following essay: Compare the religion you were brought up in (or the absence of such), Neo-Paganism, and a third religion that you have studied on your own. If you need more guidelines about this essay, contact Lifeways' voicemail at (510) 549-7740. Submit the essay first to your advisor; and if he or she feels it addresses the issue, and that you have satisfactorily completed the above suggestions, they will pass your essay and a note of recommendation on to Lifeways for final approval, and the setting up of your Scion Initiation Ritual. Note: If there are major issues with other CAW members or Nests that remain unresolved, we ask that you use conflict resolution techniques to solve them before initiation. You may enlist the help of others to do so if necessary. Speak to your Scion advisor, or call Lifeways. Undergo Scion Initiation Ritual_usually held at Spring Equinox, Lammas, and at festivals where CAW clergy are present). Receive Scion initiation, its tokens, and welcoming from the community. SECOND RING: SCIONS (Circles 4, 5, and 6) Ring Color: Red PURPOSE: SERVICE A Scion tithes the equivalent of one hour's wage per month to the Church (minimum $5 per month), which can be earmarked toward an area chosen by the Scion, such as Lifeways, Forever Forests, publishing projects, computer equipment, or Sanctuary improvements. All contributions are tax-deductible. Work trades are seldom acceptable. For this the Scion gets to attend festivals at cost (usually half price), and will continue to receive 10% discount on classes. (Green Egg subscription starts when tithing payments amount to at least $35, the regular membership fee.) The Scion is expected to take on an active role in CAW affairs. This might mean forming a proto-Nest if there is not one in your area, or helping to run it if there is. It also means serving on committees or projects, attending CAW meetings, taking on organizing or reporting tasks, or helping to run festivals and events. There are always things that need to be done; and some people have skills such as carpentry, word-processing, fund-raising, legal or medical skills that are especially helpful at their appropriate times. In addition, the Scion is expected to: Continue your magical training Read more books from the bibliography Keep up contact with Mother Nature, and Become familiar with CAW's literature, history, and internal structure . . . All in your spare time. Introducing the Four Tracks Service is conducted through the following tracks, depending upon interest, aptitude, and needs of the community. One needn't be restricted to just one track; but as with a major in college, people will choose to focus their work primarily through a particular track. Each one has slightly different requirements. We encourage being well-rounded. Track One: Support Services CIRCLE FOUR: SERVING Take on one or more of the fundamental tasks that need doing, such as producing a Nest newsletter, typesetting for Scarlet Flame, researching available grants, typing meeting minutes, making phone calls, selling advertising for Green Egg, mailing out flyers for events, doing bookkeeping, etc. Ideally this should be at least one hour per week, and most find themselves getting involved and doing more. Some tasks are irregular in their time requirements (such as helping at a festival, where you work hard all weekend and then rest for a while). Your Scion Advisor should know where to plug you in if you don't have ideas yourself, after having been involved thus far! In addition, we ask that you take some steps to study related topics such as organizational development, public relations, record-keeping, management of time, persons, offices or budgets, business in general, fund raising, grant writing, mediation, or marketing. Courses at local junior colleges are acceptable, as are reading a number of books on the subject, or prior experience or classes. We want the people who are helping to run the organization to actually know something about running an organization. This is an area where most of us are weak, and all contributions of knowledge are greatly appreciated. Read at least three books from the Bibliography listed under Support Services and at least two more from other categories. CIRCLE FIVE: CREATING Find a way to teach what you have learned in your studies related to Support Services. Take on a subsystem within CAW or your local Nest and actually make it better, such as improving the communications network, or create an informational handbook, facilitate meetings, teach seminars in communications, mediate disputes between members, serve on a governing Board in your area, communicate with local newspapers, write articles, or get Pagan books and periodicals carried in your local bookstore or library. Example: A Scion recently equipped the CAW with a Voice Mail system, and taught us how use it. Continue to read and study in this area. Keep up your magical training and personal spiritual practices. Work closely with members from other tracks and help to facilitate projects. Become a Scion Advisor for another member entering the Second Ring in this track. Joy Williams / dhummer@netcom.com Scion in the Church of All Worlds From owner-cawpagan-l@netcom.com Tue Jun 21 20:59:02 1994 Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 11:54:48 -0700 (PDT) From: Joy Williams Subject: Ring Cycle part 3 To: cawpagan-l@netcom.com MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: owner-cawpagan-l@netcom.com Precedence: list Track Two: Earth Stewardship This is the track that deals with hands-on approach to loving Mother Earth. A Scion in the Stewardship track devotes his or her time and energy to working at the Church of All Worlds sanctuary (if you live nearby), or donating time to a local park project, recycling venture or other ecological activity. In addition, you would: CIRCLE FOUR: SERVING Keep a garden, orchard, or house plants if a garden is impossible. Subscribe to at least two environmental journals, such as Earth Island Journal, Earth First!, EDF (Environmental Defense Fund newsletter), or other informational journals dealing with environmental issues. Reduce your imposition on Mother Nature by reducing your consumption and waste. Reduce, re-use, recycle. Make it a point to recycle cans and bottles at Nest meetings, learn about your local recycling centers and what kinds of products they accept. While this should be done by the members, you, as a Stewardship Scion, ought to make it a point to set an example for others and lead others in this process. Build an outdoor altar somewhere that enables you to maintain a shrine to the Earth Mother. Write letters to Congress members concerning environmental issues. Inform other members in the tribe about issues they should be aware of and what they could do about it (without being obnoxious about it). Read Earth in the Balance, by Vice President Al Gore, and two other environmental books from the Bibliography, as well as two from other categories. CIRCLE FIVE: CREATING Organize tree plantings, erosion control work parties, or clean-up projects in your area. Write articles on environmental concerns for local newspapers, environmental journals or Green Egg. Learn about your local ecosystem, so that you can make informed decisions about local events. Lead a backpacking or hiking trip for others to a choice spot in your area, or organize a magical mystery tour. Take a course in geology, botany, ecology, gardening, or forestry. Become a Scion Advisor for someone entering this track of the Second Ring. Track Three: Magical Guilds This track is made for people whose talents are best utilized through healing, artistic, scholarly, or technical contributions. Some of the Magical Guilds now forming are: The Guild of Healers: Therapists, body workers, facilitators, mediators, herbalists, acupuncturists, doctors, medical technicians, nurses, etc. The Pagan Corps of Engineers: This is comprised of people with technical expertise who enjoy figuring out how to make challenging puzzles happen. This may include computer networks, installation of water systems, building a stage for a festival, designing a building, solar panel system, audio system for a ritual, lighting, stage design, etc. They help to make a perfect world so much more perfect, when the rest of us are stumped. Bardic Guild: This Guild is for those who have talents in writing, music, or performing arts, such as dancing. There may be subsets in the Bardic Guild, such as the Musicians Guild, Poets Guild, or Dancers Guild. The Bardic Guild contributes to the lore of the community through the creation of songbooks, musical performance, invocations, dance pieces, and of course new material. Guild of Visual Artists: This Guild focuses on the Visual Arts, and may make contributions such as costumes, flyers, sculpture, computer graphics, illustrations for Green Egg, or other works, such as paintings, sculpture, set design, etc. Guild of Scholars: This guild is made for people who love to glean information from complicated books the rest of us don't have time to read, or who have put time and energy into special study of a subject related to CAW, such as Comparative Religion, History, Cosmology, Herbalism, Nature Studies, etc. Scholars can be called upon from time to time to research or provide information to others who may be writing rituals, papers, or creating classes. This is not a definitive or final list of Guilds. If you have a good idea for a new guild, please bring your proposal forward. Joy Williams / dhummer@netcom.com Scion in the Church of All Worlds From owner-cawpagan-l@netcom.com Tue Jun 21 21:14:46 1994 Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 11:59:07 -0700 (PDT) From: Joy Williams Subject: Ring Cycle, part 4 To: cawpagan-l@netcom.com MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: owner-cawpagan-l@netcom.com Precedence: list CIRCLE FOUR: SERVING For all Guild tracks, Circle Four is about serving the needs of the Community through your particular talent. Ways to accomplish this are: Find out who Guild members are in your area, and join the Guild. Take on some of the tasks of the Guild, such as organization, compiling songbooks, information, etc. Make contributions of your own to rituals, lore, newsletters, or solving problems that exist. Examples: The Guild of Healers may wish to do medical duty during festivals. Pagan Corps of Engineers will work with festival planners to solve problems that may come up. Bards will learn music for a ritual and teach it to others. Scholars will generate articles and classes for others to learn from. Artists will help beautify the local sanctuary, make costumes, offer illustrations, etc. CIRCLE FIVE: CREATING Take a more active role in your Guild. Organize a new Guild if the one in your area is not satisfactory. Create new projects. Get your work out there beyond the immediate community. Continue to grow and learn in your own area. Teach your skills to others. Create classes or one-on-one trainings. Track Four: Ministry This track is for those who feel called to become Ministers or members of the Clergy. Entering this track does not mean that you need to follow through all the way to Clergy, but that you are taking the necessary steps should you decide to do so. Of you we require training in ritual design, drama, counseling, comparative religion, artistic skills, administration, personal development of the physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and leadership skills, as well as a certain level of involvement in each of the other tracks. CIRCLE FOUR: SERVING Assist in the rituals of your local Nest. Student-teach classes. Help the present clergy in their duties, and assist in the ritual planning and execution at major events. Studies include development in the following areas: Counseling: Take courses in counseling techniques, and learn as much as you can about: 12-step programs, crisis counseling, addiction recovery, family systems, mediation techniques, body work, diet and nutrition, death and dying, co-dependence, and group facilitation. Drama and liturgy: Study basic acting techniques and liturgical construction Religion: Study the ancient Greek, Egyptian, Celtic, Native American, Hindu, African or Oriental pantheons and magical systems (not limited to this list). Visit local Buddhist temples, Christian churches, synagogues or other religious services. Sit in on Interfaith dialogues. Become familiar with the History of the Craft, the development of the Goddess religion, its downfall and resurgence. Become familiar with the various sects and styles within Paganism, such as Druids, Gardnerians, or Contraries. Read at least ten books from the bibliography in at least five different categories. CIRCLE FIVE: CREATING Create and lead rituals at Nests, and minor Sabbat festivals. Start your own Nest or Circle if appropriate. Teach classes through Lifeways or your local Nest. Facilitate at meetings, offer mediation and conflict resolution. Serve on a governing board, such as the Fun Committee, Board of Directors, Annwfn Council, subsidiary or Nest council. Create new events in your community. CIRCLE SIX: MINISTERS AND POSTULANTS This circle is reserved for those who are clear that they want to serve in very specific ways. To enter the Sixth Circle, one must obtain a sponsor from among the existing clergy, to help you through the ropes of this part of the Net. There are two classifications: ministers and postulants. Ministers: Ministers are those who do not feel they want to make the commitment to becoming full time CAW clergy, but feel a strong desire to serve their community in a very particular way. Our first Minister, for example, created a prison ministry, bringing religious information and counseling to incarcerated Pagans. Another might become a minister of children, specializing in children's issues, rituals, etc. A steward may choose to become a minister of forestry, and specialize in learning and dispensing forestry skills. Ministerial credentials are awarded on a case-by-case basis, by the clergy, through the recommendation of their clergy sponsor. What we look for is whether they have completed the previous levels, and whether they are adequately trained for the ministry they have chosen. A proposal in writing should be made stating desires and qualifications, and the duties to which one wants to be supported, such as the ability to perform marriage ceremonies, the ability to visit prisoners or hospital patients, etc. Upon acceptance, a Minister may choose to create a ritual for themselves to commemorate this passage, though this is not required. Ministers remain in Circle Six unless they decide to become postulants to the clergy. Postulants: Postulants enter Circle Six through proven accomplishment in the former Circles, a demonstration of some breadth through the four tracks, acceptance by the community, the recommendation of a clergy sponsor, and a consensus vote of confidence by the existing Third Ring. A postulant spends a minimum of a year and a day (usually longer) working with their sponsor to complete any remaining areas that need focus or attention before become fully ordained. Areas of general concern include: The general health of one's life: physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. The ability to lead rituals, work well with others, and serve the community. A basic level of scholarship in the areas relevant to Pagan clergy, such as psychology, religion, history, sociology, etc. Familiarity with the basics of CAW philosophy, and the ability to conduct intelligent interviews on CAW topics. One's ability to represent the God or Goddess to the outside world in a way that commands respect. In addition, postulants are required to: Be a CAW member for at least three years (usually much longer). Go on a solitary vision quest in the wilderness (7 days minimum). Write an in-depth research paper or suitable substitute (one Priestess produced a commercial tape of Pagan music). Submit, in writing, their qualifications for service, and plan for further enrichment. A statement of their particular interest to which they may dedicate their services (mine was the founding of Lifeways, a teaching branch). Spend time with as many current clergy members as possible. Pass the clergy oral exam. (Piece of cake!) Create and execute an ordination ritual. Joy Williams / dhummer@netcom.com Scion in the Church of All Worlds From owner-cawpagan-l@netcom.com Tue Jun 21 21:08:50 1994 Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 12:03:20 -0700 (PDT) From: Joy Williams Subject: Ring Cycle, part 5 To: cawpagan-l@netcom.com MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: owner-cawpagan-l@netcom.com Precedence: list This should be the end of it! THIRD RING: CLERGY (Circles 7, 8 and 9) Ring Color: Purple PURPOSE: LEADERSHIP IN HER MAJESTY'S SACRED SERVICE The purpose of the third ring is to foster the growth and development of the Pagan movement and community, and help the return of the Goddess to the world at large. This is achieved in numerous ways: through ritual, leadership, workshops and teaching, writing, traveling and speaking, conducting interviews, creating works of art, and just getting in there and doing it. Expectations and qualifications for Clergy include: Establish a link between the Gods/Goddesses and community, and help people make that link themselves. Administer sacraments, meaning be able to perform the rituals of this religion and lead regular services. Communicate articulately the body of lore or doctrine of the Church to anyone. Be knowledgeable thealogically, historically, etc. Teach what you know (and know what you teach). Take responsibility to make things happen. Put out "fires" effectively. Have a sense of presence that is inspiring to others. Create original material. Maintain personal credibility through lack of hypocrisy. Think on your feet, and be able to wing it when necessary. Demonstrate effective leadership without using "power over" (Starhawk). Evoke a sense of affection and respect. Maintain clarity of vision for the community. Be able to deal with administrative issues effectively, appropriately, and in a timely manner. Willingly serve others before "laying out your own trip." Be able to raise power magically. These are the general guidelines for conduct within the third ring. Further guidelines are being developed and will be compiled into a Clergy Handbook. Commonly asked questions: What if I have achieved some of these requirements in other organizations? Do I have to do it all over again? Very often people come to the CAW with prior experience in other religions, other communities, and other training. We greatly appreciate such diversity, and ;will often find it acceptable toward filling a listed requirement. This is the job of your Scion Advisor or Clergy Sponsor. They will look over what you have done and how much of it fulfills the RINGS requirements. Is it possible to lose your status in a given Ring? Yes, for two reasons. One, you may choose to step back from a Ring you have chosen to embark on because of circumstances in your life (such as not having enough time while you go to school or have a new baby), or because you no longer feel the same affinity and commitment. We only ask that you return any symbols of your office to the Church, and hope that you remain part of the community in whatever circle feels most appropriate for you. Occasionally, members of the Clergy or Lifeways staff may become concerned about the conduct of a particular member who is acting as a Scion, spokesperson for CAW, or other responsible capacity. If continued complaints come to us about someone, or if we feel that someone is putting the Church in jeopardy, we will ask that person to address these issues. Failure to address and correct the issues may result in a removal from the office of responsibility to a more appropriate level. An example might be chemical addiction problems interfering with Nest business, offensive social skills, or reckless behavior with regard to the Church. Do I have to do everything just as it says, or are there alternative ways to meet the requirements? For many of the requirements it is possible to offer substitutions. You may have read a book that is not on the Bibliography but is similar in subject matter. You may have written an in-depth paper in Graduate School that demonstrates understanding of Comparative Religion, but doesn't fit the suggested format. You may produce a work of art instead of a paper. There are many ways to accomplish the same thing. These substitutions should be approved by your advisor before submitting them to Lifeways. Can I do the program faster if I come with prior experience? Unfortunately, no. The minimum time required is just that: a bare minimum. This is not just about your training in general, but about your training within this community, and their chance to get to know you and see your integrity in action. So you can't do it faster with prior experience, but you can definitely do it better. Waiting is. Do I have to do any of this? Absolutely not. This is an entirely optional program, created out of requests by members and needs of the growing community. In fact, we encourage you not to move out of a Circle, or a Ring, unless you are absolutely certain of why you are doing so. Take your time. What can I expect to get out of this? Mostly, whatever you put into it. Ideally, you will get a great deal of personal growth, knowledge, training, recognition, satisfaction, a sense of community, and only a little frustration. Whom do I call if I get lost? Church of All Worlds has a voicemail system; all numbers are in the (510) telephone area. The number of Lifeways and the folk who presently coordinate the RINGS system is 549-7740; for the Clergy call 549-7746; Products and Publications is 549-7739; and Membership is 549-7738.* *OBVIOUSLY, that last part is realtively defunct, since they are getting rid of voice mail. I will post this info tomorrow! Joy Williams / dhummer@netcom.com Scion in the Church of All Worlds