I am downsizing my 400+ book library. half off the cover price or paid price. If interested let know. Dee
Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona LLC
To see our events go to: (www.sacredspiralpaganchurchofarizona.org) or Facebook
We are an ecclectic Pagan Tradition, that seeks to unite a collective under the leadership of The Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona.
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Before I put this, I want to say I respect the message of this site, this church.I am really about Pagan Unity, and understanding.Respect to all people from all walks of life. I actually lived in…Continue
Started by Devilwoman Jun 19, 2011.
An Impatient Letter From God
Being an eclectic Pagan means following a path that embraces all traditions. Each of us walks our own path and dances life’s dance through the spiral our own way. This should be true for all people.…Continue
Started by rosemary May 29, 2011.
Life 3 Replies
I wake up for morning early everyday(2-3am) and drive out to the Fort McDowell indian reservation for work..... Every morning I get to see the sun rise over the desert in the middle of nowhere. I'm…Continue
Started by R W Bond. Last reply by R W Bond Sep 11, 2010.
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For 30 years, more than 20 million customers have experienced the awesome cleaning power, safety and value of ADVANAGE Wonder Cleaner. This non-toxic, biodegradable, all-purpose concentrated cleaner outperforms every other cleaner in the market and consistently produces amazing results. Our new ADVANAGE Wonder Cleaner is even… Continue
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Hello From Me,
Hello, Thank you for viewing my profile. My name is Jesse. Since I have joined the church I have had a more peaceful soul and a new outlook on life. My friends in the church have shown me a name to a path I been following for most of my life. Like many others I have a home in Sacred Spiral Pagan Church. The road to be here has been long, adventurous, and not easy to live through. But I survived. I have left my old life for a new one with a bright future with possibilities that would astound…
ContinuePosted by Jesse M Serpa on April 18, 2011 at 10:57pm
A Dear friend ( Courtney ) found this and I think we should all read and heed.
RECEIVED OCTOBER 5, 1999
Hi, Lady (name withheld by request),
I hear you have been trying to contact me regarding my article "A Christian Speaks on the Faith and Path of Wicca."
Thank you for your dedication to the highest ethical standards in seeking my permission to use this article. You have my permission to use this article for any and every purpose. The text of the latest revision appears below:
A CHRISTIAN SPEAKS ON THE… Continue
Hi, Lady (name withheld by request),
I hear you have been trying to contact me regarding my article "A Christian Speaks on the Faith and Path of Wicca."
Thank you for your dedication to the highest ethical standards in seeking my permission to use this article. You have my permission to use this article for any and every purpose. The text of the latest revision appears below:
A CHRISTIAN SPEAKS ON THE… Continue
Posted by James The Healthy Coffee Guy on March 25, 2011 at 6:50pm
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Christiana MacGregor (Annie) is now a member of Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona LLC
Robin Yaqub left a comment for rosemary
Hi rosemary, im sorry i missed the last two classes.But i would like to know when you will be starting the new ones so i can attand.
Zenaida Astoria Mirasol Mlaska shared a profile on Facebook
the pic of me is a couple of years old have newer ones of my whole family on the phone just need to figure out where my data cable lol.
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Our Beliefs
Our Belief
We believe in a creator. She is the Mother of all that is. From the masculine part of her being she created her other half. Together, as Goddess and God, they gave birth to all that is. Therefore, we hold true that nature and all its creatures are sacred because they are the result of this divine union. We call this union between our divine parents “The Great Rite”. They are our divine parents and they are a part of us. We honor them in their triple aspect as: Maiden, Mother, Crone; Warrior, Father, Sage. They are all women and all men. We pray to the Goddess and God by many different names, but we do not believe in many different Goddesses and Gods. As humans, we use these different names to focus on their different aspects and to call upon that aspect of the divine with which we need to connect. We believe in one Universal force that binds everything together. This force is in everything -people, animals, plants, rocks, the elements, etc. We believe that this Force, which is energy, can be raised and used to make change. We call this Magick. Others may call it prayer. We believe that the elements (Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Spirit) have power and we call upon their aid when we work and pray. The pentacle, which so many fear as something evil, is merely a representative of these five elements, with the circle around the star representing the Universe. We believe that everything in the universe balances (male and female, day and night, light and dark, birth and death, yin and yang, etc.) including Deity - our divine parents -whom we honor as Goddess and God. We believe there are no absolutes, including all good or all bad. Everything, including the divine, has parts of both, therefore we do not believe in the existence of the “Judeo-Christian” Satan or Devil. We believe in the laws of Karma - that whatever you do, good or bad, comes back to you threefold. We believe “With harm to none, do as you will.” We believe in Birth, Death and Rebirth; that when you die you go to “Summerland” where you are reunited with family and friends until such time as you are reborn and come back again to learn more lessons. The cycle repeats again and again, for there are many lessons we must learn. We are merely Spirits having Human experiences. We honor the monthly cycle of the moon which we call Esbats and the yearly cycle of the sun which we call Sabbats. These are the times we hold rituals to celebrate Goddess and God. We believe that whatever path you follow is the right path for you if it lets you connect to your inner self and your higher power. We do not judge other Religions and ask that they not judge ours.
We believe in a creator. She is the Mother of all that is. From the masculine part of her being she created her other half. Together, as Goddess and God, they gave birth to all that is. Therefore, we hold true that nature and all its creatures are sacred because they are the result of this divine union. We call this union between our divine parents “The Great Rite”. They are our divine parents and they are a part of us. We honor them in their triple aspect as: Maiden, Mother, Crone; Warrior, Father, Sage. They are all women and all men. We pray to the Goddess and God by many different names, but we do not believe in many different Goddesses and Gods. As humans, we use these different names to focus on their different aspects and to call upon that aspect of the divine with which we need to connect. We believe in one Universal force that binds everything together. This force is in everything -people, animals, plants, rocks, the elements, etc. We believe that this Force, which is energy, can be raised and used to make change. We call this Magick. Others may call it prayer. We believe that the elements (Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Spirit) have power and we call upon their aid when we work and pray. The pentacle, which so many fear as something evil, is merely a representative of these five elements, with the circle around the star representing the Universe. We believe that everything in the universe balances (male and female, day and night, light and dark, birth and death, yin and yang, etc.) including Deity - our divine parents -whom we honor as Goddess and God. We believe there are no absolutes, including all good or all bad. Everything, including the divine, has parts of both, therefore we do not believe in the existence of the “Judeo-Christian” Satan or Devil. We believe in the laws of Karma - that whatever you do, good or bad, comes back to you threefold. We believe “With harm to none, do as you will.” We believe in Birth, Death and Rebirth; that when you die you go to “Summerland” where you are reunited with family and friends until such time as you are reborn and come back again to learn more lessons. The cycle repeats again and again, for there are many lessons we must learn. We are merely Spirits having Human experiences. We honor the monthly cycle of the moon which we call Esbats and the yearly cycle of the sun which we call Sabbats. These are the times we hold rituals to celebrate Goddess and God. We believe that whatever path you follow is the right path for you if it lets you connect to your inner self and your higher power. We do not judge other Religions and ask that they not judge ours.
OUR MISSION
We are a non dogmatic, ecclectic Pagan Tradition, that
seeks to unite a collective under the leadership of The
Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona
We are children of Mother Earth and Father Sky,
dancing The SpiralDance through Life, Death , and
Rebirth, Again and Again, Learning,Teaching
Loving, and Gaining Enlightenment.
Our Committment is to Ourselves and the Divine,To
bring Our Pagan Beliefs out into the open, To let the
World see through our example, that Pagan Values,and
Pagan Lifestyles are to be respected and not feared, To
make a Better World for our Children , To let the World
know that the Old Religion is alive and that we will no
longer live in fear of our Non-Pagan Brothers and
Sisters.
We will promote Peace and Harmony with all of Earth's
Inhabitants.
WE ARE THE PEOPLE! WE HAVE THE POWER!
WE MAKE THE CHANGE!
seeks to unite a collective under the leadership of The
Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona
We are children of Mother Earth and Father Sky,
dancing The SpiralDance through Life, Death , and
Rebirth, Again and Again, Learning,Teaching
Loving, and Gaining Enlightenment.
Our Committment is to Ourselves and the Divine,To
bring Our Pagan Beliefs out into the open, To let the
World see through our example, that Pagan Values,and
Pagan Lifestyles are to be respected and not feared, To
make a Better World for our Children , To let the World
know that the Old Religion is alive and that we will no
longer live in fear of our Non-Pagan Brothers and
Sisters.
We will promote Peace and Harmony with all of Earth's
Inhabitants.
WE ARE THE PEOPLE! WE HAVE THE POWER!
WE MAKE THE CHANGE!
CODE OF ETHICS
Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona “Code of Ethics”
1. We follow the “Wiccan Rede” - An it harm none, do as you Will!
2. We follow the Witch’s Pyramid - “To Know, To Will, To Dare, To Be Silent, To Go” This basically means, We gain knowledge, we learn discipline, we face our fears, we keep what we know in our hearts, and we manifest and evolve.
3. We shall not discriminate on the basis of Age, Gender, Race, Color, National Origin, Culture, Beliefs or Sexual Orientation.
4. Bigotry, slander, perjury or other forms of harassment will not be tolerated.
5 .The use of drugs, alcohol, or any mind-altering substances will not be allowed before or during any public rituals.
6. No firearms or explosive devices will be allowed at any public rituals.
7. Clergy must conduct themselves appropriately at all times and not ask for personal payment, including monetary payments or sexual favors in exchange for their services.
8. Confidentiality of all members of this church should be respected at all times.
9. Sexual harassment, or any type of unwanted sexual attention, offered in any way, shape or form, to include verbal, tactile or written, is not tolerated.
10. No form of bloodletting or sacrifice will be allowed at any public ritual.
11. We protect the children; we teach them, nurture them and in no way commit any crimes against them.
12. We will show respect to the Earth and all the creatures that inhabit it.
13. We will not belittle or make fun of other religious paths.
14. We are accepting of all who come to our church. We do not judge others, but allow the Goddess and God to be their judge.
15. We will refrain from gossip and not get in the middle of so-called “Witch Wars.”
16. We will always leave a place where we’ve gathered in better shape than we found it.
17. We will remember that within the circle all are equal.
18. We will hold sacred the words, “Perfect Love and Perfect Trust” remembering always that “LOVE” is the greatest power of all.
1. We follow the “Wiccan Rede” - An it harm none, do as you Will!
2. We follow the Witch’s Pyramid - “To Know, To Will, To Dare, To Be Silent, To Go” This basically means, We gain knowledge, we learn discipline, we face our fears, we keep what we know in our hearts, and we manifest and evolve.
3. We shall not discriminate on the basis of Age, Gender, Race, Color, National Origin, Culture, Beliefs or Sexual Orientation.
4. Bigotry, slander, perjury or other forms of harassment will not be tolerated.
5 .The use of drugs, alcohol, or any mind-altering substances will not be allowed before or during any public rituals.
6. No firearms or explosive devices will be allowed at any public rituals.
7. Clergy must conduct themselves appropriately at all times and not ask for personal payment, including monetary payments or sexual favors in exchange for their services.
8. Confidentiality of all members of this church should be respected at all times.
9. Sexual harassment, or any type of unwanted sexual attention, offered in any way, shape or form, to include verbal, tactile or written, is not tolerated.
10. No form of bloodletting or sacrifice will be allowed at any public ritual.
11. We protect the children; we teach them, nurture them and in no way commit any crimes against them.
12. We will show respect to the Earth and all the creatures that inhabit it.
13. We will not belittle or make fun of other religious paths.
14. We are accepting of all who come to our church. We do not judge others, but allow the Goddess and God to be their judge.
15. We will refrain from gossip and not get in the middle of so-called “Witch Wars.”
16. We will always leave a place where we’ve gathered in better shape than we found it.
17. We will remember that within the circle all are equal.
18. We will hold sacred the words, “Perfect Love and Perfect Trust” remembering always that “LOVE” is the greatest power of all.
OUR BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I
NAME
1.1 The name of the Church shall be “Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona” LLC.
ARTICLE II
LOCATION
2.1 The main location of the Church is Mesa, Arizona.
ARTICLE III
HISTORY
3.1 Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona was established as an LLC (Limited Liability Company) in the state of Arizona on May 11, 2009.
ARTICLE IV
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
4.1 The Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona LCC is a non-profit, volunteer-staffed, ecumenical Pagan Church, designed to foster and celebrate a sense of community and family among Pagans, both locally and in other regions of the country/world. It is an ecumenical Church in that it encompasses all traditions, and is non-exclusive. It welcomes all who revere the Earth Mother and who respect themselves and others, regardless of the tradition with which one is affiliated. Our purpose is to live in a manner which shows love and respect for all. We hold rituals on the agreed Sabbats and Esbats and any other special occasions. We work to unite, in a loose alliance of all Pagan groups; we educate members, students, seekers, and the public, in Pagan beliefs, traditions, values, and ethics; we support local and global charitable causes; we treat other seekers with respect and support; we help provide seekers with materials and tools to aid their spiritual quest; and we learn from each other.
ARTICLE V
GOVERNMENT
5.1 The Church founder will be sworn in as President of the Church. The Church founder will sit in as permanent President of the Church until such time as she retires, dies or steps down from the position. She can not be voted out of her position. She will be leader of the Board of Directors.
5.2 Upon her resignation or death, the Board of Directors will call a special General Meeting to elect a new President within sixty days of her leaving office. The term of the new President, and amount of terms allowed in office, will also be determined at this meeting.
5.3 The government of the Church shall be vested in a Board of Directors. They are the President and elected Officers within the Church. They shall oversee the operation of the Church. The Board will consist of between five to nine members. There will always be an odd number of Board members.
5.4 All Officers, except that of the President, will be elected by the Church Council for a term of two years. Elections will take place on odd-numbered years. Members may serve an unlimited number of terms on the Board.
5.5 At the annual odd-year Church Meeting, Board of Directors shall be elected to office for a term which expires at the next odd-year. Officers shall be sworn in at Imbolg.
5.6 Resignation, Removal of Officer, and Filling Vacancies: The office of a person on the Board of Directors becomes vacant if the Officer resigns or dies. Any Officer may resign at any time by an oral statement made at a monthly meeting, or in writing delivered to the Scribe, which resignation shall take effect after a monthly meeting held to accept the resignation, and immediately after a letter has been sent to the resigning Officer confirming said resignation or at such other time as the Officer may specify.
5.7 The Board of Directors may remove any Officer, and thereby create a vacancy in the Council, if:
(a) By order of a court they have been found to be of unsound mind.
(b) They fail to be sworn in within sixty days of being elected.
(c) They are convicted of a felony crime while in office.
5.8 If an Officer on the Board of Directors resigns or leaves office before his/her term is expired, the President may assign a new Officer, or the remaining Board of Directors, though less than a majority of the whole Council, may by the vote of a majority of their number, fill any vacancy in the Council for the unexpired term. The new Officer will remain in office until the next scheduled election.
5.9 Council of Elders: Initiated Clergy, who have shown extremely high levels of commitment to the Church, are nominated by the President and voted upon by the Board of Directors. A member of the Council of Elders must be a legally ordained minister, should be able to perform all rites of passage and be qualified to be a mentor and teach students a year-and-a-day class.
5.10 The Council of Elders is the final authority on matters of religion or dispute within the Church. The Council of Elders, as a body, shall have all power and authority in matters of religion within.
5.11 The High Priestess is either the Church President or has been appointed by the Church President.
5.12 The High Priestess is leader of the Council of Elders and has the authority to initiate a High Priest from among the Council of Elders.
5.13 Membership Representatives: Representatives may be elected from the general membership to serve on the Church Council. One Representative may be elected for every fifty Church members. Representatives will serve a two-year term and will be elected at an annual Church meeting on an even-numbered year.
5.14 Membership Representatives serve a term of two years, are elected on even-numbered years, and are sworn in at Imbolg. Membership Representatives may serve unlimited terms in office.
5.15 Church Council: Made up of the Board of Directors, the Council of Elders, and the Membership Representatives. This body shall handle the ordinary business of the Church. They will vote in all annual Church elections.
5.16 Members of the Church Council must have active membership status.
5.17 Members of the Church Council must abide by the Church By-Laws and follow the Church’s Code of Ethics.
ARTICLE VI
AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (OFFICERS)
6.1 President: The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Church and shall:
(a) Preside at all monthly meetings, all quarterly meetings of the Board of Directors, and all annual general membership meetings.
(b) Be an active member of the Church.
(c) Have general charge of the business of the Church.
(d) Execute, with the Purse Warden, in the name of the Church, all deeds, bonds, contracts, and other obligations and instruments authorized by the Board of Directors.
(e) Keep a copy on file of all Church records, including minutes, membership applications, newsletters, brochures, pamphlets and all documents pertaining to the Church.
(f) Be the public spokesperson for the Church.
6.2 Vice President: The Vice President shall be elected by the Church Council and shall:
(a) Assist the President.
(b) Perform such duties as may be assigned to him/her by the Council of Elders.
(c) Fill in for the President if he/she is unable to perform his/her duties.
(d) Replace the President upon resignation or death until a new President can be elected.
6.3 Purse Warden: The Purse Warden shall be elected by the Church Council and shall:
(a) Be the principal Financial Officer of the Company.
(b) Perform all other duties incident to the office of the Treasurer and, upon request of the Council, shall make such reports to it as may be required at any time.
(c) Be the principal Accounting Officer of the Company.
(d) Keep the financial records of the Church and be responsible for cash receipts and disbursements.
(e) Have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be from time to time prescribed by the Council of Elders.
(f) Collect all membership dues.
(g) Keep a file of all membership applications. (A copy must be given to the President and Scribe to keep in their records.)
(h) File all required forms and reports to the state and federal governments as required to obtain and maintain the Church’s legal status.
(i) Present a yearly budget statement to all interested members at annual Church meeting.
6.4 Scribe: The Scribe shall be elected by the Church Council and shall:
(a) Keep the Church Records, attend and record meetings, and perform such other duties as designated by the Council.
(b) Keep the minutes of the proceedings of the monthly, quarterly and annual meetings of the Church.
(c) See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these By-Laws or as required by law.
(d) Be custodian of the Company records and of the seal of the Company and affix the seal to all documents when authorized by the Council of Elders.
(e) Keep a record containing the names and addresses, and class of membership, of all members.
(f) Keep and maintain the Church’s “Book of Shadows”.
(g) In general, perform all duties incident to the office as Scribe and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the Council of Elders.
6.5 Youth Director: The Youth Director shall be elected by the Church Council and shall:
(a) Act as Youth Minister and head the committee on Youth activities.
(b) Plan, organize and sponsor all youth activities.
(c) Keep all documentation and signed parental permission agreements. (A copy must be given to the President and Scribe to keep for their records.)
(d) Organize and oversee all youth fund raisers.
6.6 Webmaster: The Webmaster shall be elected by the Church Council and shall:
(a) Be in charge of technology.
(b) Create and maintain Church website.
(c) Update website and calendar on a regular basis.
(d) Set up an intra-net system between members including a contact email address for all of the members of the Church Council.
6.7 Herald: The Herald shall be elected by the Church Council and shall:
(a) Be in charge of Public Relations.
(b) Create a monthly Church newsletter to be published each month.
(c) Report on any important happenings within the Pagan Community.
(d) Keep the Church focused on any legal aspects.
(e) Be a pro-active problem solver (in the role of “Devil’s Advocate” if necessary).
6.8 Education Specialist: The Education Specialist shall be elected by the Church Council and shall:
(a) Be in charge of Church seminary, classes and workshops, and head the committee on Pagan Education.
(b) Help set up and establish an online Pagan Seminary.
(c) Set up classes and enlist teachers to facilitate the classes.
6.9 Events Coordinator: The Events Coordinator shall be elected by the Church Council and shall:
(a) Be in charge of raising money.
(b) Organize and oversee all Church events.
(c) Be in charge of announcements and crowd control.
(d) Head a committee on fund raising.
(e) Oversee all activities and events to raise revenue for the Church.
6.10 Conflict of Interest
Any member of the board who has a financial, personal, or official interest in, or conflict (or appearance of a conflict) with any matter pending before the Board, of such nature that it prevents or may prevent that member from acting on the matter in an impartial manner, will offer to the Board to voluntarily excuse him/herself and will vacate his/her seat and refrain from discussion and voting on said item
ARTICLE VII
MEMBERSHIP
7.1 Membership shall be offered by application to all individuals. No person shall be denied access to membership on the basis of gender, race, ethnic background, sexual orientation, physical handicap or age provided they are 18 years of age or older, or have one or more parent as a member in the Church.
7.2 Family membership shall be offered by application to all families. No family shall be denied access to membership on the basis of gender, race, ethnic background, sexual orientation, physical handicap or life style preference. Family is defined as all adults and their legal children that make up a family unit.
7.3 Youth Memberships: Children under the age of 18 may join the Church as Youth Members upon filing a Youth Membership Application which includes a notarized signature of parent or legal guardian granting permission and approval. Parents will need to be interviewed by at least three Officers of the Church prior to signing permission forms.
7.4 Members will abide by the Church’s Code of Ethics.
7.5 Active Membership: Members whose annual dues are current shall be referred to as Active Members, with full voting privileges, subscription to the membership newsletter, Yahoo group, notices of Church festivals, events and membership discounts at paid functions. Those whose dues are in arrears shall be regarded as inactive members and their voting privileges, subscription to the membership newsletter, Yahoo group, notices of festivals, events and membership discounts at paid functions shall be suspended until such time as they renew their memberships with a payment of the annual dues.
7.6 Degrees of participation and membership: Participants in the programs sponsored by this Church may include the following:
(a) Guests: Interested parties who may attend all open, public activities.
(b) Congregants: Persons who consider themselves Pagan and participate in and support the open activities of the congregation.
ARTICLE VIII
MEETINGS
8.1 Monthly Meetings: On an as-needed basis. Open to all members.
8.2 Board of Director Meetings: Quarterly, on an as-needed basis. Church Council may attend, but only Board of Directors will be allowed to vote.
8.3 Annual General Membership Meetings: Last Thursday in January. Members will receive a copy of yearly financial statement. Annual membership fee is due. General Elections will take place at this time. Representatives are voted on even-numbered years. Board of Directors are voted on odd-numbered years.
8.4 Sabbat Public Rituals: Performed at each of the eight Sabbats. Date determined and posted on yearly calendar.
8.5 Esbat (Full Moon) Public Rituals: Friday closest to the Full Moon.
8.6 Classes: Date determined and posted on calendar.
8.7 Other: Community Service Projects, Discussion Groups, Healing Circles, Fundraisers and Meetups. Date determined and posted on calendar.
ARTICLE IX
VOTING
9.1 Finances, By-Laws, and Regulations voted by a majority of the Officers (Board of Directors.)
9.2. All matters of Religion voted by a majority of the Council of Elders. President reserves the right to veto on all matters concerning Religion.
9.3 Elections voted by a majority of the Church Council.
9.4 Budget and calendar for the following year voted on at annual Church meeting by a majority of all members present.
9.5 Veto. The proceedings of the Board of Directors shall be final and conclusive, unless overruled by majority vote of the active membership, acting as a Board of Appeal.
9.6 Conflict of interest. No member of the Board shall vote on a matter from which they would derive direct financial gain or loss.
ARTICLE X
CHARTERS
10.1 Other auxiliary, subsidiary or sister churches may be chartered by Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona, LLC upon approval by the Council of Elders if such church meets the following requirements:
(a) Submission of a petition to the Council of Elders signed by two Active members of the Church Council of Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona, LLC.
(b) Written agreement that the church will abide by the By-Laws of Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona, LLC.
(c) Written agreement that the petitioning church will abide by the resolutions passed by the Council of Elders Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona, LLC.
(d) Written statement that the church agrees that all disputes between churches chartered by Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona, LLC shall be decided in open meeting by the Council of Elders.
ARTICLE XI
FINANCIAL ASSESSMENTS
11.1 The Church shall have the power to assess its membership for support of the Church by the following methods: donations, tithes, pledges, fees for services rendered by the Church, the sale of books and newsletters, fund raising projects, the issuance of bonds, borrowing, or other methods approved by the President and/or the majority vote of the Board of Directors.
11.2 All donations made to the Church by any member or non-member will immediately become the property of the Church. The Church may accept absolutely or in trust for any of the purposes herein set out, any gift, grant, or devise of any real or personal property and carry on all other such activities not limited by section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States of America, or the corresponding provisions of any subsequent law. Donations may be used for the purchase of Land, the payment of expenses, salaries or for investments.
11.3 The Church shall have the power to pay salaries to its Officers, but no salaries shall be paid to the Council of Elders. Reimbursements for expenses incurred by an Active member in carrying out the duties of the Church or making purchases for the Church may be paid.
ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS
12.1 These By-Laws may be amended or added to, or new By-Laws may be adopted by the Board of Directors by a meeting held for such purpose, by the affirmative vote of the Board of Directors empowered to exercise a majority of the voting power on such proposal.
ARTICLE XIII
INDEMNIFICATIONS
13.1 The Church shall indemnify, to the full extent permitted or authorized by the state of Arizona, any person made or threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit of proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that they are or were an Elder, Officer or employee of the Church, or is or was serving at the request of the Church as an Elder, Trustee, Officer or employee of another company, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, any Officer, Elder or member of the Church Council who is threatened by legal actions by reason of the fact that they were serving or representing the Church in a legal manner.
13.2 In the case of a merger into this Church of a constituent church or organization which, if its separate existence had continued, would have been required to indemnify Elders, Officers or
employees in specified situations prior to the merger, any person who served as an Elder, Officer or employee of the constituent church, or served at the request of the constituent church as an Elder, Trustee, Officer or employee of another church, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall be entitled to indemnification by this Church (as the surviving Church) for acts, omissions or other events or occurrences prior to the merger to the same extent they would have been entitled to indemnification by the constituent church if its separate existence had continued.
13.3 No person shall be indemnified by the Church if he/she knowingly commits an act that is illegal in the state of Arizona.
ARTICLE XIV
MINISTERS
14.1 Upon application and payment of fees, the Church may ordain a member over the age of 18 as a Minister and issue a Minister's Certificate. Licensed Ministers shall be authorized to perform such legal sacraments as weddings, funerals, and baptisms.
14.2 Ordination as a Minister does not confer "Elder" or “High Priest/ess" status.
14.3 A Minister may form his/her ministry as a Subordinate Organization subject to the provisions of Article X.
ARTICLE XV
SUBORDINATE ORGANIZATIONS
15.1 The Church, acting through the Board of Directors or its delegated authority, may organize, charter, establish, and operate such Subordinate Organizations as may be found necessary or expedient adequately to carry out the purposes of the Company. Chartered Subordinate Organizations shall be included under the Church's Group Exemption.
15.2 Subsidiaries should begin as projects or provisional Subordinate Organizations and be considered for full Subordinate Organization status only after they have been active for a year and a day.
15.3 Subordinate Organizations shall not have the power to incur debt in the name of Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona, LLC.
15.4 Reports: Each Subordinate Organization shall submit quarterly reports of its activities and financial status to the Scribe and the Purse Warden at least two weeks prior to each meeting of the Board of Directors. Provisional Subordinate Organizations should send a quarterly report to the central office.
15.5 Chartering and serving as Directors of Subordinate Organizations is open only to Active Members of the Church.
15.6 The governance of Subordinate Organizations shall be by Stewards, Directors or Councils. Should the Subordinate Organization be authorized to open a bank- or checking- account, there shall be three approved signatories on the account.
ARTICLE XVI
DISSOLUTION
16.1 In the event of the organization being dissolved, the amount that remains after such dissolution and the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities shall be transferred to any organization with similar purposes which is not carried on for the profit or gain of its individual members.
NAME
1.1 The name of the Church shall be “Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona” LLC.
ARTICLE II
LOCATION
2.1 The main location of the Church is Mesa, Arizona.
ARTICLE III
HISTORY
3.1 Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona was established as an LLC (Limited Liability Company) in the state of Arizona on May 11, 2009.
ARTICLE IV
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
4.1 The Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona LCC is a non-profit, volunteer-staffed, ecumenical Pagan Church, designed to foster and celebrate a sense of community and family among Pagans, both locally and in other regions of the country/world. It is an ecumenical Church in that it encompasses all traditions, and is non-exclusive. It welcomes all who revere the Earth Mother and who respect themselves and others, regardless of the tradition with which one is affiliated. Our purpose is to live in a manner which shows love and respect for all. We hold rituals on the agreed Sabbats and Esbats and any other special occasions. We work to unite, in a loose alliance of all Pagan groups; we educate members, students, seekers, and the public, in Pagan beliefs, traditions, values, and ethics; we support local and global charitable causes; we treat other seekers with respect and support; we help provide seekers with materials and tools to aid their spiritual quest; and we learn from each other.
ARTICLE V
GOVERNMENT
5.1 The Church founder will be sworn in as President of the Church. The Church founder will sit in as permanent President of the Church until such time as she retires, dies or steps down from the position. She can not be voted out of her position. She will be leader of the Board of Directors.
5.2 Upon her resignation or death, the Board of Directors will call a special General Meeting to elect a new President within sixty days of her leaving office. The term of the new President, and amount of terms allowed in office, will also be determined at this meeting.
5.3 The government of the Church shall be vested in a Board of Directors. They are the President and elected Officers within the Church. They shall oversee the operation of the Church. The Board will consist of between five to nine members. There will always be an odd number of Board members.
5.4 All Officers, except that of the President, will be elected by the Church Council for a term of two years. Elections will take place on odd-numbered years. Members may serve an unlimited number of terms on the Board.
5.5 At the annual odd-year Church Meeting, Board of Directors shall be elected to office for a term which expires at the next odd-year. Officers shall be sworn in at Imbolg.
5.6 Resignation, Removal of Officer, and Filling Vacancies: The office of a person on the Board of Directors becomes vacant if the Officer resigns or dies. Any Officer may resign at any time by an oral statement made at a monthly meeting, or in writing delivered to the Scribe, which resignation shall take effect after a monthly meeting held to accept the resignation, and immediately after a letter has been sent to the resigning Officer confirming said resignation or at such other time as the Officer may specify.
5.7 The Board of Directors may remove any Officer, and thereby create a vacancy in the Council, if:
(a) By order of a court they have been found to be of unsound mind.
(b) They fail to be sworn in within sixty days of being elected.
(c) They are convicted of a felony crime while in office.
5.8 If an Officer on the Board of Directors resigns or leaves office before his/her term is expired, the President may assign a new Officer, or the remaining Board of Directors, though less than a majority of the whole Council, may by the vote of a majority of their number, fill any vacancy in the Council for the unexpired term. The new Officer will remain in office until the next scheduled election.
5.9 Council of Elders: Initiated Clergy, who have shown extremely high levels of commitment to the Church, are nominated by the President and voted upon by the Board of Directors. A member of the Council of Elders must be a legally ordained minister, should be able to perform all rites of passage and be qualified to be a mentor and teach students a year-and-a-day class.
5.10 The Council of Elders is the final authority on matters of religion or dispute within the Church. The Council of Elders, as a body, shall have all power and authority in matters of religion within.
5.11 The High Priestess is either the Church President or has been appointed by the Church President.
5.12 The High Priestess is leader of the Council of Elders and has the authority to initiate a High Priest from among the Council of Elders.
5.13 Membership Representatives: Representatives may be elected from the general membership to serve on the Church Council. One Representative may be elected for every fifty Church members. Representatives will serve a two-year term and will be elected at an annual Church meeting on an even-numbered year.
5.14 Membership Representatives serve a term of two years, are elected on even-numbered years, and are sworn in at Imbolg. Membership Representatives may serve unlimited terms in office.
5.15 Church Council: Made up of the Board of Directors, the Council of Elders, and the Membership Representatives. This body shall handle the ordinary business of the Church. They will vote in all annual Church elections.
5.16 Members of the Church Council must have active membership status.
5.17 Members of the Church Council must abide by the Church By-Laws and follow the Church’s Code of Ethics.
ARTICLE VI
AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (OFFICERS)
6.1 President: The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Church and shall:
(a) Preside at all monthly meetings, all quarterly meetings of the Board of Directors, and all annual general membership meetings.
(b) Be an active member of the Church.
(c) Have general charge of the business of the Church.
(d) Execute, with the Purse Warden, in the name of the Church, all deeds, bonds, contracts, and other obligations and instruments authorized by the Board of Directors.
(e) Keep a copy on file of all Church records, including minutes, membership applications, newsletters, brochures, pamphlets and all documents pertaining to the Church.
(f) Be the public spokesperson for the Church.
6.2 Vice President: The Vice President shall be elected by the Church Council and shall:
(a) Assist the President.
(b) Perform such duties as may be assigned to him/her by the Council of Elders.
(c) Fill in for the President if he/she is unable to perform his/her duties.
(d) Replace the President upon resignation or death until a new President can be elected.
6.3 Purse Warden: The Purse Warden shall be elected by the Church Council and shall:
(a) Be the principal Financial Officer of the Company.
(b) Perform all other duties incident to the office of the Treasurer and, upon request of the Council, shall make such reports to it as may be required at any time.
(c) Be the principal Accounting Officer of the Company.
(d) Keep the financial records of the Church and be responsible for cash receipts and disbursements.
(e) Have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be from time to time prescribed by the Council of Elders.
(f) Collect all membership dues.
(g) Keep a file of all membership applications. (A copy must be given to the President and Scribe to keep in their records.)
(h) File all required forms and reports to the state and federal governments as required to obtain and maintain the Church’s legal status.
(i) Present a yearly budget statement to all interested members at annual Church meeting.
6.4 Scribe: The Scribe shall be elected by the Church Council and shall:
(a) Keep the Church Records, attend and record meetings, and perform such other duties as designated by the Council.
(b) Keep the minutes of the proceedings of the monthly, quarterly and annual meetings of the Church.
(c) See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these By-Laws or as required by law.
(d) Be custodian of the Company records and of the seal of the Company and affix the seal to all documents when authorized by the Council of Elders.
(e) Keep a record containing the names and addresses, and class of membership, of all members.
(f) Keep and maintain the Church’s “Book of Shadows”.
(g) In general, perform all duties incident to the office as Scribe and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the Council of Elders.
6.5 Youth Director: The Youth Director shall be elected by the Church Council and shall:
(a) Act as Youth Minister and head the committee on Youth activities.
(b) Plan, organize and sponsor all youth activities.
(c) Keep all documentation and signed parental permission agreements. (A copy must be given to the President and Scribe to keep for their records.)
(d) Organize and oversee all youth fund raisers.
6.6 Webmaster: The Webmaster shall be elected by the Church Council and shall:
(a) Be in charge of technology.
(b) Create and maintain Church website.
(c) Update website and calendar on a regular basis.
(d) Set up an intra-net system between members including a contact email address for all of the members of the Church Council.
6.7 Herald: The Herald shall be elected by the Church Council and shall:
(a) Be in charge of Public Relations.
(b) Create a monthly Church newsletter to be published each month.
(c) Report on any important happenings within the Pagan Community.
(d) Keep the Church focused on any legal aspects.
(e) Be a pro-active problem solver (in the role of “Devil’s Advocate” if necessary).
6.8 Education Specialist: The Education Specialist shall be elected by the Church Council and shall:
(a) Be in charge of Church seminary, classes and workshops, and head the committee on Pagan Education.
(b) Help set up and establish an online Pagan Seminary.
(c) Set up classes and enlist teachers to facilitate the classes.
6.9 Events Coordinator: The Events Coordinator shall be elected by the Church Council and shall:
(a) Be in charge of raising money.
(b) Organize and oversee all Church events.
(c) Be in charge of announcements and crowd control.
(d) Head a committee on fund raising.
(e) Oversee all activities and events to raise revenue for the Church.
6.10 Conflict of Interest
Any member of the board who has a financial, personal, or official interest in, or conflict (or appearance of a conflict) with any matter pending before the Board, of such nature that it prevents or may prevent that member from acting on the matter in an impartial manner, will offer to the Board to voluntarily excuse him/herself and will vacate his/her seat and refrain from discussion and voting on said item
ARTICLE VII
MEMBERSHIP
7.1 Membership shall be offered by application to all individuals. No person shall be denied access to membership on the basis of gender, race, ethnic background, sexual orientation, physical handicap or age provided they are 18 years of age or older, or have one or more parent as a member in the Church.
7.2 Family membership shall be offered by application to all families. No family shall be denied access to membership on the basis of gender, race, ethnic background, sexual orientation, physical handicap or life style preference. Family is defined as all adults and their legal children that make up a family unit.
7.3 Youth Memberships: Children under the age of 18 may join the Church as Youth Members upon filing a Youth Membership Application which includes a notarized signature of parent or legal guardian granting permission and approval. Parents will need to be interviewed by at least three Officers of the Church prior to signing permission forms.
7.4 Members will abide by the Church’s Code of Ethics.
7.5 Active Membership: Members whose annual dues are current shall be referred to as Active Members, with full voting privileges, subscription to the membership newsletter, Yahoo group, notices of Church festivals, events and membership discounts at paid functions. Those whose dues are in arrears shall be regarded as inactive members and their voting privileges, subscription to the membership newsletter, Yahoo group, notices of festivals, events and membership discounts at paid functions shall be suspended until such time as they renew their memberships with a payment of the annual dues.
7.6 Degrees of participation and membership: Participants in the programs sponsored by this Church may include the following:
(a) Guests: Interested parties who may attend all open, public activities.
(b) Congregants: Persons who consider themselves Pagan and participate in and support the open activities of the congregation.
ARTICLE VIII
MEETINGS
8.1 Monthly Meetings: On an as-needed basis. Open to all members.
8.2 Board of Director Meetings: Quarterly, on an as-needed basis. Church Council may attend, but only Board of Directors will be allowed to vote.
8.3 Annual General Membership Meetings: Last Thursday in January. Members will receive a copy of yearly financial statement. Annual membership fee is due. General Elections will take place at this time. Representatives are voted on even-numbered years. Board of Directors are voted on odd-numbered years.
8.4 Sabbat Public Rituals: Performed at each of the eight Sabbats. Date determined and posted on yearly calendar.
8.5 Esbat (Full Moon) Public Rituals: Friday closest to the Full Moon.
8.6 Classes: Date determined and posted on calendar.
8.7 Other: Community Service Projects, Discussion Groups, Healing Circles, Fundraisers and Meetups. Date determined and posted on calendar.
ARTICLE IX
VOTING
9.1 Finances, By-Laws, and Regulations voted by a majority of the Officers (Board of Directors.)
9.2. All matters of Religion voted by a majority of the Council of Elders. President reserves the right to veto on all matters concerning Religion.
9.3 Elections voted by a majority of the Church Council.
9.4 Budget and calendar for the following year voted on at annual Church meeting by a majority of all members present.
9.5 Veto. The proceedings of the Board of Directors shall be final and conclusive, unless overruled by majority vote of the active membership, acting as a Board of Appeal.
9.6 Conflict of interest. No member of the Board shall vote on a matter from which they would derive direct financial gain or loss.
ARTICLE X
CHARTERS
10.1 Other auxiliary, subsidiary or sister churches may be chartered by Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona, LLC upon approval by the Council of Elders if such church meets the following requirements:
(a) Submission of a petition to the Council of Elders signed by two Active members of the Church Council of Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona, LLC.
(b) Written agreement that the church will abide by the By-Laws of Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona, LLC.
(c) Written agreement that the petitioning church will abide by the resolutions passed by the Council of Elders Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona, LLC.
(d) Written statement that the church agrees that all disputes between churches chartered by Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona, LLC shall be decided in open meeting by the Council of Elders.
ARTICLE XI
FINANCIAL ASSESSMENTS
11.1 The Church shall have the power to assess its membership for support of the Church by the following methods: donations, tithes, pledges, fees for services rendered by the Church, the sale of books and newsletters, fund raising projects, the issuance of bonds, borrowing, or other methods approved by the President and/or the majority vote of the Board of Directors.
11.2 All donations made to the Church by any member or non-member will immediately become the property of the Church. The Church may accept absolutely or in trust for any of the purposes herein set out, any gift, grant, or devise of any real or personal property and carry on all other such activities not limited by section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States of America, or the corresponding provisions of any subsequent law. Donations may be used for the purchase of Land, the payment of expenses, salaries or for investments.
11.3 The Church shall have the power to pay salaries to its Officers, but no salaries shall be paid to the Council of Elders. Reimbursements for expenses incurred by an Active member in carrying out the duties of the Church or making purchases for the Church may be paid.
ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS
12.1 These By-Laws may be amended or added to, or new By-Laws may be adopted by the Board of Directors by a meeting held for such purpose, by the affirmative vote of the Board of Directors empowered to exercise a majority of the voting power on such proposal.
ARTICLE XIII
INDEMNIFICATIONS
13.1 The Church shall indemnify, to the full extent permitted or authorized by the state of Arizona, any person made or threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit of proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that they are or were an Elder, Officer or employee of the Church, or is or was serving at the request of the Church as an Elder, Trustee, Officer or employee of another company, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, any Officer, Elder or member of the Church Council who is threatened by legal actions by reason of the fact that they were serving or representing the Church in a legal manner.
13.2 In the case of a merger into this Church of a constituent church or organization which, if its separate existence had continued, would have been required to indemnify Elders, Officers or
employees in specified situations prior to the merger, any person who served as an Elder, Officer or employee of the constituent church, or served at the request of the constituent church as an Elder, Trustee, Officer or employee of another church, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall be entitled to indemnification by this Church (as the surviving Church) for acts, omissions or other events or occurrences prior to the merger to the same extent they would have been entitled to indemnification by the constituent church if its separate existence had continued.
13.3 No person shall be indemnified by the Church if he/she knowingly commits an act that is illegal in the state of Arizona.
ARTICLE XIV
MINISTERS
14.1 Upon application and payment of fees, the Church may ordain a member over the age of 18 as a Minister and issue a Minister's Certificate. Licensed Ministers shall be authorized to perform such legal sacraments as weddings, funerals, and baptisms.
14.2 Ordination as a Minister does not confer "Elder" or “High Priest/ess" status.
14.3 A Minister may form his/her ministry as a Subordinate Organization subject to the provisions of Article X.
ARTICLE XV
SUBORDINATE ORGANIZATIONS
15.1 The Church, acting through the Board of Directors or its delegated authority, may organize, charter, establish, and operate such Subordinate Organizations as may be found necessary or expedient adequately to carry out the purposes of the Company. Chartered Subordinate Organizations shall be included under the Church's Group Exemption.
15.2 Subsidiaries should begin as projects or provisional Subordinate Organizations and be considered for full Subordinate Organization status only after they have been active for a year and a day.
15.3 Subordinate Organizations shall not have the power to incur debt in the name of Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona, LLC.
15.4 Reports: Each Subordinate Organization shall submit quarterly reports of its activities and financial status to the Scribe and the Purse Warden at least two weeks prior to each meeting of the Board of Directors. Provisional Subordinate Organizations should send a quarterly report to the central office.
15.5 Chartering and serving as Directors of Subordinate Organizations is open only to Active Members of the Church.
15.6 The governance of Subordinate Organizations shall be by Stewards, Directors or Councils. Should the Subordinate Organization be authorized to open a bank- or checking- account, there shall be three approved signatories on the account.
ARTICLE XVI
DISSOLUTION
16.1 In the event of the organization being dissolved, the amount that remains after such dissolution and the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities shall be transferred to any organization with similar purposes which is not carried on for the profit or gain of its individual members.
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