"Service to All Life with Grace Through All Philosophies"
4th Annual National InterFaith Council Congress
"We Are All Purposeful Inspiration!" Scottsdale, Arizona
Our 4th Annual Congress began, as it does every year, with a brunch ~ completely utilizing humane products, and this year offered in with, along with our regular vegetarian dishes, a few vegan recipes adapted for new members who follow that regimen.
After brunch, we opened the Congress with a wonderful meditation and prayer offered by Lin David Martin, author of Divine Chuckles ~ www.lindavidmartin.com.
Previously we would open the floor to a round-table discussion, based on a timely topic or set of questions hosted by Founder, Rev. Paula T. Webb. In the past, while this has led to some interesting opinions, it also led to some attendees expressing lengthy dialogues, which eventually cut into time slated for all.
This year, our format was changed. Instead of an open forum to discuss one's opinions, the conference was more structured and more in line with the premise of the Council being, in fact, a Think Tank. Hence, as the title of this year's conference states "You Are All Purposeful Inspiration" ~ all attendees were invited to "think" outside their normal mode of work or thought process, and come up with a new thought ~ to benefit all life.
This was met with resounding success! After some initial hesitation, once the energy got moving, it was a fantastic experience. Thoughts and ideas were expressed without regard to any reasoning, except to participate in this gathering of the greatest minds ~ and it was an enlightening experience for all.
We ended our gathering with a prayer of thanks and grace, and began our social! Jack & Maureen Sullivan brought the best Irish soda bread and homemade jam that those in attendance had tasted; Tina Sallet brought the most beautiful and tasty tea cakes, and the wine and coffee flowed.
We hosted our 2nd Annual Raffle and again, several of those in attendance donated their books ~ such as Terry McBride, www.terrymcbride.net, Lin David Martin, www.lindavidmartin, and Dr. Honora Norton, hnorton@diocesephoenix.org. We also raffled off a number of our esteemed products that are reviewed in our inaugural edition of the Spirit Book Review, as well as some products that will be review in the 2010 Edition.
For the first year, we did record our conference on CD, which is available for purchase. The cost is $10.00 including shipping. Please call our office for more information.
Come join our Council Congress in membership and at our annual gathering ~ all are welcome! And you will be glad you joined the fastest growing spiritual network!
Mark your calendars to attend our 5th Annual Congress in 2010 ~ we look forward to seeing you!