Aina

My thoughts go to your family. Larry sounds like a wonderful man. He knew that he was ready to move on to the next step and had faith in his Lord, and that is the best that someone can ask for.

What Kokigami says. Because it is highly unbelievable that someone can live in a house with internet access and not "have access" to it. And their stance on that will not change.

I feel lucky that Texas also has very lax marriage laws. And we are not simply looking to establish a permanent home just to avoid criticism. This is a project we are enthusiastic about because it will be a nice place to hold seasonal festivals and weddings and other events, things that right now we are lacking the proper space for. I will still readily minister to anyone online who wishes it, but am excited about the idea of being able to share so much with the community in this way. Honestly, being in South Texas and not being a christian establishment will garner us a ton of criticism regardless, but this will not stop us from wanting a home to call our own.

So far, I have only gotten a negative response to my ordination once. I was at a sale picking up some supplies, and I got talking to one of the people running the sale. I mentioned doing a wedding, and he, being a retired minister himself, asked what church I belonged to. I responded that I was not employed by a local church, and that my ordination was from one that would probably be best described as a universalist church (which was the safest answer, as I live in the bible belt and most people aren't too comfortable with my kind) and he went "Oh, I figured it was one of those..." Of course, around here, I feel that the source of ordination isn't as shocking as the fact that females can get one. I have gotten looks and heard comments at weddings in the past, by older relatives who were shocked to see a female officiant. While I have not yet encountered much discrimination due to the source of my ordination, I am working on taking the steps to circumvent too much of it. A few associates and I are working on fund raising and saving, in hopes to acquire a permanent space to set up a church, other than a private home. Who knows, maybe that will make me seem more credible.

The reality is, to get a work visa for Japan, you will need a bachelors degree in the field you plan to work in from a known accredited 4 year university. The only way around this is to have about 8+ provable years of experience in the field. And even then, the offices are hesitant to issue the visa without a degree. You would also need a company willing to sponsor you, and it is likely that no company will go to bat for you without the degree.

My best wishes go out to all of those affected by the happenings yesterday at Fort Hood in Texas. I hope for peace for those killed, a quick recovery to those injured, and help and justice for those responsible. Fort Hood Shootings I wasn't sure whether to post here or in current events, but current events is locked out of my updated posts list because of people acting like children, and I wanted to make sure everyone knew about this, because I believe quite a few of you may have friends and loved ones over there as well.

I was pleased. My daughter wanted to go out trick or treating, but none of us were feeling the greatest, so we decided to stay in. She spent the evening standing by the door handing out candy to visitors and told me that it was more fun to give candy than to take candy.

And for those who follow the old calendar, Happy New Year.

To start a congregation, one must: 1. Become ordained by the ULC. 2. Have 2 other people, over the age of 18, to act as Secretary and Treasurer. The three of you make up the "Board of Directors" for your congregation. 3. Send the completed application along with a $35.00 donation to the International HQ (Modesto). 601 Third Street, Modesto, CA 95351 They will file the application, issue you a congregation number, and send you a certificate. They then ask that you file a quarterly report with them. All of the forms needed can be gotten from ULC HQ and found in "A Textbook About Universal Life Church" that was available from the bookstore. However, in an attempt to simplify matters for you, and to be helpful to others, I have scanned the necessary forms. ULC Congregation Agreement / Application ULC Quarterly Report ULC Minutes Record ULC Board Resolutions Record ULC Journal Record ULC Contribution Receipt If you have any other questions, you can pm me or call HQ directly at 209-527-8111.

About half way through "Faerie Wars" by Herbie Brennan. Somewhat simplistic, but a decent read, with a good bit of insight into the political mindset.

If you are concerned about this, consider filing with Ulc HQ to be on record as a congregation. That way, if the State tries to argue it, there are documents supporting your claim.