Carol Wining 2017

All are invited to come out to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Madison County to celebrate the holiday season with a musical presentation, carols, wine (and juice), snacks from the Kitchen Witches, and oogles of fun.

This Friday, December 15th, 7 PM, at 1081 Willis Branch Road, Richmond, Kentucky. 

Permaculture and the Sacred: A Conversation with Starhawk

Starhawk, contemporary witch, activist, and permaculturist, spoke at Harvard Divinity School

on March 7, 2013, about how earth-based spirituality can inform and empower efforts to build sustainable communities and societies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV-MsQYrW0g

Come join the conversation

​TODAY,

 December 3, 2017, 5 PM at 1084 Whipple Court in Lexington, Kentucky. 

Please share this on your social media or blog, especially if you live nearby.  

We want to hear from a variety of viewpoints from Pagans and other humans so that we may learn from one another and, hopefully, get back on track to loving our planet and helping it thrive.

Bring a dish for the potluck if you are able. Looking forward to seeing you there!

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When is Paganism not Paganism?

"What the system, what Capitalism tries to hide from the seeker, is that Paganism is free. You do not have to spend a penny. However capitalism serves the lazy pagan. Why go out and connect with the earth when you can buy this or that to make you feel more pagany? It makes the person with the most money, able to buy the biggest pentacle ring or necklace or crystal seem holier than thou, more genuine and authentic. It is everywhere in pagan culture. Look how much fellow seekers charge for their works. The poor are often priced out." 

https://godsandradicals.org/2017/08/18/when-is-paganism-not-paganism/

Come join the conversation this Sunday, December 3, 2017, 5 PM at 1084 Whipple Court in Lexington, Kentucky. 

Please share this on your social media or blog, especially if you live nearby.  We want to hear from a variety of viewpoints from Pagans and other humans so that we may learn from one another and, hopefully, get back on track to loving our planet and helping it thrive.

Bring a dish for the potluck if you are able. Looking forward to seeing you there!

"Inmates Enroll in Crochet Program"

https://youtu.be/_bo-vgCoe-U

Commentary from http://Yarnspells.wordpress.com:

"This story is 5 years old or older [has been on YouTube that long]. 

Hey, Department of Corrections, we can do this everywhere.  Charity programs all over the world need free hats, scarves, socks, gloves, blankets, and literally anything that can be knitted or crocheted for cold weather protection items.
I challenge you to do this for charity and set up more traditional work programs to help with rehabilitation and reintegration.
Use your noggins and stay away from corporate governance. You are caretakers of a portion of our society that are still human, need love and respect and direction.
We can all do better.
Mahalo.
(Dear readers, if you are cold and could use a scarf or hat, or other clothing, please contact me at info@homelesshookers.org.)"
~Rev. Barbara

The Greening of Paganism

Peg Aloi, who studies Paganism in the media, seriously questions whether we Pagans have lived up to that challenge:
"There are now hundreds of thousands of people who identify as 'pagan' or 'Wiccan' or 'Druid' … who have never conducted a ritual out of doors, who have never attended a festival at a campground, who have never planted a garden in honor of the Eternal Return of the Earth Mother in spring. Do [we] discuss the gods and [our] ritual practices and spells and theology? Sure! But do [we] get their hands dirty, in actual dirt?"
Read more:

The Greening of Paganism, part 1 - http://www.patheos.com/blogs/allergicpagan/2016/04/23/the-greening-of-paganism-part-1/

The Greening of Paganism, part 2 - http://www.patheos.com/blogs/allergicpagan/2016/04/23/the-greening-of-paganism-part-2/

Come join the conversation on December 3, 2017, 5 PM at 1084 Whipple Court in Lexington, Kentucky. 

Please share this on your social media or blog, especially if you live nearby.  We want to hear from a variety of viewpoints from Pagans and other humans so that we may learn from one another and, hopefully, get back on track to loving our planet and helping it thrive.

Bring a dish for the potluck if you are able. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Dominion over the Earth?

How much healing does the Earth really need versus how much healing does civilization need? As the conversation goes it rapidly becomes apparent that we're also talking about the varying levels of dominion being exercised upon us and that we exercise over our experiences. 

[Pagan Parents on the Edge] Dominion Over the Earth??
http://podplayer.net/#/?id=18320502 via @PodcastAddict

Come continue the conversation on December 3, 2017, 5 PM at 1084 Whipple Court in Lexington, Kentucky. 

Please share this on your social media or blog, especially if you live nearby.  We want to hear from a variety of viewpoints from Pagans and other humans so that we may learn from one another and, hopefully, get back on track to loving our planet and helping it thrive.

Bring a dish for the potluck if you are able. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Paganism, Magic, and the Control Of Nature

"Animistic goddess religions succumbed under the onslaughts of patriarchy, monotheism and science. The world urgently needs eco-centered, not ego-centered, religions, blending reverence for nature with knowledge of its complexity. Paganism, if it treats magic as an expression of wonder and not a means of control, could be one of these religions." http://trumpeter.athabascau.ca/index.php/trumpet/article/view/169/205

Come join the conversation on December 3, 2017, 5 PM at 1084 Whipple Court in Lexington, Kentucky. 

Please share this on your social media or blog, especially if you live nearby.  We want to hear from a variety of viewpoints from Pagans and other humans so that we may learn from one another and, hopefully, get back on track to loving our planet and helping it thrive.

Bring a dish for the potluck if you are able. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Straight Talk about the Pagan Identity Crisis

"There are valuable things to be gained from pursuing respectability: Respectability means being able to share our beliefs with our friends and neighbors openly — not just on the Internet. Respectability means our children can be raised Pagan openly, without fear of interference by well-intentioned, but misinformed social workers and courts. Respectability means being able to be openly Pagan in the workplace. Respectability means being a greater part of the inter-faith movement. Respectability means having more influence in theological studies. Respectability means having greater influence on critical social and political issues that concern us, including the environment, women's rights, minority rights, animal rights, and so on. Respectability means power … power to bring about change according to our collective will. And that is a kind of magic that all Pagans should be interested in."
Read more at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/allergicpagan/2013/03/13/straight-talk-about-the-pagan-identity-crisis/#CWkX25vIuRoLoT0i.99

Join the discussion with us at our next fellowship on Sunday, December 3rd, 5 PM at 1084 Whipple Court in Lexington. 

 

Open discussion for next GSSC fellowship, Dec. 3rd

For a little something different, Garden Source Spiritual Center will have an open discussion in December. 

Whether science is your religion, or religion is your science, all humans have one thing in common... we live on planet Earth. So, at what point did humans, specifically Pagans, become disconnected from the concept of Earth stewardship and loving Our Mother? Living simply so that others may simply live?

Come join the conversation on December 3, 2017, 5 PM at 1084 Whipple Court in Lexington, Kentucky. 

Please share this on your social media or blog, especially if you live nearby.  We want to hear from a variety of viewpoints from Pagans and other humans so that we may learn from one another and, hopefully, get back on track to loving our planet and helping it thrive.

Bring a dish for the potluck if you are able. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Thanksgiving - Open Invitation

Thursday, November 23 - 4 PM (or when Turkey is done) - Thanksgiving! - hosted by Sandra, Patrick, and Roger - come and go as your schedule dictates - bring a dish to share if you are able. 

More info? Address?Directions?Contact newmoonofky-owner@yahoogroups.com.

Thanksgiving Open Invite

Thursday, November 23 - 4 PM (or when Turkey is done) - Thanksgiving! - hosted by Sandra, Patrick, and Roger - come and go as your schedule dictates - bring a dish to share if you are able. 

More info? Directions?Contact newmoonofky-owner@yahoogroups.com.

Light the Night, tonight!

November 5th

​​

is 'Light the Night'! 
Saturday 9:30pm EST
Focus: Positive Energy
This is a simple ritual to raise your light and join it with others, though afar. We are each a flame in the darkness, burning on. Spread the light so that others may shine as brightly as you do. Let's blast everything with positive energy in hopes for a brighter future!
Ritual:
Go outside your home with a candle. As you light it, say: "As the flame rises, the magic grows. As I join my light, the circle glows. As we work from afar, our hearts beat as one. As it always has been and always shall be, I remain a part of thee".
Raise your candle and visualize your candle sending your positive energy out in every direction, as far as the mind can imagine. Wave after wave, ripples on a pond. 

Many Blessings, friends! Remember fire safety.

Garden Source, This Sunday, November 5th

Please join us for fellowship and potluck at 5 PM at our new location 1084 Whipple Court, Lexington, KY.  This month's topic is the religion of Ifa presented by Rev. Cindy Bidwell Glaze. 

All are welcome to join us before fellowship for the Council meeting at 2:30 PM (same location).

Any who are interested are welcome to join New Moon Circle in celebrating Samhain and Day of the Dead with potluck and ritual led by Ayla tomorrow, Nov. 2nd, 5:30 PM at the home of Sandra.  If you need directions or more info, please email me directly.

Happy Celtic New Year and blessings for the year ahead,

Rev. Barbara S. Waters 

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Community Coordinator for

Upcoming Garden Source Meeting/Fellowship Dates

Due to scheduling at our new meeting space, 1084 Whipple Court, we have shifted the next few meetings to the first Sunday of each month.  Council meetings at 2:30 PM, followed by Fellowship and Potluck at 5 PM.

November 5 - Fellowship topic presented by Rev. Cindy Bidwell Glaze

December 3 - topic needed

and 

January 7 - topic needed

Please reach out to me if you would like to do a presentation or homily for fellowship dates, either listed here or in the future.

Thank you!

"10 WAYS TO SURVIVE IN NATURAL DISASTERS"

https://youtu.be/w9fEGfmmojE

This video takes a look at ways to be safer, but is also a bit tongue-in-cheek.  

ENJOY.

Burn Ban In Place For Forest Fire Season

http://www.lex18.com/story/36497425/burn-ban-in-place-for-forest-fire-season

Be safe this season! 

Fellowship and Potluck next week, October 8th, 2017

Our next time together will be Sunday, October 8th, meeting at 2:30 PM, fellowship at 5 PM, in our new location:

1084 Whipple Court, Lexington, KY.  That is the Employment Solutions building just off of Nandino Blvd.  

Fellowship topic will be Ifa [note: pronounced ee-fah] presented by Rev. Cindy Bidwell Glaze.  Looking forward to seeing you all there!

The Big Anxiety festival:

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/sep/25/the-big-anxiety-festival-mental-health-science-and-the-healing-power-of-art

Mental health, science and the healing power of art...  Sounds like something useful to Americans, too. Click the link above to find out what is happening Down Under.

What are you reading this week?

Today begins Banned Books week. According to ala.org, here are the top ten classics that have been banned or challenged historically:

1. The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
2. The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
3. The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck
4. To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
5. The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
6. Ulysses, by James Joyce
7. Beloved, by Toni Morrison
8. The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding
9. 1984, by George Orwell
10. Lolita, by Vladmir Nabokov

There are plenty of modern books that are being challenged every day.  I just wanted to start with classics.

Celebrate your intellectual freedom!

Events!

Garden Source Spiritual Center, Tomorrow, Sunday, September 17th, council meeting at 2:30 PM, fellowship at 5 PM, in our new location:

1084 Whipple Court, Lexington, KY.  That is the Employment Solutions building just off of Nandino Blvd.  

Fellowship topic will be Social Justice presented by McKenna Revel. 

_____

New Moon Circle, Thursday, September 21 - Mabon/Autumnal Equinox - Potluck and Ritual led by Sandra, at her home, beginning at 5:30 PM.  

More info? contact newmoonofky-owner@yahoogroups.com

Meeting and Fellowship Reminder

Our next time together will be Sunday, September 17th, meeting at 2:30 PM, fellowship at 5 PM, in our new location:

1084 Whipple Court, Lexington, KY.  That is the Employment Solutions building just off of Nandino Blvd.  

Fellowship topic will be Social Justice presented by McKenna Revel.  Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Banned Books That Shaped America | Banned Books Week

http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/censorship/bannedbooksthatshapedamerica

Do it. Read a book you never could have before.

We are the minorities

United we stand, Divided we fall. The United States doesn't tolerate minorities, it IS minorities, and that's a precious thing to be defended.

Don't Be a Sucker (1943) - Lloyd Nolan | On Fascism, Bigotry & Propaganda in America

"We human beings are not born with prejudices. Always they are made for us. Made by someone…

New Moon Circle - New days and upcoming events

Here are our upcoming dates and planned events for New Moon Circle:

Tuesday, August 29 - Transition Tuesday! Review Chapters 5 and 6 of True Magick together and Potluck.

Thursday, September 7 - Review Chapter 7 and construct pyramids together. Potluck! (Feel free to bring your own paper/construction paper and glue/glue sticks if you like, but some will be available.  Also, might need pens or sharpies.)

Thursday, September 21 - Mabon/Autumnal Equinox - Potluck and Ritual (up for volunteers)

Thursday, October 5 - Full Moon Ritual and Potluck 

Thursday, October 19 - Review Chapters 8 and 9 (Lots of opportunity there for activities), Potluck, and set our calendars.

and finally,

Thursday, November 2 - Samhain/Dia de los Muertos Ritual and Potluck 

All meetings start at 5:30 PM and will still be at the home of Sandra.  At this time, all meetings are open to guests.

More info? contact newmoonofky-owner@yahoogroups.com.

September date change

Our Council meeting and Fellowship has been moved to the third Sunday for this September.  So, we look forward to seeing you on Sunday, September 17th. Council at 2:30 PM, Fellowship and Potluck at 5 PM. 

Location TBA.

Remember your goals!

Just a reminder that we have Fellowship/Meeting/Potluck this coming Sunday, 2:30 PM, at the home of Peter and Cindy in Frankfort. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Why INFJ, INFP, INTJ, & INTP Types Struggle in Modern Life

Collectively comprising little more than 10% of the general population, the IN types (Introverted Intuitives) are rare and unusual birds. If we harken back to humanity's tribal days, we would likely find only a few INs in a given tribe. At that time, they would have assumed roles such as sage, healer, Shaman or prophet—anything that capitalized on their powers of insight and intuition. Indeed, their rare and unusual gifts would have made INs a precious commodity. Knowing that they played a critical role in their tribe's well-being would have engendered a deep sense of self-worth in these types.
In modern society, the path to a meaningful societal role for IN types is far less straightforward than it once was.

​Learn more at the original post here:  

http://personalityjunkie.com/infj-infp-intj-intp-modern-life/

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Virus-free. www.avast.com

Ticks are bad this year

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twgp3OyIb6E&sns=em

Check out above video for helpful information. 

Something different for our next meeting and fellowship

Garden Source Spiritual Center will be meeting on Sunday, August 13, 2017, at the home of Peter and Cindy in Frankfort.

Rather than our normal format of Council Meeting followed by Fellowship and Potluck, we will be having a combined meeting/fellowship starting at 2:30 PM with the topic of "Goal Setting", and we are all participants!  

If you plan to be at our Goal Setting, please pick one of your many ideas for the Garden that you would like to see us set as a definite, reachable goal, and be prepared to do a short presentation (approx. 5 mins.) of what it is, why we need it, and how we get there.  What is the estimated time to reach goal?  Are you prepared to take the reins to see your goal happen?  

Come out to potluck with us as we do some serious brainstorming and march boldly into our collective future.  Please respond to this post if you need address, directions, or any other information.

Mahalo,

Rev. Barbara S. Waters 

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Community Coordinator for

Reminder: Council and Fellowship, Sunday, July 9th

Starting at 2:30 PM, GSSC Council will be having their monthly meeting.  Fellowship and Potluck at 5 PM.  We will be discussing legalities of handguns and other personal protection.  Expect Chicken and Dumplings and Jello Cake at Potluck.  This will be in Richmond.  Please contact barbara.uu@gmail.com if you need address or directions.

Summer blessings,

Rev. Barbara S. Waters 

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Community Coordinator for

Upcoming New Moon Circle Meetings & Events

Upcoming New Moon Circle meetings and events:

All begin at 5:30 PM and located at Sandra's home unless otherwise noted:

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May 29th - New Moon Circle Memorial Day Celebration and Social. Think hotdogs, hamburger, and barbecue family time.  This is Potluck as usual, time may shift to earlier. Open invite, bring friends and neighbors!  Let's have a good time.

June 5th - wrap up Mystic Secrets 3 - 5, potluck as usual.  Mystic Secrets attached as rich text format for anyone needing a copy.

*We will be starting "True Magick" (Second Edition) by Amber K in July.  If you need a copy and cannot find one, it is on Amazon and I am willing to do the leg work if folks need me to order a paperback copy for them.  If you want Kindle, you will need to order that directly to avoid account confusion.  If $ is problem, talk to me offline, orders going out after June 5th meeting.*

June 19th - Summer Solstice - ritual and potluck - need a leader for this - any volunteers?

July 3rd - Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social to celebrate birthdays and Independence Day! - bring some type of ice cream, topping, dessert, or other treat or beverage to share.  Open Invite, bring friends and family and have a SWEET time! 

July 17th - Begin working with True Magick book curriculum and potluck as usual.

July 31st - Lughnasadh (Loaf Harvest) - ritual and potluck - need a leader - volunteer?

August 14th - potluck and planning.

More info? contact  newmoonofky-owner@yahoogroups.com or reply to me directly.

Blessings to you and yours as we heat up for a busy and hot Summer!

Rev. Barbara S. Waters 

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Community Coordinator for

Happy Mother's Day to all

Hugs to all the motherless children and childless moms on this day. Mother's Day can be a difficult day for us. You too are you are honored and acknowledged.

Know that Mother is a verb, and here is an amazing article for step and adoptive moms:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/good-thinking/201605/praise-adoptive-moms-and-stepmoms-mothers-day

Council Meeting and Fellowship this Sunday, May 14th.

Location: Precious Pet Grooming, 1000 - C Park Central Avenue, Nicholasville KY

Council Meeting begins at 2:30 PM.  Fellowship at 5 PM with Potluck.

Fellowship topic: What is a Village? Visions of the Garden (Part 2) presented by Rev. Sonny.

Come join us -- And bring Mom!

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2017 GSSC Annual Membership Meeting Notification

Attention Gardeners:

The 2017 GSSC Annual Membership Meeting will begin on Saturday, June 10th, at 10 AM on the Snyder Farm in Wilmore, KY.

All members are requested to be present in order to be brought up to date with the past year's activities and vote on current agenda items, of which there are quite a few.  We also have at least one seat available on the Council in an "At Large" capacity for those that may be interested in serving.

Any questions or concerns, please email GardenSourceSC@gmail.com.

Meeting takes place in the middle of a Camping Weekend at The Snyder Farm on June 9, 10, and 11.  Other than the Annual Meeting, to my knowledge, there is no other agenda for the camp except to relax and enjoy each other's company. (More information about this as soon as I have it available.)

May the Fourth be with You.

Doctors Now Prescribing Music Therapy

Doctors Now Prescribing Music Therapy for Heart Ailments, Brain Dysfunction, Learning Disabilities, Depression, PTSD, Alzheimer's, Childhood Development and More.  See article here:  http://didgeproject.com/therapeutics/doctors-now-prescribing-music-for-heart-ailments-brain-dysfunction-learning-disabilities-depression-ptsd-alzheimers-and-more/

Free Food

Greetings all, 

If you have a hankering for onions, you may have to look no further than the weeds taking over the yard. Below is a picture of my part of today's bounty of wild onions. Some for now, some for laters, all are blessings of the Earth. 

New Moon Circle schedule

Below is the list of upcoming dates we have chosen thru the end of May.

All are Mondays beginning at 5:30 PM and located at Sandra's home unless otherwise noted:

April 17th - Potluck and reading/discussion of the First Mystic Secret.

May 1st - New Moon Circle Beltaine Potluck and Ritual led by Ayla.  Hopefully outside fire as well.

May 15th - Potluck and reading/discussion of the Second Mystic Secret.

May 29th - New Moon Circle Memorial Day and Planning. Think hotdogs and barbecue family time.  This is Potluck as usual, time may shift to earlier if schools are out that day. We will also be planning our next few meetings, so bring your calendars!

More info? contact  newmoonofky-owner@yahoogroups.com 

No Foolin'

"Small changes add up quickly and can make a measurable difference on your carbon footprint and use of the Earth's natural resources." 

Check out the article below for thirty ideas to celebrate Earth Day every day... No foolin'.

https://crookedbearcreekorganicherbs.com/2017/03/31/celebrate-earth-day-every-day/

Council and Fellowship Reminder

Sunday, ​April 9, 2017

2:30 PM - GSSC Council Meeting, 

5 PM - Fellowship and Potluck, 

at home of Sandra and Patrick, Lexington. Fellowship topic "What is a Village? Visions of the Garden (part 1)" by Rev. Sonny.

Any questions or need directions, please contact GardenSourceSC@gmail.com.

Ostara reminder

This coming Monday, April 3, 2017.

5:30 PM at the home of Sandra and Patrick.

Bring a dish and/or beverage to share, keeping with Ostara theme, if possible, for fun.

Let's rejoice together, Spring is here!

More info? contact  

newmoonofky-owner@yahoogroups.com

Re: Event Reminders

CORRECTION:  I made a mistake on the location of the Meeting and Fellowship on this Sunday, March 12th - this will be at the home of Miss Sandra.  Please feel free to contact us via email GardenSourceSC@gmail.com for address or directions.

My apologies.

Free Crochet Pattern for Egg Apron

This was posted in our FB Community, but I wanted to be sure to share it here as well.  This is just in time for Spring/Ostara/Easter and can be used on your homestead or as a cool Egg Hunt accessory.  I can't wait to try it for myself!

Click Below Pic for Link:

Egg-cellent Apron Pattern

Event Reminders

​This Monday, March 6, 5:30 PM, New Moon Circle at Sandra's Home.

Thursday, March 9, 7 PM, Community Drum Circle at UU Fellowship of Madison County.

Sunday, ​March 12, 2:30 PM GSSC Council Meeting, 5 PM Fellowship and Potluck, at Precious Pet Grooming, 1000-C Park Central Avenue, Nicholasville.  Topic "What is a Village? Visions of the Garden (part 1)" by Rev. Sonny.

Any questions or need directions, please contact GardenSourceSC@gmail.com.

The art of building sanctuary and community

What is Hygge?  Find out more here:

http://hygge.co/definition-of-hygge/

Re: Event Reminders

Just a shout out to remind of Council and Fellowship this Sunday, February 12th.  Council starts at 2:30, Fellowship and Potluck at 5 PM.  Topic presented by Susan: Basic Pet Care and Grooming.  Location: 1000-C Park Central Ave, Nicholasville. 

I am planning a crock pot chili and brown rice side, if others want to plan sides around that. Looking forward to seeing you there.  :-)

Rev. Barbara

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Community Coordinator for

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Women's Circle Postponed

Due to illness, the Women's Circle planned for Saturday, February 4th is postponed until later this month (schedule pending). We will send out announcement as soon as new date has been set.

Blessings to all.

Event Reminders

This Saturday, Feb. 4th -- Women's Circle and Potluck @ Sandra's, 6 PM, hosted by Sherry. 

Sunday, Feb. 12th -- Council Meeting 2:30 PM, Fellowship and Potluck 5 PM @ Precious Pet Grooming, Topic presented by Sue "Basic Pet Care and Grooming".

Please let me know if you have any questions or need directions.

Rev. Barbara S. Waters 

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Community Coordinator for

A food revolution in coal country

Selling only local food and drinks means customers support two local businesses with every purchase...

Explore our back yard of Berea, Kentucky, and see what this revolution is about:

https://www.fastcoexist.com/3065768/this-tiny-college-town-is-the-epicenter-of-a-food-revolution-taking-place-in-coal-country

Fellowship and Council this Sunday

With the survival of the holidays, I am getting this announcement out much later than anticipated. 

My apologies. 

Council meeting beginning 2:30 PM at Precious Pet Grooming, 1000-C Park Central Avenue, Nicholasville, Kentucky, followed by Fellowship and potluck at 5 PM. 

Susan will be sharing with us Basic Pet Care and Grooming. 

Any questions or concerns, please contact us at GardenSourceSC@gmail.com.