2010 Leadership
"I never told my own religion nor scrutinized that of another. I never attempted to make a convert, nor wished to change another's creed. I am satisfied that yours must be an excellent religion to have produced a life of such exemplary virtue and correctness. For it is our lives, and not from our words, that our religion must be judged." - In a letter from Thomas Jefferson to Mrs. H. Harrison Smith (1816)
President/Director of Ministries - Kaitryth
My name is Kaitryth Bastian, and I am the Director of Ministry for the Nature Church.
Last year I served as the church’s President, and it was an amazing
experience! It is awe inspiring to look back and see how we’ve grown
into the community that we are today. I am very excited about my new
role within the church.
I’ve
been a practicing Wiccan for thirteen years. My path started out
solitary and very earthy, hippy, tree-huggery. I joined the Grove of
the Crescent Moon in Bath, Maine
in winter of 1999 as one of their founding members, and gained a love
for community as well as some more formal training. I moved to Pennsylvania only one year later, and in spring of 2002, formed Moonsong Coven.
I
am currently a student of Cherry Hill Seminary, where I am studying
Public Ministry and Pagan Pastoral Counseling. My main areas of focus
within the community are on leadership, helping others, environmental
action, and working with animals. I love to learn about different
spiritual paths, and see the ways in which they all come together.
My first visit to the Nature Church
was in December of 2004. I was immediately struck by the realization of
how important it was to have a place like this. As our mission
statement puts it, we are fellowship. We come together to honor the
inherent sacredness of nature, in a supportive environment, where
spiritual diversity is respected.
I am proud to be a part of this fellowship, and am excited to see our community grow.
Secretary-Traci
PR Director– Jess
My name is Jessica Morehead, and I am the secretary and PR contact for Nature Church. Upon finding Nature Church in January 2008, it really opened my eyes to what a religious fellowship should be. The members are so welcoming, and the events are always fun. It’s so interesting to know that we each have different and individual paths, but we continue to gather in order to worship in the unity of Nature.
My path is easiest defined as Earth-based Paganism. I feel a definite pull to Gaia, or Mother Earth, and find all things in Nature to be divine. Any questions, feel free to ask! J
Treasurer - Mantas
Hi! Mantas the treasurer of Nature Church here.
I am as close to being one of the original members of NC as possible, having been attending since the 2nd meeting 6 plus years ago. Wiccan by choice and vegetarian by nature, I grew up in Severna Park, MD with a few years here and there devoted to endeavors outside the US. I was born in Japan and spent 2 years in Turkey and 3 years in England. Now, I reside with Kaitryth and many animals in Mount Wolf.
Although no longer part of a coven I received my initial spiritual training as a solitary in 1987, continuing with Motherchant coven out of Downingtown, PA from 1993-2000 and with Moonsong Coven from 2001-2008. After being High Priest and 3rd degree initiate with Moonsong, I made the decision to devote my energies to Nature Church.
Things I like run the spectrum. Music is a huge part of my life. I am a vocal performance major with a BA from Towson. I started playing ice hockey when I was 26 and retired at 31...just ask me for details! I also managed a team for a while, too. I'm an avid Washington Capitals fan now, but playing is so much more interesting than watching. Guess the same goes with music, eh?
As we look forward - with the church in mind - I know that with will and intent we continue developing into a strong, thriving community and keeping an ecocentric focus. In case I missed saying, "Thank You" to anyone, as I value our community tremendously, I now take that opportunity.
