We had our first official meeting of the church. It was basically a brainstorm session. It was small, around ten people, but they had been carefully chosen. It was an interesting blend of political, artistic and occultist types of various stripes. There were different levels and types of theism represented. All participants were enthusiastic, and all had something unique and special to bring to the table. 

Here are some of the notes:

1. We want this church to be activist and liberation focused, with a left-wing bent. We are interested in projects supporting the homeless, the addicted, sex workers, and the incarcerated. Free meals, free safer sex supplies, free clothing closet and pantry, needle exchange, letter writing parties to send some love to prisoners, fundraising events towards prisoner support, etc. Some of these projects will be costlier than others, some are longer-term goals– hosting 12 step meetings or having a drop-in shelter will have to wait until we have a physical space, for example. Some of them we can get started on right away, such as letter writing campaigns. There are numerous organizations around the bay area that we can probably partner with on some of these other projects. Sending church members to volunteer with existing orgs who are already doing similar things would be a great way to start making a difference while also getting our members good experience in the field, and doing valuable networking.

2. We want to be theistic-friendly. We will welcome atheists and agnostics, but we want this to be a real church with a vital religious component. We want regular services. We want liturgy for baptisms, confirmations, weddings, funerals. We want competent pastors who know how to provide real spiritual support (a big part of why I am going to seminary). 

3. We want ALL the educational events, skill-shares, book clubs, etc. We will need a library. We are Luciferians, after all. 

4. We want to be non-hierarchical. We are looking at various models and structures for having a directly democratic org that still can get things done. Current inspirations include Alcoholics Anonymous and the IWW. 

5. We would like to be open to practitioners who are aligned with Luciferian values but use different liberator/lightbringer type deities. For example, we currently have a really excellent Enkian in the group who fits right in. 

6. Some members are definitely interested in an art collective component, which I think should be easy as pie for us to accomplish. So far it is a somewhat artsy group. 

All of this will obviously need to be refined. These are merely the fruits of the first brainstorming session. 

What came out of this in terms of practical plans is the need for a monthly meet-up where we can keep doing this work. We are currently in the process of securing a space for this. Are in conversation with the venue, dates just need to be confirmed.