Erotic Body Prayer Book

Column: Gary Ost, President of the Board of Directors   

     I get joy from giving money to the causes I believe in. For me it’s like voting. Even if my candidate doesn’t win, I always feel like I made a difference. For me it’s also like fine dining. The price is worth it. But most of all, for me it’s a holy mystery. Those who give away get back and those who give away whole-heartedly get It ALL back.
     Recently the Board sent out an email with instructions on how to pledge financial support to Flesh and Spirit Community. We didn’t give the information about where to send the pledge form, which we’ll correct right now. Send it to 55 Graystone TER, San Francisco, CA 94114-2113. And below is the form again.
     So here’s what you do. Think about how you feel when you vote for someone you really hope gets elected, think about how willing you are to pay for a meal you know you’re going to love, think about the mysterious lift in your mood when you realize you’re giving yourself to the universe. Try giving a healthy amount. Be willing to give more later. Write down what you commit to. Send it.
     As soon as my husband Bob and I returned from our big retirement trip, I sat down and figured out what 10% of my first retirement check was. That’s what I gave to this cause I believe in. Oh, I believe in other causes, too. So next month I’ll split it between Flesh and Spirit and the rest. But I promise to give 10% of my income for the rest of my life to the goodness of the universe. All of it.
     Call me enthusiastic. Call me effusive. I feel good about it.   -- Gary
     Here are the payment methods I recommend:
1.)  Make a Cash Contribution (give cash in designated container at any event);
2.) Write a non-tax deductible check to Flesh and Spirit Community, and a.) give the check to a Board Member at any event, or b.) mail to the address at the bottom of this newsletter;
3.) Write a tax deductible check to the Center for Sex and Culture (CSC.) Do this by adding "Flesh & Spirit Community" on the memo line of the check. 10% of your donation will go to our Fiscal Sponsor, the CSC. Do not use this option if you take the standard deduction when filing your income taxes with the US IRS , as there is no tax advantage in so doing. Mail the check to: CSC, 2215-R Market ST #455, San Francisco, CA 94114; 
4.) Make a payment through PayPal to <registrar@fleshandspirit.org>;
5.) Add F&S as a beneficiary receiver of your will, trust or financial account via CSC. 10% of the donation goes to the CSC. You will need the CSC's Tax ID number, which is 91-2153691. Mail this information to CSC's address in #3 above; and
6.) Make a regular pledge using the form below.

    Benson has co-ordinated & been involved in community & men's groups for many years. He brings a Buddhist, New Age & environmental perspective with him wherever he goes. He is a Feng Shui Master, Geomancer, Qi Gong practitioner, Reiki channel, Singing Bowls practitioner, Space Clearer, & Tien Ti Master.  Our gratitude to Benson for so eagerly assisting Kirk in helping the Flesh and Spirit Community  learn from and teach Australian men the beauty of our work.   -- Benson
Brothers' Stories: Dan Newman
    OK, Brothers, Kirk has asked me to write about myself and what I've been up to lately for the newsletter ... so, here goes.  BTW, I live in Cincinnati, Ohio where Flesh and Spirit began in 1995. Cincinnati lost a great asset when Kirk left Ohio to move to San Francisco.
    Since I first got involved with Flesh & Spirit in 1995 I have been a big supporter of Kirk and his work. At that time Kirk invited me to attend a Flesh and Spirit workshop. I was working across the Ohio River at the Northern Kentucky Health Department as an HIV Prevention Specialist and Health Educator. I had started my career at AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati in 1990 and have been involved with HIV/AIDS issues and education ever since.
    I attribute much of where I am today to Kirk and the Flesh and Spirit Community. I now proudly possess two degrees, a Doctor of Divinity, and Doctor of Philosophy.  I am also a Certified Thanatologist (death, dying, grief and bereavement counselor), and am an Inner-Faith Minister here in Ohio. But most important of all is that Flesh and Spirit has assisted me in finding and connecting with my First Nation (Native American) heritage. I discovered I have the gift of Vision Quest, healing, direction, and ceremony during times that most people would spiritually and emotionally shut down.
    In March of this year I was honored to be at the bedside of my best friend of 41 years when he passed. I was his power of attorney and had to give the order to disconnect his life support. In May I also witnessed the execution of an Ohio State Prison inmate that I had been working with for two and a half years in the role of  his spiritual counselor. On July I witnessed the passing of my mother and I am planning her funeral as I write this. She is honored here as I speak of her.
    If it weren’t for the training, support, motivation, and acceptance of what I do for a career by my teachers and brothers in Flesh and Spirit I know in my heart and spirit that I would not have been able to function through all of this.  Between Flesh and Spirit and my First Nation ancestry I would not, could not, be able to celebrate the passing and life of those so close to me.
    I have to admit there have been many times I have questioned my gifts and life path but with a simple phone call or email to my Flesh and Spirit Community I can always count on someone willing and able to put me back on the right path.  I am a walking, talking, and most of the time crazy, example of what Kirk and the Flesh and Spirit Community can achieve.
    My heart, my life, my spirit, and my faith I owe to all of my brothers, East Coast, West Coast, and anywhere in-between. Their loyalty and loving me for who I am, what I am, and all that I do within the many communities I am a part of is the best heart gift of all so “Thank You!”
    Oh, yea, before I forget and get into lots of trouble, I owe an unlimited amount of love to my partner of 28 years.  Just don’t tell him I said so in print!  J  With love, laugh’s, and lots of giggles …      You’re Brother for life!   - Dan
                                                                 Rev. Daniel M. Newman, PhD, DD, CT       

BTW, Kirk is looking for a new Studio Space in the Castro, please phone him if you have a lead. Thank You. --ed.