Church of Blues and Baseball History

The Church of Blues and Baseball began over 20 years ago. As the founding minister and as a profoundly spiritual person, I needed a church that would meet my needs. I was raised in traditional Christian Churches (Baptist and Congregational). I enjoyed the oratory, the music, and the celebration of my history and culture. I suffered because I did not suffer from the same limiting beliefs as other church members.
Growing up in Berkeley and the East Bay, I was resistant to the dogma. I am the descendant of ministers, and "witch doctors". My roots are Southern Baptist, pagan, and everything in between. I studied all of the worlds' major religions. I found things of value in all of them. I am experienced enough to know that what works for me does not work for everyone. Thus I tried non-denominational churches. We shared our concept of a loving Christian God, but not the way in which we would worship him. I needed people who could worship like me, but would not judge others who did not believe in the same concept of God/Great Spirit.
I discovered I needed appreciation for emotion and the spiritual presence of Great Spirit. I needed hope. I needed people who felt the presence of the Great Spirit in the same way that I did. Then we could share that joy together. I have always had friends of many different faiths, or of none so,in short, I needed other people who experienced spirituality through Blues and/or Baseball. I found them and started the Church of Blues and Baseball. We have members on two continents and many states. We held meetings and published a monthly newsletter for several years. Then life intervened.
I started a family. Motherhood was my primary responsibility. Like any good mother I introduced my son to my passions. I did not give up Baseball, or Blues, but I had to make some tough choices. I could no longer travel whenever I wanted and see every Blues show or attend all the Baseball games. I even had to miss the World Series games in San Francisco (though I did manage the recognition ceremony when we chanted for Dusty Baker to stay).
Now, my child is old enough for me to follow my spiritual quest again. The bible asks for us to gather together. So here we are. If you are Jewish, Buddhist, Animist, Muslim, Christian,or anything else you are welcome in this Church. The requirements are that you try to do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and that you are able to experience spirituality through Blues and/or Baseball. If you were unable to read the Church newsletter in the past, I hope you will enjoy the blog now. Whether you are new to the Church of Blues and Baseball, or an old member, let's continue on our spiritual journey.
In Love and Peace
Reverend Adwoa Mante'ete'