Tim Gillis and Lena Queen were special guest on August 12, 2004 for a Navy sponsored training on Wicca and Paganism for their Regional Chaplains on NAS Jax, FL.
Chaplain Michaelis contact me in late July to gather some information on the Wiccan and Pagan beliefs, and asked if anyone in the local community would be willing to come and speak to the Chaplains attending the training.

I consulted Lena and Tim, and soon we were make plans to answer all the question the Navy may have.

As part of their presentation, they brough examples of ritual tools to help the Chaplains get a good picture of the items the Pagan sailors may have as personal possessions. The Navy allowed them to bring examples of Athames, and set up a basic altar.

There were 20 to 30 attendees, including 20 Chaplains, 3 JAG officers, and some unit commanders.

The two were able to cover the basics of Wiccan and Pagan beliefs and answer many questions. The Chaplains were very pleased and excited about the information that was presented to them and asked for Lena and Tim to return for another session. Tim and Lena were not able to cover everything they had planned, and this gave the prefect opportunity for the Chaplain Office to invite them back.
On their next trip to NAS Jax they will be meeting with the Chaplin, all of the JAG staff on NAS Jax and unit commanders.

NFPA is an organization of representatives from various Pagan groups and individuals.

Our Purpose:

Serve the Pagan Community of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia as a networking resource
Promote public awareness, tolerance and understanding of Pagan beliefs and practices.
Promote community involvement
Help plan and implement Pagan-oriented gatherings and projects
Act as a liaison with appropriate agencies to arrange community service projects and to get resources for the community.
Ensure positive relations with the community at-large, local media, law enforcement, and local government.
Serve as an educational resource and providing opportunities to members and the community for enriching their knowledge.
Taking an active role in defending the interest of members being harassed, discriminated, or otherwise unfairly treatment because of their beliefs.

Valentine Making and Bake Sale at Next Pagan Picnic

NFPA will be having a bake sale and have a table set up for kids and those who would like to make Valentines to give to someone special. Supplies and donations are needed for both. Email neflpa@hotmail.com if you would like to help out.

Next Picnic is on Feb 8th at 11am at Boone Park on St. Johns Ave
Check out http://www.jaxpagan.com/NFPA/index.html

NFPA will be sponsoring the Pagan Picnic in Boone Park on Saturday, June 8 th starting at 11 am. All are invited to come out and join us. Bring a picnic lunch and anything you need for a day in the park. We will be on the St Johns Ave side of the Park. At Noon NFPA will be having its monthly meeting. Anyone that is interested in joining the NFPA and participating in the meeting is welcome to come out. Blessings Linda Gillis

I have put together a website for NFPA: Northeast Florida Pagan Alliance. It is temporarily at this link til I can get NFPA its own domain. http://www.jaxpagan.com/nfpa/index.html Many Blessings Blue River Run