the poet's circle and Membership
Brief explanations of the levels of connection and participation within the Teaching & Sharing Centers

". . . spiritual truth should never be sold . . . One who has it would not be selling it, so one who is selling it doesn’t have it . . . "

- Peace Pilgrim


Teaching & Sharing Centers
417 South Bridge Street
Grand Ledge, MI 48837

Phone & Fax
517-627-7366


email us at
TSCenters@comcast.net


tpcM Pages

Communications
& Documents

History of
the poet's circle

Links (Member's)

Make A Contribution

Membership Form

Mini7News

What We Do

Who We Are


T&SC Primary

christian life programs

 



Board member's preparing for a meeting

These two quotes, above (Peace Pilgrim) and below (from the Bible), have held an overriding influence in the development of the way the Teaching & Sharing Centers functions. Nobody is required to pay anything to benefit from the bulk of what we do. But, we very much need and appreciate those whose support allows us to do it. This balance is reflected in the options you have for your relationship with us.

the poet's circle

the poet's circle is the free library privileges and mailing list for the T&SC.  It is not required that you become a member of the organization to take advantage of the many services of the T&SC.  To be added to the poet's circle, all you have to do is ask.  You may occasionally be asked to acknowledge your wish to remain on the list by stating so on a renewal card, so we are sending to those we know desire it.  Being on the poet's circle list does not constitute membership, nor carry member benefits. 

Membership

The T&SC is a Michigan non-profit corporation legally organized on a membership basis.  The members form the decision making base from which the organization operates.  Members elect the Board of Trustees, and decide on other matters brought before them.  In addition to voting privileges (for those 18+ yrs old), members receive a 10% discount on most purchases made from the T&SC, Cherokee Bill's Trade Center or a touch of william.  Membership, of course, also entitles you to library usage, newsletters, and anything else available to the poet's circle.  To become a member you need to complete an application and pay the appropriate annual fee shown on that page. 

Above and Beyond

Like any non-profit organization, we need volunteers and contributions beyond the basic membership dues in order to have things happen.  Those members who serve in any volunteer position, or commit financially to a monthly equivalent of the annual membership dues (contributions equal to or exceeding  $24 per month, $72 quarterly, $144 semi-annually, or $288 annually) are eligible for the CBTC Wholesale Buying Program.  The Wholesale Buying Program allows you to special order through the Teaching & Sharing Centers any item available in Cherokee Bill's Trade Center at its wholesale price (subject to minimum order requirements).  This can be quite a benefit at birthdays, Christmas, and other gift giving times, as well as saving you up to 40-50% on many items you might use for your normal daily needs.  Additionally, a special consignment rate is available at CBTC for those who produce handcrafted products which relate to the missions of the Center.

Also, many volunteer positions come with a key, which gives you 24 hour access to the Prayer Room, Library, Multi-purpose Room, and even the Trade Center (maybe to get that gift at the last minute, which you forgot to pick up).

The Board of Trustees has authorized development of a number of volunteer positions (see the "Who We Are" page in menu at left).  If you live locally enough, and have an interest in serving, or in exploring what any of these participation possibilities might entail, please contact the T&SC, or any board member.

There is no special form or designation for those who go above and beyond to help and serve.  You simply need to have completed the standard membership application.  When you are eligible, the extra benefits automatically apply. 

For those making regular financial contributions there is a checkbox on the application you can initial to routinely have your membership fee taken from your first contribution each year, thus eliminating the need to complete an annual renewal form.  This option saves our resources, and your time. 

"Freely you have received, freely give. Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food."

Matthew 10:8-10 NKJV

The test of generosity
is not how much you give
when you have plenty,
but how much you share
when there is not enough.

- william