RE Notes

Cycles of the Seasons – Imbolc
One of the gifts of tuning into nature as the wheel of the year turns is what we can observe and learn when we pay attention. In this dark and cold time of year, much of nature is dormant or hibernating, gathering or saving energy for the spring. I see so much wisdom in the cyclical ebb and flow of energy during this time of year.
The beginning of February traditionally marks Imbolc which is a Pagan holiday half way between winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is an ancient Gaelic seasonal festival celebrating the beginning of the turn of the wheel of the year toward spring.
The etymology of Imbolc or Imbolg is unclear but one theory is that it comes from the Old Irish that meant “in the belly” and it refers to this time when the ewes were pregnant with lambs. The holiday was coopted by the Christians who renamed it St. Brigids Day, yet continued many of the old traditions, foods and celebrations
The holiday is traditionally associated with weather-lore and the old tradition of watching to see if serpents or badgers came from their winter dens may be a forerunner of the North American Groundhog Day.
A modern take comes from the 1993 film Groundhog Day with Bill Murray acting as a news anchor who keeps waking up repeatedly to the same day. It is this play on Ground Hog day that we adapted for our family potluck and game night, hoping that folks keep coming back for more.
We hope you will join us for a fun evening of com-munity and connection building and to help welcome many of the newer/newish folks to People’s Church.
You are welcome to bring a traditional Imbolc dish to pass to celebrate the season or whatever you want. I look forward to seeing all who come for a fun evening together. Childcare providers will be available along with games and crafts.


Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again
Blessed Be, Diane Melvin, Religious Education Director


Thank you to everyone who brought food for the young adult conference on January 12th.
Despite the blizzard keeping some participants away, those who made it to People’s had a fabulous weekend. The food that congregants provided was enormously appreciated!
Thank You!