Dear members and friends,

Happy February and Imbolc blessings to you! This day, a traditional Gaelic festival, is celebrated by Pagans as the coming of spring and by Catholics as the Feast Day of St. Brigid. Some elements of our service this Sunday will honor this holiday.

Neither Pagan nor Catholic, I’ve appreciated learning more about these holidays since coming to A2U2. In particular, it has been neat to reconnect with my Celtic ancestry. My maternal side of my family all live in Northern Ireland. My mom has been stateside since before I was born but is a citizen of the UK. She has a wonderful accent!! My name, Tara, is in honor of the Hill of Tara in Ireland–a sacred hill and ancient burial site that appears in Irish mythology. Its proto-Celtic roots are believed to mean “a sanctuary” or “a sacred space”. All this to say, whether or not we claim Pagan spirituality as our own, we’d each be wise to take the opportunity these days offer us to reconnect with nature, Spirit, and our own roots.

Though we are in the belly of winter, still, with freezing cold temps coming our way this week, what would it look like for you to take the first steps in welcoming spring? In planting seeds (literally or figuratively) for a warmer tomorrow?

We’ll explore all things seeds on Sunday in worship. Emily and I will co-lead service which is designed with all ages in mind. So, join us! Bring a friend! All are welcome. Until then, stay warm and be well.

In faith and hope,

Rev. Tara