If you were outside at all last night you might have noticed the moon being especially full, bright and beautiful. This was not your imagination, last night we had another “supermoon” which is the term given to a full moon that occurs when the moon is at its closest approach to Earth on its monthly orbit.
In ancient times, most people tracked the changing seasons by following the lunar month rather than the solar year, which the 12 months in our modern calendar are based on. For millennia, people across Europe, as well as Native American tribes, named the months after features they associated with the Northern Hemisphere seasons, and many of these names are very similar or identical. Today, we use many of these ancient month names as Full Moon names. You may have heard some of these names like the Harvest Moon which notes when to collect crops for the winter. There is the Hunter’s Moon which describes the best time for hunting. The Flower Moon in May refers to the flowers that are blooming and the Strawberry Moon in June aligns with strawberries being ready to pick. The Snow Moon, which we saw last night, is the Full Moon in February, named after the snow on the ground. We can appreciate the appropriateness of this name as today much of the country is dealing with a massive snow storm. It’s a bit heartbreaking to know that some Native Americans named it the Hunger Moon due to the scarce food sources and hard hunting conditions during mid-winter.
There is something about looking at the moon that I find very centering. Perhaps it’s the fact that it appears as if it’s always changing yet never is. Maybe it’s because it is so unassuming, we easily take it for granted forgetting how much it affects our lives. There is also something very hopeful about the moon. It reminds me of the number of times my eyes have been drawn to its light and reminded that whatever I am facing is temporary. It reminds me of the people all around the world who have done the same, people who are looking at it with hope, sadness, joy, or resignation at the same time as me, strangers whose lives are more similar to mine than I think. The moon tonight won’t be as big as it was last night but you can still enjoy its beauty. As you look at it you can think about its name and the people who are also looking at it. You can pray for the people who are buried by snow, people buried by grief, people who are hungry for food, love, safety or security. You can pray that we feel connected to our neighbors, that God will use us to answer their prayers. Perhaps the next time the moon is full their lives will be a bit better.
~ This Sunday ~
Wednesday, February 20
7 pm | Valentine Little Theater
Stuck in the Middle: The Sandwich Generation
Presented by Dr. Donna Benton
Many middle-aged Americans find themselves as part of the “Sandwich Generation”- those responsible for taking care of their children and aging parents at the same time. Dr. Donna Benton, the Director of USC’s Family Caregiver Support Center/Los Angeles Caregiving Resource Center, will discuss issues surrounding the “Sandwich Generation” and offer practical solutions and support for those stuck in the middle of juggling kids, careers, and aging parents.
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Sunday, February 24
Team 4 Acolyting
Family Worship
10 am |Chapel
Sunday School
10:30 am | Sunday School Classrooms
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Sunday, March 3
Team 1 Acolyting
Family Worship
10 am |Chapel
Sunday School
10:30 am | Sunday School Classrooms
Youth Group
12 pm
Amara Cafe
55 South Raymond Ave. Pasadena
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March 5
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Please join us for a pancake feast before our Lenten fasting begins! RSVP to Karen at kharrigian@sbcglobal.net or 626-441-0787 so that we may plan accordingly. But if you find yourself in the mood for pancakes at the last minute, please join us anyway. Any proceeds benefit St. Edmund’s Church: $6 for adults and teens, $3 for children 12 and under. If you’d like to help me in the kitchen before or after you have your pancakes, please also let me know. Help would be much appreciated!
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Wednesday, March 6
Ash Wednesday Services
12 noon and 6 p.m.|Chapel
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Sunday, March 10
Team 2 Acolyting
Family Worship
10 am | Chapel
Sunday School
10:30 am | Sunday School Classrooms
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Sunday, March 17
Team 3 Acolyting
Family Worship
10 am | Chapel
Sunday School
10:30 am | Sunday School Classrooms
Please feel free to contact Heather if you have questions.