Last Sunday in Sunday school we talked about when David had angered a man named Saul by taking the throne from him. In order to save his life David was forced to hide in caves – cold, dirty and dark caves. It’s a powerful image, being in such complete darkness and silence, I imagine any noise is startling and frightening. Lighting a fire would have given away his location but the idea of a bit of light almost makes the situation worse, after all a light could show things like the remains of those who had come before, an enemy in wait or a mess of spiders and worms waiting to crawl up one’s leg – yes – darkness is better. How David was able to manure is incredible. His feet inching forward, his hands in front of him for fear of crashing into a wall or one of the above- mentioned items. His physical surroundings darkly reflecting his emotions as he fears for his life, he is lonely, scared and unsure how long he will have to stay in these caves. There had to have been moments, hours, maybe even days when he simply sat, unable to move, terrified of what might brush against his hands. There had to have been many days when even a ray of sunlight was blinding and more painful than welcomed.
This story seemed relevant as the days are getting shorter as we crawl towards the longest night of all on December 21st. For some, that darkness is an internal reality as thoughts of the holidays or changes in their lives leave them feeling isolated with no idea how to proceed. For many, this is a place they need to be, they aren’t ready to move, they simply need to sit and be still. For those of us surrounding these people, forcing light or trying suggest something we think is hopeful may be harsh and blinding. Instead, we need to allow them to sit so their eyes can adjust in their own time. After several long, hard months, David sat on the hard ground of his cave, thinking about his situation and his life. Leaning against the rock wall, he wrote Psalms 62: 2which says, “He is my rock, who saves me. He protects me like a strong, walled city.” As hard and scary, as helpless and lonely as that darkness can be, it saves us. It forces us to stop, to care for the ways in which we ache so that we can heal. This Psalm reminds us that we are always surrounded by God. It may not feel as soft and cozy as we think we want but its fiercely protective and strong, present even though we are unable to see. For those we love who are going through a difficult time, we can act like that fortress as well, protecting them and allowing them the opportunity to be still and readjust.
Cereal Collection
On the second Sunday of each month, St. Edmund’s will be collecting packaged cereals as well as unopened, travel size soaps and shampoos for donation to the Foothill Unity Center.
Please remember the less fortunate of our community when you are at the grocery store or traveling this holiday season.
Our first collection will be on November 11.
What is Foothill Unity Center?
Founded in 1980, Foothill Unity Center is the primary provider of food, case management/crisis help, and access to health care resources across eleven San Gabriel Valley cities in Los Angeles County. 79% of their clients are at or below the National Poverty Level. The number of people served by the organization has more than tripled over the last five years, making community funding contributions and volunteer support more critical than ever.
Foothill Unity Center is a place of real hope and possibilities for people in crisis throughout the San Gabriel Valley – offering food, temporary shelter, case management, transportation, referrals and a variety of health services for low-income and homeless people in eleven communities in Los Angeles County.
~ Upcoming Events ~
Sunday, November 11
Team 2 Acolyting
Children’s Liturgy
10 am | Chapel
Sunday School
10:30 am | Sunday School Classrooms
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Tuesday, November 13
Good Enough Parenting: Raising Emotionally Healthy Children
Presented by John Philip Louis & Karen McDonald Louis
7 pm | Huntington Middle School Auditorium
Research has shown that when core emotional needs are not met during the formative years of a child, schemas (life traps) will develop. While no one’s parenting can ever be perfect, hear from authors John Philip Louis and Karen McDonald Louis of “Good Enough Parenting: Raising Emotionally Healthy Children” step-by-step ways parents can learn to meet these core emotional needs and provide parenting advice that is “good enough” to prevent exasperation and schemas from developing in their children.
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Sunday, November 18
Feast of St. Edmund’s
Team 3 Acolyting
Children’s Liturgy
10 am | Chapel
Beginning of Christmas Pageant Rehearsals
10:30 am | Sunday School Classrooms
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Monday, November 19
Dr. Seuss’ THE GRINCH
Archlight Theater, Pasadena
Matinee Performance
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Tuesday, November 20
Cooking Party
10 am – 1 pm in the Kitchen
PCC STARS is a program that offers support to foster kids earning
a degree at PCC. On Tuesday we will gather in the kitchen to bake pies
and other yummy items to donate to their annual Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday, November 21.
If you are unable to come but would like to donate food, please bring baked goods as well as non-perishable hams, such as Dak hams (not the refrigerated kind), canned chicken, canned fruits and vegetables,
instant mashed potatoes, stuffing and cornbread mixes, hearty soups,
juices, and baby food. Items can be left in the kitchen, please be sure to mark them “PCC STARS”.
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Wednesday, November 21
Serving Thanksgiving Dinner
3:30-5:30 pm at PCC
Not all youth will get to have a home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner this year, so PCC’s STARS program is holding a family-style dinner on Wednesday, November 21, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., at Pasadena City College. Volunteers are needed to cook or donate food and to help serve our annual Thanksgiving dinner to support youth in group homes, transitional housing or living on their own, who may not have a traditional meal or someone to share the holiday with.
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Sunday, November 25
Team 4 Acolyting
Children’s Liturgy
10 am | Chapel
Christmas Pageant Rehearsals
10:30 am | Sunday School Classrooms
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Sunday, December 2
Team 1 Acolyting
Children’s Worship
10 am | Worship
Christmas Pageant Rehearsals
10:30 am | Sunday School Classrooms
Goat Yoga & Craft Fair
11 am | The Close
Yoga will be $25 a person. To sign up contact Heather.
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Sunday, December 9
Team 2 Acolyting
Children’s Liturgy
10 am | Chapel
Christmas Pageant Rehearsals
10:30 am | Sunday School Classrooms
Service of Lessons & Carols
7 pm | Sanctuary
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Sunday, December 16
Team 3 Acolyting
Christmas Pageant
Please feel free to contact Heather if you have questions.
