Notes from the Pastor – February 2022

The start of February marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It is also the time when we turn to our subterranean sybil—the groundhog—to tell us what is in store for us in the second half of winter. If the underground oracle sees his shadow, it is supposed to mean six weeks of bitter weather, but if he doesn’t, we’re in for a forgiving February and a mild March. The tradition of predicting the weather for the latter half of winter comes from an ancient Celtic myth of a powerful magical being: the Cailleach. The Cailleach was an old crone who controlled the winter storms. If it was sunny at the beginning of February (on the holiday the Celts called Imbolg), it meant the Cailleach was out gathering firewood for the rest of winter, and was doubtless planning to unleash more of her frigid fury. But if it was overcast, it meant she was already asleep for the year, and Spring would be arriving early.

I can’t predict what the next six weeks will look like. I am cautiously optimistic that our COVID numbers will begin to descend, as they appear to be doing around the country, but this pandemic has shown us time and time again that things can change in almost an instant. We don’t know what the rest of winter holds, but we can take this time, this turning point, to gather our resources, our emotional and spiritual firewood, and bolster ourselves for what is ahead. Take time this week to reach out to a friend for a phone call, or do something fun with your family, even if it feels like the to-do list is longer than ever. Spring is on the way, but we can keep each other warm while we wait.

Yours in grace, gratitude, and hope,
Pastor Stephen
pastor@gfccc.net