CIOP

            The Church in Ocean Park has embraced Spirituality and Social Justice as pillars since its reopening in 1973. Thanks to the guidance of Jennifer Cibelli, an intern who was a Presbyterian student from Claremont, we formed a Women’s Spirituality group in the early 1980’s. As we honored many traditions at the church, we began to celebrate the Celtic traditions of Summer Solstices, Equinoxes, and the cross-quarter days in between.

 

            This gathering via Zoom is to celebrate Lammas, also known as Lughnasa, the first of the year’s harvest festivals. It comes half-way between Summer Solstice and Autumnal Equinox. Depending on where it is celebrated, it is a corn, wheat, yam, or fruit harvest. We welcome all women to this time together!   Please bring a candle to light if you have one (or if you do not have a candle, you can close your eyes and imagine lighting it), and if you have sage, you can smudge. Typical foods you might also bring to savor during our time together are corn, cornbread, any grain bread, or summer fruits like blueberries.

 

            When we gather this Saturday, we will begin by naming ourselves and calling in other women to our circle as we light our candles. Next we will bring in the 4 Directions and sing songs guided by Louise Dobbs.  After some time spent in silence, we will share what we have harvested in our lives over the past year, and what we intend to “plant” in the coming year.  What a remarkable year it has been. With more singing, we will close the circle and release the powers of the Directions.

 

            Please RSVP to Jean Gasca, at  jeangasca@gmail.com.   

 

She will send out the zoom link and other info on Saturday morning. 

 

            We look forward to seeing you this Saturday!  All women welcome!

 

Organizers:  Jean Gasca, Maxine Wolf and Dona Dirlam