Dear friends,
Did you get a chance to gaze upon the beautiful moon last night? One of the blessings of living at my current apartment is my view of Mount Tahoma and the changing sky overhead as the seasons turn; snow melts to water, fish spawn, the moon's bright light reveals its closest proximity to Earth in a rotation that will cycle back around in due time. A system of life that works interdependently is what connects our own pulse to the cosmos! As I watched the bright moon last night shine over the mountain, I grew curious about the long human tradition of encountering the natural cycles and seasons of life and learned about how last night's moon has come to be known as by many as the Sturgeon Moon. This name originates from the Algonquin tribe for whom this last full moon of the year marks the best time to catch large fish in the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water. Though the name "Sturgeon Moon" is perhaps one of the most well known names for this cycle, it has indeed been given many names; many descriptions given by a diverse array of indigenous groups whose relation to the land, waters, and ways of life are unique and evocative of the time and place from which they have observed the cosmos in their connection to life here on earth - for thousands of years. Some of those names include Green Corn, Rashka Bandham, Nikini Poya, the end of the Esala Perahera Festival, and the Hungry Ghost Moon.
I'm reminded of the seasons that turn as we live into the final days of Summer and consider the wisdom of our own tradition in which Jesus asks us, "What time is it?" What is this time in our season of life? -In our connection to the greater web of the cosmos? -In our thirst for justice? -In our yearning to fulfill God's design to be a place of abundance, safety, liberation, and joy for all of God's children? The moon has many names because humanity is diverse and contextual. So what time is it, here and now? What's this new season emerging upon us and how might the Spirit be leading us to be makers of justice in this time?
I look forward to exploring this idea with you more this Sunday and in our weekly Bible study. May you be blessed in this transforming season.
With blessing and love,
Pastor Doug
Among our Joys
We give thanks for the Sturgeon Moon and for the many names God's rich diversity of human life have given to this season upon us. We pray for the courage to speak up for justice, to be stewards of the earth, the waters, our relationships to one another, to God, and of the time we are gifted in this time and place.
Among our Concerns
September Petersen
Charlene Housman
Steve Johnson
Bear, Melanie Peabody's partner
Daniel Davis, friend of Susan Pearson
Rachel Morford, daughter of Mary Morford
We pray for our homebound friends, Helen Bosley, Elaine Jonson, Harry and Margaret Lobberegt, Jane Nelson, Marylu and Joseph Mills and Jim and Kay Thompson.
Among our local and global community concerns:
We pray for people around the globe seeking safety, peace, empowerment, and freedom. May we each find our place in the web of impact, claiming the Call God puts on each of our lives to live into the relationships and opportunities we are given to be agents of healing and love.
We pray for all who are living currently at the village on 6th and Orchard; pray for peace in the midst of the many circumstances in which those experiencing houselessness endure. We also pray for a renewed sense of urgency in our city, neighborhood, and congregation in our work to secure housing as a right for all human beings.
This week, we lift up our Global Ministries partners in Kenya.
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If you'd like to share a prayer joy or concern, please contact Pastor Doug at doug@fcctacoma.org or by calling the church office. Please indicate whether your prayer is to be shared publicly, or if you'd like it to be kept private.
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