Chairperson’s Hello for February and March 2021

We’re now in 2021, coping with a not-entirely-unexpected third UK lockdown and some nastily icy weather, but with the hopeful bright spot of the coronavirus vaccine giving us a way out of the situation we’re stuck in. Let’s hope that in the near future, we’re able to meet in person once more. Rest assured that when we do, we’ll do so with safety as our highest priority, and we’ll look at continuing to have our services online as well, so that people can join us in the way that suits them best.

February is the month of Imbolc, a traditional Gaelic holiday marking the halfway point between the winter solstice in December and the spring equinox in March. This is the time when the first snowdrops start to appear, ewes begin to produce milk ready for their lambs to be born, and (in modern times) those of us carefully observing a socially-distanced walk in the park with a coffee and a friend note that the sun isn’t setting as early as it used to.

Imbolc also has links with St. Brigid, or Brigit, an Irish Celtic goddess. As with many saints, Brigit may be a combination of both an early Christian saint, and a Celtic goddess. In some stories, she is the midwife and foster mother of Christ, attending to Mary, his mother, during his birth. In others, she appears wearing a crown of candles, so that her way forward is lit clearly, and  her hands are free to carry food and water to those in need. 

When I visited the Findhorn Community in Scotland in February 2018, we celebrated Imbolc with a ceremony of readings about the life of St. Brigid, dancing, lighting candles, the weaving of Celtic crosses from rushes, and walking through ‘St. Brigid’s Girdle’. Brigid’s girdle is a straw-and-rush rope held by women, through which all those celebrating Imbolc walk whilst praying to Brigid for blessings on themselves and their homes for the year to come.

Brigid’s celebrations are marked by hopefulness at the early signs of spring, and joyfulness as the light returns to our lives. As we hope for a resolution for the situation we find ourselves in, let us remember the hard work of those who care for others, and continue to care for each other. And let’s continue to sustain and build our community in the year that lies ahead.

As ever, my thoughts are with everyone and I hope that you and your families and loved ones are well – and if not, I hope you are finding the love and support you need. If Newcastle upon Tyne Unitarians can help, you can email us at: info@newcastleunitarians.org.uk, ring: 07506 255 731, or write to us at: Newcastle upon Tyne Unitarians, Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 8XG. We are keeping an eye on the building and your letter will be collected.  

We are here for all our members and will support everyone as best we can! Please do let me know what works best for you. Love and blessings,

Louise Reeve, Chairperson, Newcastle upon Tyne Unitarians