First Harvest (Lughnasadh) Potluck and Ritual – Hosted by Earth Centered Spirituality – August 1
Saturday, August 1
6 – 8 pm, Channing Social Hall
(All are also welcome to join for rehearsal at 4:45 pm – The story of Lugh and Tailtiu comes to life at Lughnasadh—and we need your help telling it! Join us for the Lughnasadh Play Rehearsal as we honor the tale of Lugh and his foster mother, Tailtiu, whose sacrifice made the harvest possible. All ages are welcome, no acting experience is needed, and there are no lines to memorize. Costumes/props/giant puppets will be provided.)
Join “Spiritual: Earth Centered Spirituality” in Realm to RSVP & stay connected. (New to Realm? Click here.)
As the Wheel of the Year turns to Lughnasadh, the Irish festival of the first harvest, we invite you to pause and consider:
What are you proud of? Let’s celebrate it!
What have you sacrificed? Let’s honor it!
At Imbolc in February, we reflected on new beginnings and set intentions for the months ahead. Now, as summer reaches its height, we come together to celebrate the progress we’ve made, appreciate what we’re proud of, and honor all that we’ve invested in bringing our hopes to life.
Lughnasadh is also a time to remember Tailtiu, the foster mother of the Irish sun god Lugh, whose hard work and sacrifice made fertile land available for farming. Her story reminds us that every harvest, whether in the fields or in our own lives, is made possible by the care, effort, and perseverance that came before it.
Join us for an evening of storytelling, music, ritual, and community as we celebrate the season together.
Potluck Feast
Our potluck will take place inside in the Foyer. When planning your dish, think late-summer harvest foods like grains, fresh bread, corn, berries, and seasonal produce.
Make Corn Dollies – A traditional Lughnasadh craft for all ages.
Storytelling – We’ll share the story of Tailtiu, whose dedication and hard work became a lasting symbol of the harvest, inviting us to reflect on the efforts that have shaped our own year.
Harvest Reflection Ritual – Together, we’ll revisit the intentions we set at Imbolc, celebrate what has come to fruition, and honor the challenges, sacrifices, and lessons that have helped us grow along the way.
Bread Blessing – We’ll share and bless fresh bread as a simple expression of gratitude for the nourishment of the Earth and the many hands that make every harvest possible.
Irish Circle Dance – Celebrate the season through an easy, joyful community dance.
This is open to individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs who wish to come together in reverence for nature and community. All ages welcome and wanted – bring the whole family!
How to help:
Signing up for a volunteer role at our gatherings is an opportunity to reconnect with the ancient traditions of community and village life, where collective effort and mutual support were integral to the well-being of all. By taking on a volunteer role with our group, you not only continue this sacred tradition, but help nurture a thriving, sustainable community that aligns with the values of respect, stewardship, and unity.
Click here to sign up for a volunteer role.
💚 Each event requires group leaders to pre-purchase a modest amount of supplies. We ask for your contributions to cover these expenses. If you are able to give, the suggested contribution is $5-10 per gathering. Contributions are not required, but much appreciated. Click here to contribute.
Parking – Please do not park in the YMCA parking garage, they lock down at 6 pm and you will not be able to get your car out after the event. You may park in the spaces along St. Andrew’s, and in the back parking lot east of the courtyard (accessible by St. Andrew’s.)
Arrive on time or early – Dinner will end promptly at 7 pm so that we can move through all of the elements we have planned for the evening. Give yourself plenty of time to eat by arriving 10-15 minutes before 6 pm to place potluck items. You don’t want to miss a second of the festivities!
