Is it Autumn or Fall?

Gathering: Holy One who is know to us by many names and in many ways, we give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives. Be present now as we enter a time of thought and discussion.

Focus: We are now in the thick of the season; not the political season nor the football season but rather the temperate season of Autumn or Fall.

A little history shows that the use of the term ‘Fall’ to describe the season did not gain popularity in the US until the late 1950’s. Before that, the term Autumn dominated the writings, as it still does in the UK.

“Regardless of the name, the physical season is one of harvest, the gathering in of what was sown in the Spring. In the human spiritual season, Fall is associated with abundance, prosperity and wealth. Falling leaves symbolize change and even though they are brilliant in color, we know what is soon to follow—winter”. (Gwynn Scheltema )

Sentences on the Subject:

“Ain’t it funny how the night, moves…. with Autumn closing in.” Bob Seger

The origins of Sukkot (in 2020 it was the end of September) are found in an ancient autumnal harvest festival. Indeed it is often referred to as hag ha-asif, “The Harvest Festival.” Much of the imagery and ritual of the holiday revolves around rejoicing and thanking God for the completed harvest. The sukkah represent the huts that farmers would live in during the last hectic period of harvest before the coming of the winter rains. As is the case with other festivals whose origins may not have been Jewish, the Bible reinterpreted the festival to imbue it with a specific Jewish meaning. In this manner, Sukkot came to commemorate the wanderings of the Israelites in the desert after the revelation at Mount Sinai, with the huts representing the temporary shelters that the Israelites lived in during those 40 years. My Jewish Learning

“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 23:22

Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1 The quote from Bob Seger is from his song, Night Moves, one of my favorites In the song, he recalls a great memory from his youth. The quoted lyrics appear near the end of the song, and turns the imagery from upbeat to nearly melancholy. Do you have a favorite song, verse, artwork or place that comes to mind at this time of year?

Probe 2. Sukkot is an ancient Jewish tradition that commemorates the years of travel in the wilderness. What traditions of Autumn do you remember from the past that you no longer do or that are no longer celebrated? Which have changed but you still hold dear?

Probe 3. Consider the text quote from Leviticus. What is the role of individuals, communities and churches in caring for the poor and addressing poverty and housing shortages? Where does the state come in to play?

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.