October 2026

Crickets in Twilight by Belinda Edwards 

 

A long line of elder weavers 

walk into darkness toward 

the sound of crickets in twilight 

 

They gather 

at a hut, darken with dreams. 

As they walk into the circle 

each imagines the world into existence - 

 

In this place 

the Holy One resides 

enticing the ancestors 

to surface 

to speak 

to thread 

past, present, and future together 

Here. each weaves an ancestral shawl 

Here, in this twilight space - 

I am woven. 

A Message from Our Pastor

The season between the Autumn Equinox and Samhain/Day of the Dead is a liminal space. It is a time when the daylight fades, and the veil between the worlds grows thinner. It is a time when we ponder our inner magician and the magic we want to create for the world we imagine into being. 

But we do not do it alone - we are invited to listen for the guidance of the ancestors - the wise ones who have walked this earth before us and who have wisdom to share. 

Our ancestors might be our own family members, elders whose names we don’t know, or spiritual leaders like Mary Magdalene and Yeshua (the Hebrew name for Jesus) who continue to offer support and guidance. 

In October, we are going to journey with some of these sages so that we might find support during this season of the “yin”  time of year. When we find ourselves in liminal spaces of uncertainty, times when we do not know exactly where the road ahead will lead, how might we call upon the Holy One, our spiritual guides, and the presence of the Goddess for guidance? 

We will also reflect on the ways we can help make the world a better place and weave together our shared vision of justice and peace.

May we listen for the wisdom of Spirit and cultivate our inner sage in this season of mystery and magic. 

Blessed Be.

Pastor Kimberly 


October 4 — World Communion Sunday and Mary Magdalene’s Presence at the Last Supper

This Sunday, people from different traditions all over the world come together to celebrate unity through communion. Join us as we reflect on teachings that connect us to this sense of oneness. We will also dive into the Gospel of the Beloved Companion to explore the powerful significance of Mary Magdalene’s presence at the Last Supper, how it invites us to “Listen for the heartbeat of God in all things, “ and conclude our time by sharing the sacrament.

October 11 — Mary Magdalene & Yeshua as Guides Through the Underworld

In Christianity, we often focus on the light and resurrection, and that is good. It helps us know that life lives on after death. But what if both Yeshua and Mary Magdalene can also help us navigate the “underworld” moments of our lives? The moments when we feel we are in the dark - the liminal spaces… of the unknown?

Join us as we explore texts that comment on Yeshua’s descent to the realm below, celebrate Mary Magdalene’s ability to walk with mystery, and ponder a way of being that enables us to “see” in the dark. 

October 18 — Maiden, Mother, Crone: Summoning the Sage Within

This Sunday we’ll honor the knowledge of our elders and ancestors, including the wisdom of the crone. In modern-day culture, the crone is often feared as the “hag,” yet in indigenous cultures, she is the wise Sage. Whether men or women, how can we intentionally tap into our inner sage and seek guidance for the ‘crossroads’ moments of our lives, applying that wisdom as we discern important decisions such as voting on various issues in our upcoming election? Our gathering will include a guided meditation. 

October 25 —  Pondering the Mystery of Spirit with Lectio Divina

Gather for a time of prayer and soulful singing as we ponder the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina, a contemplative practice of ruminating on a sacred text. 

November 1 — Samhain/Day of the Dead Ritual

Enter the liminal space where the veil is thin between the worlds. We will gather for a ritual that honors our ancestors and celebrates the knowledge that “a true heart connection never dies; it only changes form.” You are welcome to bring items, photos, or mementos of loved ones for our altar.

October 8 — Chants & Enchantments: Singing Workshop with Macha NightMare

Using our bodies, breath, and voices, we will explore the tremendous potential of enchantment (prolonged chanting and/or singing) to affect personal and social transformation. Practice devotional chants to particular deities; seasonal chants and songs to celebrate the turning of the Wheel of the Year; and “working” chants to change inner consciousness and outer reality. Macha NigthtMare, draws material from Eastern meditative and traditional Pagan sources, as well as from contemporary witchcraft.* Wear comfortable clothing.

Cost: $13-25 sliding scale, which includes a 20-page booklet of chants. Join us in the Fairfax Community Church Sanctuary, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm.

*The etymology of the word witch comes from wicce, “to bend or shape,” and refers to someone who can bend or shape consciousness. Although they were later demonized by much of mainstream religion, witches were wise sages, midwives and healers.

In recent decades, the term witch has been reclaimed to refer to this original meaning. The word pagan means “of the earth,” and includes honoring the sacredness of earth-based spirituality. 

October 15 — Legal Observer Training: Help Support our Immigrant Neighbors 

Are you concerned about the ways that so many immigrants are being targeted by ICE? It is happening not just in other parts of the country but also in Marin. You can help by becoming trained as a legal observer and documenting what happens at immigration hearings. It is also a way to be prepared should ICE activity increase in Marin County. The training is free and will be led by Lisa Bennett, the executive director of Marin Rapid Response Network. Join us in the Fairfax Community Church Sanctuary, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm.