A Letter from Lindy

⠀A Letter From Lindy⠀

Hi Pilgrims,

Ever have one of those weeks where you feel like your emotions are a pinball in a machine where others control the levers that send you bouncing all around? Sometimes things move so fast, you just don’t know how to process all that zigging and zagging, leaving you feeling out of sorts. One new practice that I have found helps me put this emotional jumble on the top shelf in my spiritual closet is facetiming with Thompson and Lennox during Lennox’s dinner time. There is no purer joy than to watch an 11month old messily delight in food :)

Out of sorts sums up how we felt in Tuesday’s team meeting as we processed our first congregational fiesta. The food was awesome (but way too much of it), the company and conversation lovely, the day could not have been prettier–and our memory muscle of how to host a gathering probably needs a bit more practice until we get back into the collective swing of Pilgrim’s party rhythm. Of course, because it’s been 2+ years since we have done so! “We are a work in progress!” is our breathing prayer.

A huge mountain of gratitude to the board of deacons who helped Pilgrim step up and out in fellowship, especially those few who ended up single-handedly managing aspects that normally require team efforts. Additional thanks to the Wildermanns as fellowship hosts who got swept up into more than they bargained for. They are all true champions. And I can imagine each left feeling drained from all the sweat equity they put into making this day so special. We will take our learning lessons and apply them forward.

One such opportunity for application comes quickly–Saturday to be precise, as we gather to celebrate Pride in person! Our parade truck will be decorated and lead us forth, thanks to the leadership of Gloria Sanchez. Our booth replete with welcome hospitality, thanks to the leadership of Melanie Dunshee. And Holy Communion returns to spiritually center our day, thanks to the leadership of Suzanne Tyler Stock. Please, please, whether you have signed up or not, come out to join us and offer love to all who come by!

Like Pilgrim, the organizers of Pride are learning anew how to host such a wonderfully important festivity that both grounds and defines the Durham community. There will be fits and starts and bobbles and mishaps. Frustration may try to creep its way in. But my prayer is that our joy in gathering. In celebrating. In being beloved community pushes any of that negative energy to the far reaches of the campus, so it cannot touch the festival-goers as they feel seen and heard and loved by the whole of Durham.

Again, like last week’s lesson, this is precisely the work of the church. Praise be to God.

Pastor Lindy (she/her) why pronouns matter

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