A Letter from Lindy April 2

Pilgrims,
 
What a joyous delight to be on Pilgrim’s campus as blooms burst forth all around. From Bill’s wildflowers to our pollinator garden to our spectacular bushes and trees, we are awash in color. I love watching various Pilgrims come and tend to All Things Bright and Beautiful.
 
Today is Trans Visibility Day. An annual day of awareness celebrated around the world– a day is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of transgender and gender nonconforming people while raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done to achieve trans justice. Together the United Church of Christ and The Christian Church, Disciples of Christ come together to bear witness to/for/with our trans siblings. From UCC’s Love Notes to the Alliance Q vigil “In the Light of the Day, we celebrate our trans and gender-expansive siblings — God’s beloved creation — and we are bringing to light the discrimination and violence the community faces. We will shine our lights and work for trans justice every day.
 
‘Tis also the season that we are making our way toward resurrection and new creation. We begin with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, hope abounding amongst the people. Even with the ominous machinations of Empire, they prayed for kindom to be ushered in. So too do we, sometimes wanting to hopscotch right from Palms to the Empty Tomb, without confronting the hard and heavy Holy Week in between. For we know what it exposes in us all. I pray you will pause and gather with us on Maundy Thursday (6pm) when we will live into rituals that will sustain as Gethsemane Goes Dark (liberty with hymn titles ;) If we’ve learned anything about human life, it is that we must be open to its expanse– from the depths of grief and pain to the exalting alleluia joy. It is the journey in between that is life. I pray you find your way into the sanctuary Thursday, so we can hold each other up.
 
I know I’ve toggled Maundy Thursday early, but I would love it marked on your calendar as much thought has gone into its planning. Before that, though, we will close out Palm Sunday with our Crop Walk to eliminate food insecurity–in Durham and around the world. If you have not signed up to walk, please do so. We are mightier through the many, and our witness truly makes a difference.
 
with grace, 
 
Pastor Lindy (she/her) why pronouns matter

 
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