A Letter from Lindy Dec 10

Beloved Pilgrims,
 
I have many Advent shepherds to whom I turn this season who shine light on the nuances of our scripture texts, drawing me behind the curtain of words to explore questions, thoughts, emotions beyond what is written and what is not. Most often I tarry in what is not, for the imagination has limitless landscape over which to traverse. As Jan Richardson remarked in one of her reflections this week, mystery does love company.
This week’s text, with its relational tug between Mary and Elizabeth’s unexpected secrets, one can only wonder what internal conversation each was having before being drawn to each other. The Spirit interrupting solitary seclusion, and at their approaching proximity, leaps with joy through an unborn child, pulling them toward each other.
The mysterious holy, weaving itself in and through persons and places and situations, seeks connection–with us, between us, with all of creation. Our story tells us so. Not surprising, divine connection is the essential purpose of church, in your pastor’s humble opinion. Why else would we be drawn to a particular place, week in and week out, with a collection of people not of our choosing, to give ourselves and each other sacred space and time and trust to bear witness at the threshold between the already and the not yet?
 
 
We will do so this Sunday in word and song with Pilgrim’s annual Christmas Cantata. We are filled with Elizabeth’s joy in welcoming our colleague and friend Dr. Allan Friedman to lead our choir in Ali’s absence. I pray it is not lost on us the beauty of our beloved choir director bringing a child into the world in the advent of this season.
For those of you who do not know Dr. Friedman, please let me share a few brief notes…
 
Dr. Allan Friedman directs the Duke University Chorale in addition to serving as the
Director of Music at Judea Reform Congregation, and as the Director for SONAM (Singers of New and Ancient Music). He has a Bachelor of Music from Duke University (T ’99), including studies in South Africa with Ladysmith Black Mombazo, a Masters in Music Musicology from UNC–Chapel Hill (2001), and a D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from Boston University (2005). In his more than 20 years of conducting experience, Dr. Friedman has delighted in making vocal music with people of diverse ages, backgrounds, and musical experiences.
 
won’t you join me in welcoming him and a few of our SONAM friends this Sunday,
 
Pastor Lindy (she/her) why pronouns matter
 
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