A Letter from Lindy Dec 11

Do not be afraid, Pilgrims!
 
I so wasn’t ready for this to be our breathing prayer this Advent. 

But, boy with the parade of departures we have had in 2022–first Danny, then Nick, then Franklin– I have felt that pinch of fear with what feels like a revolving door of Pilgrim staff good-byes. My understanding and anxiety playing a fierce game of pickleball, with my heart landing smack-dab in the middle of the kitchen. (I guess you’ve got to know the rules to get my point).

At staff meeting this week, not seconds after I said “enough already!” One look at Felix’s face and I exclaimed, “oh, no what?!” To my dismay, I learned that our two wonderful nursery caregivers, Carla and Alicia, gave their two weeks notice Sunday because they have been offered wonderful new opportunities for learning and working. Just as Felix said to Franklin, “Give us a minute to be sad, so that we can then be truly happy for them.” Carla and Alicia have grown with and through Pilgrim and our children have been well cared under their stead. And they stayed with us through Pandemic when we groped for new normal. We will miss them, but commission them with blessing. So much change in so little time, it will be Easter before we catch our breath.

I am mindful that our invitation to not fear coincidentally comes alongside our Advent journey with people for whom God asks the very same thing with tasks far greater than our own. Felix reflects on Joseph’s litany of fear with appropriate wonder and questioning. And yet, he chooses peace over violence, grace over condemnation, joining in Mary’s yes… and her trust in God.

 So too must we, as we lean into these winds of change, for it will be the better way.

Pastor Lindy (she/her)whypronouns matter
 
Living and working on occupied Shakori land. 
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