A Letter from Lindy Dec 15

Dearest Pilgrims,

 The arrival of this year’s solstice, December 21, also known as the longest night is fast approaching. Given the season, I am sure your calendars are full. I hold this date with care for a few reasons. The first being that it marks the night in which Durham honors our unhoused siblings who have passed away each year. Pilgrim has joined with others to bear witness to the reading of these precious names so that we remind ourselves that behind every human face is the face of God. I invite you to join this year to do the same.

 Additionally, this date offers us an opportunity to surround those Pilgrims for whom this holiday season is not as festive as it is for others. For whatever reason, there are those who journey with grief, and the reminders of the season prick our heart with sadness and longing. I am grateful we create worshipful space to honor our grief and to seek God’s heart to hold it with us. For the last few years, based on the patterns of attendance we noticed, we created the space to worship in the cocoon of your sacred space so that you do not attempt to shield the emotions that may flow out from within. This year is no different and I want to share the link for our longest night liturgy. 

 Confessionally, I had trouble this year birthing this worship service and was mindful that I was needing it myself for where I find myself this year. As I turned to a musician who was deeply meaningful to my husband, and quickly became a shared love, tears flowed as I created. I pray his music touches you as it does me. This year, I have a request. Would you give me feedback about how you experienced this time if you choose to lean into this worship? I would love to use your thoughts to continue to build this important honoring.

 with gratitude,

 Pastor Lindy

(she/her) why pronouns matter