A Letter from Lindy July 2

Beloved Pilgrims,
 
I look forward to being with you this Sunday. I pray you have been enriched by our June speakers, shaping our conversation about how we, the church, are uniquely situated to journey with those who grieve. 
 
Sadly, June gave us a case study as we surrounded the Killenberg family, as together we grieved the death of our beloved Melinda. Not surprising, our sanctuary was filled with people who sought holy ritual to help them navigate this profound loss. I am grateful for the space we created for the Killenbergs. For every Pilgrim who stepped in and offered their presence, love and care — thank you, the family and your pastor were so deeply grateful.
 
Although the contours of the first month of my sabbatical were a bit different than planned, I have been grateful for what the first weeks of June brought into my life. Never having participated in the Clergy Program at the Davidson Centre for the Professions, I went with no expectation other than to be surrounded by a diverse group of disciplines to give me, for lack of a better term, a wellness check-up. Four days of intentional (and intense) examination, reflection and conversation around my mind-body-soul health. In addition to therapeutic, spiritual, professional, nutrition and fitness assessments, we also practiced daily yoga, meditation, journaling and then had an equestrian (and llama) therapeutic immersion experience to cap the week. I am grateful for the Lilly grant through the Catawba Clergy Network for making this week financially possible, and for Pilgrim who augmented this support. 
 

From horses to mountains I traveled– to Flat Rock, NC  to mark the second anniversary of Lanny’s death. Together with my daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter and sister, Leslie, we returned to what has been my family’s holy ground for over thirty years. Introducing this sacred space to a new generation of family—priceless.
 
 
see you Sunday,
 
Pastor Lindy (she/her) why pronouns matter

 
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