A Letter from Lindy July 26
Pilgrims,
How are you doing.....today? This week?
In conversation with Felix earlier this week, she talked about sometimes finding her energy level flat on the floor and how much effort it takes to pick herself up.
No wonder as we worry-juggle pandemics, disturbing events unfolding in our nation, family, work, school, all without safety nets. Initially, we rose to the occasion through Lent, Easter, Pentecost, but now it just feels hard. As I talk with you individually, I hear frustration, depletion, loneliness, helplessness as we negotiate through until.....who knows when.
We are not alone. In various clergy conversations, we echo and/or can finish each other’s thoughts as we strive to keep our beloved community connected, engaged, hope-filled. Data reveals our lack of bandwidth in the month of July—whether it is folks joining worship live or reading the Newsletter or responding to church queries—our numbers have taken a July dip.
“Of course,” you are saying, “we always do.” But as our numbers continue to climb, as we are still being asked to stay home, as there seems to be no end in sight, one wonders and worries. What we know...that this is hard and it’s taking a toll on body, mind and spirit.
A group of Durham clergy get together monthly to check in and share best practices amidst. Two ideas that seem to be helping nurture connection for some I want to put out there for us to ponder whether, at this stage, six months in, they might also help us reconnect in deeper ways.
One is to share in a communion in person at the Labyrinth—socially distanced, masked, no more than 10 people on a regular basis. Depending upon interest, we could offer more than one opportunity to break bread together. Would there be interest?
The second idea is to create “Life Together” small groups that connect with each other weekly to check in, pray, support each other. Trinity Presbyterian launched this ministry early in the pandemic, imagining ending it for summer break. The model has been so life-giving that the community collectively wanted to keep going. Out of the 200 plus family units, only 40 opted to not be a part. I know we have a few “affinity” groups that are getting together regularly—men’s breakfast, grandparents’ group—and I wonder if we can build from there. Again, what say you?
Please hear me, I am in the prayer stage at this moment and would like to hear your thoughts about whether either of these offerings might appeal to help us nurture beloved community. Perhaps there are other ideas that you have learned of that might be worth sharing. Let me know and we can hold them together.
Speaking of transitions, our beloved Kristin Herzog has moved to a new apartment at Croasdaile where she will be given more support for daily living. As she adjusts to new surroundings and people, she would benefit from receiving some Pilgrim love through cards and letters. Her new address is:
2600 Croasdaile Farm Pkwy, S215, Durham NC 27705
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Pastor Lindy