A Letter from Lindy May 21

Hi Pilgrims,
 
Two Sundays to go before I step away for my first sabbatical month. And big Sundays of the Church’s life they are: Ascension and Pentecost. We don’t much prioritize the former and the latter relegated to the “church’s birthday,” even though both are critical inflection points of our faith. More on that Sunday….
 
I would like to use this space over the next two weeks to talk about what’s going to happen at Pilgrim while I’m away. Hopefully, you have received, and at least skimmed, the Sabbatical Committee’s letter, so you know how I will be spending my downtime. What I hope to explore over these two weeks is what you will encounter when you come to campus the Sundays I am gone. The Sabbatical Team and I have imagined an incredible worship series of speakers who will share their reflection about their own journeys with/through grief, along with lessons they have learned along the way. The hope is that together we will build the scaffolding so that Pilgrim (that means us) can grow in our role of being present and journeying with any and all who find themselves amidst the turbulent seas of life. A call unique to religious communities. We may not be able to walk on water —à la Jesus— but we may better equip ourselves to help still the storms that ravage people’s hearts. Or at least stand with them amidst.
 
June’s speakers are tremendous: Rev. Dr. Lacey Brown, Senior Minister of Community UCC whose DMin Thesis was about Lessons learned from Pandemic’s Grief in the Church. Our Youth will continue their journey by reflecting upon the scripture passages that are meaningful for them in this moment of time. Denise Rowson, Project Director for Epworth’s Freedom School will share how concrete actions can collectively grow from the wellspring of grief that Juneteenth created. And we will close June by welcoming Pilgrim friend, Terry Allebaugh, who will bring insight and understanding from his work with the Peace Center at Avila.
 
These storied speakers will be shepherded through Sundays at Pilgrim by a team– Sabbatical Committee Representatives, Deacons, and Felix– so that they feel welcomed and cared for while with us. You can be part of our hospitality with your presence and participation Sunday in and Sunday out, all the while gaining wisdom and understanding. August and October will bring their own slate of extraordinary speakers, each month building upon the last, so that by the sabbatical’s end, we can reflect together about what we have learned along the way and how we might put these lessons into Pilgrim practice.
 
I hope this explanation gives you a glimpse of what is in store and whets your appetite to be part of our collective effort.
 
until Sunday,
 

Pastor Lindy (she/her) why pronouns matter

 
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