A Letter from Lindy Nov 17
Beloved Pilgrims,
One of my brothers has been in town this week to help with my mom’s transition to a new care community. As we listened to the news one evening, he remarked that he feels a distinct tug to disconnect from social, and other forms of, media for the next four years. Because what he remembers is that all he felt in following the news from 2016 to 2020 was exhaustion. He expressed needing to not only guard against a downward spiral of moral shock and subsequent doom-scrolling, but to keep a balanced equilibrium in his life to create a way forward.
His sentiment echoed what I also heard when a group of Pilgrims gathered last Saturday to connect and share where they were and what they were feeling over coffee and donuts. Listening to our fellow pilgrims express gratitude for having a trusted place to be seen and heard confirmed for me that continually creating this sacred space is one of Pilgrim’s calling in this season. That confirmation was underscored on Sunday with the amount of visitors we experienced who all indicated they were seeking (even if they could not express precisely what) and were drawn to us through our reflection from our website.
Being seen and heard was also a topic of discussion in the Deacons’ meeting this week as we pondered ways that we might foster connection and community–specifically through Advent, but also beyond. A recurring topic on the agenda, that the deacons have been praying about each time the question has been asked of them, also has to do with being seen and heard.
That question is about how we lift up prayers of the people in worship. Without spilling too much historic ink, our prayers have evolved from sharing them in writing and extemporaneously, to chat on zoom, to chat and exclusively written, post pandemic. That ultimate decision was made, in conjunction with the tech team, to honor the Pilgrims who join us online. Neither our audio nor visual capabilities capture who is speaking and what is being said, further disconnecting our homebound Pilgrims from worship. Knowing that, the Deacons have considered what best practices might be, placing special emphasis on those at the margins of our worshipful community, as inclusivity is our Pilgrim way.
And still the desire for prayers arising from Pilgrims in the pews keeps returning to the Board. Wanting to proceed with care, and reflective of the expanse of community, the Board seeks a broader sampling to help discern next steps. We have created a link to a survey, seeking your input about this sacred part of our liturgy. See it as a “preference of prayer continuum” to get a collective sense of community, with room for specific comments. The Board is asking you to add your voice into their discernment and will be grateful for the investment you make in responding. I look forward to reading what you have to say.
with gratitude,
Pastor Lindy
(she/her) why pronouns matter