A Letter from Lindy Nov 24

Beloved Pilgrims,

 As I looked at the date of this newsletter, it dawned on me that Christmas Eve is but a month away, Advent just around the corner. 

 I find myself longing for our Pilgrim traditions this year, needing something hopeful to fill my spirit. I find myself seeking to lean into the thematic words of our worship resource, “words for the beginning,” because that is what Advent is. Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year begins. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving; and yet, the world as we know it spins madly on. 

 In many ways, pregnant Mary was also surrounded by endings—large and small, personal and political. But Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new. Jesus’ birth offered a beautiful new beginning for shepherds and Magi alike—all the while, King Herod tried to bring Jesus’ story to an end. When we ourselves navigate seasons filled with endings and beginnings, we need reminders. We need words that feel like steady ground, a path for our feet as we step forward into the unknown.

 Some of our words form stories that shape and mold us along the way. These stories, that no matter how often shared, we find something new within. This discovery is why I love our worship ritual of Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve. And I love hearing these stories told by our beloved Pilgrim community. Hence why I am reaching out today to ask which Pilgrims would like to tell the story of Jesus’ birth on Christmas Eve. Please let me know via email if you would like to be one of our readers–I need at least nine (9) Pilgrims to offer their story-telling gifts for our worship together.

 Before we arrive at Christmas Eve, we have our Advent journey on which to embark which includes our: Hanging of the Greens, AdventFest, Alternative Giving Market, Christmas Cantata, and Children’s Pageant. And before any of these begin, we will be blessed with the participation and teaching of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee, who invite us to partake in and learn about Indigenous Traditions and forms of worship. This gift is lovingly offered via Tiffany Ellis by way of her in-laws, Mike and Jeannie Cranford. 

 Won’t you join me in extending a Pilgrim welcome.

 Pastor Lindy

(she/her) why pronouns matter