A Letter from Lindy Sept 8

Hello Pilgrims,
 
I pray your first week in September has been as glorious as the gift of our cooler weather. From the sound of updates I have received from those who stopped by, many are already in fourth gear, navigating work and school and family and beyond. You are discovering those initial twists and turns that come unexpectedly. I hold you in prayer as we journey through and find our bearing.

 A pastor friend remarked previously that churches enter September helmets on, heads down, as our speed also increases dramatically out from the summer lull. “We don’t look up and breathe again until January,” she lamented. From the pace in our office, I would concur.

 As you look through this newsletter and glance at “the happenings” in Sunday’s bulletin, you will note the many ways we are engaging within our beloved community and also beyond the church walls. What an important story to tell, the ways Pilgrims endeavor to live their faith. So grateful am I to be on this pilgrimage with you.

 I will miss you this Sunday in worship as my mom turns 88 on Saturday and portions of my family will be here to surround her to celebrate. As with so much of life, we had to adjust what had been imagined to meet the reality of the moment–limiting the numbers, staying in place, pacing our presence, so our gathering is neither detrimental nor draining for where my mom is on life’s journey. It all feels fluid as we will have to take each day as it comes and adapt as the situation demands.

 Adapting and pivoting were the themes of our week as we made revisions to Sunday’s worship. We had planned on celebrating Rev. Dr. Nancy Ruth Best return to the pulpit and with regret we have had to postpone her preaching date as she unexpectedly fell this week much to her dismay. Thankfully, nothing is broken, but her body needs time to heal.

 Gratefully, Rev. Cathy O’Connell graciously agreed to step in her stead. Nancy Ruth will then preach in October when Cathy had originally said yes to my ask. My heart fills with love and compassion at the ways in which we lean into each other’s need and hold each other with care when the going gets tough.

 Please surround Cathy with your love and gratitude as she offers you God’s word for Sunday. I am with you in spirit.

 Pastor Lindy

(she/her) why pronouns matter