Letter from Lindy April 18

Hello my fellow Pilgrims,

This week has been off to a faster and more furious pace, even as many churches live into a more laid-back, sabbatical-esque rhythm post Easter. In fact, a colleague shared in our monthly gathering her envy in learning that another denominational colleague was actually stepping away from the pulpit for the entire month of April. “I so wish,” we all chorused longingly. Our refrain was a collective sigh at just how much we have all held this past year and how draining our holding can be. This is true not only for clergy, but in the many conversations I have had recently, for all of us. Being kind and tending to our well-being seems a very important April focus.

Tending to ourselves by tending to the spring beauty that surrounds us seems a perfect prescription for renewing and restoring body, mind and soul. With Earth Day fast approaching--working in the garden, tending to our outdoor spaces, cultivating new homes for bird and butterfly friends, lessening our environmental footprint--all feel intentional and delightful in the same breath. What ways might you contribute to the greening of our planet?

Before Easter, Pilgrim’s Re-Opening team met to assess the data and discuss whether we might begin beta testing new points of normal. A few decisions were reached and recommended to Council. Our building will continue to remain closed to group gatherings, but our outdoor gatherings will expand to 30pp. With our Holy Week and Easter worship experiences, we believe it safe to gather in larger numbers, albeit with masks and appropriate precautions. (This includes no hugging during the passing of the peace for which we abysmally failed during the sunrise services ;) It is good we have time to practice new disciplines before our doors are flung open wide.

Throughout the past few months, our guest organist and friend, Julie Mitchell has been practicing at Pilgrim, which has gone well, as a trial first step. Taking step two, we have invited Stephanie Swisher to resume private music lessons during the week in the choir room. Our hope is these will begin in May. Our thought is to incrementally increase our footprint two months at a time, giving us time to reflect and assess for any needed adjustments. Along the way, we will be working to prepare the campus for our eventual return.

We do hope to celebrate Pentecost with a hybrid in-person and virtual worship service at Pilgrim. Although we normally gather at the Eno, the park (like surrounding regional parks) is not taking reservations until June. Even still, with our long absence from our campus, coming to Pilgrim feels better still. We will have a sign-up sheet beginning in May for folx who will want to attend in person. We will use the patio, front lawn and front parking lot for Pentecost, which will give us plenty of space to spread out for worship.

As Felix alludes in her letter, there are more activities in the works, but let’s see how April and May go, as we follow the data. With these signs of hope on the horizon, I pray you get outside to enjoy the wonder that surrounds. And while you are out there, maybe you can even walk to raise funds and awareness for Crop Walk :)

grace and peace,
Pastor Lindy
(she/her) why pronouns matter