Letter from Lindy Dec 19

Pilgrims,

What wondrous music flowed from the chancel last Sunday–Pilgrim’s Cantata in person! Masks did not impede the glorious sound from our amazing choir, director and accompanist. I can only imagine the work it took to project beyond them so that not a muffle was heard. Thank you all for your offering for God’s (and our) delight. Grateful always for the leadership of Nick and Danny to bring forth such giftedness. As much as I cherished each voice, each selection, the final arrangement from Handel’s Messiahstirred my soul in a way it has not moved for some time. To the rafters I was lifted, and broken open.

Holding it in from my secret side vantage point, it dawned on me that music has not been a part of my journey these past six months. I logically know why my hand reaches to turn off the radio/phone every time I get in the car–the sound of sheer silence being my blanket of comfort. As much as I tend to replenish in quiet (the introvert in me), music is also a piercing reminder of a voice that is no longer part of my daily rhythm and routine.

As music does, it’s melodic tentacles reach deep within and wrap themselves around the heart, poking and prodding, taking us places we otherwise might not go. Of course, the lilt of our choir’s voices, wrapped in the harmony of the season, brought me to my knees at this six month threshold. And so it should. And so it should. God’s work in song and instrument.

I am grateful to be held by a community that receives me (anyone really) where I am not trying to paper over hard realities, nor attempting to divert me out of where I need to be, allowing the journey to unfold as it must. As I was working on the baptism liturgy that is coming forth in the next few weeks, I recognized that these are the very promises we make to our baptismal candidates and their parents. To create space for people to take hold to learn to trust God being with, in and through, every season, every experience– for nothing is apart from God. And through these experiences and seasons, being open to touch the expanse of emotions that accompany us through life–shielding ourselves from none.

I pray for God’s presence for each of you through the movements of this season:

hope, peace, joy and love,
Pastor Lindy (she/her)whypronouns matter

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