Letter from Lindy Nov 15

Pilgrims,

I am trying so hard to live into our stewardship and Advent theme of “we who dream.” I was dreaming as I wrote the first stewardship letter. I was dreaming as I invited some of your fellow Pilgrims to video their dreams that we hope to bring into reality, even in 2020 :) I dreamed while planning for Advent and Christmas. If I could just stay in my Pilgrim cocoon 24/7, I would be living in a lovely dream-state.

But when I lift my eyes, ears, and heart to the wider world, my dream for all of God’s beloved creation feels a bit beyond reach, as the tumult of the day’s news invades my heart. I hold nation, globe, pandemic, creation before God with a plea to see divine glimpses therein. Some days I do, some days I lament the evil I witness on display for all to see. In the many circles of conversations I have engaged over this past week, the co-mingling of hope, joy, disbelief and fear are palpable in zoom-box faces and words spoken.

And yet, here’s the thing, Pilgrim. We are still moving, as if God is gently steering us forward. With the surge, in COVID number, larger than ever before, there is promising hope for a vaccine. As much as there is a red wall of resistance to the presidential transition, we are beginning to see cracks that uphold our democracy. As polarizing and isolating as these past years have been, world leaders are reaching out and affirming our country’s future. And there is hope if not for a green new deal, intentional steps toward healing our planet.

Experts across the pandemic world are asking that humanity does their part to slow the rate of infection, even before the advent of a vaccine, by wearing masks, returning to more restrictive social practices, physically and remotely distancing. So too must we contribute in all the other places where healing is needed. How might we begin to reach out, engage, draw into conversation those with whom we might differ? How might we listen and learn, so that we take steps toward creating unity, across the expanse of our differences? How do we guard against giving up on each other, resisting the conclusion we can’t possible find our way back to Table?

For we of the Christian faith profess that Table is where we all belong. All. Belong. Together. The One we follow expects nothing less from those who call themselves disciples.

See you Sunday,
Pastor Lindy