A Letter from Lindy Dec 14

Hi Pilgrims,

Who knew months ago when we started planning Advent how much we would need this journey for our nurture and nourishment. It is our hope every year, but you never know how our theme, our liturgies, our gatherings will land. So many factors are at play–those within Pilgrims’ lives and those external, but impactful to our community and world. 

As I shared last week, our first Sunday of Advent revealed a spirit flowing through worship to fellowship that was palpable. I celebrated with our small but mighty band of Deacons last night just how special it was and how grateful I was for all of the ways they made it so. 

I want to extend that same cheer to Karen Bradsher and Pilgrim’s Board of Christian Service for our Alternative Gift Market which marks our second Sunday of Advent. Again, fellowship hall was overflowing with connection and conversation as we welcomed partner organizations that concretely extend Pilgrim’s commitment to Jesus’ peace-filled justice. Grateful always am I for each of their “yes” to join us this Sunday and create opportunity for Pilgrim to engage.

AGM is a monumental undertaking, one that takes months in the planning and a whole lot of sweat equity in the execution. Grateful for Karen’s commitment to steering the AMG ship with such dedication. Another person who deserves our thanks and praise is Gail Booth. Although she rolled off BCS at the end of September, she stayed the course coordinating BCS’s bake sale—always a treat ;)

To make my point about Gail’s importance to AGM, I want to share the ways in which Pilgrim turned out. BCS raised over $1300; our Youth raised $240 and thanks to Richard Whitaker’s leadership, CWS raised $615. We are trying to get additional figures from our other guests to have a grand total, but these numbers are worth celebrating.

As we turn to the third Sunday of Advent, always one my soul yearns for, our choir, under the wonderful leadership of our Music Director Ali Carnes and our exceptional accompanist, Kyle Ballentine-Pollock, quells our longing through music. Each year my heart sings along and I leave worship rested and restored for the work ahead. I hope you will join me in expressing our gratitude to our dedicated musicians by our presence and participation as they offer their incredible gift for our benefit and God’s glory.

grace and peace,

Pastor Lindy

(she/her) why pronouns matter