A Letter from Lindy Dec 28

Hi Pilgrims,

I write this note to you on December 23rd, given all that is in the production line for the week. We are front-loading many items so that Hannah can take a well deserved break from Christmas Day to New Year’s Day. I am sure you, like me, are filled with gratitude for how ably Hannah manages the flow of church demands on a weekly basis.

And as pressing as the normal rhythm of church can be (because we do tend to be a church that juggles many balls), our “to do” list grows exponentially during Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter. Not only increased worship services and communications, but the coordination of volunteers and activities can make even the most seasoned church folk a bit overwhelmed.

So I invite you to give her a hug upon her return in January and tell her how grateful we are for the positive, smiling presence she gifts us with, day in and day out, amidst it all. We are a better church because of her.

Not knowing yet how Christmas Eve will unfold, I pray our sanctuary will be filled with prayer, song, story and presence of the Holy in our midst. I love this service, in particular, because it becomes our community living the ancient story of when God came to dwell among us, hoping upon hope, it will be so again this year. No matter how often I hear its retelling, God’s story among us has a way of always feeling as fresh as a newborn babe in the manger. I pray this to be true for you. 

Each Advent and Christmas, I look forward to the traditions into which we lean, sacred in their being, and made more so as we pass them from generation to generation. In so doing, we believe that somewhere therein, they will stir divine breath to carry us through. This came home to me at the meditative sound bath on the winter solstice when we had guests from the community join us for the experience. They gasped with delight at our sanctuary halls decked out. The lights, trees, garland and wreaths enhanced the beauty of our shared experience. I was so grateful Pilgrim could offer this gift to strangers who became neighbors that night.

I don’t have much more about which to wax elegantly, so I close praying you had a tender and loving Christmas, held close by those you love and our God Emmanuel. I hope to see you on Christmas Eve and the First Sunday after Christmas. On the 28th, we will gather in fellowship hall for a more laid-back worship. If you are able, bring a plate of sweet treats for us to share as we continue the story. As part of our offering, perhaps also bring non-perishable items for the little food pantry, letting whatever we fear fuel our fire.

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Lindy

(she/her) why pronouns matter