A Letter from Lindy Feb 22

Hello Pilgrim,

As you read from the moderator’s note this week, there is still (always) collective work we must do as a congregation. Gratefully, we have passed our 2026 budget, thanks to the diligent work of Pilgrim’s dedicated budget committee. Well done good and faithful servants.

Pilgrim’s search committee is also on the cusp of finishing its work–hopefully this Sunday, as we gather to affirm their recommendation for the position of Associate Minister for Faith Formation. The reserves from which Pilgrim’s search team has had to draw to bring us to the finish line should not be underestimated, nor unacknowledged. This was a grueling journey and they are ready to be done. Our vote will make that so. After which, I pray you will reach out to each member and thank them for the dedication they brought to the search.  Again, I pray they hear God’s whisper of, “well done.”

Finally, an acknowledgement that Pilgrim may be closing a chapter of a long standing ministry. I pray not forever, but for now. As I have written previously, our dedicated R&R team came to the decision that in the fall of 2025 they needed to step away to replenish. And, of course, Pilgrim’s team deserves our deepest gratitude for their tireless commitment to journeying with partners year after year. As the Religious Coalition for Non-Violent Durham has named, Pilgrim is the longest serving ministry partner to date. 

Our hope was to then seek new members for 2026 by inviting you to a R&R training session at RCNVD's offices on Saturday, February 28, from 9-1. Attending training does not mean you had to sign up to be part of the team, rather that you were willing to learn about this ministry. Our hope was to connect with the Refuge Church and a few other individuals who did not have a ministry home to create a new team. To date, we have one Pilgrim signed up for the training. I use this space to again invite anyone whose interest may be sparked to attend the training. Please reach out to me and I will connect you with Drew Doll.

If it turns out that Pilgrim needs a fallow season, I hope we can find other ways to support this vital ministry. I will stay in touch with Drew to keep those lines of communication flowing. 

Pastor Lindy

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