A Letter from Lindy March 1

Hello Pilgrim,

Let me begin this Newsletter showering you with sprinkles of gratitude for your presence and participation in two significant congregational actions–affirming our 2026 budget and our candidate for Associate Minister for Faith Formation. Both of the aforementioned processes have been year-long endeavors by the Budget and Search Committees, and as previously stated and celebrated, we are so grateful for the care and dedication with which they undertook their respective work. They deserve our gratitude as we commission them to rest. Grateful am I for a congregation that recognizes its role in being beloved community.

Two Sundays into Lent means a few things for Pilgrim’s rhythm, beyond our journey to the cross–significant though that is. March 1 marks the end of Auxiliary’s drive to support Housing for New Hope with household items for families transitioning from unhoused to housed. Thank you to the Pilgrims who headed this yearly call. I have heard from HNH that Pilgrim is one of the churches they always count on to respond with overflowing generosity. Thank you! Thank you!

March 1 also signals our kick-off for CWS Crop Walk on Sunday, March 29. You will hear the call for walkers, donors, supporters, cheerleaders and everything in between from our Crop Walk leaders, Richard Whitaker and Beth Branciforte this Sunday. Our goal for 2026–$26,000 and 52 walkers (you do the math)–has been set by Pilgrim’s Board of Christian Service in consultation with our Crop Walk Leaders. This year’s challenge has a bit more fire in its belly as Durham, in 2025, was bumped from its long-standing reign of 1st place by Charlotte who outraised us by a mere $500. I hope a little healthy competition will help Durham regain the gold and light Pilgrim’s fire to turn out. 

Start polishing those sneakers and stay tuned for Sunday’s announcement.

grace and peace,

Pastor Lindy

(she/her)  Pronouns matter