A Letter from Lindy Nov 2

 
Hi Pilgrims,
 

I think I’ve shared with you that October is a tender month as it holds a number of soft dates in which my grief reminds me of its continued presence. I’m learning to become comfortable with this constant companion. Grateful it no longer manifests as an unrelenting body ache. Instead, I go about my days, holding (hopefully) with care whatever is before me, rather than riveting my gaze perpetually to my rear view mirror, lamenting the changed landscape of my past. What has unfolded in these subsequent years is that certain dates from my family’s story usher my grief to the forefront. October has three such dates, so I hold the month gently.

I share my journey in the hopes you will also open yourselves as we approach All Saints Sunday in which we will honor our cloud of witnesses–that sacred union between the living and the departed. We do so knowing that when we stand on this holy ground to bring forth our communion of beloveds, our hearts also beat tender. Emotions fill the sanctuary. I will be grateful to be in the embrace of fellow pilgrims. It is to this community of faith that I turned when my knees gave way. You helped me find solid, stable ground where I learned to walk anew. I can attest with conviction that I am not seated alone, but share an expansive table with those into whom you poured your love and care–and each of us is grateful.

So we do both/and–open ourselves so that others may hold us and turn to see who might need our support to steady themselves. I believe this is one of the most important acts a church can offer to our hurting, grieving world.

Another urgent act of compassion and care that I invite us to be mindful of is that beginning this weekend, when SNAP benefits expire on Saturday, to help fill our Little Free Pantry on a daily basis. Our normal pace stretches our supplies over the course of a week and/or month, but I imagine the need will increase significantly as folks turn to other forms of assistance. Let’s start bringing in nonperishable items Sunday with which we can stock the pantry consistently for those in need.

 
grace and peace,

Pastor Lindy

(she/her) why pronouns matter