A Letter from Lindy Oct 3

Hi Pilgrims,

I will miss you this Sunday as I spend a week in Orlando to celebrate family birthdays. Reminiscent of last year, I leave on Wednesday (writing this note on Tuesday) with the prospect of inclement weather due to hurricane activity. Last year, during this very week, a hurricane moved directly through Orlando, taking its toll on a wide swath of the city, my family’s home included. Irma is forecasted to stay over the waters, so fingers crossed, the looming storm of the government shut-down feels more worrisome.

I want to use this space to forecast our attention a few months into the future by initiating an invitation for Pilgrims who would like to participate in kicking off Advent through the Hanging of the Greens service. As you know, this worship ushers us into the season as we place symbolic decorations around the sanctuary and remind ourselves of their meaning. This tradition grounds us yearly that we begin a new Christian year, opening our hearts and drawing our awareness to God’s unexpected movements that fill us with hope, peace, love and joy.

We will need both readers and those who would be willing to shepherd the decorations to their respective locations. The reason for this early invitation is that it does take coordination and planning to pull these services together, so an early start feels warranted. If you are interested and/or curious, please let either Hannah or me know by email and we will begin building a list of participants.

Until I return, I leave you with Carol Rawls's capable and thoughtful words to share your Sunday, all the while you celebrate our connectedness in faith through World Communion.

grace and peace,

Pastor Lindy

(she/her) why pronouns matter