A Letter from Lindy September 28

Hi Pilgrims,

Delighted am I to be welcoming Rev. Tyler Ung (they, them) to Pilgrim’s pulpit this Sunday. Many of you may be familiar with his presence and name as a youth leading compatriot with Felix. Together they formed a wonderful team that expanded our children/youth ministry to multiple communities of faith–culminating in joint youth trips and a shared VBS. Together they began a progressive youth conversation for churches to share in the conversation about how best to do youth ministry amidst the changing and challenging landscape in which we find ourselves. Along the way, our youth have benefited from Tyler speaking into their lives. 

Along the way, Umstead Park blessed their founding pastor with rest and retirement and it underwent an interim and search process for the first time. In the midst of our collaborative ministry, Tyler was called to serve Umstead as its senior pastor. A few months into their tenure, I know he is offering wonderful leadership and deep care for their congregation.

So it is no wonder we gave Tyler an out upon learning of this transition after his early 2025 acceptance of our invitation to preach at Pilgrim during Pride weekend. Felix and I wanted to offer a graceful exit ramp on what much be an overwhelming time in the early months of their ministry with many new responsibilities. As is the grace by which I have come to know Tyler, they would not hear of stepping away from their commitment to Pilgrim, very much wanting to offer us God’s word. So grateful am I for their continued yes, we will be blessed.

You will learn a bit more about Tyler with Felix’s introduction on Sunday but for now let me share the brief introduction they sent me. “Rev. Tyler Ung (they/them) is the senior minister of Umstead Park UCC. They have grown up immersed in Christianity from birth, but found a spiritual home in the United Church of Christ during their seminary education in CT. Their work has been focused on spiritual formation with children, youth, and adults, as well as spiritual care. They have worked as a children & youth minister, a hospital chaplain, and assistant director for the Love of Children project with the National Ministries of the UCC.”

Won’t you help me welcome Rev. Ung to Pilgrim.

grace and peace,

Pastor Lindy

(she/her) why pronouns matter