A Posting from Pastor Lindy

Hi Pilgrims,

It is way too early (for me) to be in front of the computer screen (5:30am), but here I sit at RDU waiting to catch a flight to Chicago for a board meeting for my alma mater. These bi-annual gatherings of the Trustees of Disciple Divinity House meet in April and October—both of which fall near or on tender dates for your pastor. April, my parents anniversary and October, mine. The day is going to come regardless, my grief will always be present, so it is good to be busy and surrounded by people who have known me for 25+ years. 

Last night Council met, and although we had a packed agenda, we tabled many items to spend the majority of our time together thinking deeply about Pilgrim’s 2027 budget. Council was presented with a first-ish draft from our Budget Team to discuss what would be best practices this year. This year, given the pressures on the economy that are increasing the cost of living, the cost of doing business, we wanted to be as prudent as possible. 

At the leadership retreat in September, the newly elected and returning officers of the church agreed that because of this economic reality, we would maintain the status quo as best we were able, while living into our vision and mission. This draft budget was a reflection of that work. Of course, there were anticipated cost increases which pushed our hoped for bottom line higher than we wanted. 

So after thoughtful conversation, Council encouraged the Budget Team to dig deeper to see where we might find some cost savings, while also being as realistic as possible as we look to the future.  As they return to this task, I ask that you hold them in prayer as they deliberate possibilities. We will collectively ponder this reality at Meet the Budget on November 15.

I look forward to being with you on Sunday, fingers crossed that my Saturday evening flight experiences no delays. Let us alsosurround those Pilgrims who will be enjoying the mountains at Christmount this weekend and pray their time is one of nourishment and renewal.

grace and peace,

Pastor Lindy