Greetings from Greyson July 5

Hello Pilgrims!

Our worship services are full of meaning - and I don’t just mean during the sermons! Each movement in our services has a story to it, including something as simple as lighting the candles!

The light of fire has long symbolized the divine presence for many faith traditions. We share this common understanding with pagan communities, Jewish communities, and onward: light allows us to center ourselves and become intentionally aware of the divine presence that is all around us. 

When an acolyte brings in the light into our sanctuary, they allow us to set sacred space and intention on communing with God’s presence. Christian tradition calls for the two candles to symbolize Christ’s humanity and divinity. Each holds equal significance.

At the end of the service, the acolyte extinguishes the candles and carries out the light into the world. This reminds us that God’s presence infuses, moves through, breathes life into the whole world (not just the United States) and calls us out into the world (not just the United States) to do good works, share good news, and experience God’s wonders.

Our acolytes here at Pilgrim have been mostly children in the last few years, but being a torchbearer / lightbringer can be open to anyone of any age that would like to participate in a low-stakes yet deeply meaningful practice of worship. 

If you, your family, or your child would like to sign up to be an acolyte, please claim a slot in our Acolyte Schedule on a Sunday that works best for you!

Greyson