Letter from Lindy

Hi Pilgrims,
 

Back in the saddle this week after a short respite in the mountains with family. Being able to introduce this meaningful location, Flat Rock, NC, to my granddaughter is both tender and joyous. Insisting on accompanying my daughter and I to my parents church to spend a few moments in its memorial garden, she became quite perplexed that we were not going inside for “Lolli” to “do” church. My daughter quickly imparting the wisdom of Bluey that we were there only to visit “statue world.” (You’ve got to be a Bluey aficionado to appreciate the reference.)

Notwithstanding that momentary confusion, Lennox reveled her first hikes in Dupont and Pisgah National Forests, learning to walk behind and dip her toes in the splash of waterfalls. She was a hiking trooper, even as the trails grew ever steep. Even Bowser (their gigantic pitbull mix) happily delighted in becoming a mountain dog. It filled my heart to watch them embrace our sacred space as family.

Grateful am I for your willingness to let me step away yearly during this time, as dates are soft spots in my journey. Equally thankful to have an associate minister who so ably offered you God’s good news. What a thoughtful, engaging sermon you received last Sunday! I love the conversation we are weaving in and through our biblical ancestors’ stories as we explore deeply their meaning and impact on our lives today. Greyson left you with some intriguing questions and I look forward to continuing the dialogue this week.

More to come, but our campus has been filled with the laughter and footsteps of our young Pilgrims as they lean into VBS. I’m sure Greyson will have more to say, but I love sharing this week with Umstead Park and The Refuge Church UCC. So beautiful that we come together to create this space for our kiddos. It takes a village, as they say, and this endeavor is no exception. We will properly celebrate all who offered their gifts during this week at the end of June, but this week and letter could not go by without thanking our extraordinary volunteers who gave of themselves fully and tirelessly. We are grateful and know that you deserve a well earned rest.

 
thank you all!
 
Pastor Lindy

(she/her) Pronouns matter