Hi Pilgrims,
 

I pray you are (or will be) finding time outdoors on these sunny, crisp autumn days over the weekend. I know a group will be doing just that at Christmount this weekend,  and let us surround them with blessings and traveling mercies. 

We are in full swing on a number of fronts – budget, stewardship, search – all of which are commanding the time, energy, and gifts of our newly elected leaders. Soon you will be receiving the kick-off invitation from our moderator to begin prayerfully discerning your investment in the mission and ministry of Pilgrim for 2026. 

The budget team is carefully working with Pilgrim’s boards to balance our leaning into God’s hope for this beloved community and the economic realities of today. You will have an opportunity to discuss the outcome of these conversations on Sunday, November 23, during our fellowship time of meeting the budget. Bring your questions, concerns, and affirmations, as Pilgrim leaders hope not only to present a draft budget for your perusal, but to address the above-mentioned at that time.

I also mentioned the search process. Please surround our search team with your prayers as we move into round 1 interviews (again). We had a total of 17 submissions and will enter into conversation with 5 candidates over the next two weeks. The team’s initial sentiment is that we have a solid group with whom to imagine and engage. We pray that this primary field will reveal the potential successful candidate for Pilgrim’s Director of Faith Formation. Send hope-filled prayer waves their way, as the interview undertaking is both demanding and challenging.

Finally, for all Pilgrim leaders, we will retreat on Saturday, November 1. from 9 am-12n at Pilgrim to work together to lay out how we will concretely lean into God’s hope for Pilgrim this year and subsequently invite the congregation to join therein. Our budget is both a reflection and manifestation of our leaning in, as we work to usher in God’s kindom on earth amidst the turbulent waters of now.

More than ever, the world needs communities of faith pouring out God’s love onto and into God’s beloved creation, especially the most vulnerable, as the only antidote to the current toxicity of our times. 

Please mark your calendars, Pilgrims, for this crucial conversation.

 
grace and peace,

Pastor Lindy

(she/her) why pronouns matter