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Dear San Marco Church Family: As most of you are aware, I often find myself juggling between my full-time job with the Duval County Public Defender Office and my duties as pastor of San Marco church. I must maintain a disciplined use of my time in order to serve effectively in both positions. However, during Lent this year I have committed to beginning each day with a short devotional time. (Just because I’m a pastor does not mean that these habits come naturally to me!). I am pleasantly surprised that my days are less stressful and more enjoyable whenever I begin with time to pray and read scripture, even for a short period of time. Martin Luther once said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” While three hours may not be realistic, centering prayer must be a priority if we seek peace in our lives. A couple in our congregation has offered to facilitate a “life group” beginning Sunday, April 27. This group will use the book entitled “A Disciple’s Heart” by Rev. Jim Harnish, for a six week study. The group will meet each Sunday morning before worship, starting at 9:30am here at the church. I will have a sign up sheet at church this Sunday, so please consider joining this group and committing to being present each week for six weeks. In my spiritual life I have learned that many blessings come when I make specific commitments and keep those commitments over time. It may not be easy, but it is worth the effort! On this day, April 4, in 1968, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. In his book entitled “The Preacher King”, Richard Lischer of Duke Divinity School says, regarding King, that, “The more pessimistic he became with regard to humanity, the more optimistic he became about God.” King was disappointed in the way white clergy failed to fight the racism that was so prevalent in King’s lifetime. Yet even in the midst of a world filled with injustice and apathy, King was able to grasp the deep hope that comes when we trust in the power of a loving God to transform lives. In many ways, the world in which King lived is not that different from our world in 2025. So when we are on verge of despair because of the racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and the many other “isms” in our world, may we become even more optimistic about God. Only God can bring beauty out of ashes! I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday. Please consider inviting a friend to join you! Steve Hart
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