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Dear San Marco Church Family: We are quickly approaching the season of Lent on the church calendar. Next Wednesday, February 18, is Ash Wednesday. Our Ash Wednesday service will begin at 6:30pm, and we will offer the imposition of ashes, a message based upon Psalm 51, and some wonderful music. I have always found Ash Wednesday services meaningful and reflective. I hope you will plan to attend. Remember that Lent is the 40 day period between Ash Wednesday and Easter, excluding Sundays. Lent is recognized as a time to reflect on our faith and spiritual disciplines to prepare for the glorious celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. As we begin the Lenten journey, we will offer a Bible study starting Wednesday, February 25. Preston Oughton, who led a great Bible study last fall, will be leading this one as well. Preston is naming this study “Project 41”, which “refers to a thematic study of the number 41 representing a new day, the end of a waiting period, and the start of a turnaround.” The number 40 in scripture typically represents a time of waiting or preparation, whether 40 days or 40 years. The 41st day is “the turning point where faith leads to victory!” The study will focus on a variety of people in scripture who were deeply flawed yet capable of great things by God’s grace. The study will examine people like Delilah, Daniel, and Jonah, to name a few. Please plan to attend this study beginning Wednesday, February 25 at 6pm. Are there faith-related topics that interest you that we have not discussed in sermons? Do you have questions about Christian faith? Do you have fears and concerns that cause you stress? If so, please let me know. The more I know about your faith journey, including both your joys and your struggles, the more I can tailor our teaching and messages to address those areas of interest. Our lived experience really is where our faith is formed, tested, and often challenged. Please email me anytime with your ideas or questions at stevehart100@gmail.com. This Sunday, February 15, I will share the final message in our series entitled “Awakened to Grace.” The message will be based upon a familiar passage, Matthew 25: 31-46. While most of us have heard this passage many times, I find that God offers new insights with each encounter with the passage. Thank you for your prayers for our church and community. We are all dependent upon God’s love and grace every day. Fortunately, we can trust God’s promises! I look forward to seeing you Sunday! Steve Hart
stevehart100@gmail.com
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