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Dear San Marco Church Family: In light of St. Patrick’s day, I have been thinking about Celtic spirituality this week. If you are not familiar with this term, Celtic spirituality is a “creation affirming, eco-conscious tradition originating in the early 5th century monasticism of Ireland, Scotland and Wales.” The tradition blends deep nature veneration with Christianity, holding that all creation is sacred and that the material world is not separate from the divine. There are a few terms and phrases often attributed to Celtic thinking, one of which is the phrase “thin places.” This term refers to the belief that the divide between heaven and earth is thin, so that in many instances we can experience God’s power and presence in particular physical, natural settings. Perhaps you have had places in your life that summon your heart to recognize the Holy Spirit at work. For many of my friends who grew up in Florida Methodist churches, the Warren Willis summer camp is a “thin place.” For me, the little church in Alabama where I grew up falls into this category, as I have vivid memories of my time there and the people in that community who nurtured my faith. It is a helpful exercise to identify these places and to identify why they are special to us. Another Celtic term is “anam cara.” It literally means “soul friend” and refers to a type of spiritual partnership characterized by feeling free to be one’s authentic self based upon a deep trust and unconditional belonging, free from judgment. These relationships are critical for healthy growth in faith. Consider the soul friends in your life, past and present, and reflect upon how these people have influenced you spiritually. This Sunday, March 22, is the fifth Sunday in the Lenten season. The scripture for Sunday will be John 11: 1-26. The message title is “Waiting for Jesus.” We all struggle with patience as we live by faith, and the challenge is how to persevere in faith without discouragement. As always, I appreciate your prayers for all aspects of our worship experience. Thanks to each of you for the ways you support San Marco Church. Each week, I am inspired by the way so many of you serve our community faithfully. It really is true that living faithfully is a team sport, and we all need each other. I look forward to seeing you Sunday! Steve
stevehart100@gmail.com
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