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Dear San Marco Church Family: My Apple News app allows me to read a variety of articles on topics ranging from politics and social issues to good health and exercise tips. Recently, I have noticed an increase in the number of articles emphasizing how lonely and isolated many people have become. Yes, we may have many opportunities to communicate with other people via social media, text, or Zoom. Yet many people feel disconnected from any real community because of the decreasing number of opportunities to be with other people in person. Loneliness is no longer limited to the elderly or disabled. Some writers even go as far as referring to a crisis of loneliness in our world. As is true for many other social problems, the church has a vital role to play in offering solutions. Every week we provide a safe place to be with each other and to worship together. In San Marco Church, I often hear that many if not most of our members self-identify as introverts. It is therefore especially wonderful to see so many folks gather, both before and after worship, just to talk with each other and share life together. If even the introverts are craving more “people time”, it must be the case that loneliness is indeed on the rise. It especially warms my heart to see so many of you hang out in the sanctuary each week after worship just to catch up on life together. I pray that these opportunities provide hope and healing for all involved. Starting on Ash Wednesday, March 5, I am planning another series of Wednesday evening gatherings at the church. While I am still formulating the plan, the goal is a short (20 minute) Bible study focusing on the book of Acts, followed by a group prayer walk around the neighborhood. I encourage you to mark your calendar and plan to attend every Wednesday starting March 5 and ending the week of Easter, with April 20 being Easter Sunday. This Sunday, February 2, we have a meeting scheduled immediately after worship for all those who will serve in our developing children’s and parents ministry team. It is very important that you attend this meeting because we will complete the child and youth protection training, which is required by our conference. As always, I welcome your questions and ideas about sermons or sermon series ideas that interest you. Feel free to email me anytime with your questions and ideas at stevehart100@gmail.com. I remain grateful to serve as your pastor, and I look forward to seeing you Sunday! Steve Hart
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