THE PASTOR’S CORNER

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As I was looking at the calendar I have hanging in my office, I was reminded of several special dates in February. The 2nd is Groundhog Day. Maybe the infamous groundhog won’t see his shadow and spring will come early this year. Yet, even if spring doesn’t come early aren’t we thankful for the mild winter we have had! February is the month we celebrate Lincoln’s Birthday, Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, Washington’s Birthday, and this year Leap Day. And some of you will be celebrating family birthdays and anniversaries this month, also.

Our church calendar for February is busy, as well. In addition to our ongoing ministries, the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University classes begin on the 1st, the various church committees will be getting together to make plans for this new year, the church will be hosting the Date Night Challenge Event, and on the 22nd the Lenten season begins.

February 22 is Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent is a season of 40 week days and six Sundays and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the word lencten, which means “spring”. The season is a preparation for celebrating Easter. Historically, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a time of confessing sins and seeking forgiveness by all Christians. Lent is a time to get closer to God. Lent is a journey from self-serving to self-giving. People may give up something they enjoy for Lent or fast for certain meals. Others give up a favorite activity, like watching television or internet browsing. Giving up things we enjoy become love gifts to God, given to God with love and thanksgiving. Making a sacrifice, even a small one, helps us to recall the great sacrifice God made for all of us. Lent is an invitation to “be with Jesus,” to seek His face and enjoy His presence. I encourage you to make the Lenten season a time to begin or renew or deepen your relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We invite you to join us for our Ash Wednesday Service at 7:30pm on February 22, at the Sharon Presbyterian Church and our Sunday morning worship services at 10am.

Let us join together to spiritually prepare for Easter. There is nothing more important than drawing closer to the One who loves you so much that He gave His only Son to die for you so that you may have life and have it abundantly!

And All God’s Children Said, “Amen.”

Pastor Karen