Rain, rain and more rain this past weekend, as some of our Washintonians were feeling right at home. One couldn't help but notice the low attendance numbers (just under 300), but I'm well aware of "a bug" afflicting too many of our members and the three day weekend. Please know that if you were not in worship that you were missed! 

 

I continue to enjoy meeting your extended family and friends that you bring with you to worship. What a wonderful witness that you leave with these people you love.

 

Speaking of love...love was in the air last week when on Valentine's Day Mary Stadler Szymanski and the Reverend Lafe Murray tied the knot at Spirit of Hope.  It was fun to be surrounded by so many Stadlers without a one of them claiming a blood line connection. The event had our own Nick & Nikki Garza providing music, Pam Richards decorating and Kathy Barr providing an excellent dinner. Please keep this wonderful couple in your prayers as God guides them in this mystery we call marriage.

Do we have your photo? Shari Karnowski has graciously been helping Ginger and I in taking photos for our office database. I am so excited with this project!  Members, seasonal members, worshippers, winter residents and even friends of the congregation, you are all important, and having your photo in our database allows us to stay better connected to you. Also, for  the first time in the history of the congregation, we are now able to provide our members and seasonal members with a password protected online photo member directory on our new website.  We have been blessed with many excellent photographers, and I thank you all for sharing your special gift in helping us obtain these photos.

Paper! Our Stewardship Ministry Team is asking for more paper to be used to share information regarding our ministries and activities. Last weekend, worshippers received a copy of "Reflections" which is a collection of questions regarding the most recent sermon. These questions are provided weekly online through our website  under Sermons. Ginger mentioned to me that our sermon page receives the second highest hits on our website, with the home page coming in first. 

 

Lent is coming! Ash Wednesday is March 1st with services at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. This is the season of self-reflection of your own spiritual journey to prepare your hearts for Easter.  Here is a blog post  on the history of Lent & Ash Wednesday.   Each Wednesday in Lent will be unique and different. We have Artist & Pastor Paul Oman coming as our special guest on March 8th , and he will paint a huge picture as we worship - you won't want to miss it. We will hear about prayer, mission opportunities, and more. Please mark your calendar every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. as God unleashes God's spirit upon us, and be sure to join us for our Soup Suppers at 6:00 p.m. before each of our Lent services.