March 5, 2023
March, the third month of the year carries us through the remaining part of winter and brings us to the beginning of spring. Winter symbolizes a time of quiet reflections as we consider the chill of life and closes with spring, where new life begins. This is the Lenten Season of the Christian Calendar Year. Lent began in winter and will carry us through to spring where new life begins again.
We began this season on Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023. The season of Lent lasts forty days in imitation of the time Jesus spent in the desert before inaugurating his public ministry. The purpose of Lent is to prepare us for the great celebration of Holy Week that begins with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem where he celebrated his Last Supper before his Passion, Death, and Resurrection. What is the purpose of imitating Jesus' time in the desert? We imitate Jesus’ time in the desert as a way of embracing what it means to be a follower of Jesus. We like Jesus are tempted in our appetite, ambition, and allegiance. We take this time to be drawn closer to the Lord.
Lent is a reminder that life requires commitment, discipline, faithfulness, and sacrifice. The life of Christ Jesus is the epitome of those attributes, characteristics, and qualities. Lent challenges us to realign our allegiances, reconsider our commitments, and reorder our priorities by redirecting our focus. When we consider the life of Christ, we become aware of our need for repentance, redemption, and renewal.
What purpose does your life fulfill? What end does it achieve? To what goal does it strive? Toward what aim does it drive? We are all driven, guided, inspired, and motivated by something or someone. Jesus drives, guides, inspires, and motivates us to consider and embrace the will of the Lord for our lives by “seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33)
Be sure to read the Lenten scriptures each day and put aside a contribution as you would if you had a Lenten folder. We will receive your Lenten offering on Easter Sunday (April 9, 2023).
The work has begun on repairing the structural damage. It will not be as long as it has been. We are preparing for our return to our sacred space. Diaconate, Trustees, Budget, and Finance ministries are spearheading all the ministries of the church (all auxiliaries, music ministry, media ministry) in addressing the variety of concerns that we must address as we return. You will be kept abreast of the progress as we continue to contact you in the SBC Weekly Reminder and bi-monthly SBC Newsletter.
Special activities that require your presence and prayers:
Sunday, March 12, Second Sunday in Lent, Daylight Saving Time begins. We spring forward.
Sunday, March 19, Third Sunday in Lent.
Monday, March 20 is the first day of spring.
Sunday, March 26, Fourth Sunday in Lent.
Thanks again for your continued prayerful concern and interest as it is a great source of encouragement, inspiration, and support. Continue to give commensurate with your capacity as an expression of your love of the Lord and your commitment to maintaining relevant ministries that serve this present age our calling to fulfill.
-Pastor
Dr. William S. Epps, Senior Pastor
