Greetings,
Sunday Feb. 22, 2026 was the First Sunday of Lent. We at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church joined millions of Christians all over the world by observing the season of Lent. And one of the historical purposes of Lent is to come before God and ask him to purify our hearts.
The message of Lent is not so much what must I give up as what am I gaining through Christ who is in the business of reconciling sinners. In the New Testament, the writer of Hebrews encourages us to do something about our sins and shortcomings. He says in Hebrews 12:1, “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” So the reason we ask God to identify our sins and we repent of our sins is because there are things hindering us from running the race God is calling us to!
Did you ever start driving a car, and it feels kind of weird at first, like you are not going anywhere fast, but you just keep driving, and then you realize you had the parking brake on? Been there, done that, maybe you have too? (If not, just humor me and say you've done this). And you say, ''No wonder it was so hard to drive! This parking brake has been dragging me down!'' And the moment you release the parking brake, you notice the car is freed up to drive! Right?
That's what repentance does. Because sin drags us down and holds us back, and when we throw that sin off through repentance, God releases us to run freely. Does that make sense? There's a beautiful prayer in Psalm 139 that says this:
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
So Lent is a time to pray that prayer-to humbly ask God to reveal anything offensive in us, so that we can make a 180-degree turn away from that, toward God. Lent is a season of prayerful self-reflection, confession, and repentance.
I am looking forward to the next few weeks leading up to Easter and the hope and anticipation at what great things God will do through our collective efforts. Every year for the season of Lent a special mission focus is chosen and this year you are encouraged to donate to our local food bank. Please mark “food bank” on your envelopes. The offerings will be dedicated in our Easter Service on Sun. April 5th. Also, this year’s Good Friday Service will be held here at St. Andrew’s at 11 a.m. on Friday April 3rd.
On behalf of the elders of St. Andrew’s Session it is our sincere prayer that God’s richest blessing will rest upon you and your family. “That the Lord will bless you and keep you; …that the Lord make His face to shine upon you…the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
God bless,
Pastor George
Epiphany is all about light. The star in the sky leads the magi to Jesus, the light of the world, the revelation of divine love who came to dwell among us.