I am writing this letter form California where Janet and I are spending some time with our children and our beautiful grandchildren. Aidan is now four and Ellery is 18month. Last time I saw Ellery she was only one month old and Aidan was only two and a half. This is a wonderful time for us to reconnect and deepen our relationship with them. We are so very thankful that the Lord has given us the opportunity to be here.

The season of Lent begins Wednesday, February 6 with Ash Wednesday services at 10:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. If this seems to be early, you are correct. The date for Easter is determined by finding the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring. March 23 is as early as Easter can be.

Just as Janet and I are reconnecting with family, Lent is a time for us to reconnect and deepen our relationship with God through disciplines of fasting, prayer, service, and Scripture reading. It is a time for us to prepare our hearts for the great Easter feast and to contemplate the great acts of God that are at the very heart of the gospel.

I look forward to spending a Holy Lent together. We will begin our soup supper on Wednesday, February 13, and Janet and I will be sharing pictures, video, and memories from our sabbatical trip to Africa for the Lenten program.

May the Lord bless and keep you.