Good February All,

I want to begin by thanking all of you for everything you did for my dad’s funeral. I also want to thank you all for supporting my family through prayers, cards, and messages. He really loved being a part of the church, his faith was strong, and he was a great father and husband. Again, thank you.

Today, after church, Stephanie and I decided it was time to get out of the house and go for a walk. Our property is filled with birch, pine, and spruce trees, a few oaks, and some maples. As we walked through the snow, which was deeper than expected, my lab was right on my heels, nudging me along. At one point, she even ran between Stephanie’s legs. The sun was shining, and it was above zero. Honestly, we couldn’t ask for a better day.

I bring this story up for a reason, that sometimes we need that earthly connection. We need the snow filling our boots, and the cold breeze nipping at our noses. We need to see how God is in action, even when the weather tries to stop us from being outside. There is nothing better than feeling the sun beating on your face, even as the cold tries its hardest to force you back inside. God wants us to connect. God wants us to care.

“Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”

February 18th is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season. For 40 days, we will prepare ourselves for what is to come. Each Wednesday night, we will come together for a soup-and-bread meal starting at 5:15, then move into worship at 6:00. This year, I will be sharing the services with Pastor Beth Pottratz.

I hope you all are connecting with God this winter. Just keep the world in your prayers.

Blessings,

Pastor Greg Leslie