Hard to believe but we are already about to step into the month of March. We find ourselves at the crossroads of transition and renewal. Spring is just around the corner, bringing with it the promise of new beginnings and the vibrant colors of life awakening after winter’s slumber. This season invites us to reflect on our spiritual journeys and the ways in which we can grow in faith and community.

March marks the beginning of Lent, a time when we embark on a 40-day journey of reflection, repentance, and renewal leading up to Resurrection Sunday. It’s an opportunity for each of us to examine our hearts, deepen our relationship with God, and engage in acts of service and sacrifice. This year we encourage you to consider how you can participate. It could be through prayer, fasting, or community or church service. Together, let us prepare our hearts for the joy of the Resurrection.

We are excited to announce several upcoming events this month that will strengthen our bonds as a church family:

What does it mean to be a citizen of the kingdom of Heaven? This next series, “Jesus Calls Us,” will explore some of the most basic principles of Christian faith: that Christ’s invitation is open to all people, that his resurrection changed everything, and that those who put their faith in Jesus and anticipate their own resurrections are Jesus’ chosen community. These truths have much to reveal about what it means to live in the kingdom of Heaven, both in the present and in the glorious future we anticipate.

As we step into February, the month often associated with love and affection, we are reminded of the profound power of love in our lives and our community. Valentine’s Day serves as a beautiful reminder to reflect on the relationships we cherish, but as followers of Christ, we know that love is at the heart of our faith every day.

As we step into January 2025, we are filled with hope and anticipation for the year ahead. Our theme for this year is “Let Your Light Shine.” Come join us as we develop this theme in 2025. The start of a new year is a wonderful time for reflection, renewal, and recommitment to our faith journey. Let us embrace this season as an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and each other.

Farmers in southern Alabama were accustomed to planting one crop every year – cotton. They would plow as much ground as they could and plant their crop. Year after year they lived by cotton.