Dear San Marco Church Family: As I mentioned last week, we are working toward a specific ministry for children and parents at San Marco Church, but before we set anything in place, I want to hear from you! So immediately after church on Sunday, January 19, I invite you to the church parlor for a general discussion about how we want to approach children’s and parents’ ministry. So whether you are a parent, grandparent, or just interested in how your church approaches this important ministry, please attend Sunday’s meeting. I look forward to a good discussion! Monday, January 20 is the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. It is a good time to reflect on Dr. King’s teaching and ideas. One of my favorite quotes of Dr. King is, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” This quote is easy to recite and so difficult to practice. If you have ever tried to respond to hateful words and actions with love, then you know the challenges! Frankly, I have found that only by pausing and praying am I able to resist responding to hateful words and actions with similar words and actions. Yet when I do respond with love, my response serves not to escalate hate and violence, and it often leads to a change of heart for all involved parties. I personally enjoyed our “Remember your Baptism” service last Sunday, and I hope you did as well. If you have never been baptized and are interested in being baptized, please contact me! I would be honored to plan your baptism at any time. It is one of the great joys of ministry! As always, I welcome your questions and ideas about sermons or sermon series ideas that interest you. Feel free to email me anytime with your questions and ideas at stevehart100@gmail.com. As always, I remain grateful to serve as your pastor, and I look forward to seeing you Sunday! Steve Hart
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