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Dear Friends
For me, Lent feels especially close this year for two reasons. First, it seemed to arrive almost without warning. I knew it was coming, of course, but not this quickly. I’m still catching my breath from Christmas.
But more than that, Lent feels close because God feels close.
I couldn’t help but see God’s fingerprints all over the beginning of this holy season, especially on Shrove Tuesday. As multiple generations gathered to honor and celebrate the season we are in. I heard God’s presence in the sound of laughter and conversation around the dinner tables. I saw it in the children as they carefully wrote their names on the Alleluia banner, the same banner they will bury, only to joyfully raise again on Easter morning.
I witnessed God’s joy in the youth as they served pancakes with generous, playful spirits. I saw the awe in everyone’s eyes as the youth burned the palms from last year’s Palm Sunday. There was something holy in that fire. As the palms turned to ash, I felt the weight and the grace of what we were preparing for the invitation to examine our hearts, to return to God, and to enter the forty days that lead us through death and into life.
Peace,
Luke
Email Luke - lnolfa@allsaintsatlanta.org
Youth Ministry Phone Number
470-590-3471
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