Lent begins on Valentine’s Day this year. Lent is the forty day period prior to Easter in which we are reminded of Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness after his baptism as he prepared for ministry. In preparation for Lent, this Sunday we will examine the “wilderness experiences” found in the Bible. And we will consider how our own wilderness experiences can be opportunities to be drawn closer to God. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our Ash Wednesday service on February 14 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. or from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. These will be self-guided services in which you may come any time during these one hour periods and progress through stations which will prepare you for our Lenten journey together. I look forward to a very meaningful 40 days as we prepare for Easter together.