Ashley Malesky

This letter reflects on the contrast between lingering winter and signs of spring as a metaphor for hope. It connects this theme to the Gospel story of Lazarus, emphasizing how faith in Jesus can bring hope and new life even in the face of doubt and loss. The message encourages trusting in God’s power to renew and restore, reminding readers that hope is always possible.

This letter introduces a guest reflection on the sacrament of confession, highlighting it as a meaningful opportunity for spiritual healing, growth, and reconciliation during Lent. It explains that confession is optional in the Episcopal Church and can be practiced communally or privately, emphasizing its role in preparing one’s heart for Easter. Overall, the message encourages individuals to consider confession as a liberating and transformative experience that deepens their relationship with God.

This letter shares church updates and upcoming events, noting that recent busyness has limited reflections. It includes requests for prayers for peace in the Middle East, reminders about Daylight Saving Time, ongoing and upcoming donations, community collaboration meetings, and a spring flower sale. It also highlights important March deadlines, a hospice wellness presentation, and key upcoming Holy Week and Easter service dates.

Mo. Laura reflects on the transition from the Feast of the Transfiguration to Ash Wednesday, highlighting how Lent is not just a time of penance but also a season of spiritual renewal and growth. By setting aside old habits and sin, we make room for the Light of Christ to shine within us, preparing our hearts for the joy of Easter. This period is both a spiritual awakening and a metaphorical “spring,” encouraging new growth in our lives and faith.

Bonnie Baron reflects on how aging can be a time of continued service to God, drawing inspiration from biblical figures and her own experiences. She shares how she has stayed active through volunteering, educational pursuits, and community involvement, demonstrating that faith, purpose, and meaningful contribution continue throughout life. Her story highlights the joy, connection, and spiritual growth that older adulthood can bring.

The letter shares that St. Margaret’s is experiencing quiet growth with expanding programs and visitors, so leadership is planning ahead to better coordinate space, volunteers, and resources. To support this, the parish is launching a unified calendar and a new, more collaborative budget process that gathers input from ministry chairs for 2026.

The letter reflects on how Scripture reveals eternity as both a future promise and a present reality, seen through events like Christ’s birth, the call to holiness, funerals, and the Eucharist. Mo. Laura invites readers to consider where they personally glimpse eternity and shares that this awareness brings her calm amid the uncertainty and fear in the world today.

The writer reflects on the overwhelming consumerism of the holiday season and contrasts it with Jesus’ call to value heavenly treasures over material things. They invite readers to use Advent as a time to reflect on their true treasures—faith, relationships, kindness, and Christ’s love—rather than possessions.