Real Christianity, Ash Wednesday and an important announcement to share

Dear First Family, 
 
This weekend we are looking forward to the start of the third and final season of Real Christianity. If you are new to First Methodist, this weekend you will hear more about the heart behind this focus we began in the spring of last year. I hope you will be with us as we begin the last leg of this extended journey. 
 
This coming week, we will also be entering the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. On this sacred day of the year, we begin our 40-day season of walking with Jesus to the cross. As we find throughout the scriptures, the ashes we use represent our grief over our own sin as well as our desire to embrace the call of Christ to full repentance. 
 
You are invited to participate by stopping by our chapel from 6-8 am, 11-1 pm as well as our 7 pm Ash Wednesday service in our sanctuary. 
 
Today I also want to share an important announcement with you. 
 
After many decades of faithful service, Pastor Sharon Reid has made the decision to retire from full-time pastoral ministry. For those who may not know, Sharon joined our staff in September of 1993 and after completing her educational requirements, she was appointed as an Associate Pastor here in 2003. 
 
Her transition into this new phase of her life and the life of our family is well deserved and we are deeply grateful for the thirty years she has faithfully served this congregation. On the weekend of March 18th and 19th, we will be celebrating Pastor Sharon. Until then, I hope you will take every opportunity to express your gratitude for her great ministry. 
 
If you would like to send her an email, you can do so at pastorsharon@fmcm.org. If you would like to send her a card, you are welcome to send one to the church, 951 N. Walnut Creek Dr; Mansfield, TX 76063. 
 
It has been my great privilege to know Sharon for more than 25 years and to share ministry with her for the last 18 years. In the coming weeks, I hope you will join me in showering her with our love and appreciation for the many ways she has helped shape our church into who we are today. 
 
I look forward to seeing you in worship this weekend! 
 
I love you and I am proud of you, 
 
Pastor David