Rev. Dr. Steve Fitzgerald

During Lent, Sneads Ferry Presbyterian Church marks the 40-day journey to the cross with a Lenten “wreath.” Unlike Advent, where light increases, each week a candle is extinguished, symbolizing the growing shadow leading to Good Friday. Crafted by retired PC(USA) pastor Joe Dorociak, the 33-inch base holds six purple candles and one white Christ candle, reminding us of repentance, holiness, and the hope of Easter morning.

This reflection explores what it means to be truly devoted to Christ and the Church, drawing from Acts 2:37–42. After hearing Peter’s message, the first believers respond with repentance, baptism, and a shared life shaped by teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. As the church moves into Lent, the piece celebrates God’s work at Sneads Ferry Presbyterian Church and challenges readers to examine their own devotion and spiritual focus.

The letter reflects on Epiphany as a season of new spiritual insight and God’s continuing revelation through Jesus. It invites readers to consider how Jesus deepened, rather than abolished, the Law through the Sermon on the Mount, calling for transformed hearts and understanding. Drawing on the prophets, Scripture, and Paul’s teachings, it encourages openness to ongoing growth, deeper faith, and new manifestations of God’s presence in the coming year.