With yesterday’s observance of Ash Wednesday, we have officially entered the Christian season of Lent. Protestants and Catholics around the world are beginning a time of preparation as we look ahead to celebrating Easter. Over the next 40 days, followers of Jesus will practice spiritual disciplines that help open their hearts to experience more of His grace and presence in their lives. Some will fast from certain foods. Others will set aside extended times for prayer. Still others will take an intentional look at their resources so they can express generosity to others in response to the generosity God has shown to them.

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Here at East Side, we will be focusing our individual and corporate worship on the grace of God. On February 22, we will begin a new sermon series titled Experience Grace. Each week, we will explore practical ways we can experience God’s grace in our own lives and share that grace with those around us.

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We are also making the Rhythms of Grace journals available for you to use during your personal time with God, as well as with your family or small group. These journals will be available at no cost beginning this Sunday, February 22. In addition, Rhythms of Grace Small Groups will begin the week of March 1. If you are interested in finding a group that fits your schedule, you may click here to explore available options, or contact Pastor Kayla Harden at kharden@es.church.

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We are excited to see what God has in store for us during these next few weeks.

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I also want to invite you to begin praying that God would use this season to reveal the one person He is calling you to extend grace toward in 2026. I believe God has at least one person in each of our lives who needs to experience His grace. I am praying for each of us to listen closely to the Holy Spirit as He prompts our hearts and leads us to help that one person experience grace through their relationship with us.

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Living in Grace,

Pastor Kerry