can do with the materials ….

can do with the materials provided. People are also welcome to share their ideas for future crafts.

Weekly Message

The Gospel lesson for this week is from Matthew 4:1-11. The last Sunday in February is the first Sunday in Lent.

The number 40 is popular in the Scriptures: the rain of the great flood lasted 40 days and nights; Moses fasted for 40 days and nights to prepare himself to receive the Law; Moses was atop Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights receiving the Law; the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years; the manna rained down on the Israelites for 40 years; and the prophet Elijah walked 40 days and nights to reach the Mountain of God, Horeb.

Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the desert and was tempted to prepare for His public ministry. So it is that the number 40 means something, as it brings to mind such qualities as repentance, preparation, self-examination, transformation, escape from bondage or slavery (such as to sin), nourishment and growth (for example, in the spiritual life), redemption and salvation, and ultimately, new life. Is it a wonder that the human gestation period for new life is around 40 weeks? As the church enters Lent, believers are encouraged to decide what they personally will work on this Lent to bring about their own new life through Jesus’ redemption and salvation.