Three important lessons came out of Jesus' testing, and these may be helpful to us as we participate in the Lenten season. The first is that all sustaining life comes from God and His word. The second is that God is trustworthy and will not abandon us. The third is that evil cannot be defeated by any compromise; we must humbly worship God alone.

2011 is the second time that the Village will corporately celebrate Lent. The elders of the church are asking that you fast something (not necessarily food) which will free up some time in your life for a) prayer focused on God's character, b) repentance in the form of naming your sin and embracing the forgiveness of the gospel, and c) pursuit of good works by looking beyond yourself to see who needs your active help.

Lent begins on March 9, also known as Ash Wednesday. This day is often observed by a service which involves a priest placing a cross of ash on the forehead of each person, saying, "From dust you came and to dust you will return." It is a solemn event intended to convey the seriousness of the process which it commences. This year the Village will offer an Ash Wednesday Service on the 9th to receive communion and mark the beginning of your journey. The Service will Start at 6:00pm and end at 6:45pm. It will be child friendly. Pastor Eric