"Lent in the Christian tradition, is the period of the liturgical year from Ash Wednesday to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial — for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
According to the Canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus spent forty days fasting in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry, where he endured temptation by Satan. Thus, Lent is described as being forty days long. " wikipedia
Matthew 4:1-11
After Jesus was baptized, he was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written,
After Jesus was baptized, he was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written,
'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written,
'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'"
Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written,
'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'"
Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
SCRIPTURES
WELCOME VISITORS
You honor us by your presence in worship today. Let us know if there is anything you need to feel more at home. Also, please fill out a visitor’s card and place it in the alms basin or hand it to the priest. The announcements contain information on upcoming events and activities. We would love to have you join us for any or all of them.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
+ Chapel services were held for Dr. John H. Finley , brother of Richard Finley March 13, 2011 in Decatur , GA. Graveside services were held Monday, March 14, 2011 at Highland Memorial Cemetery Bessemer, AL. Richard wishes to convey to all of you how much he appreciates your thoughts and prayers.
+Funeral services for Elder Erika M. Wright, who died on March 2, 2011, were held Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at First United Presbyterian Church in Forestdale. Elder Wright was the neice of Dr. Mable Anderson.
+Vestry to meet Sunday, March 20, 2011
+ Mark your calendars for Events with St. Stephen’s
*Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 5:45-7:30 p.m. Lenten Supper at St. Stephen’s.Program: The story of St. Mark’s presented by St. Mark’sAt that time we will invite St. Stephen’s to join us here to take the course, “Just Neighbors.” This is a curriculum designed to educate about poverty and then empower the participants to serve.
*Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 5:45-7:30 p.m. Lenten Supper at St. Stephen’s.Program: The story of St. Mark’s presented by St. Mark’sAt that time we will invite St. Stephen’s to join us here to take the course, “Just Neighbors.” This is a curriculum designed to educate about poverty and then empower the participants to serve.
*Saturday, March 26, 2011 St. Stephen’s brings an outreach team to St. Mark’s to work on preparing our garden. All St. Mark’s gardeners are invited.
*Sunday, March 27, 2011 St. Stephen’s 5th and 6th grade class visits St. Mark’s for worship. All Saint’s 5th and 6th grade class will also be visiting. Picnic lunch for our children and youth to follow hosted by All Saint’s.
St. Mark’s Lenten Program9:00a.m.March 27, April 3, April 10.
During these sessions there will be more details regarding three of the vestry’s goals.
1. Ministry to youth and young families
2. Outreach ministry
3. Fund raising
1. Ministry to youth and young families
2. Outreach ministry
3. Fund raising
+Children’s Sunday School in March will take place :
March 27th at 10:00 a.m.
Titus Battle will be teaching.
March 27th at 10:00 a.m.
Titus Battle will be teaching.
MARCH LAY READERS March 20 Paul Goldman
March 27 Mary Williams
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