Forty is a very popular number in the Bible. Noah, his family, and all the animals were on the ark for forty days before the rain subsided. The Israelites wandered around in the desert for forty years until they found the land God had promised them. Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for forty days by Satan at the beginning of his ministry. There were forty days between the resurrection and ascension. There were forty days between the ascension and Pentecost, the birth of the church. On Wednesday, February 22nd we will enter another very important forty days… the season of Lent. Lent is forty days, minus Sundays, before Easter. It is a time of reflection and introspection. Experiencing the darkness before the light of Easter morning!

Traditionally we have had a service, study, or experience of some kind on Wednesdays during Lent. This time is meant to help us focus as we prepare to experience what Jesus endured at the end of his life for our sake. This year we will meet on Wednesdays, March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th at 6:00 pm in the gathering space. We will enjoy homemade soup together and then participate in a brief study of the book of Jonah. You may remember Jonah as the unwilling prophet God sent to Nineveh who was swallowed by a very large fish. Jonah’s story has many similarities to Christ’s experience and should prove to be an interesting experience.

So come and join us as we journey through the forty days of Lent with Jesus and Jonah… oh… and good soup too!

See you Sunday!