1 Lent — 2.22.2026 Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–7 • Psalm 32 • Romans 5:12–19 • Matthew 4:1–11 Lenten blessings to each of you, beloved Church. Scripture gives us sixty‑six books filled with every kind of story. Some we know by heart. Some we wrestle with. Some we wish weren’t there. And some come alive every time we return to them. Today’s readings hold all of that at once. On Ash Wednesday, we stepped into Lent with Joel’s truth‑telling and striking image: “Before the people of G

Children’s Message February 18, 2026 Have you ever built a sandcastle at the beach? Maybe a tall one with towers, or one with a moat. Sandcastles are so fun to make. But what happens if you try to build a sandcastle with dry  sand? It just falls apart. It crumbles right through your fingers. So what’s the secret ingredient? Water! When you add a little water, something amazing happens. The sand sticks together. It becomes strong enough to build walls and towers. The water hel