Temptation & Ashes

Today's worship focussed on the temptations of Jesus as MCC explores the life of Christ. The altar had several large, coarse stones on it. The children quickly identified those stones as one like Jesus was tempted to turn into bread after his 40 day fast. The sermon from Matthew 4:1-11 showed how temptation comes as good advice, even scripture itself, turned a fraction off course, suited to meet our own personal needs rather than obedience to God.
At the end of the service, worshipers were invited to write their "wildernesses" and 'temptations" on blank peices of paper and bring them to a basket at the chancel steps. Then, after the benediction, they were taken outside and ignited, as burnt offerings to God.