Lent and Holy Week at UPUMC
Lent is a soulful journey, beginning with Ash Wednesday and spanning 40 days of introspection and growth leading to Easter. It's not just about giving up something; it's a personal quest for connection. It is a spiritual adventure where prayers become conversations, sacrifices deepen compassion, and self-reflection molds character. This season, we have a chance to rediscover faith, strengthen resilience, and embody the essence of Easter together. We hope you will join us for one or all of our worship services, where we seek moments of self-discovery, grace, and a renewed sense of purpose.
PALM SUNDAY
March 24 | 8:45 & 11 AM | UPUMC Sanctuary
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, celebrated with crowds waving palm branches. It signifies hope, acknowledging Jesus as the prophesied Messiah. Yet, it foreshadows the impending events of Holy Week, emphasizing the transformative journey from joyous acclaim to the profound sacrifice of Easter, central to the Christian faith. Raise your "Hosannas" and wave your palms in worship with us on March 24 at 8:45 and 11 AM!
HOLY WEEK MIDDAY SERVICES
March 25-27 | 12 PM Daily | UPUMC Activity Center
Holy Week is the heart of the Christian liturgical calendar, encapsulating the profound events leading to Easter. From Jesus' triumphant entry to the Last Supper, crucifixion on Good Friday, and resurrection on Easter Sunday, it's a spiritual journey inviting reflection, repentance, and a deepened connection with the core of the Christian faith. Join your UPUMC family in the Activity Center at 12 PM daily on Holy Monday (March 25), Holy Tuesday (March 26), and Holy Wednesday (March 27) for a brief time of music, prayer, and meditation. Please feel free to bring your lunch!
MAUNDY THURSDAY
March 28 | 7 PM | UPUMC Activity Center
Maundy Thursday holds profound significance in Christianity, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples. In Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet, we are given incredible examples of humility and service. Maundy Thursday marks the initiation of the Eucharist and underscores the sacrificial love that Jesus exemplified, setting the stage for the crucifixion and the eventual resurrection. We will begin our Maundy Thursday service in the Activity Center with opportunities to walk the labyrinth. The path leading to the Sanctuary will be marked with luminarias and stations for communion, singing, and meditation. Once we have moved to the Sanctuary, there will be a stripping of the altar in preparation for Good Friday.
GOOD FRIDAY
March 29 | 7 PM | UPUMC Sanctuary
Good Friday is a solemn day in Christianity. It marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which embodies sacrificial love and redemption. As Christians, we are invited to reflect on the profound significance of Christ's death, finding solace in the hope that emerges from the darkness, leading to Easter's resurrection. The Good Friday service at UPUMC will feature a dramatic reading of the events of Jesus' life, accompanied by songs sung by both the Chancel Choir and the congregation as we walk with Jesus through the crucifixion. Join us for this holy service on March 29 at 7 PM in the Sanctuary.
EASTER SUNDAY
March 31
7 AM | Sunrise Service on Colgate Lawn (Youth Center if raining)
9 & 11 AM | Worship Service in the UPUMC Sanctuary
10 AM | Easter Egg Hunt on Colgate Lawn (Youth Center if raining)
On the third day, he rose. Easter Sunday holds paramount significance for Christians, marking the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. It symbolizes victory over death and sin, embodying hope and renewal. The empty tomb signifies the transformative power of faith and the promise of eternal life, reaffirming the core tenet of Christianity— that, just as Jesus triumphed over death, we too can find redemption and renewal.
Easter Sunday at UPUMC is full of energy and excitement for everyone! At 7 AM, pastors and a worship band will lead us in a sunrise service featuring music and the message of Jesus's Resurrection. At 9 and 11 AM, we will have traditional Easter Services in the Sanctuary featuring brass, organ, and our Chancel Choir with traditional liturgy and songs. At 10 AM, there will be an easter egg hunt on Colgate Lawn with age-level egg hunts, outdoor play, snacks, and photo backdrops for the whole family.
