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The early followers of Jesus observed with great devotion the final days of Messiah’s life, his death, and his resurrection. So Lent is the 40 days between today and Easter (not counting Sundays) during which we prepare ourselves for the events of Holy Week and Easter.
The season of Lent is mostly known as a time of introspection and repentance. A time when the whole congregation is reminded of the mercy and forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the need we all have to repent and renew our faith.
But if that is all Lent is, it can too easily become an exercise in individualistic navel-gazing, or, at its worst extreme, isolation to the point of trauma. To be meaningful for our lives today in 2025, Lent must also lead us into community.
Lent began on Ash Wednesday with confession, pardon, and the imposition of ashes—a reminder of our mortality—but also a reminder of our connection to one another and to all of creation.
Lent continues today as we ask ourselves: Am I moving forward on my discipleship journey? Am I prioritizing that which will bring healing and wholeness to me and the world around me? Am I paying attention to my relationships with God and with neighbor?
As we seek to embody our belief, our trust, that God is steadfast lovingkindness, spiritual practices can transform us into the disciples Jesus calls us to be. I invite you therefore to join me in observing a Holy Lent by engaging in the practices of opening, praying, gathering, serving, inviting, and giving.
OPENING ourselves up to try something different this Lent
PRAYING through the Lent Devotionals
The devotionals are free and include prayers, poems, scripture, artwork, commentary, and questions to consider.
GATHERING for learning, growing, and caring in Lent Study SMALL GROUPS
Sundays, 8:00am at MUMC
Mondays, 6:30pm OR 7:30pm on Zoom
Tuesdays, 12noon at MUMC
Thursdays, 6:30pm at MUMC
SERVING neighbors in need
Donating food, time, or funds to Helping Hands Food Pantry, now serving 48 families.
INVITING friends or family to a worship service, small group, volunteer opportunity
Who in your circle of influence needs the good news of Jesus and the love and care of our wonderful found family of faith?
GIVING to MUMC’s Good Samaritan Fund through Easter Offering
As is our tradition, we will collect a special Easter Offering. We will tithe (i.e. give the first 10% of that offering) to our Good Samaritan Fund that offers assistance to church members and community members alike who need help making ends meet. The reminder goes to the General Fund that makes all our ministry and mission possible.
GATHERING for HOLY WEEK Worship Experiences
Sunday, April 13 — Palm/Passion Sunday, 9:30am
Thursday, April 17 — Maundy Thursday, 7:00pm
Friday, April 18 — Community Good Friday Prayer Walk, 10:00am, Channahon UMC
Friday, April 18 — Good Friday, 7:00pm
Saturday, April 19 — Holy Saturday, 7:00pm
Sunday, April 20 — Easter Sunday, 9:30am