LENT & EASTER

Lent is a great time to return to God and refocus our lives to Live Like Jesus. It's a 40 day trial run in changing your lifestyle and letting God change your heart. You might try one of the following practices for Lent:

  • Fasting - You can fast by cutting out some of the things in your life that distract you from God. Some people use the whole 40 days to fast from candy, tv, soda, smoking, or meat as a way to purify their bodies and lives. You might skip one meal a day and use that time to pray instead. Or you can give up an activity, like watching tv, to spend time outside enjoying God's creation. 
  • Service - Some people take something on for Christ. You can collect food for the needy, volunteer once a week to tutor kids, or work for reform and justice in your community. You can commit to help a different stranger, co-worker or friend everyday of Lent. Serving others is one way to serve God.
  • Prayer - People also use Lent as a time of intentional prayer. You can pray while you walk, create music or art as a prayer to God, or savor a time of quiet listening. All can be ways of becoming more in tune with God.

The season of Lent lasts for 40 days (not including Sundays).
Lent is a season from Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14 thru Easter Eve. Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. 

2024 Gospel of John Lenten Reading Plan


Everyone is welcome to join Carlisle UMC in our many Lent/Easter classes/events/services.

LENT & EASTER AT CUMC

Click on the event links below to find out more.

 

Angel Tree

CUMC becomes angels for 150 kids at Country Children & Youth Services, Salvation Army, and several local schools at Christmas, recognizing that EVERY child deserves to feel the joy of Christmas. Be an angel by picking an Angel Tag from the Angel Tree in the Gathering starting November 16. Return the unwrapped present, with the gift tag attached or in the bag by Sunday, November 30 at Noon. Instructions are on the back of each tag. Thanks for being an angel this Christmas!

Poinsettias

If you would like to order a poinsettia(s) in honor or memory of someone special to decorate the Worship Center and Gathering Area for Christmas Eve, please complete the order form NO later than Sunday, December 6, 2025. Paper forms available at Info Central. Order/Pay Online by clicking on "Learn More."

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Christmas Kick Off

Join us as we begin the Christmas season together at Carlisle UMC! 2:30pm - Family Christmas Craft Time - Families are invited to gather for Christmas crafts and activities focused on our theme of Thankfulness at Christmas - a chance to slow down, reflect, and share time together. 3:30pm - Christmas Carols Celebration - Everyone is welcome as we sing carols with our Sunbeams, flutists, Bell choir members, and participate in a joyful Christmas program. Kids are encouraged to dress as Mary, Joseph, Angels, Shepherds, Magi - or even friendly stable animals. 4:15pm - Santa Visit & CUMC Christmas Tree Lighting - Santa will join us to spread Christmas cheer, followed by the lighting of the church Christmas tree. 4:30pm - Christmas Meal - A donation-based meal will be shared after the tree lighting. Registration is required for meal planning. Sign up for the meal by clicking on "Learn More."

Caroling in the Carlisle Community

Join us as we share the joy and hope of Christmas throughout the Carlisle Community on Saturday, December 13. We'll begin at the church at 3pm with refreshments and fellowship, then bundle up and head out in small groups to assisted living homes, SERVE partners, and neighborhood locations to spread Christmas cheer through carols and warm smiles.