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.

 

Ash Wednesday

Wednesday, February 14, 7pm in the Carlisle UMC Worship Center. Everyone is welcome! A reflective service to begin the 40 day journey towards Easter with imposition of ashes and communion. Service will also be available via live stream by clicking, "Learn More."

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Lenten Sermon Series

Sundays: Feb. 18 - Mar. 31: Jesus is ___________: A Study of Jesus in the Gospel of John. The gospel of John gives a unique perspective on the identity of Jesus by giving us compelling and memorable images that point to the truth of who He is for us all. You will be challenged to read through the gospel of John.

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Lenten Reading Plan

You will be challenged to read through the Gospel of John during Lent. Download the Gospel of John Reading Plan by clicking on "Learn More."

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Lent Collection

During Lent, CUMC will join with other UMCs in the Harrisburg District to collect peanut butter (almond butter, etc) to provide protein to neighbors who are hungry. CUMC's goal is 333 jars donated by March 24 (Palm Sunday). Bring your donations to the SERVE area in the Gathering or the Church Office.

Easter Flowers

Orders for Easter flowers are due by March 15. Tulips are $12; Lilies are $18. Order forms available at Info Central or the Church Office.

Holy Week Morning Services

March 25-29, 7:30am in the Worship Center. Each morning of Holy Week our services will focus on John's Gospel during Jesus' last week. These simple daily services will take us on the journey of Jesus from Peter's denial to the cross found in John 18 & 19. Speakers: Monday - Kim Shockley; Tuesday - Mark O'Donnell; Wednesday - Andrea Katz; Thursday - Michelle Williams; Friday we will share in the ancient tradition of The Reproaches using Christ's Laments. Breakfast will follow at 8am in the Gathering. Services available via live stream on our YouTube Channel, click on "Learn More."

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Holy Week Collection

During Holy Week, CUMC will collect money to buy eggs for Project SHARE. $1 can buy a dozen eggs to feed a family at Project SHARE. Our goal is to raise $450 to supply 450 families in our community with eggs.

Maundy Thursday

Thursday, March 28, 7pm at CUMC. Remember the last supper Jesus had with his disciples and share together in Communion. This service will be a special experience around tables and our confirmation students will help lead. Service available via live stream by clicking on "Learn More."

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Community Cross Walk

Friday, March 29, Noon. Meet at New Life Community Church (64 E North St) for a community-wide Stations of the Cross walk through Carlisle. Each Station of the Cross will be remembered at a different location downtown. This is a great opportunity to be together with other churches in our community and remember Jesus.

Egg Hunt

Community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30, 10am-Noon at Carlisle UMC. For ages birth thru 5th grade. We will have crafts, games, snacks, and hunts for all ages! Please register by March 17 by clicking on "Learn More."

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Easter Sunday

We celebrate the good news that in Christ's death and resurrection we, and all creation, are continually being made new by God's love and saving grace. Easter Sunrise service, March 31, 7-7:30am, Carlisle UMC outdoor Amphitheatre. Sunday services: March 31, 8:00am Traditional Service, 9:45am Contemporary Service; 11:15am Relaxed Traditional Service. 8 & 9:45am services will be available via live stream by clicking on "Learn More."

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