Our 2025 Lenten Journey begins with Ash Wednesday on March 5 and continues through Easter (April 20). During that time period, a lot is happening at First United Presbyterian Chruch.
- Ash Wednesday Service at 6:00 pm, March 5
- Beginning on March 9, we have a new Sunday Morning Schedule
- Our Lenten Sermon series “Lenten Roads” also begins on March 9
- A new Sunday morning spiritual growth opportunity, for adults and youth “The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss” begins on March 16
- Our traditional Holy Week events and worship services.
Lenten Roads Sermon Series
SUNDAY MORNINGS at 10:30AM
It could be said that when Jesus began his public ministry, every step pointed toward that final journey to Jerusalem and the cross. But before reaching that destination, Jesus and his disciples walked many roads. This Lent, we will explore some of those roads, where the disciples had remarkable encounters with others. As we reflect on several well-known Bible stories throughout the Lenten season, we, too, will encounter Jesus Christ.
March 9 The Road Home (Luke 15:11-24)
March 16 The Road to the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)
March 23 The Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-20)
March 30 The Road to Jerusalem (Matthew 16:21-26)
April 6 The Road to Jericho (Luke 10:25-37)
April 13 The Bethany Road (John 12:1-19)
Holy Week Worship Services and Special Events
April 13 – Palm Sunday
The Scripture for Palm Sunday is John 12:1-19. That morning we will travel on the Bethany Road with Jesus and his disciples as they go to home of Mary and Martha and the funeral of their brother Lazarus, and then on to Jerusalem for the Palm Sunday parade. We will have our own “Palm Parade” during worship. Children who wish to participate should arrive by 10:15 am and meet with Ms. Kristi by the children’s table in the back of the sanctuary.
April 17 – Maundy Thursday
It is important to remember the solemn events between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday to fully understand the significance of the Easter morning discovery that Jesus had risen from the dead. On Maundy Thursday, the focus is on both the Last Supper where the disciples are instructed to break bread and drink from the cup in remembrance of Christ and on Jesus’ commandment to love and serve one another with a servant heart (see John 13:1-17, 31b-35). Worship will begin at 6:00pm and will include communion being served around the Lord’s Table, a table at which all are welcome.
April 18 – Good Friday
On Good Friday a Tenebrae Service will be held at 6:00pm. Tenebrae is a Latin word that means darkness or shadows. During the service, the gradual extinguishing of candles produces increased shadows and ultimately darkness by the end of the service, symbolizing Christ’s death. Our Music Minister and Commissioned Ruling Elder, Isaac Thomas has chosen a worship service curated by Heather Sorenson designed to lead the congregation through the final hours of Christ’s life on earth. The service will be a series of readings from scripture, liturgy and music from our Chancel Choir, Tom King (cello) and Xiao Yang (piano). It is a very meaningful service full of tradition and symbolism that will be explained as the service progresses.
April 20 – Easter Morning
9:00am to 10:00am
Easter Covered Dish Brunch (Fellowship Hall) Please bring your favorite breakfast or brunch dish to share.
9:45am to 10:15am
Easter Children’s Gathering which will begin with the telling of the Easter Story in Upper Witherspoon and then weather permitting an Easter Egg find in the new Nature Play Space.
10:30am WORSHIP
(Sanctuary and YouTube Livestream)
Resurrection Road—The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)
Rev. Stewart Smith
