Lent at FUMC

Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. During Lent, we focus on our relationship with God, growing as disciples and extending ourselves, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of ourselves for others.

We hope you'll join us throughout Lent at FUMC!

Calendar

We're excited to see you this Lenten season! Click on each line below to read more.

February 18: Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of our journey to Easter. This day, we remember our own humanity and our need for God through the imposition of ashes made from palm fronds from last Palm Sunday. There are four opportunities to receive ashes.
  • 7:00-8:00 a.m. drive-thru imposition of ashes at America Street.
  • 12:10 and 6:30 p.m. Sanctuary services with imposition of ashes.
  • 6:30 p.m. Mid City Ash service at Counterspace (Government St.)
Wednesdays: Chapel Services
On Wednesdays starting February 25 and concluding April 1, a service of Holy Communion will be held in the Aldrich Chapel at 12:10 PM.
February 26-March 1: Men's Walk to Emmaus
Men are invited to experience the Men’s Walk to Emmaus, a three-day spiritual retreat hosted at Broadmoor United Methodist Church. The Walk to Emmaus is designed to
inspire and equip Christian disciples and leaders. It is a meaningful opportunity for anyone seeking spiritual renewal. Several members of FUMC will serve in leadership roles, including Rev. Brady Whitton as Spiritual Director. For more information, please email Pattye Hewitt at phewitt@firstmethodist.org.
February 28: Women's Day Retreat
You are invited to a daylong retreat, “Open the Door,” to seek spiritual disciplines that enhances your awareness of how the doors of Christ are opening in your life. As we approach the season of Lent, this day will focus your faith journey. Saturday, February 28 from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. Registration is $15. Led by Mary Rotenberg. Register here. 
March 20-22: Women's Weekend Retreat
Ladies are invited to attend “Free to Be Women’s Retreat” on March 20-22 at the Feliciana Retreat and Conference Center. This weekend will center around rest, reflection, prayer, and making space for the presence of God. This is your invitation to remember that faith is meant to heal and restore the whole of who you are: body, mind, heart, and soul. For more information, and to register, visit www.fumcbr.org/freetobe.
March 29: Easter Walk
The FUMC Easter Walk is on Saturday, March 28 from 10am-12pm at Robin and Dan Reed’s house. All FUMC families and their guests are welcome at this free event! Make sure to bring an Easter basket, a blanket, and a friend!  Email us for the exact address.
March 29: Mid City Church Palm Sunday Dinner
At 6:30 PM, join our Mid City Church campus for a dinner at Barracuda Tacos as we gather together in observation of Palm Sunday. 
April 2: Holy Thursday
More info coming soon.
April 3: Good Friday
More info coming soon.
April 4: Mid City Church Easter Vigil
At the Easter Vigil, the Church represents the mystery of the light of Christ. All are welcome to attend this gathering at 6:30 PM at the home of Jim and Rhonda Kemp. Email us for the exact address.
April 5: Easter Sunday
Celebrate the resurrection of Christ with us on Easter Sunday!
  • Youth-led sunrise service: 6:30 AM at Rhorer Plaza downtown. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on! 
  • Sanctuary services at 8:30 and 11:00 AM.
  • America Street service at 9:45 AM.

Order Easter Lilies and Flowers

Coming soon

Ways to Serve

There are many ways to serve throughout the Lenten season. Click on each line below to read more.

Greet at Worship Services and Events
Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal—and also a time to practice simple acts of love. One meaningful way to share that love is by welcoming others as they arrive for worship. A smile, a kind word, and an open door can become a holy invitation into God’s presence. If you would like to help set the tone of hospitality and grace during this Lenten season, please consider serving as a greeter. The time commitment is just 30 minutes, and you may choose the date and time slot that works best for you. Sign up here. Questions about the hospitality ministries of FUMC? Contact Pattye Hewitt at phewitt@firstmethodist.org.

Planning a visit?

Learn more about visiting FUMC, including parking, children's ministry info, and more! 
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Lent Devotionals

“The Sanctuary for Lent” 2026 devotionals are available at all sanctuary entrances. This resource contains brief
readings for each of the 40 days in Lent, from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. Those wanting a printed copy mailed to their home, or a downloadable version, should email Pattye Hewitt below.
Get a devotional

At home worship kits

Won’t be with us in-person during Holy Week (Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday)? Holy Week worship kits contain everything you need to experience the fullness of Jesus’ last week of earthly life while worshipping online. Kits will be available throughout the work week and on Sundays at the America Street Welcome Desk and in Ory Parish Hall beginning March 15. You may also request one to be mailed to you by reaching out to Chelsey Geeting below.
Get a worship kit