As we prepare to celebrate the risen Lord on Easter Sunday (April 9), we embark on the 40-day Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday.

The annual book of Lenten devotions is available here. If you follow either of our Facebook pages, you will also be able to read each day’s devotion there.

During Lent, GPUMC will offer a regular Lenten study led by Rev. David Eardley preceded by weekly Sunday night dinners.

The text for this year’s Lenten study will be Everybody Always by Bob Goff. In this book, Goff takes readers on a journey into the secret of living without fear, constraint, or worry.  The path toward the liberated existence we all long for is found in a truth as simple to say as it is hard to do: Love people, even difficult ones, without distinction and without limits.  You can learn more about Everybody Always by watching this brief YouTube video.

While Rev. Eardley leads adults on their discussion, Emily Bianchi will lead a separate but related study with the children on several of the nights. See schedule below for details.

When Holy Week arrives, we will offer several worship services plus an agape lunch. A former associate pastor at GPUMC, the Rev. Mary McInnes, will provide a message during that silent meal.

Please join each of these opportunities as your time allows.

Lenten schedule of events and services

Feb 22            Drive-through ashes, noon-1 pm, sanctuary doors

Feb 22            Ash Wednesday service, 7:30 pm, sanctuary & livestream

Feb 26         Lent dinner & study for both adults and children

5 pm dinner — men’s group cooking “breakfast for dinner”

6:30 pm Lenten study — Chapters 1-3

March 5         Lent dinner & study for adults

5 pm dinner — pot luck. Everybody contributes a dish or dessert

6:30 pm Lenten study — Chapters 4-6

March 12       Lent dinner & study for both adults and children

5 pm dinner — UMW soup supper

6:30 pm Lenten study — Chapters 10-12

March 19       Lent dinner & study for adults (no children activities this week)

5 pm dinner — Outreach hosting dinner

6:30 pm Lenten study — Chapters 14-16

March 26       Music Sunday: Vivaldi’s Gloria presented by the GPUMC Chancel Choir, under the direction of Giustino Carrano

March 26       Lent dinner & study for both adults and children

5 pm dinner — Witness hosting Mexican fiesta dinner

6:30 pm Lenten study — Chapters 20-24

April 2           Palm Sunday, 9:30 am traditional service, sanctuary & livestream

                     Easter egg hunt following worship service

April 4           Agape lunch, 11:30 am, Great Hall with speaker Rev. Mary McInnes

April 6           Maundy Thursday, 7:30 pm, sanctuary & livestream

April 7           Good Friday, noon, sanctuary & livestream

April 9           Easter

                        7:30 am Sonrise Service, Memorial Garden

                        9:30 am traditional service, sanctuary & livestream