Lent and Holy Week 2026

The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, and is the time during which we prepare for Easter. The earliest Christians observed Lent through fasting and prayer, commemorating Jesus’ own temptations and, during Holy Week, His entry into Jerusalem, passion, and death. Sundays are not counted in the forty days of Lent as a reminder of the Resurrection. The season of Easter begins on the Resurrection of the Lord (Easter Sunday).

Lent

Wednesday, February 18: Ash Wednesday
8:00 a.m.: Imposition of ashes at Kansas Wesleyan University (location TBD)
11:30 a.m.: Traditional service with imposition of ashes at University United Methodist Church
7:00 p.m.: Contemplative prayer service with imposition of ashes and Holy Communion at Church of the Cross (1600 Rush Street)

Open Book Bible Study
Studying the Book of Exodus
Tuesdays starting February 3 and during Lent
Learn more about Bible study

Lenten Sermon Series: “The Way of Jesus” by Pastor J.J.
Sunday Service at 9:00 a.m.
Learn more about Sundays

Holy Week

Sunday, March 29: Palm Sunday
10:30 a.m.: Sunday Service at University United Methodist Church

Tuesday, March 31: Theology Class on the Theories of Atonement
10:00 a.m.: Church of the Cross (1600 Rush Street)
6:00 p.m.: University United Methodist Church
Learn more about this class

Wednesday, April 1: Midweek Morning Prayer
8:00 a.m.: Online on Zoom
Learn more about Midweek Morning Prayer

Thursday, April 2: Maundy Thursday
6:00 p.m.: Service with Holy Communion at Church of the Cross (1600 Rush Street)

Friday, April 3: Good Friday
6:00 p.m.: Solemn service at University United Methodist Church

Sunday, April 5: The Resurrection of the Lord
TBD: Methodist-led Sunrise Service at Kansas Wesleyan University (location TBD)
10:30 a.m.: Sunday Service at University United Methodist Church