Christian Year

Worship
Graphic by Taylor W Burton Edwards.

Ask The UMC: How do the Sunday readings for Advent differ from year to year?

The Advent readings pursue three different themes in the three different years.
Theology and Education
Crowds waving palm branches process through the streets of Port-Bouet, Ivory Coast, on Passion/Palm Sunday. This joyful scene is repeated all over the country by Ivorian United Methodists and Catholics. Photo by Isaac Broune, UM News.

Ask the UMC: Why do we observe Passion/Palm Sunday?

Celebrating Passion/Palm Sunday is part of an ecumenical effort to refocus the whole season of Lent on making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Theology and Education
Graphic by Hjvds, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Ask The UMC: What is the purpose of the season after Epiphany?

The Season after Epiphany was created to help congregations get ready for their work of accompanying inquirers and candidates during their Lenten journey toward baptism.
Theology and Education
A quote from the United Methodist lectionary, Ecclesiastes 3:20, for Ash Wednesday. Photo by Pro Church Media on Unsplash; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Why does Lent begin with ashes?

As the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday is a time for reflecting on our humanity, sins and mortality. Discover the history and traditions of Ash Wednesday, as well as how you can participate in this holy day of repentance.

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