Christian Year

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.

Theology and Education

Detail from the Second Coming of Christ window at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Charleston, S.C. Window created by Franz Mayer & Co. of Munich, Germany, represented by the studios of George L. Payne of Patterson, New Jersey, 1966. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Ask The UMC: Is Advent about preparing for baby Jesus?

The focus of Advent is preparing for the return of Christ at the culmination of all things.

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