Lenten Season Information, Activities & Resources
2025 Lent Season Dates
Ash Wednesday - March 5th, the first day of Lent.
Palm Sunday - April 13th, celebrating the return of Jesus to Jerusalem.
Maundy Thursday - April 17th, commemorating the Last Supper.
Good Friday - April 18th, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus.
Easter - April 20th, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.
Ash Wednesday - March 5th, the first day of Lent.
Palm Sunday - April 13th, celebrating the return of Jesus to Jerusalem.
Maundy Thursday - April 17th, commemorating the Last Supper.
Good Friday - April 18th, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus.
Easter - April 20th, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.
What is Lent?
Lent is a sacred time in the Christian calendar, a period that invites believers to pause and reflect on their spiritual journeys. It beckons us to consider the ways in which we separate ourselves from God and from one another, urging a return to the core values of our faith. As we embark on this spiritual pilgrimage, we are called to observe a holy Lent through self-examination, prayer, study, and meditation on God’s word.
Self-examination is the first step in our Lenten journey. It is a time to look inward, to evaluate our thoughts, actions, and intentions. This process requires honesty and vulnerability, allowing us to identify the barriers that hinder our relationship with God and our community. By acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking forgiveness, we open ourselves to growth and transformation.
Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us to the divine. During Lent, prayer takes on a deeper significance as we use it to seek guidance, strength, and understanding. It is through prayer that we find solace and clarity, allowing us to draw closer to God and to those around us.
Lent is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of God’s teachings. By engaging in study, we gain insights into the scriptures and how they apply to our lives today. This period of learning not only enriches our knowledge but also strengthens our faith, preparing us to live out our beliefs more fully.
Meditating on God’s word allows us to internalize His teachings and apply them to our daily lives. It is a practice of contemplation that fosters a deeper connection with the divine. Through meditation, we quiet our minds, focus our thoughts, and open our hearts to the messages God is conveying to us.
While Lent is a time for personal reflection, it is also an opportunity to strengthen our bonds with others. By coming together in faith, we create a supportive community that uplifts and encourages one another. As we journey through Lent, let us strive to bridge the gaps that separate us from God and from one another, fostering a spirit of unity and love.
In the name of the risen Christ, let us embrace this holy season with open hearts and minds. Through self-examination, prayer, study, and meditation, we can draw nearer to God, enrich our spiritual lives, and cultivate meaningful connections with those around us.
Self-examination is the first step in our Lenten journey. It is a time to look inward, to evaluate our thoughts, actions, and intentions. This process requires honesty and vulnerability, allowing us to identify the barriers that hinder our relationship with God and our community. By acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking forgiveness, we open ourselves to growth and transformation.
Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us to the divine. During Lent, prayer takes on a deeper significance as we use it to seek guidance, strength, and understanding. It is through prayer that we find solace and clarity, allowing us to draw closer to God and to those around us.
Lent is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of God’s teachings. By engaging in study, we gain insights into the scriptures and how they apply to our lives today. This period of learning not only enriches our knowledge but also strengthens our faith, preparing us to live out our beliefs more fully.
Meditating on God’s word allows us to internalize His teachings and apply them to our daily lives. It is a practice of contemplation that fosters a deeper connection with the divine. Through meditation, we quiet our minds, focus our thoughts, and open our hearts to the messages God is conveying to us.
While Lent is a time for personal reflection, it is also an opportunity to strengthen our bonds with others. By coming together in faith, we create a supportive community that uplifts and encourages one another. As we journey through Lent, let us strive to bridge the gaps that separate us from God and from one another, fostering a spirit of unity and love.
In the name of the risen Christ, let us embrace this holy season with open hearts and minds. Through self-examination, prayer, study, and meditation, we can draw nearer to God, enrich our spiritual lives, and cultivate meaningful connections with those around us.
What is Ash Wednesday?
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The Lenten Season begins with Ash Wednesday, an ancient holy day in the Christian calendar. In scripture, ashes signify grief, sin, and human mortality as well as joy, forgiveness, and victory over death. Christians often wear a smudge of ashes on the first day of Lent to symbolize repentance.
Ash Wednesday is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible as a specific holy day or observance. The practice of Ash Wednesday is rooted in the Christian tradition and is observed by various denominations, particularly in the Western Church. The Community of Christ does not celebrate Ash Wednesday. |
What is Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem as recorded in all four gospels of the Bible: Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; and John 12:12-19.
What is Maundy Thursday?
Maundy Thursday is the night on which the Lord’s Supper was first celebrated. The central theme of that first Lord’s Supper was one of humble service. Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and commanded that they do the same for each other. Jesus taught that he came not to be served, but to serve; to share the hospitality of God and the intimacy of breaking bread together.
The word Maundy is derived from the Latin word for “command.” The “Maundy” in “Maundy Thursday” refers to the command Jesus gave to the disciples at the Last Supper, that they should love and serve one another.
The word Maundy is derived from the Latin word for “command.” The “Maundy” in “Maundy Thursday” refers to the command Jesus gave to the disciples at the Last Supper, that they should love and serve one another.
Many Community of Christ congregations celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper on Maundy Thursday. All who believe in Christ, which usually is expressed in water baptism, whether members of Community of Christ or not, are welcome to share the Lord’s Supper.
What is Good Friday?
Good Friday is a somber gathering as we observe the death of Jesus on the cross.
Why is Good Friday referred to as “good”, considering what the authorities did to Jesus was not good. Read the 26th and 27th chapters of Matthew, in the Bible, for the complete story of this event.
The results of Christ’s death are very good for us! “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.”
1 Peter 3:18
Why is Good Friday referred to as “good”, considering what the authorities did to Jesus was not good. Read the 26th and 27th chapters of Matthew, in the Bible, for the complete story of this event.
The results of Christ’s death are very good for us! “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.”
1 Peter 3:18
The Promise of Resurrection
Easter is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is the most important day in the Christian calendar as we rejoice in his eternal presence with us. Halleluiah! See Matthew 28-1-7 NRSV, for the story of this event.
1 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.
3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men.
5 But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.
6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.' This is my message for you."
Matthew 28-1-7 NRSV
2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.
3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men.
5 But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.
6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.' This is my message for you."
Matthew 28-1-7 NRSV
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Introduction to Lenten Practices
A Community of Christ podcast about six spiritual practices that help focus and deepen your Lenten journey.
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Is Easter Historical?
Christians have commemorated Easter for almost 2,000 years, but is the story actual history?
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Community of Christ Facebook page
Community of Christ and its affiliate organizations publish Lenten Season Activities on their Facebook page. Click the image below for a direct link to this page.
CofChrist Facebook page
Community of Christ YouTube channel
Community of Christ and its affiliate organizations publish Lenten Season Activities on their YouTube channel. Click the image below for a direct link to this page.
CofChrist YouTube channel
