Lent & Easter 2026
Lent is a very important season in the liturgical year. It is a time for us to lean into some of the difficulties, anguishes, betrayals, and pains of life. Lent is a bit raw with emotion, but it is perhaps the only church season that draws our attention to what is actually happening in our lives. We all have behaviors and situations that we need to work to improve. Lent is an opportunity for us to ponder and work on these AND rest within the loving embrace of God and look to the Spirit for guidance and strength to continue the journey.
At the end of Lent we have Holy Week which is a very busy week with highs that bookend the week and lows in between. This week really is a bit of a roller coaster but we end with the wonderful news of resurrection and hope.
Throughout this period First Church has a number of different services and observances planned. Please take the opportunity to join as many of the events as possible. You can learn more here:
Lenten Observations
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
February 17th 6-7pm – Fellowship Hall
Back when fasting and sacrifice were the primary was in which one accessed and centered on God, the night before Lent began, people feasted on the things not allowed during the season. This included sugar, fat, and anything else that was on hand that wouldn’t last the season of Lent. Now we experience and find God in non-sacrificial ways; through acts of kindness, intentional Christ-like behaviors, spiritual disciplines, reading scripture, prayers, sowing peace, and simply spending more time communing with the Divine. HOWEVER, we still like the idea of having a Pancake Dinner with lots of sweet toppings and plenty of bacon! Join us for a church-wide meal on Shrove Tuesday and invite a friend that likes to eat!
Ash Wednesday Worship
February 18th 7pm – Sanctuary
After the celebration of Easter, Lent was the first season that grew up in the church. It was a time for folks interested in joining the church to learn about what it meant to follow Jesus and be a part of his movement. Many such programs lasted a year with Lent being the culminating part of the process where fasting and prayer led to a public decision and baptism on Easter morning. Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of this final period where one dedicated themselves to Jesus. Wholly putting trust in Jesus meant that even in death when you turn to dust, you belong to and are a part of Christ Jesus. The service highlights our dependence on God for life and eternity. From death to resurrection, from Lent to Easter, we belong to Christ Jesus our Lord. Come and explore these themes at a long cherished service where ashes on the forehead or wrist will be offered.
Lenten Prayers
Wednesdays February 25th – April 1st, 7 – 9 pm – Sanctuary
The FCCEJ Sanctuary will be open for prayer and meditation.
Seder Meal
Saturday, March 28th, 6 pm – Fellowship Hall
We are pleased to once again offer a Seder Meal during Lent. This is the Passover meal and mirrors the meal that Jesus and his disciples experienced at the last supper. During the Seder meal, we will remember the Passover story and eat dinner together. We are limited to 75 people due to space constraints; tickets will be available starting February 18. The meal is free; tickets are simply to save you a seat and ensure that we have enough food. This will replace the normal Maundy Thursday service.
Holy Week & Easter
Palm/Passion Sunday
Sunday, March 29th, 8:15 and 10:30 am
On March 29th, the Liturgical Year splits the focus to highlight both Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday. Palm Sunday focuses on Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem and Passion Sunday focuses on the rest of the week with the trial, betrayals, final teachings and ultimate death. Most folks and churches are drawn to the pomp, fun and triumphalism of Palm Sunday while delegating the Passion for Good Friday where many choose to stay home. In doing so, followers of Jesus miss the most important part of Christ’s message. So after we wave our palms during “All, Glory, Laud, and Honor,” we will shift our attention to the passion where various readers will read the ageless story.
Good Friday
Friday, April 3rd, 12 Noon
Eight churches and their pastors are heading to Essex Junction for FCCEJ’s hosting of a Good Friday Service. People will be coming from UCC Churches in Jeffersonville, St. Albans, Hinesburg, South Hero, and Burlington as well at First Baptist in Burlington. The service is shaping up to be creative, inspiring, and full of divergent views of what is Good About Good Friday as reflected in the seven last words of Jesus. The service will be at 12 noon and there will NOT be an evening service.
Since so many churches are coming together for the service, the Champlain Clergy Association participants thought it would be a great opportunity to share a meal together and get to know some of the members at our sister churches in the area. So, after the service there will be sandwich fixings for all. This would be a great service to bring a friend!
Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 5th, 6:30, 8:15 and 10:30 am
Sunrise Service at Holy Family Gazebo – 6:30 am
Rev. Mendes and Father Ranges will officiate an ecumenical service at the Holy Family Gazebo as they have done for many years.
Easter Services – 8:30 and 10:15 am
Although Easter falls on a first Sunday this year, the Deacons have decided to offer TWO SERVICES at 8:30 and 10:15 instead of the traditional combined at 10am. Both services will be All Family Worship and offer the sacrament of Holy Communion.