Welcome

The last week of Jesus’ life was a significant time in his ministry of redemption and wholeness, and this period, from Palm Sunday (April 13) to Easter Sunday (April 20) has become known as Holy Week – and deserves some special services.

SUNDAY: APRIL 13 (PALM SUNDAY)
All are invited to a Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. in the Family Life Center until 9:00. During the Sunday School hour (9:00 a.m.-9:45), the children are invited to participate in an Easter Egg Hunt. All parents are invited to come along for the fun. Please go to your usual class and receive instructions there. Don’t forget your Easter baskets and cameras! There is only one service today at 10:00 a.m. in the main sanctuary as the Music Ministries presents a service of readings and Lenten music presented by the Brass Choir, Handbell Choir, Praise Band, Children’s Choir, and Chancel Choir

MAUNDY THURSDAY: APRIL 17
You will not want to miss the Maundy Thursday Service on April 17 at 6:45 p.m. in the Chapel. Special music will be presented by the Chancel Choir.

FRIDAY, APRIL 18 (PROCESSION OF THE CROSS)
Central UMC invites you to participate with local Monroe churches in a procession that moves the cross from station to station on Good Friday, April 18. The procession will begin at 10:45 a.m. at the First Station – First Presbyterian Church. The next seven stations are: Second Station – Luther’s Garden; Third Station – Old Court House; Fourth Station – First Baptist Church; Fifth Station – Black’s Memorial; Sixth Station – City of Monroe Cemetery; Seventh Station – Central UMC; Eighth Station – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. At each station there will be responses, prayer, and liturgy. Please join us for this procession of the cross.

EASTER SUNDAY: APRIL 20
We will begin our Easter Sunday celebration with a service in the garden outside the chapel at 9:00 a.m. We hear the Loving Word proclaimed as we release our butterflies. In case of inclement weather – meet in the Sanctuary.

Immediately after this service, at 10:00 a.m., we will gather in our Family Life Center for many festive activities including Clara’s real garden, refreshments, and additional items to help us focus on Easter. (No nursery and no School during this time).

At 11:00 a.m., we will gather with friends and family in the Sanctuary to celebrate our risen Lord with Central’s Brass Choir, Handbell Choir and Festival Choir. The Hallelujah Chorus will be sung at the end of the service and all are invited to come to the chancel and sing this venerable chorus with the choir. You are encouraged to bring flowers to place on the empty cross as a vivid symbol of Christ’s resurrection.