Lent Booklet

Lent has started and we are excited to announce that Lenten study books are available for anyone who wishes to deepen their spiritual practice during this time. You can find these books on the Welcome Desk, and feel free to pick one up on Sundays. If we run out of copies, don't worry! We can make more available to you upon request.

For those who are unable to come to our location or prefer a digital copy, we are also offering to email the book to anyone who requests it. Please reach out to jcelorio@umc-kzo.org if you would like a copy sent to your email.

Let's make the most out of this special season and use it as an opportunity for growth and reflection.

Lenten organ series

We're excited to announce the lineup for this year's Lenten Organ Series! We have an amazing group of talented organists who will be performing throughout the month of March.

On March 2nd, we will have Michael Montgomery, Director of Music and Organist at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo, taking the stage. Marilyn Ossentjuk, Organist and Minister of Music at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Kalamazoo, will perform on March 9th.

Next up is Dr. Andrew Meagher, Pastoral Musician at St. Kieran’s Catholic Church in Shelby Township, who will be playing on March 16th. Dr. Thomas Fielding, Director of Music at St. Augustine Cathedral in Kalamazoo, will perform on March 23rd.

Finally, on March 30th, we have a special performance featuring Mi Zhou, a Doctoral Student in Organ Performance at the University of Michigan, and Mayumi Naramura, a Graduate Student in Early Keyboard Instruments at the University of Michigan.

Mark your calendars for these dates and don't miss out on the opportunity to experience these incredible performances! Join us for a month filled with beautiful music and reflection as we journey through the season of Lent.

We are thrilled to share that Rev. Matt has written a reflection about our youth ministry and the tradition of burning ashes. As we enter the season of Lent, this piece serves as a reminder of the spiritual significance of this practice and its relevance to our younger generation.

Rev. Matt's reflection offers a unique perspective on how the act of burning ashes can serve as a powerful symbol of renewal and rebirth for our youth. He shares his personal experiences and insights, exploring how this tradition has evolved over time and its continued relevance today.

We encourage you to take a few moments to read this inspiring reflection by clicking on the link below.

Thank you, Rev. Matt, for sharing your wisdom with us.

Lent Labrynth

The labyrinth will be set up in Wesley Hall throughout the season of Lent. You are invited to walk the labyrinth after worship on Sundays or Monday - Thursdays between the hours of 9am-4pm. This labyrinth requires the removal of your shoes to preserve the cloth of the labyrinth. The labyrinth can take 10-20 minutes to walk depending on your pace and the time you spend in the middle. There will also be prayer stations set up, please make use of them to enhance your time of prayer and contemplation. If you have never walked a labyrinth, I encourage you to try this ancient prayer practice to quiet your mind, center yourself and allow your spirit to be in prayer, curiosity, and expectation. Peace be with you

Manna and Mercy

Manna and Mercy is a Bible Study led by Pastor Matt Weiler that teaches the Narrative Arc of scripture to understand God's plan to bring love, light, and life into the world.

This course is open to adults, as well as middle and high school youth. We meet for one hour following worship downstairs in the fellowship room. No need to have attended the prior class.

The Baylor Project Concert

On March 19 at 3:00 pm we will have a jazz concert given by musicians from Baylor University. That concert will also be held in our sanctuary.