LENT 2023

The season of Lent draws us into great self-reflection about our sin and need for forgiveness as we journey toward the cross and resurrection.  John Bunyan wrote a classic in 1678 entitled The Pilgrim’s Progress, an allegory of the journey each person makes from death in sin to life in Christ.  When Jesus said, “Follow Me,”  it was not to an easy journey for he added “Take Up your Cross.”  The Pilgrim’s journey opens our eyes to the challenges and temptations we too will face as we move forward in faith.  The Good News is the promise of God welcoming all in Jesus into his Celestial City, the new creation.

Easter Worship Services

2023

Ash Wednesday - February 22 @ 11:00 and 5:30 in the Sanctuary
Palm Sunday - April 2 @ 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00
Maundy Thursday - April 6 @ 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall

Floral Easter Cross - April 7 in the Courtyard
Old Rugged Cross - April 7 from 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM in the Sanctuary
Good Friday Service of Tenebrae - April 7 @ 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary

Easter Sunday Services - April 9
Sunrise @ 6:30 in the Courtyard (followed by a light breakfast)
Traditional Services @ 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 in the Sanctuary
Contemporary Services @ 9:45 in the Rise

Egg Hunt, Cookout, and Concert - April 1st

Bring the family! Grab your basket, the Egg Hunt will begin promptly at 11:00am (and you know how fast an egg hunt lasts - not very long!) Stay for a cookout lunch and fellowship with First Methodist family and friends as we enjoy the music of The Youth Band. There is no cost for this event and reservations are not needed. See you at Camp Albemarle!

Palm Sunday Lunch - April 2nd

Home Cooked - Ham, Fried Chicken legs, Potato Salad, Baby Lima Beans, Homemade Yeast Rolls, and Homemade Desserts prepared by the many fine First Methodist cooks and bakers!
Cost: If you’d like to make a donation it’ll go to support the SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House. [Please make checks payable to CCHH] 

We need volunteers! Complete this form to help prepare, serve, clean, or deliver meals.


Maundy Thursday

Thursday, April 6 @ 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall

The word "maundy" comes from Latin, meaning mandate or command. On this night, we celebrate Communion, the Holy meal and last supper, which Jesus shared with his disciples in the Upper Room on the night before he died, the meal he "commanded" them to share in remembrance of him.

Good Friday - A Service of Tenebrae

Friday, April 7 @ 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary

Experience Christ's crucifixion through Tenebrae, a service of shadow and darkness, with Scripture readings that share Jesus' final acts on the Cross and music from the Chancel Choir.

In Honor or In Memory

Place an Easter Lily in the church for Easter Sunday in honor or in memory of a loved one.  Complete the form below to reserve your lily.  
The cost is $20 and can be paid online through our giving page or a check payable to FMC - Easter Lilies.

Easter Lilies

Lilies will be placed in the church for Easter Sunday.
The cost is $20 each.
Last Day to order will be Sunday, March 17.

Easter Cross Flowers


Lenten Lunches - Tuesdays at 12:10

Join us for a brief worship service in the Sanctuary followed by a light lunch in the Fellowship Hall. Hear a message of The Pilgrim's Progress by a different guest each week. The services will also be live-streamed on Facebook, YouTube, website and app.

Ash Wednesday
Feb 22 @ 11:00 and 5:30pm

Ash Wednesday marks the first day of the Lenten season where we gather together in Christ to confront and reflect on our morality and sin. We hope you’ll join us. Come with an open heart and allow the Lord to prepare you for the coming season of Lent. We will have a meaningful service with Scripture, message, confessional prayer, and pardon before coming forward to receive the imposition of the ashes. February 22nd @ 11:00 and 5:30PM in the Sanctuary.
Ash Wednesday marks the first day in the season of Lent, the 40 days before Easter. During Lent, we are invited to prepare ourselves to both hear and live out the good news of Easter through disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The ashes are a symbol derived from several ancient customs and became a symbol of repentance and renewal.