Statewide Holy Week Campaign
With most local churches finding it necessary to offer Holy Week services online, the Michigan Conference will be launching a social media campaign called "Spend Easter at our house!" The campaign will run Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. Targeted Facebook ads in 11 state-wide media markets will guide Michiganders to a conference webpage where local online Lenten services are linked by city. Now is the time to confirm your local church is listed and a link to online worship services is provided.
Please take a moment to confirm your local church is listed correctly by clicking the red button at left. For updates or to add your church, please contact conference communications.
Lenten Resources for Families
Lent and Holy Week are significant moments in the life of the church and for our children and families. The resources for church leaders and families to use in a variety of settings. This toolbox includes a Children's Easter Service, Lent in a Box, Holy Week in a Box, articles, ideas, resources and more.
Lenten Resources for Youth
Resources available for youth leaders and families with youth to use during the Lenten and Easter seasons.
Lenten Resources for Adults
Cokesbury "At A Glance" Comparison Chart
Finding Jesus in America Today (Stations of the Cross Exhibit for Holy Week)
* Google Drive w/ Script & Images
* Virtual Exhibit
Roll Down, Justice! A Lenten Biblical Reflection
Lent 2022 Small Group Study on Anti-Racism
A Sanctified Art: Full to the Brim
* 15% off coupon for Michigan UM Churches - UMCLENT
* To apply for a free Full to the Brim bundle, complete this form
#pictureLent
An intergenerational, spirit-filled, invitational, reflective daily devotional journey based on the lectionary scripture readings.
Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism Lenten Calendar
A daily calendar featuring resources that include a collection of activities, quotes, books, videos, etc. for our Lenten journey through the lens of what it means to actively engage in the work of anti-bias/anti-racism.
El Camino Hacia La Cruz
El camino hacia la cruz: siguiendo a Jesús para servir y no ser servidos por Eric A. Hernández López. La guía tiene el propósito de ayudar a las iglesias a utilizar el libro durante el tiempo de Cuaresma 2022, ya sea para predicaciones, discipulados o grupos pequeños.
The Way to the Cross: Following Jesus to Serve and Not Be Served by Eric A. Hernández López. The free guide is intended to help churches use the book during the season of Lent 2022, whether for preaching, discipleship, or small groups.
Amplify Media
The Michigan Conference is partnering with Amplify Media to provide churches with a discount on a subscription. Attend one of the informational meetings on Zoom or contact Kathy Pittenger. Additional information coming soon.
Online Worship Service Resources
In an effort to provide support to local church hybrid online services during Holy Week, the Michigan Conference has produced two services and a post Easter devotion. These services are designed to be downloaded by local churches and offered through their own websites, social media channels, or by email. Or, the services can be downloaded and edited to add custom local church introductions, closes, pastor messages, or other material. Churches can also share the link directly to the conference VIMEO page. Please contact Conference Communications if you have questions about these offerings.
Maunday Thursday Service
Download link
Wesley Foundation of Kalamazoo
Wesley Foundation at the University of Michigan
CMU Wesley
Ferris Wesley
Length: 25 minutes
Good Friday Service
Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. B. Kevin Smalls
Liturgists: Min. Candy Johnson
Music Director: Jesse Douglas & Hope Music Ministry
Length: 60 minutes
Resources from 2021
Maundy Thursday Service
Worship Leader: Bishop David Bard
Liturgist: Charity Ben
Music Director: Parker Garman
Length: 40 minutes
Remembering Christ's final evening in the Upper Room, Bishop Bard calls upon us to open ourselves to God, acknowledging where we have fallen short, and trusting that God loves us – wholly and completely.
Good Friday Service
Worship Leader: Rev. Julie Liske
Liturgists: Raj Wiener, Jay Makowski
Music Director: Eric Strand
Length: 20 minutes
This meditative service faces the crucifixion through art from around the world, accompanied only by piano and scripture texts from Isaiah and John. May this worship bring the forgiveness and freedom God shares with us, so that we may share it in solidarity with the world Christ came to disturb and save.
Bishop Bard Holy Week Greeting
Worship Leader: Bishop David Bard
Length: Estimated 4 minutes
Bishop Bard brings a vision of Holy Week and a message of hope that this be a week of wonder.
Children's Easter Service
Worship Leader: Rev. Kathy Pittenger
Length: Estimated 4 minutes
Children's Initiatives Coordinator, Rev. Kathy Pittenger offers an Easter morning children's ministry time. This video is appropriate as a stand alone offering, or can be integrated in a local church Easter service. For those churches interested in producing their own children's message, you can find fully developed scripts and book suggestions here.
Thine Be The Glory is an Easter celebration hymn that transcends time and cultures.
A global choir bringing together over 400 singers from different countries, congregations, and communities – proving that even in the midst of a pandemic we are still united.
Copyright free music
The Revs. Yohan Go and Juhee Lee of the New England Conference worked with musicians to record 47 songs and make them available on Google Drive for any church that needs music to use freely.
A devotional that responds to child hunger
The 2021 Lenten Devotional explores how you can partner with EngageMI to respond to child hunger and food insecurity in light of the global pandemic.
Last Updated on November 6, 2023