Relent (verb): 
1. to soften in feeling, temper, or determination; to become more compassionate, forgiving
2. to become less severe; slacken syn.: abate, yield, relinquish, forbear, soften in temperament
syn.: abate, yield, relinquish, forbear, soften in temperament
The impact of the pandemic hit us in Lent of 2020. Maybe we feel like we never left the Lenten season, living with the weight of our collective sacrifice and awareness of life's fragility. In a world that is relentless, let us reLent.

Sundays of Lent

February 21, February 18, March 7, March 14, March 21
Online Worship at 11:00am each Sunday on YouTube. Visit our online worship page for more details.
February 21
A Cappella Sunday
​​To mark our entrance into this austere and penitential season, we will be joining other congregations around the country who are committing to singing a cappella (without accompaniment) in their Sunday morning worship. We hope you will join us in raising our voices in song as we gather virtually to sing some familiar Lenten hymns, and also learn a modern hymn “His Mercy is More,” which we will introduce on Ash Wednesday and will continue to sing throughout the entire season of Lent. 
March 14
UMCOR Sunday
The United Methodist Committee on Relief, or UMCOR, ​is the global humanitarian aid and development organization of the United Methodist Church. One of the blessings of being part of a connectional church is the ability to work together to support the amazing work organizations like UMCOR carry out year round. A special offering is collected on UMCOR Sunday each year for the purpose of funding the operational expenses so that one hundred percent of the money gifted to any UMCOR project will go directly to meeting the needs of people - alleviating human suffering around the world. 
Click here for more information about UMCOR Sunday
​Click here to visit the UMCOR home page
Youth Band
Our youth band will be leading the congregation in worship on March 14.

Lent at Home

A Guide for Families
The season of Lent is a poignant time in the church year. To help our families participate from their homes, we have created this book of devotions and activities to bring this holy season to life. If you have not received a Lent at Home book, and would like one, please stop by the church to pick up a printed copy. The book is designed for children and youth, but all ages are invited to participate.

The guide includes:
  • Reflections on traditions we observe during Lent, and the high holy days of the season
  • Activities to engage children and youth in prayer
  • The Story Bible readings for the week
  • Printed materials for the activities, and lists of materials needed of each activity
March 9
Pretzel Making: A Zoom Cooking Class

​​Pretzels have a long history as a popular food for people to make and eat during Lent. Jen and Bailee will be leading a baking class over Zoom where we will have an opportunity to make pretzels together (from our own homes) and talk about the historical ties that connect pretzels with this season of the church calendar. 

All ages are welcome to participate in this class. The recipe can be found below. It is also on page 14 of the Lent at Home book, and will be emailed to the participants who pre-register for the class.

On March 9, gather your ingredients and the tools you will need before you log in to the meeting at 6:30pm.

Stations of the Cross

March 24
Everyone is invited to walk through the Stations of the Cross, created by the youth, on Wednesday March 24. All stations will be outside on the church lawn this year. Youth will be present to welcome you on March 24, and some stations will continue to be displayed through Holy Week for those who wish to come at another time during the week. 

The Stations of the Cross (Via Dolorosa, sorrowful way) has been a tradition since the early church - beginning in the 4th century with believers who traveled to Jerusalem to walk the same path that Jesus walked toward his crucifixion. Over time it has grown to include series of art created to remind us of the steps Jesus took even when we cannot be present in Jerusalem. Stations including any medium of art you can imagine combined with the physicality of walking along a path engage our entire bodies in the story of Jesus' death and resurrection. The stations created for you by our youth over the years have engaged all 5 senses to further help us imagine a fraction of what Jesus experienced, and God's great love for us!
*Photo of a marking sign along the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem (public domain)

Holy Week

March 28 - April 3
March 28
Palm Sunday
​Online worship service available at 11:00am on YouTube. The Children's Choir will be leading in worship on this day. If you have a child interested in singing, email josh@fumcsalisbury.org
April 1
Maundy Thursday
Outdoor vespers service is planned for Maundy Thursday. Use the link below to sign up to attend. 
April 2
Good Friday
Online worship service available at noon on YouTube. 

EASTER DAY!

April 4
Join us for worship on the lawn!
Sign up for any of five worship services planned for Easter Day
  • 7:00am
  • 8:00am
  • 9:00am
  • 10:00am
  • 11:00am
Every person will need to check in before the service begins for a health screening.  Remember the 3 W’s: wash your hands, wear a mask, and wait 6 feet until the next person. 

Bring your flowers to add to the cross on Easter morning!
Easter Flowers and Butterflies
Order your Easter flowers, or sponsor a butterfly for the butterfly releases this year by completing the order forms below and returning them to the church office by March 19. 

Flowers will be displayed on Easter Day and can be taken home after the service you attend. Butterflies will be released following the 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 services.

Previously in Lent

Ash Wednesday

February 17
Worship on Ash Wednesday
Online worship service available beginning at 8:00am on YouTube. You can watch it any time.
Imposition of Ashes
Drive through the porte cochere on Fisher Street between 2:00 and 6:00pm to receive ashes.