Lent is a season dedicated to repentance, fasting, and preparing for Easter. The 40 days of Lent provide a chance to strengthen your faith, focus on personal reflection, and open the door to spiritual growth. It’s also a time to invite others along as you strive to observe a meaningful and holy Lent.
If you are a United Methodist preparing your heart for Lent, you can focus on spiritual disciplines that help deepen your relationship with God and align your heart with Christ’s journey to the cross. Here are some meaningful ways to prepare:
1. Prayer and Reflection
Set aside daily time for prayer, asking God to reveal areas in your life that need growth and transformation. Use the Psalms, the Lord’s Prayer, or personal prayers to focus on repentance, gratitude, and renewal. Consider using a devotional guide specifically for Lent.
2. Fasting and Simplicity
Give up something that distracts you from God, whether it’s a certain food, social media, or a habit that takes up too much of your time. Instead of traditional fasting, consider a positive fast, such as fasting from negativity or complaining.
3. Scripture Reading
Read passages about Jesus’ journey to the cross, such as Isaiah 53, Matthew 4:1-11 (Jesus’ temptation), and Luke 22-23. Participate in a Lenten Bible study, either personally or with the church.
4. Acts of Service and Mercy
Follow John Wesley’s example of works of mercy by serving others, volunteer at a food pantry, visit the sick, or help a neighbor in need. Make a commitment to give generously, whether financially or through acts of kindness.
5. Confession and Repentance
Take time to examine your heart and confess any sins that separate you from God. Seek reconciliation in relationships where there may be conflict or division.
6. Worship and Community
Attend Ash Wednesday services and weekly worship to focus on the themes of Lent. Join a small group or Lenten study to grow with others in faith.
7. Practicing Gratitude and Joy
Keep a gratitude journal to reflect on God’s blessings even in a season of repentance. Find joy in the journey, knowing that Lent leads to the celebration of Easter.
Lent is a season of preparation, but it is also an opportunity for renewal and deeper faith. How do you observe Lent?
EASTER LILY FUNDRAISER
Deadline: Monday, April 14
This Lenten season, make a difference in the community and help support our Society of St. Stephen ministry by ordering one of our beautiful Easter Lilies. Society of St. Stephen is a completely volunteer run ministry, and all financial support goes directly to support people in need. Your contribution will help Mobile families keep their lights on and provide good food for the hungry.
All lilies are dedicated to a loved one of your choice and will be displayed in our sanctuary during our April 20 Easter Sunday Worship Services to remind us of the hope offered through our Lord and Savior’s sacrifice. They will be available for pickup directly following the service for you to take home or give as a gift. You may also make a meaningful donation in honor or in memory of a loved one, instead of purchasing a lily.
With only 65 lilies available, now is the time to bring a touch of God’s beauty into your life.
Cost: $15 each
Deadline: Monday, April 14
Help make this Easter season special by giving back. Order your lily or donate today at dauphinwayumc.org/easterlily2025, or fill out a paper form located in the Gathering Place.
ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP
Wednesday, March 5
12 PM & 5:30 PM | Sanctuary
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a sacred season of fasting and prayer as we prepare our hearts to remember the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We invite you to gather with us for one of our two Ash Wednesday services this year. Both services will feature uplifting music, an inspiring sermon, and a special invitation to embrace the Lenten discipline. Start this meaningful season with us in reflection and devotion.
SEVEN LAST WORDS SERMON SERIES
Sundays, March 9 – April 13
8:20 AM | Chapel Worship | Adkins Chapel
9:30 AM | Contemporary Worship | Moore Hall
11:00 AM | Sanctuary Worship | Sanctuary
As we journey through Lent, Rev. Gillian’s sermon series, Seven Last Words, invites reflection on the profound words spoken by Jesus from the cross. Each Sunday, the sermons will be paired with hand-selected music and prayers, offering a meaningful and enriching worship experience for this season of reflection.
LENTEN WORSHIP & DINNER
Wednesdays, March 12 – April 9
5:30 PM | Sanctuary & McGowin Hall
Lenten Dinner goes beyond just food—it becomes an experience for the soul as much as for the body. These meals offer a space to connect, to be heard, understood, and embraced. We invite you to join us for Lenten Dinners every Wednesday throughout Lent. Each Wednesday night, along with dinner, we’ll join together for a brief service of prayer and a devotional message by special guest speakers who will share their insights and reflections to help guide us on our journey.
Find out more about our 2025 Guest Speakers and Register for Lenten Dinners at: dauphinwayumc.org/
childcare available for ages 4 and under in the Treehouse 5:00-8:15 PM
FINAL WORDS FROM THE CROSS
Sundays , March 9 – April 13
4:30 PM | Family Life Room
Wednesdays, March 12 – April 16
12:00 PM | Dill Parlor
Join us for a meaningful Lenten Bible study as we dive into the inspiring book Final Words from the Cross by Adam Hamilton. Paired with Rev. Gillian’s Lenton sermon series and led by Rev. Wilson Newell, the study offers a deeper understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and invites us to draw closer to Him during this holy season. Final Words from the Cross can be purchased on Amazon, but no book purchase is required. You have two chances to participate in the study held on Sunday evenings and again on Wednesdays at noon.
In the book, Hamilton explores the final words of Jesus as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of those who stood near the cross. Each chapter begins with the biblical account followed by a first-person story as might have been told from the viewpoint of one of the characters at the cross. Then the chapter explores the meaning of Jesus’ dying words for our lives today. Following the last statement, a postscript recounts the words Jesus spoke following his resurrection, including what truly were the final words Jesus spoke while walking this earth. Join the crowd now and experience the final words from the cross.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
written by Huntingdon College Students and Professors
Experience the season of Lent in a deeper, more meaningful way with Hope from Ashes, a daily devotional guide created by Huntingdon College. This collection of thought-provoking devotionals is designed to enrich your Lenten journey, whether used as personal reading, small group discussions, or a church-wide Lenten experience. Let these reflections inspire you and deepen your understanding of the cross and Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and renew your spirit as you walk this sacred season.
Begin your journey here:
dauphinwayumc.org/lentendevotional
CENTERING PRAYER
Every Wednesday
1:30 PM | Dill Parlor
We invite you to a meaningful, ongoing spiritual practice that has been enriching lives at Dauphin Way for five years. Every week, we gather in Dill Parlor at 1:30 PM to experience Centering Prayer—a peaceful, non-verbal way to connect deeply with God in silence. Afterward, we engage in intercessional prayer, lifting up prayers for others.
We also come together to reflect on a shared book, deepening our understanding and faith through thoughtful discussion. This season, we’ll be diving into a Lenten study book. New members are always welcome, so come share in this sacred time of prayer and community.
PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP
Sunday, April 13 | 10:30 AM
Combined Service – Sanctuary
Celebrate Palm Sunday with us as we honor the entrance of Christ into Jerusalem, during which palm branches were placed in his path before his arrest on Holy Thursday and his crucifixion on Good Friday. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final week of Lent. It’s a time of reflection before Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
We will hold our Palm Sunday combined worship service at 10:30 AM. After the service, join us in the Pumpkin Patch for our Annual Palm Sunday Fish Fry—a delicious tradition here at Dauphin Way. There will also be an Egg Hunt for the little ones, making it a day for the whole family to gather in faith and fun!
childcare available for ages 4 and under in the Treehouse 9:00-11:45 AM
2025 LENTEN OFFERING
Sunday, April 13
during our Palm Sunday Worship Service
Each year during Lent, we have the privilege of hearing from our ministry partners both locally and globally. Together, we gather a special offering on Palm Sunday to support their vital work in our community and beyond. Give in person or go to dauphinwayumc.org/give and select “Lenten Offering.”
Our 2025 Ministry Partners are:
South Alabama Wesley Foundation
Auburn Wesley Foundation
Dumas Wesley Community Center
Leinkauf Elementary School
Ebenezer Basic School (Jamaica)
First Light Community
Habitat for Humanity
Inner City Mission
Magnolia and Vestal UMCs (Knoxville)
Mobile Metro Jail Chaplaincy
QuadW Internship
Waterfront Rescue Mission
PALM SUNDAY FISH FRY
Sunday, April 13 | Pumpkin Patch
following our Palm Sunday Worship Service
Join us in the Pumpkin Patch after our Palm Sunday Worship Service on April 13 for a fun-filled fish fry fundraiser benefiting our ministry partners. The event will feature delicious food, exciting games, egg hunts, and activities for all ages.
Reserve your plate early and help us make sure there’s plenty of food for everyone! Your early sign-up makes a big difference — don’t wait, sign up today!
Get more information and register for the Fish Fry here:
dauphinwayumc.org/fishfry2025
MORNING PRAYER & COMMUNION
Monday – Friday, April 14-18
7:00 AM | Adkins Chapel
Start your Holy Week mornings with Rev. Gillian in Adkins Chapel for a brief service of Morning Prayer and Holy Communion. Each day, all are welcome to join in Scripture reading, prayer, and the sacrament of Holy Communion. Afterward, enjoy a time of fellowship with coffee in McGowin Hall. Let this time of reflection and connection set the tone for your day.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Monday – Friday, April 14-18
8 AM – 5 PM | Sanctuary
This Holy Week of Lent, deepen your reflection and prayer as the Stations of the Cross icons are displayed in our Sanctuary. Accompany your journey with provided written meditation guides, thoughtfully prepared to help you connect with the passion of Christ. Join us in this sacred time of meditation, contemplation, and renewal. All are welcome to experience this meaningful devotion.
The Sanctuary will be open Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM. Simply stop by the receptionist’s desk to request access, and the lights will be turned on for you.
MAUNDY THURSDAY WORSHIP
Thursday, April 17
6:00 PM | Sanctuary
Take part in our Maundy Thursday service as we reflect on the profound significance of Jesus Christ’s Last Supper with His disciples. This sacred day invites us to remember the powerful message of humility, selflessness, and the call to serve others. Come together with our community in worship, prayer, and reflection as we honor this pivotal moment in our faith journey. All are welcome to share in this meaningful time of remembrance and spiritual growth.
childcare available for ages 4 and under in the Treehouse from 5:30-7:30 PM
GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP
Friday, April 18
6:00 PM | Moore Hall
Be apart of our Good Friday service for a time of prayer and reflection as we honor the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. This solemn service will give space for quiet contemplation and heartfelt prayer, as we remember the depth of His love and the ultimate gift of salvation through His death. We invite you to come with an open heart and experience the power of Christ’s sacrifice.
childcare available for ages 4 and under in the Treehouse 5:30-7:30 PM
EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP
Sunday, April 20
8:20 AM | Sanctuary Worship | Sanctuary
9:30 AM | Contemporary Worship | Moore Hall
11:00 AM | Sanctuary Worship | Sanctuary
This Easter Sunday, we come together to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ! On this sacred day, we remember His ultimate sacrifice—Jesus died on the cross, was buried for three days, and triumphed over death by rising again. His victory brings us hope, renewal, and the promise of everlasting life. All are welcome to this special day of worship and celebration.
childcare available for ages 4 and under in the Treehouse from 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM
