Holy Week:
Sunday, March 29: Palm Sunday Worship Services | 8 am, 9 am, 11 am | Children of all ages – come and wave your palm high in celebration of Christ. He walked in triumph even in the darkest of moments, on the way to the cross.
Wednesday, April 1:
Fred Szczepanski, taize worship & piano | 6 pm | Pianist Fred Szczepanski, known as Mr. Fred, is the former longtime worship and music leader in Traverse City. Over decades of service, he became known by people all over town especially for his reflective Taize-inspired worship offerings through the season of Lent. We are grateful to hear his voice and music as we experience holy week and Christ’s walk to the cross.
Thursday, April 2:
Maundy Thursday Passover Seder Observance with Congregation Beth Shalom
Congregation Beth Shalom and Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg have invited us to an authentic Passover Seder Observance here at Central for Maundy Thursday! This is a special opportunity to walk with our Jewish siblings for this tradition, which features traditional foods and music as the story of Passover is shared. Maundy Thursday, the Last Supper, is believed to have been a Passover observed by Jesus and his followers. Please come and see for yourself what that celebration of the exodus from Egyptian slavery was like. You are invited to join us on Thursday, April 2 at 6pm at Central United Methodist Church. All spots have been filled. A waitlist is available here.
Friday, April 3: Good Friday
Good Friday & Holy Week 2026 Press Release
Good Friday Community Ecumenical Service | 12:15 pm - 3 pm | Watch LIVE here on our website
Churches from around the Traverse City area will come together on Good Friday to remember the seven last words of Christ in preaching and song.
Stations of the Cross in Rotary Square for Migrants presented by Our Lady of Guadalupe | 6 pm
Our local Catholic-Hispanic parish invites allies to a community event where allies can walk the stations of the cross for migrants. Central UMC will host a station (or altar). If there is inclement weather we will move inside. Please join in solidarity during this one-hour event in Rotary Square.
Tenebrae Service | 8 pm | As the sun goes down on Good Friday, join us for a powerful experience of the last breath of Christ, when the world went dark. We will strip the altar and enter mourning until the light returns on the third day. Experience Easter completely this year, by allowing your spirit to truly see how Christ’s light shines through the darkest of nights.
Easter:
Sunday, April 5:
Easter Sunday Worship Services @ Central | 9 am, 11 am | Christ is RISEN! RISEN INDEED! Celebrate with us in word and song as we raise our voices in praise for the One who knows our sorrows and conquers the grave! This is the biggest celebration of the Christian year! We need your voice to join in the song!
Sunrise Service @ Greilickville Park | 7 am | Rise early in the morning and dress warm for a chance to praise God and celebrate new life in Christ together in song and prayer as the sun rises gently over West Grand Traverse Bay. The service is about 30 minutes long.
Not able to join us in-person?
Click Here to Watch LIVE on Facebook (9 & 11 am Sundays)
Click Here to Watch LIVE on the Church Website (9 & 11 am Sundays)
