HOLY WEEK SERVICES
Palm Sunday Worship
Sunday, March 29 @ 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary
Join us for a very special palm parade led by Pablo the donkey and the children through the Sanctuary.
Maundy Thursday Service
Thursday, April 2 @ 6:30 PM in the Sanctuary
We will remember the Passover supper that Jesus shared with his disciples. During this service, we will share communion and
washing of hands.
Good Friday Service for ALL Ages
Friday, April 3 @ 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall
This experiential service of stories, light, and shadow. It is designed to be a meaningful worship experience for 3-year-olds through adults.
Easter, Sunday, April 5
Easter Sunrise Worship at 7:00 AM on the front lawn
Easter Worship in the Sanctuary at 10:00 AM
We will sing, hear scripture, and take communion as we welcome the Good News that He Is Risen.
Easter Egg Hunt for children through 5th grade at 11:15 AM
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You must proclaim to all the nations a total life-change which leads to forgiveness and reconciliation in my name.
—The Risen Jesus in Luke 24:46The Christian church’s insistence on bodily resurrection stretches back to the very first Easter, when Mary and the other women returned from the tomb, telling how they had seen the risen Jesus. He appeared to the disciples. Thomas got to put his hands on him. The risen Christ even prepared and shared meals with them. In each account, no one was looking for resurrection. Everyone was surprised because resurrection isn’t an idea or a plan or a principle someone cooked up. It’s just what happens when God breathes life into the dead and the dust.
Resurrection doesn’t mean anything if it doesn’t change everything. Easter is our call to join the revolution in Jesus’ name.
God takes seriously our bodies and every part of this beautiful creation. That’s why Jesus is undeniably clear on the matter of taking care of people and all the earth. Both before and after his death, Jesus insists that his followers do everything they can, giving, working, and sacrificing whatever is required to care for every person and every amazing part of God’s created world.
The resurrection of Jesus on Easter begins the revolution of our lives and this world. It’s a call for the church to step up to do whatever it takes to reach and grow new followers of Jesus, to stand up and speak out, and resist everything that is destructive and dismissive of the holiness of all people and all things that God created.
When Jesus hung on the cross, just before he died, he said, “Father, Abba, Papa, God, into your hands I commend my spirit.” This scripture forever reminds us that nothing is finished until we, the church, give all that we have and all that we are to bless and serve all people everywhere and to oppose and set right all injustice, exploitation, violence, and greed that demeans and degrades people and the planet.
Resurrection doesn’t mean anything if it doesn’t change everything. Easter is our call to join the revolution in Jesus’ name. Please join me this year to give more of our time and our treasure to build the church, to bless and serve all people, to care for the planet – all of it, in Jesus name. It’s the best investment we will ever make. Let’s do it now and together.
I love you church! I’m praying for you. I’ll see you in the streets as we take the forgiving and justice-oriented love of Jesus to the world!
Pastor Jim
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April worship begins with Holy Week, the most sacred time of the year. On March 29th, we celebrate Palm Sunday with a palm procession and Pablo the Donkey. You won’t want to miss the beauty and the fun. Bring your neighbors, friends, and family! On Maundy Thursday (April 2nd), we remember the Last Supper with worship, handwashing, and communion. On Good Friday (April 3rd), the youth will lead our intergenerational worship remembering the crucifixion of Jesus. Light and dark, meditation, movement, and song. Bring your kids and learn what Easter is all about! Then, Easter Sunday worship includes Sunrise worship outdoors at 7 a.m. with communion, and Sanctuary worship at 10 a.m. with lots of special music, banners, and renewal of our commitment to Christ. Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m.
Throughout the remainder of April, we’ll continue to study what the Bible teaches about apprenticing our lives to Jesus. Come learn with Pastor Jim the 3 driving goals of discipleship: Be with Jesus; Become like Jesus; and Do as Jesus did. Study on your own by reading Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer.
March 29, 2026
Palm Sunday
Palm Procession with Pablo the Donkey
Matthew 21:1-11April 2, 2026
Maundy Thursday –
6:30 PM Worship
John 13:1-17, 31b-35April 3, 2026
Good Friday – 6:30 PM
Intergenerational Worship in the Fellowship HallApril 5, 2026
Easter Sunday
John 20:1-18 and Matthew 28:1-10Sunrise Service at 7 AM
Sanctuary Service at 10 AM
Easter Egg Hunt at 11 AMApril 12, 2026
Demo Day
Colossians 3:1-11April 19, 2026
Made Like Jesus
Colossians 3:9-17April 26, 2026
Earth SundayMaking Space for the Gospel
Luke 19:7-10 and Matthew 11:11-19
You will not want to miss Rainier Chorale’s 2026 Masterworks Concert!
Featuring the world premier of From the Dark by Daniel Elder,
Schubert’s Mass in G, and Illuminare by Elaine Hagenberg
From the Dark marks a powerful milestone for Rainier Chorale: the world premiere of a newly commissioned work by acclaimed composer Daniel Elder. Written specifically for the ensemble, From the Dark explores emergence, hope, and the luminous turning toward light—music that is at once intimate and expansive, modern yet deeply human. Complemented by the exquisite Illuminare by Hagenberg, the evening will be full of enlightenment and move us toward a hopeful future.
This premiere anchors an evening of rich, immersive sound, featuring large orchestral forces alongside Rainier Chorale’s signature sound. The program is rounded out by Franz Schubert, creating a compelling dialogue between the classical canon and bold contemporary voice. Together, these works form a concert of dramatic contrast and emotional resonance—an unforgettable debut that celebrates collaboration, artistry, and the transformative power of choral-orchestral music. Not to be missed! Buy Tickets!
2026 Giving Campaign
Please join us to prayerfully consider your part in the ministry of Kent United Methodist Church. Your faithful giving supports the work God is doing in and through this church: worship, outreach, discipleship, missions, and care for those in need. Our three big goals this year are providing cost-of-living increases for our terrific staff team, fully funding the upkeep for our buildings and grounds, and continuing our amazing and uplifting ministry programs.
With winter coming, here are a few things to know...
Worship—If worship is canceled due to a power outage or weather event, we will do our best to communicate that by sending an email and posting it on our website.
Power Outages—to find out if the church might be closed due to a power outage, use the PSE Power Outage Map at
pse.com/en/outage/outage-map.
Weather-related Closures—the church office follows the Kent School District guidelines for weather-related closures
(kent.k12.wa.us/page/school-closures-delays).
We love having you with us in worship, but your well-being is our priority. Please do whatever you need to do to stay safe.
Creation Care Commitment
We, the Kent United Methodist Church, commit to continuing to decrease our carbon footprint as measured by the EPA Portfolio Manager metrics to attain the goal of becoming an Energy Star Building by the year 2030. The measurements include our use of electricity, gas, water, and disposal of garbage, recycling, and compost.
Energy Star Score for 2019—30 for 2022—43 for 2023— 59
Energy Star Target Goal: 75 by the year 2030
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