LENT 2026

WedNesday, 18th March - FriDay, 2nd April

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday which gets its name from the ancient tradition of using ashes to draw a cross on the forehead of people attending mass that day as a sign of mortality and sorrow for sin. Ash Wednesday and especially Lent are being observed more and more in the Western Church these days as a way of preparing for Easter, commemorating Christ’s death and celebrating his resurrection. It is a unifying return to early church roots and can create unity among the church at large in our day as well.

Below is a list of links to various Lenten devotionals and activities from The Salvation Army NZFTS Mission Resources to guide you on your lenten journey.

• DEVOTIONAL: Take a look at Sarah West’s “The Desert and the Garden’ Lenten Devotional. These are designed by New Zealand artist Sarah Lea West and offer a simple and prayerful guide through the six weeks of Lent - they are stunning!

• FIND OUT MORE HERE: https://sarahleawest.art/product-category/church-resources/?v=c97b334ffd41

• ART JOURNEY: Series of artwork by kiwi artist Sarah Lea West that you could use in a gathering or foyer: https://sarahleawest.art/.../the-desert-and-the.../...

• LENT AND ESTER EXPLORATION PACK: Designed for kids to explore Lent and Easter - made by us: Lent & Easter Exploration Packs

• LENT CARDS: Pack of gratitude cards produced by IHQ to journey through Lent: https://www.salvationarmy.org/resources/gratitude

• RESOURCES PACK: Sermons, small group etc series produced by TSA UK: https://www.salvationist.org.uk/resources/key-dates/lent

• 40 ACTS: Resources for practical Lent engagement around 40 acts of kindness: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/40acts

• INTERGEN SERVICES: Selection of intergen resources: https://childrenandfamiliesnz.blogspot.com/.../under...

• DAILY EMAILS/DEVOTIONALS: Sign up to receive daily emails journeying through the Psalms from Bible Society UK: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/resources/the-lent-encounter

• WEEKLY RESOURCES: A range of curate resources for each week of Lent: https://www.bibleexplore.nz/lent1a.html

• PRAYING IN COLOUR: Lent specific resources around the praying in colour concept: https://prayingincolor.com/resources/lent-holy-week

• STRANDZ: A collection of kids, families, intergen Lent and Easter resources: https://www.strandz.org.nz/lent--easter.html

• PRINTABLE BOOKLET: Booklet designed for kids and families to explore Lent together: https://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/.../shrove-tuesday...

• DAILY LENT: Daily prompts for personal engagement: https://lent.nz/welcome

Holy Week Services and Events

PALM SUNDAY - Sunday 29th march 2026

PALM SUNDAY SERVICE > 10:30am > 99 London Street

GOOD FRIDAY - Friday, 3rd April 2026

REFLECTIVE SERVICE

10:30am > 99 London Street

MOVIE NIGHT - “THE KING OF KINGS”

6:30pm > 99 London Street > No Youth activities on this date

RESURRECTION SUNDAY - Sunday 5th April 2026

SUNRISE SERVICE

Service begins 7:00am 

Venue > Innes Common > Hamilton Lake.

If raining, the service will be held at 99 London Street.

RESURRECTION SUNDAY SERVICE

10:30am > 99 London Street