The Christmas Cycle 

Advent Season

Advent marks the beginning of the church year. The seasons last four weeks, a time of joyful preparation or waiting for the birth of Jesus. 

Christmas Season

The Christmas season celebrates the birth of Jesus, who is Emmanuel “God with Us.” Recognizing and experiencing Christmas as a season (the twelve days that follow Christmas Day) rather than a single event is an important gift of the church

Epiphany Season
(includes the Baptism of our Lord and the Transfiguration of our Lord)

During the Time of Epiphany we celebrate that Jesus came to earth for all people. Epiphany means “ to show forth, appear, manifest.” This season shows Jesus as God's beloved Son.

The Easter Cycle 

Lenten Season

Lent lasts for 40 days, not including Sundays. It begins each year with Ash Wednesday, when Christians gather to have the sign of the cross marked on their foreheads with ashes. Although Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of a solemn season, it is also a reminder that God loves and forgives us

Palm Sunday marks Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The week following Palm Sunday is Holy Week which includes Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Maundy Thursday recounts Jesus' last meal with his disciples and his act of servant hood either through hand or foot washing. Communion is also part of this ritual. Good Friday retells the story of Jesus' death and burial and anticipates his resurrection

Easter Season 

The Easter Season last for 50 days. It begins on Easter Sunday and concludes on the Day of Pentecost. The resurrection of Christ is proclaimed with shouts of alleluia, and there is good news for everyone: God's final word for us is not death but life. On the 50th day of Easter, we celebrate the Holy Spirit as the power of God among us that heals, forgives, inspires, and unites.

The Time After Pentecost

Pentecost Season

Pentecost is the longest season of the church year. It is a time of growth and renewal; both spiritually and physically. Pentecost is also a time of outreach as we look for the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the lives of those around us.