The Christmas Cycle 

Advent season – November 27-December 18, 2011
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—December 24, 2011-January 6, 2012
Recognizing and experiencing Christmas as a season (the Twelve Days) rather than is single event is an important gift of the church. The Christmas season is the fulfillment of Advent and gives us the reason for Epiphany. 

Epiphany Season—January 8-February 19, 2012
(includes the Baptism of our Lord, January 8th, and Transfiguration of our Lord, February 19th)
During the Time of Epiphany we celebrate that Jesus came to earth for all people. Epiphany means “ to show forth, appear, manifest.” 

The Easter Cycle 

Lenten Season—February 22-April 8, 2012
Lent begins each year with Ash Wednesday (February 22, 2012), 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. 

The traditional disciplines of Lent are fasting, prayer and works of love. However, it is also about being intentional in our daily lives; of living more simply, of bringing our chaotic lives into balance. Lent last for 40 days, not including Sundays. 

Holy Week—April 1-April 6, 2012 Is the week between Palm Sunday, April 1st, and includes The Three Days- Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Vigil of Easter. 

The Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday recounts Jesus’ last meal with his disciples and his act of servanthood 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. The Vigil of Easter is a way to remember the history of the story of salvation. It includes an Affirmation of Baptism and Communion. A celebration of Baptism or First Communion can be included in this service. 

Easter Season—April 15-May 27, 2012
(Inc The Ascension of Our Lord and Pentecost)
The Easter Season last for 50 days. It begins on Easter Sunday, the Festival of the Resurrection, continues through Ascension, and concludes on the Day of Pentecost. The resurrection of Christ is proclaimed with shouts of alleluia, and there is good news for everyone: death has been put to death, humanity has been restored. 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 of the Church 

The Season after Pentecost—June 3-November 25, 2012
(Inc Holy Trinity, Christ the King, Reformation and All Saints Sunday)
Pentecost is the longest season of the church year. It lasts from the second to the twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost. 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.