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The Episcopal Church observes the traditional Christian calendar, arranged with a clear purpose and view to call to mind and allow us to participate in the life of Christ through various seasons.

As we follow the major events in Christ's life, we emphasize this in the changing of colors, symbols and scripture readings throughout the year.

The colors displayed in altar hangings and in the vestments of the clergy symbolize various great emphases of the Gospel and the Church year. Common usage in worship is:

White or gold — symbolizes victory and purity. Christmas season, the Epiphany (through the following Sunday), Easter
season, the Transfiguration, and other joyous festivals and saints' days, Baptism and Marriage.

Violet — signifies seasons of preparation, such as Advent and Lent. In some churches, in place of violet, unbleached linen is used during Lent. Deep red (crimson) is frequently used in Holy Week.

Red — symbolizes the Holy Spirit (the tongues of fire at Pentecost) and martyrdom. The Day of Pentecost and days of saints known to be martyrs, as well as Confirmation and Ordination.

Green — signifies universality and growth (the most frequent color in nature). The season after Epiphany and the long season after Pentecost, seasons during which the texts of the Gospels and Epistles and are read sequentially from Sunday to Sunday.

Easter

The season of Easter emerges out of Lent and Holy Week like a sudden burst of celebration in the church year. White and gold colors and joyful hymns dramatically emphasize this event. Easter — the most holy of Christian days —  marks the beginning of a 50-day celebration of Christ's resurrection. The season culminates with The Ascension, which marks our Lord's rising after his post-resurrection appearances. This is followed by Pentecost Day, and thereafter begins the lengthy Season After Pentecost. 

Interested in finding out more about worship at Good Shepherd? 
For more information, contact the church office.

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