The Church year is divided up into festivals and seasons.
Some, like Christmas Day, happen on the same date every year, while others move around within a range of dates.
The main festival that moves is Easter, and since many other festivals have their dates fixed in relation to Easter, they move with it.
Advent
Advent is the four week period before Christmas. There are four Sundays in Advent. The word ‘Advent’ means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’ and in this case, points towards the birth of Jesus celebrated at Christmas.
Christmas (25 December – 5 January)
The season of Christmas begins on the 25 December and traditionally lasts twelve days ending on 5 January. Christmas is the time when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Epiphany (6 January)
The Epiphany, or revelation, of the baby Jesus as the Son of God come into the world, is traditionally celebrated on the 6 January.
Lent
Lent is the 40 day period before Easter starting on Ash Wednesday. During Lent, Christians might fast, or give up some of their usual routine, to give time to personal examination and reflect on their relationship with God. Most years our 3 churches have a ‘Lent Challenge’ which normally centers around helping people less fortunate than us.
Holy Week
Holy Week is the last week of Lent. It’s the week before Easter and the time during the Christian year when Christians remember the last week in Jesus’ life, up to his crucifixion. Like many churches we have something happening each day of Holy Week.
Easter
This is when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. It’s the most important festival in the Christian year.
Ascension Day
We commemorates the ascension of Jesus into heaven 40 days after his resurrection. It marks the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
Pentecost
We celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, seven weeks after Easter. Pentecost is also known as Whitsun.