Welcome to the Church Year: An Introduction to the Seasons of the Episcopal Church

by Vicki K. Black

From birthday cakes and anniversary dinners to summer vacations at the beach, each family has its own ways of marking the days and seasons of its life. For the Christian family―especially Episcopalians―it’s no different. With an array of colors and an assortment of rich traditions, Episcopalians move through the Church year, marking the days and seasons that tell the story of Christ in our lives―in history and today. This book―written for newcomers to the Episcopal Church as well as lifelong members―takes readers by the hand and leads them through the Church year, from the first Sunday of Advent through the last Sunday of Pentecost, answering questions like “Why do we use purple in Lent?” and “What does Maundy Thursday mean?” In an easy-to-read conversational style, Welcome to the Church Y ear introduces readers to the traditions of the Church seasons and explains why we do what we do. But it does more than offer interesting trivia about church vestments and pageantry. Its insights can help readers participate in the liturgies of the Church year in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Genres: Religion, Christian, Nonfiction, Theology, Reference, Faith

130 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my mother’s books and has her margin notes and underlines. I am reading it again to remember the seasons of the church year. I needed a refresher on Epiphany especially.

[Micaela Hardyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid introduction to the church year; this book taught me a lot and gave me many new perspectives. It inspired me to continue to learn about and practice the cycles of the church year, and showed me the value of doing so. Black explains the different seasons and days essential to the church calendar concisely and simply, and this is thus a helpful read for those new to the liturgical church year - rather than being suited only to those who are already familiar with the Episcopalian church.

[Jon Beadle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars worth of material. It’s a great introduction to the mechanics of the church calendar. I prefer the more romantic descriptions of the church year, but it’s always good to be instructed on the ways the calendar forms all of us as a tool of formation and discipleship.

(Note: this is not just for Anglicans. If you are a Christians who wants to observe the calendar as a tool of remembrance and discipleship, look no further.)

[Melanie Rightmyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very helpful in explaining some of the seasons of the church. i'm glad I own a copy so that I can refresh my memory as we enter a new time in the liturgical year.

[Jordan Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book several years ago, reading only the chapters that applied to the church season we were in at the time. This time, I read it from start to finish. In my opinion, the latter is the best way to read this book. I like how Black continues themes of the church year throughout the book. (i.e. Concepts she discusses in Advent are later revisited in the Easter season.) I wish that Black would have been more consistent in the depth she went into each major feast day and season.

[Matt Ely · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is mostly useful as a utility book. When you get to a certain season and need a refresher on why the ceremonies and liturgy change, refer to that section of the book. Reading it all in one go, as I did, is a bit overwhelming for the amount of detail. But great for its intended use.

[Jonathan Frazier]

263.9