Church Season: The Christian Year |
Discover the Journey of Faith Through Every Season
From Advent hope to Easter joy to Pentecost power, the Church Year helps Christians walk through the life of Jesus Christ and grow in faith through seasons of worship, reflection, celebration, and discipleship.
At Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, these sacred seasons help shape our worship, prayers, Scripture readings, and spiritual growth throughout the year.
What Is the Church Year?
The Church Year, also called the Christian Year or Liturgical Year, is the yearly rhythm many churches follow to remember the life, ministry, death, resurrection, and continuing work of Jesus Christ.
Rather than simply marking time by months and holidays, the Church Year invites believers to mark time by the story of salvation.
Each season carries a special focus:
- Hope
- Preparation
- Repentance
- Sacrifice
- Resurrection
- Power
- Growth in discipleship
Why the Church Year Matters
The Church Year helps us:
- Keep Christ at the center of every season
- Learn the story of Scripture year after year
- Grow spiritually through worship and reflection
- Celebrate resurrection hope
- Stay rooted in faith through changing life seasons
It reminds us that God is at work in every season of life.
The Seasons of the Church Year
Advent
A season of waiting, hope, and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Colors often used: Purple or Blue
Christmas
A season of joy celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel—God with us.
Colors often used: White or Gold
Epiphany
A season celebrating the light of Christ revealed to the world.
Colors often used: White and Green
Lent
A season of repentance, prayer, self-examination, and preparation for Easter.
Colors often used: Purple
Holy Week
The most sacred week of the Christian year, remembering Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, the cross, and the resurrection.
Includes:
- Palm Sunday
- Holy Monday
- Holy Tuesday
- Holy Wednesday
- Maundy Thursday
- Good Friday
- Holy Saturday
- Easter Sunday
Easter Season
A season of joy celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and new life in Him.
Easter is more than one Sunday—it is a season of resurrection hope, renewed faith, and joyful celebration. From the empty tomb to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the Easter season invites us to walk with the risen Jesus as He appeared to His followers, restored hearts, opened eyes, gave peace, and sent His people into the world.
Explore how Christ continued His work from Resurrection morning to Pentecost—and what that means for our lives today.
Pentecost
Celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.
Colors often used: Red
Ordinary Time
A season focused on spiritual growth, discipleship, service, and learning to follow Christ daily.
Colors often used: Green
Walking Through the Year Today
The Church Year is more than tradition—it is a guide for everyday faith.
When life feels uncertain, Advent teaches hope.
When hearts need renewal, Lent teaches repentance.
When joy feels distant, Easter proclaims resurrection.
When courage is needed, Pentecost reminds us of the Holy Spirit.
When daily life feels ordinary, Ordinary Time teaches faithful discipleship.
Reflection Questions
1. What season of faith do I most need right now?
Possible answers:
- Hope like Advent
- Renewal like Lent
- Joy like Easter
- Strength like Pentecost
- Steady growth like Ordinary Time
2. How can I follow Christ more intentionally this year?
Possible answers:
- Worship regularly
- Read Scripture daily
- Pray more faithfully
- Serve others
- Join a class or study
3. What story of Jesus do I need to remember today?
Possible answers:
- His birth brings hope
- His cross brings forgiveness
- His resurrection brings life
- His Spirit brings power
- His presence brings peace
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for walking with us through every season of life. Help us grow in faith through times of waiting, repentance, joy, service, and hope. Keep our hearts centered on You throughout the year. Amen.
Explore the Seasons
- Advent
- Christmas
- Epiphany
- Lent
- Holy Week
- Easter
- Pentecost
- Ordinary Time
Join Us
Join us for worship at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Pleasant Grove, welcoming neighbors from western Birmingham and across Jefferson County through every season of faith.
Learn More
- Foundations of Faith
- Worship at PGUMC
- Holy Week Journey
- Current Sermon Series
- Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar
