There are many days of remembrance and celebration during the winter months that don't really fit into one of the church seasons. Look below for more information.
World AIDS Day - December 1
This day is designated by the United Nations. Here are some resources to commemorate that day: http://www.buildfaith.org/2010/11/30/world-aids-day/ St. Nicholas - December 6
Visit the St. Nicholas Center for tons of information and activities. http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/home/ Click here for an Episcopal Lesson Plan on St. Nicholas St. Lucia (or St. Lucy) - December 13
Download the following page for information and an activity. Click to download St. Lucia .pdf Click to download St. Lucia .doc First Sunday after Epiphany
The Baptism of the Christ (or the Baptism of Christ) is the feast day commemorating the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Originally the baptism of Christ was celebrated on Epiphany, which commemorates the coming of the Magi, the baptism of Christ, and the wedding at Cana. Over time in the West, however, the celebration of the baptism of the Lord came to be commemorated as a distinct feast from Epiphany. It is celebrated in Anglican and Lutheran Churches on the first Sunday following The Epiphany of Our Lord (6 January). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptism_of_the_Lord (from wikipedia) Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (a floating holiday close to January 15)
On January 16th, we will commemorate the life and ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. My hope is that churches will recognize his vision in some way during worship services today (at least) and whether we have tomorrow “off” from school or work, we commemorate the day by offering ourselves and our service to one another.
Click here for an Episcopal lesson plan on Martin Luther King, Jr. Candlemas - February 2
In Christian communities today, Candlemas continues to be a day of purification, renewal, and hope. Some call the day Candlemas, (Candle Mass), which comes from the activities associated with the feast. February 2 occurs at a period between the December solstice and the March equinox, so many people traditionally marked that time of the year as winter’s “halfway point” while waiting for the spring. Read more about it and some traditionas on Building Faith Absalom Jones Day - February 13
Absalom Jones (November 7, 1746 – February 13, 1818) was an African-American abolitionist and clergyman. After founding a black congregation in 1794, he was the first African American ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church of the United States, in 1804. He is listed on the Episcopal calendar of saints and remembered liturgically on the date of his death, February 13, in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer as "Absalom Jones, Priest, 1818". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absalom_Jones (from wikipedia) Find out more on the website of Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music of the Episcopal Church Click here for an Episcopal lesson plan on Absalom Jones Valentine's Day - February 14
Valentine's Day - click here to find ways to "Put the Saint back in Valentine's Day |
Education and Formation Resources for Episcopalians
The Episcopal Church has welcomed me.
I hope it will welcome you too!