A Sojourner's Quest

2 7 6 / A S O J O U R N E R ’ S Q U E S T

Special Celebrations and Observances of the Church Year The Urban Ministry Institute

As those committed to following and being conformed to the person of Christ, we find the Church Year invaluable. It allows us to follow the life of Jesus in real time in our worship and discipleship context. For us, it is about our commitment, adoration, and delight in the person of Christ, and our desire to be identified with his life, death, and resurrection. As we celebrate the Church Year together, we begin with the birth of Christ ( Advent to Epiphany ). Next, in our worship and reflection we focus on the revelation of Christ’s mission to the world ( The Epiphany, The Baptism of the Lord , and Transfiguration Sunday ). We then journey with our Lord to his Passion, being reminded through the Church Year that Jesus set his face toward Jerusalem and the Cross ( Ash Wednesday and Lent ). We follow the historical events of Christ’s work as it climaxes in his final week – his entry into Jerusalem, his confrontation with his enemies, his Supper with his disciples, his sham trial, his crucifixion, his burial ( Holy Week ), and his resurrection ( Easter ). We affirm in celebration his Ascension to the Father’s right hand in glory ( Ascension Day ), and remember the birth of his Church through the outpouring of his Spirit on the people ( Pentecost ). We continue our observances as we acknowledge his active presence in the Church, remembering his headship, his mandate to the harvest, and the hope of his Church throughout the ages ( Season after Pentecost ). We anticipate the gathering of all believers together at his throne, while remembering his martyrs and generations gone by ( All Saints Day ). Finally, we anticipate and await his return, and acknowledge in worship and service that Christ will soon reign supreme as Lord and King over all ( Reign of Christ the King ). In our celebrations, we notice the “rhythms” of worship and doctrine in the Church Year. Advent both ends the cycle and begins it again. It looks forward to his Second Coming as the conclusion of the Church Year but also prepares to remember again his First Coming and thus