As a cradle Anglican I grew up learning about the seasons of the church year. But in recent years, I have come across many Anglicans who know little or nothing about them. Of course, everyone knows about the major feast days of Christmas and Easter, but not much in between. Perhaps they were never taught about them; maybe they are newcomers from a different faith background or it could be that the hymns sung in their parishes don’t reflect the themes of the seasons. I have certainly noticed this to be the case in a few congregations I have visited and have wondered about that. Then, a few years ago, while leading a church music workshop, one music leader confessed to not having been aware of this liturgical cycle, so seasonal hymns didn’t really factor into their choices. I must admit that this came as a bit of a shock to me. As a church musician, I believe that one of the ways we set ourselves apart as Anglicans is through our liturgy, with our music playing a big part in that. When the hymns support the liturgy by reflecting seasonal themes and symbols, our congregations are more likely to be aware of them. With this in mind, I have chosen to write about what we Anglicans can expect in the coming months.
By the time you read this we will be entering into the season of Ordinary Time. It is the longest season of the church year and the liturgical colour is green. You will notice this in the hangings and clergy vestments. The season is actually broken into two sections. Part 1 started on January 6 with the Feast of the Epiphany and went until Ash Wednesday on March 5. Lent followed, and then came the season Easter, which lasted fifty days. This year, part 2 of Ordinary Time begins on June 8 with the Feast of Pentecost and will end with the Reign of Christ on November 23,
Although the seasonal colour is green, Pentecost is an exception because it is a special feast day. Its colour is red and marks the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to preach the Gospel and begin the mission of the Church. This empowerment came with their ability to speak in various languages/tongues so all could understand. Hymns for Pentecost reflect themes and symbols such as the Holy Spirit, renewal, wind, and flames. In Common Praise these are hymns #249-254, and those listed in the subject index. Popular ones include “Come Down O Love Divine,” “Wind Upon the Waters,” “Spirit of the Living God,” “Spirit of Gentleness,” “Loving Spirit,” and “Veni Sancte Spiritus.” The following week is Trinity Sunday, another special day, so the colour is white. It celebrates the three Persons of God: Creator, Son, and Holy Spirit. Popular hymns include “Holy Holy Holy,” “I Bind Unto Myself,” “I Believe in God Almighty,” “Jesus Calls Us Here to Meet Him,” and “Today I Awake.”
Once these two Sundays are done, the colour for Ordinary Time will be green until the Reign of Christ, which is white. It represents growth and the time when we learn about the ministry, life, and teachings of Jesus. In September, Anglican parishes have the option to celebrate the Season of Creation. It is still considered part of Ordinary Time, but focuses on creation, nature, and the environment. I have not listed any hymns for this green time as there so many, but one can’t go wrong if one relates the hymns to the readings and includes themes of praise and creation.
If you would like to know more about how to select hymns or just need some seasonal ideas please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
