The United Methodist Church has long used a liturgical calendar to guide worship throughout the church year, helping congregations mark seasons like Advent, Lent, and Pentecost with specific symbolic colors. For those planning services in 2017, a printable church colors calendar serves as an invaluable tool for maintaining both tradition and visual harmony across church décor, vestments, and digital communications.
Understanding the United Methodist Liturgical Year
In the United Methodist tradition, the liturgical year follows a rhythm that reflects the life of Christ. Each season is associated with particular colors that carry theological meaning. These colors are not arbitrary; they are deeply rooted in scripture, history, and worship practice.
The primary liturgical colors used by United Methodist churches include purple, white, red, and green. Each of these colors corresponds to different times of the church year and carries spiritual significance that enriches the worship experience.
The 2017 Liturgical Colors and Their Meanings
Purple
Purple is the color most commonly associated with Advent and Lent, two seasons of preparation and penitence. In 2017, purple would be displayed during the four Sundays of Advent beginning on December 3, 2017, and throughout the Lenten season leading up to Easter. Purple represents royalty, repentance, and preparation for the coming of Christ.
White and Gold
White and gold are reserved for the greatest feasts of the church year: Christmas and Easter. In 2017, Christ the King Sunday falls on November 26, and white would be used through Christmas and Epiphany (January 6, 2017) and throughout the Easter season beginning on April 16, 2017, until Pentecost. These colors represent purity, joy, and the resurrection of Christ.
Red
Red symbolizes the Holy Spirit and is used on Pentecost Sunday and for ordinations and church anniversaries. In 2017, Pentecost falls on June 4, making that date a key marker for red in the calendar.
Green
Green is the Ordinary Time color, used during periods of growth in the Christian life. In the 2017 calendar, green dominates from early January until Lent begins on March 1, resumes after Easter, and continues until Advent.
Creating and Using a Printable Calendar
For church secretaries, worship committees, and pastors, having a printable church colors calendar for 2017 is essential for planning bulletins, paraments, and altar cloths in advance. A well-designed calendar helps ensure that the correct colors are ordered or prepared well ahead of each season.
Many United Methodist denominational resources offer downloadable PDF versions of the liturgical calendar for the year. These resources typically include Sundays and major feast days with appropriate colors alongside scripture readings, making them a comprehensive planning tool for entire congregations.
Practical Planning Tips
- Order paraments and vestments weeks in advance of major seasonal changes, especially for Advent and Easter.
- D...
