For the next year, Covenant will shape our worship and formation around the liturgical calendar.

While we typically observe the major liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent, we typically don’t follow the lectionary for preaching or emphasize other liturgical holidays.

Liturgical Calendar Dates

A complete list of Presbyterian Mission Lectionary Readings for 2022 can be found at the link below.

We asked Covenant Senior Pastor Thomas Daniel to explain the liturgical calendar and why we are shaping our congregational life around it in the coming year.

What is the liturgical calendar and why should we pay attention to it?

The liturgical calendar is an ecumenical tool that Christians around the world use to mark time. It names the moments throughout the year when Christians celebrate specific seasons, such as Advent and Lent, as well as specific celebrations such as Pentecost. Each year, the liturgical calendar begins with Advent and lasts through the following November with its completion on Christ the King Sunday.

How can ‘living a year liturgically’ be a gift of grace and not a burden of rules?

It is a gift of grace because it reminds us of the full story that God is writing in Creation. We are reminded of moments and occasions that are the foundation of our lives and our faith. The story that God is writing is a story of grace and the liturgical calendar can anchor us firmly in that narrative.

What are you personally most excited about learning over this year?

I am excited to celebrate moments in the Christian calendar that we normally do not focus on at Covenant. Moments like Epiphany and Pentecost have profound importance and beauty. Rooting ourselves in these traditions is something that I am looking forward to experiencing with my family.

What is one thing you hope our congregation takes away from this series?

My hope is that we are reminded that Christianity is a counter-cultural movement and that our lives should move to a rhythm of grace and love. I believe our default is to allow our culture to shape the way we think about time. The culture tells us when we are busy, when we observe holidays, and what values they convey. As followers of Jesus, it will be a radical change to allow a narrative of grace to shape when/how we live our lives and think about our days/weeks/months/year. And I believe doing so might be a profound witness of our faith to the people with whom we live, work, and play.