Elca Liturgical Calendar 2024-2025: Key Dates Inside

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) follows a liturgical calendar that guides the church's worship and observances throughout the year. The ELCA's liturgical calendar is based on the traditional Christian calendar, with some unique elements and observances specific to the Lutheran tradition. As we approach the 2024-2025 church year, let's take a closer look at the key dates and observances that shape the ELCA's worship and spiritual life.

The Church Year: An Overview

The church year, also known as the liturgical year, is the annual cycle of seasons and festivals that the ELCA follows. The church year begins on the first Sunday of Advent, which falls in late November or early December, and ends on the eve of Advent the following year. The church year is divided into several seasons, each with its own unique themes, colors, and observances.

The Seasons of the Church Year

The church year is divided into six main seasons:

1. Advent: A four-week season of preparation and expectation, leading up to Christmas.
2. Christmas: A 12-day season of celebration and joy, marking the birth of Jesus Christ.
3. Epiphany: A six-week season of light and revelation, marking the visit of the Magi to Jesus.
4. Lent: A 40-day season of repentance and reflection, leading up to Easter.
5. Easter: A 50-day season of celebration and joy, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
6. Pentecost: A season of growth and mission, marking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Key Dates in the 2024-2025 ELCA Liturgical Calendar

Here are some key dates and observances in the 2024-2025 ELCA liturgical calendar:

Advent: + First Sunday of Advent: November 24, 2024 + Second Sunday of Advent: December 1, 2024 + Third Sunday of Advent: December 8, 2024 + Fourth Sunday of Advent: December 15, 2024 Christmas: + Christmas Eve: December 24, 2024 + Christmas Day: December 25, 2024 Epiphany: + Epiphany Sunday: January 5, 2025 + Baptism of Our Lord: January 12, 2025 Lent: + Ash Wednesday: February 26, 2025 + First Sunday in Lent: March 2, 2025 + Second Sunday in Lent: March 9, 2025 + Third Sunday in Lent: March 16, 2025 + Fourth Sunday in Lent: March 23, 2025 + Fifth Sunday in Lent: March 30, 2025 Easter: + Palm Sunday: March 28, 2025 + Maundy Thursday: April 3, 2025 + Good Friday: April 4, 2025 + Easter Sunday: April 5, 2025 Pentecost: + Pentecost Sunday: May 11, 2025 + Trinity Sunday: May 18, 2025

Other Important Observances

In addition to the major seasons and festivals, the ELCA also observes several other important dates and observances throughout the year. Some of these include:

Reformation Sunday: October 27, 2024 (Observed on the last Sunday in October) All Saints' Sunday: November 3, 2024 (Observed on the first Sunday in November) Thanksgiving Day: November 28, 2024 (Observed on the fourth Thursday in November) Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 20, 2025 (Observed on the third Monday in January)

These observances and festivals provide opportunities for the ELCA to reflect on its faith and heritage, and to engage in worship and service that brings people closer to God and to one another.

Conclusion: Embracing the Liturgical Calendar

The ELCA's liturgical calendar is a rich and complex tapestry of seasons, festivals, and observances that shape the church's worship and spiritual life. By embracing this calendar and its many traditions, Lutherans can deepen their understanding of their faith and connect with the broader Christian community. As we journey through the 2024-2025 church year, may we be guided by the rhythms of the liturgical calendar, and may we be filled with joy, hope, and peace.

We invite you to join us on this journey, and to explore the many wonders of the ELCA's liturgical calendar. Whether you are a lifelong Lutheran or just curious about the church's traditions, we hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of the ELCA's liturgical calendar and its many observances.

Gallery of Elca Liturgical Calendar 2024-2025: Key Dates Inside