Pentecost
As in other seasons in the church year, Pentecost Sunday is the start of the church season which bears the same name. The word Pentecost comes from the Greek word πεντηκοστη meaning 'the fiftieth day'. On Pentecost Sunday (which falls 50 days after Easter) we commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus as described in the second chapter of the book of Acts. The Spirit of God appeared to the faithful as tongues of fire on their heads; in commemoration of this liturgical color (used in hangings and decorations placed on the altar and pulpit) is bright red.
Pentecost is often referred to as the birthday of the church. The first half of the church year focuses on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; the season of Pentecost focuses on the time after Jesus' ascension. Many lessons read during this period are taken from the Epistles -- letters written by the Apostles to the early churches giving them advice, instruction, and encouragement. Today, these Gospel and lesson readings tell how we -- as the living members of the body of Christ -- can perform God's work in service to others in our congregation, our community and our world.
In some church traditions the Pentecost season is referred to as "Ordinary Time" (the root term being "Ordinal" which means "Counted", hence "the Counted Weeks"). This period marks the end of a succession of major church events and seasons (Lent, Holy Week, Easter) and a return to more common worship observance.
A number of lesser festivals and commemorations take place during this season. The second Sunday after Pentecost is also known as Trinity Sunday, which celebrates the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, or God in Three Persons - God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit.
Two of the major festivals that take place are Reformation Day (observed on the last Sunday in October) and All Saints' Day (observed on the first Sunday in November).
The final few weeks of the Pentecost season (late October and November) focus on the coming of the Kingdom of God. The last Sunday of the church year is celebrated as Christ the King Sunday, recognizing Jesus Christ as the ruler of Creation at the end of time. In this way the liturgical year comes full circle by anticipating one of the predominant themes of Advent.
With the exception of certain festival days, the predominant liturgical color for this season is green -- the color of growth -- to celebrate our growth in faith as we follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ.