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Church Seasons

At Bethlehem we celebrate many special festivals and occasions in the church year. The year is divided into different seasons which focus on the life of Christ and the life of his Church.

We  follow the order set by by the Revised Common Lectionary, used by most mainstream Christian churches.

Check the calendar for the dates and times of special services and festivals.

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  • Advent: This season marks the beginning of the church year and takes place over the four Sundays before Christmas.
  • Christmas: Find out about how we celebrate Christmas at Bethlehem
  • Epiphany: Epiphany focuses on the revelation that Jesus is God's Son, the longed-for Messiah.
  • Transfiguration Sunday: We celebrate Jesus revealing his divine glory.
  • Lent: This a season of reflection and preparation for Easter.
  • Holy Week: We reflect on the journey of Jesus to the cross and tomb, culminating with solemn celebrations on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
  • Easter: This is the central feast of the church year and celebrates Jesus' victory over death in the knowledge that we too can be certain of eternal life when we trust in him.
  • Pentecost: Often call the 'birth of the church', Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit.
  • Other festivals: Minor festivals celebrated annually include All Saints, Reformation, St Michael and all Angels and the Commemoration of the Augsburg confession.