Evangelical Lutheran Church In America

Full observance of the church year is central to Lutheran spiritual life. Lutherans have been influenced by ecumenical developments, as seen in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's adoption of the Roman Catholic calendar and lectionary. They have also influence ecumenical development of the Christian year, particularly in the observance of Advent. The church year has always had a secure place in the Lutheran tradition. The liturgical seasons (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Sundays after Pentecost or Trinity), the major festivals (Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, Christmas Day, Epiphany), many lesser festivals (All Saints Day, Holy Cross Day, Reformation Day, and some saints' days), and days of devotion (Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday) have been observed for centuries. The church year lectionary has, for the most part, controlled preaching, hymn, and anthem selection. Paraments and vestments (stole, chasuble) reflect the colors of t…