Scarsdale Congregational Church

Our ordained clergy wear stoles (vestments) that signify the liturgical season we are celebrating. There is not an absolute standard as to these colors; here are some of the guidelines that have developed. For additional information, you may wish to consult the web sites of:

• The United Church of Christ
• Presbyterian Church in the USA

Ordinary Time - from Pentecost to Advent

This is the longest season in the church year and lasts from the Monday after Pentecost until Advent. The liturgical color in this season is green - symbolizing life, growth and the church in mission.

Advent

This is the season the precedes Christmas. Purple is often used; blue is now gaining acceptance. Purple, here, represents the color of royalty; blue symbolizes heaven.

Christmas

The 12 days of Christmas until Epiphany on January 6 are celebrated with white and/or gold.

Ordinary Time - From Epiphany to Lent

During this time, January 7 until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the color usually green.

Lent

This is the season that begins with Ash Wednesday. The color often is purple or violet. Here purple symbolizes mourning. Some churches have begun to use browns, beiges and grays to reflect the season's mood of penitence and simplicity.

Red, the color of martyrs, is sometimes worn on Palm Sunday and the next three days of Holy Week.

White is often worn on Maundy Thursday to symbolize thanksgiving for the gift of Holy Communion.

On Good Friday, ministers often wear black, red or no color.

Easter Cycle

This is the season from Easter until Pentecost. During the Easter cycle, white and gold are worn. Red is often worn on Pentecost Sunday, a symbol of blood and fire.

Other Services

During the year, other colors are sometimes worn:

• White is sometimes worn at funerals or weddings.
• Red is sometimes used for ordinations and installations.