Stella Lutheran Chapel
Gathered in faith, welcomed in love, united in grace
The Meaning and Use of Liturgical Colors
We, as a church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), follow a unified color system that brings attention to our Liturgical Sundays and Principal Festivals throughout the calendar year. The Lutheran calendar is divided into seasons and begins in November with the "Advent Season." The use of colors helps to identify the season and evoke an emotion.
The pastor will wear a coordinating color vestment or stole and special linens known as paraments will adorn the altar, lectern and walls. These colors are used to bring attention to a specific season or festival.
Sundays and Festivals
REFORMATION RED DAY
ADVENT
(Begins 4 Sundays before Christmas)
Blue represents hope in Christ's birth and in his return.
CHRISTMAS
(December 24 -- January 6)
White represents the purity of the newborn Christ and the joy and light we find in him.
Epiphany of Our Lord: (Celebrated on January 6)
White (see Christmas); a time of claiming and
re-discovering the 5 God given gifts of discipleship.
TIME AFTER EPIPHANY
Baptism of Our Lord: (First Sunday after Epiphany)
White (see Christmas); celebrate the baptism of Jesus.
Sundays after Epiphany: (January 6 -- Strove Tuesday)
Green represents our life and growth in Christ.
Transfiguration of Our Lord:
(Sunday before Ash Wednesday)
White (see Christmas); recognize the transfiguration of
Jesus in his Heavenly glory.
LENT
Ash Wednesday: (The first day of Lent)
Purple represents repentance and solemnness; believers
receive ashes.
Lent: 40 days before Easter (excluding Sundays)
Purple (see Ash Wed.); reflect on the crucifixion of Christ. Believers prepare themselves through prayer, and self denial.
Sunday of the Passion: (Palm Sunday)
Scarlet represents the color of blood; recognize Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, followed by cheers for his crucifixion.
Monday in Holy Week (S/P?)
Tuesday in Holy Week (S/P?)
Wednesday in Holy Week (S/P?)
THE THREE DAYS
Maudy Thursday: Fourth day of Holy Week
Jesus washed His disciples' feet and shared a holy meal; celebrate the institution of the Lord's Supper.
Good Friday:
No vestment or paraments are used on this day.
A somber reading of the crucifixion account;
service concludes in silence.
Vigil of Easter:
Easter Day:
White represents the joy of the resurrection.
Joyful celebration of Jesus' victory over death, and
acknowledgment of the empty tomb.
Sundays of Easter:
White (see Easter Day)
Ascension of Our Lord:
White (see Easter Day)
7th Sunday of Easter :
White (see Easter Day)
Pentecost: (Vigil and Day of Pentecost)
Red represents the tongues of fire; the Holy Spirit
descends on Jesus' followers.
TIME AFTER PENTECOST
The Holy Trinity (First Sunday after Pentecost)
White represents the expression of joy in the mystery
of the Triune God.
Sundays after Pentecost
Green represents our growth and faith; following
the teachings and ministry of Jesus.
Christ the King: (Last Sunday after Pentecost)
White represents the light, joy and celebration of
our Lord.
Last Sunday after Pentecost (G)
