Yes, you read that correctly it is the start of another Liturgical Year.
For a video explaining the liturgical calendar watch this one from Godly Play
How are you celebrating the beginning of the year?
Many will start a Christmas Countdown, like this one from The Uniting Chruch in Australia (where you might see a small contribution of mine),
Or an Advent Study such as this free one from Sally Lloyd-Jones the author of The Jesus Storybook Bible
Maybe a Colouring in Calender like these from Praying in Color might encourage your prayer pattern this Advent
If music is your thing, you might like to try a Spotify Advent collection or Listen to the Advent specific album by Liturgical Folk.
If after a Socially responsible Advent Calendar try this one from BRF
Just for you, I have created a Liturgical year Calendar for you to download. Each Liturgical season is shown in Colour. If you want the Revised Common Lectionary Readings for each week you can download one here. If you want some suggestions to help the readings come alive each week subscribe to this blog and get them in your inbox each week.
Another way to mark the Liturgical year is to create some Intergenerational knitted objects, which you can do as a congregation or create individually. Those who can knit can teach those who need to learn. Use these ideas and patterns to decorate the family Worship space or for your own worship space.
A friend suggested that the whole congregation can get involed and create a large scarf, with each person or family contributing a couple of rows.
I have created 3 objects for you or your congregation to make
an individual worship space mat
a toy’s scarf- a knitted cushion.
All quick and easy to complete.
By counting the knitted rows anyone can work out where they are in the liturgical circle, useful for those with sight impairments. Also wonderful to settle or soothe some neurodivergent thinkers. Great for encouraging counting skills and understanding the continual nature of the cycle of the year.
I used 8 ply wool and size 5mm knitting needles. You can use cotton, or acrylic, and if you change the ply make sure to use the appropriate needle size, BE MINDFUL THAT IT WILL ALSO CHANGE THE SIZE OF THE ITEM.
I used simple plain knit stitch for the mat and back of the cushion, and I used stocking stitch – alternating one row plain, then one row purl, for the toy’s scarf.
I counted only the Sunday’s in the year (except for Good Friday) and used the colours of the liturgical season.
The liturgical colours for the seasons are
Advent, Purple (closer to the blue spectrum) or Royal Blue
Christmas, Easter and Special Occassions without their own colours, White (though some are prefering to use Gold)
Ordinary Time, Green
Lent, Purple (closer to the red spectrum)
Good Friday Black or Red
Pentecost, Red
For the key below use the first letter in Bold to decide the season/colour
A standard Ball of yarn will more than cover each item.
Here are the instructions for each item
- An Individual worship mat.
Start with Purple or Blue for Advent, cast on 15 stitches work 2 rows in plain knitting for each Sunday
A 4 weeks = 8 rows
C 3 weeks = 6 rows
O 5 weeks = 10 rows
C 1 week = 2 rows
L 7 weeks = 14 rows
G 1 day = 2 rows
C 7 days = 14 rows
P 1 week = 2 rows
C 1 week = 2 rows
O 23 weeks = 46 rows
C 1 week = 2 rows
2. A toy’s scarf
Start with Purple or Blue for Advent, cast on 10 stitches work 4 rows in stocking stitch for each Sunday
A 4 weeks = 16 rows
C 3 weeks = 12 rows
O 5 weeks = 20 rows
C 1 week = 4 rows
L 7 weeks = 28 rows
G 1 day = 4 rows
C 7 days = 28 rows
P 1 week = 4 rows
C 1 week = 4 rows
O 23 weeks = 92 rows
C 1 week = 4 rows
3. Cushion,
this cushion should be able to take a 41×41 cushion insert, and will need 2 buttons.
Cast on 75 stiches of any colour you wish (i prefer not to use a colour from a season)
Knit in plain stitch for 23 cm
Switch to stocking stich
A 4 weeks = 12 rows
C 3 weeks = 9 rows
O 5 weeks = 15 rows
C 1 week = 3 rows
L 7 weeks = 21 rows
G 1 day = 3 rows
C 7 days = 21 rows
P 1 week = 3 rows
C 1 week = 3 rows
O 23 weeks = 69 rows
C 1 week = 3 rows
Switch to plain kniting and knit for 21cm create two button holes ( knit 2 together in one row at 20 stitches and 45 stiches then create a stitch in the next row to make the hole)
Cast off when 23 cm from the last Seasonal Row.
Sew the sides up and sew on buttons
A Happy New Year
Blessings Wendy L.
I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present and emerging.
The Cross in My Backyard 