Liturgical Information

We know that you may have questions concerning the different styles of worship at KUMC; however, all styles are tied closely together with centralized worship themes, traditions, and practices.

The lighting of the candles represents Christ’s presence in worship.  From time to time more than two candles are used to represent holy days or special occasions.  A single candle is lit around the altar to represent our prayers for those who are living or serving in difficult situations.

Acolytes are attendants or helpers who assist in worship by lighting and extinguishing candles and bearing the flame in worship processions. At KUMC, youth and young adults serve as acolytes. The procession into the chancel symbolizes the humble approach to God, led by the crucifer bearing the cross.  The bearing of the cross signifies that the cross and empty tomb of Jesus goes before us; calling us to remember the resurrection.

In the reading of the four gospels, we are addressed by the words of Christ and experience an encounter with the living Christ. Therefore the congregation stands during the reading of the Gospel Lesson.

The paraments are the fabric hangings on the pulpit, lectern, altar table, and other areas of the worship environments. Their colors correspond to the liturgical seasons of the Christian year:

Advent	Purple		The season of Advent celebrates the royalty of the coming of the King.  There is a great sense of expectation and anticipation of the coming of Christ during this season of the church year.
Christmas	White		The season of Christmas, beginning Christmas day, celebrates the birth of Christ; humble and meek, and the spirit of giving.
Epiphany of the Lord	White		The Epiphany is when the church celebrates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus.  It symbolizes the purity and joy and the glory of Christ that the Magi experienced.
Season after Epiphany	Green		The season after Epiphany is a time of growth and continued celebration for the church.  The color green symbolizes growth, hope, justice and peace.
Lent	Purple		The season of Lent marks a forty day time of penitence for the followers of Christ.  Worship during this season is more solemn as preparations are made for the celebration of Easter.  The purple symbolizes the passion and cross of Christ.
Holy Week	Red		Holy week is the most moving and solemn week of the church year.  The red color on Holy Thursday symbolizes the blood and death and agony of the last week of the life of Jesus.  On Friday, the church is stripped of all color, communion is suspended, and black is draped in the worship spaces.
Easter	White		The Easter season (resurrection season) symbolizes the miracle, joy, and hope of new life in Christ.  The white color symbolizes the purity and power of new life and baptism.
Pentecost	Red		Pentecost is commonly seen as the birthday of the New Testament church.  The red symbolizes the fire and power of the Holy Spirit.
Ordinary Time (Season of Pentecost)	Green		The season of Pentecost (or ordinary time) is a time of general spiritual growth for the church.  Again, the color green is used to symbolize growth and new life.