Silverside Seasons is a a modern gathering calendar developed to serve the same purpose as the the historic Christian calendar for worship based on “The Church Year.”  Traditions often need to be melded with the needs and thinking patterns of the contemporary world.  By reflecting on the emphases of our seasons, we focus on tackling cutting-edge issues, challenges, and problems as well as on certain recurring celebrations

Members of our congregation worked together to name these seasons and describe their emphases.  One of our members, artist Trina Gardner, designed the symbols for the seasons and assigned the seasonal colors.

THE SEASON OF EXPECTATION

The Month of December

The Seasonal Symbol:  the star

The Seasonal Color:  lavender, which symbolizes one’s individuality and the possibilities for experiencing a connection to God and the created order

The Season of Expectation has seekers:

1. •pondering a God who makes Godself known to us
   

2. •anticipating opportunities to commune with God whose spirit is within each of us
   

3. •remembering the birth of Jesus from Nazareth
   

4. •celebrating the universality of Jesus’ ministry and message
   

THE SEASON OF JUSTICE

The Months of January and February

The Seasonal Symbol:  the bird in flight

The Seasonal Color:  orange, which symbolizes a strong sense of identity and healthy striving

The concerns of the Season of Justice are obvious.  The message of justice for all people pervades the teachings of both Jewish and Christian scriptures as well as the teachings of several other spiritual traditions, and during this season we will focus on the ongoing responsibility of individuals and institutions to take action that leads to justice for every person in today’s world. 

THE SEASON OF RENEWAL

The Months of March and April

The Seasonal Symbol:  the butterfly

The Seasonal Color:  pink, which symbolizes human potential and the awakening of the spiritual self

The Season of Renewal presses us to break down all the barriers we have erected to keep God at a distance from us even though God dwells within each of us.  In addition to enhancing our own spirituality though prayer, meditation, and centering, we will keep in mind that healthy spirituality leads to proper actions.

THE SEASON OF INQUIRY

The Months of May and June

The Seasonal Symbol:  the open book

The Seasonal Color:  yellow, which symbolizes fulfillment and abundance as well as illumination

The Season of Inquiry is the time of year in which we remind ourselves that learning is important, even vital, throughout our lives.  Leaning is an essential aspect of our spirituality.

THE SEASON OF CELEBRATION

The Months of July and August

The Seasonal Symbol:  the dolphin

The Seasonal Color:  indigo, which symbolizes awareness of deeper realities behind current and historic events

The Season of Celebration reminds us that many of us, at any given time, have much to celebrate about life if we are able to look at life in its depths.

THE SEASON OF CARING

The Months of September and October

The Seasonal Symbol:  holding hands

The Seasonal Color:  green, which symbolizes trust and nurture

A hallmark of our congregation is caring for those beyond our walls and for each other.  We give ourselves in this season to reaffirming this necessary way of living for followers of Jesus.

THE SEASON OF INHERITANCE

The Month of November

The Seasonal Symbol: the Roman cross

The Seasonal Color:  maroon, which symbolizes the reaping of rewards from our efforts toward personal growth

This is the season of remembering our heritage as a congregation and as a part of the larger group of seekers in the world who give themselves to the search for truth.