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March 12, 2026
Building the Cross: Faith and Craftsmanship for Good Friday
April 8, 2026
Colors of the Episcopal Church: Red
In Episcopal worship, colors are never merely decorative. They are part of the Church’s visual language—quietly teaching the story of faith through the seasons of the Christian year. Among these colors, red is one of the most striking and powerful.
Red is the color of fire and blood, and for this reason it carries two closely related meanings in the life of the Church: the presence of the Holy Spirit and the witness of martyrdom. One of the most prominent days when red is used is Pentecost, the great feast celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. In the Acts of the Apostles, the Spirit descends upon them as “tongues as of fire” (Acts 2:3). The red vestments and hangings seen in the church on Pentecost recall those flames and symbolize the transforming power of the Spirit, who gives life, courage, and mission to the Church. Red is also worn on the feasts of martyrs—those saints whose faithful witness to Christ cost them their lives—and on Palm Sunday, recalling the Passion of our Lord.
This rich symbolism helped guide the thoughtful work of the parish team that recently selected our new altar vestments and hangings, made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor. The group brought together a variety of gifts: some members had experience with sewing and fabrics, others had a strong artistic sense for color and design, and members of the Altar Guild offered practical knowledge of how each vestment and hanging would be used in worship.
Together they carefully considered fabrics, colors, and trim that would reflect each liturgical season while complementing the church’s furnishings. Fabric samples were tested in the sanctuary to see how they read in the light, and measurements were taken—and documented—many times to ensure that every detail was correct. The result will be a beautiful set of bespoke vestments and hangings, including new superfrontals for each season, that will enhance the worship of our church for many years to come.
