The Circle of Seasons: Meeting God in the Church Year (Tenth Anniversary)

"Only rarely does an introductory volume on Christian liturgy manage to cover its assigned subject with both detail and grace, but this one most assuredly does just that. In her deftly written book, Ireton provides all of us a very accessible and enormously appealing overview of the church's liturgical year." --Phyllis Tickle, compiler of The Divine Hours

"Beautiful words, deep thoughts...speak my language of rhythm and liturgy and make me yearn for more God. The Circle of Seasons shows us how to keep company with Jesus." --Ann Voskamp, author of One Thousand Gifts and The Broken Way

"In a nanosecond world we need sane rhythms that slow us down enough to notice God in our lives. K.C. Ireton guides the reader to a simple annual pathway--the church year. The Circle of Seasons takes a practical look at how the church journeys with Jesus through Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Ordinary Time, Lent, Easter and Pentecost. Each season opens a door to deeper understanding and formation in faith. Accessible, readable and personable, The Circle of Seasons is a way forward for our time." --Adele Calhoun, author of Spiritual Disciplines Handbook

"There is so much more to the church year than Lent and Advent! K. C. Ireton guides us on a lovely and inviting tour through the liturgical year, reminding us of the transformative potential and sacredness of every season, even Ordinary Time. Her clear, simple, yet thought-provoking chapters on each season will help readers to find common ground with the church around the world, and to gain a deeper understanding of the Scripture and traditions that have shaped each season's celebrations." --Keri Wyatt Kent, author of Breathe: Creating Space for God in a Hectic Life and Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity

"This isn't just another book on the liturgical year. It penetrates more deeply. The author welcomes us into a different rhythm for measuring time. Rather than the cadence of our days being driven by the demands of our consumer culture, we are invited into a more human and more divinely ordinary way of life. Drawing together everyday experiences from her own life with ancient practices of the church, she charts a route to liberation from our society's frenzied busyness and crippling self-indulgence. Reader beware. This book can draw us into a life-re-creating journey." --Tim Dearborn, Director of the Ogilvie Institute of Preaching

"K. C. Ireton writes beautifully. Her stories from daily life are winsome, her reflections on God's grace are insightful, and her explanations of Christian history are clear and helpful. In a rich and deep way, with lovely prose, she illuminates the intersection of everyday life with the biblical themes connected to the church year." --Lynne M. Baab, author of Sabbath Keeping and Fasting: Spiritual Freedom Beyond Our Appetites

"Offering simple practices built on Scripture, history and everyday life, Ireton helps us participate in the rhythm of the Christian year. In so doing, we unite with Christians throughout the world and throughout the ages." --Jan Johnson, author of Invitation to the Jesus Life and Spiritual Disciplines Companion