Did you know? (Sunday, June 4, 2023)

The first Wednesday, Friday and Saturday after Pentecost are called “Ember Days.” So are the first of these weekdays following St Lucy’s Day (13 December), Ash Wednesday, and Holy Cross Day (14 September). Thus Ember Days occur four times per year. The word ember originates from the Latin quatuor tempora (‘four times’). Originally, Ember Days were linked to agriculture. They have since evolved to become times set aside to pray for both ordained and non-ordained individuals serving God in their diverse ministries. The prayers for Ember Days are in the Prayer Book on pages 200-201. The Bible readings are indicated on page 703.