Religious ceremonies are solemn occasions in Amish society. Ritual events such as baptisms and weddings mark the stages of an individual's life. Like much of Amish life, ceremonies and rituals follow weekly and seasonal patterns. Worship services and visiting takes place on Sunday. Communion and council meetings are held in the spring and fall. Baptism occurs in early fall, while November and December are wedding months.

The Preaching Service

Sunday is a day of worship, rest, and visiting. The day's activities begin early, around five o'clock in the morning. Although the Amish do no unsanctioned work on Sunday, they must take care of their farm animals, so the day of rest includes morning and evening chores. As one writer notes: "Sunday is a day of anticipation in Amish society. It makes no difference whether it is a warm, sunny morning or a blustery, winter...