Church calendar Week 31 (27 June 2021)

The church, Christian calendar starts with Advent. The 2020-21 calendar started on 29 November 2020.

Today (27 June 2021) is the start of week 31 on the church calendar.

The “normal” calendar starts on a Sunday, and today is the beginning of week 26 (where the first Sunday (03 January) of the year was the start of the first week of the year).

Many churches in South Africa and around the world uses reading lectionaries to plan their Sunday and other services, sermons and messages. One of these lectionaries that are used by some in the Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) in South Africa, is the Revised Common Lectionary. I also use this lectionary’s Bible texts most of the time.

Week 31’s texts that are commonly used, is:

• Mark 5:21-43
• Psalm 130
• 2 Samuel 1:1, 1:17-27
• 2 Corinthians 8:7-15

The lectionary that are being used, also gives a few alternate texts that might possibly be used:

• Wisdom of Solomon 1:13-15, 2:23-24
• Lamentations 3:22-33
• Psalm 30

On the Christian calendar, today is the fifth Sunday during Ordinary time.

Church calendar Week 31 (21 June 2021)

The church, Christian calendar starts with Advent. The 2020-21 calendar started on Sunday, 29 November 2020.

Week 31 of the church calendar starts on 27 June 2021.

The “normal” calendar also starts on a Sunday, and 27 June 2021 are the start of week 26 (where the first Sunday (03 January) of the year was the start of the first week of the year.

Many churches in South Africa and around the world uses reading lectionaries to plan their Sunday and other services, sermons and messages. One of these lectionaries that are used by some in the Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) in South Africa, is the Revised Common Lectionary. I also use this lectionary’s Bible texts most of the time.

Week 31’s texts that are commonly used, are:

• Mark 5:21-43
• Psalm 130
• 2 Samuel 1:1, 1:17-27
• 2 Corinthians 8:7-15

The lectionary that are being used, also gives a few alternate texts that might possibly be used:

• Wisdom of Solomon 1:13-15, 2:23-24
• Lamentations 3:22-33
• Psalm 30

On the Christian calendar, 27 June will also be the fifth Sunday in Ordinary time.

Church calendar Week 30 (20 June 2021)

The church, Christian calendar starts with Advent. The 2020-21 calendar started on 29 November 2020.

Today (20 June 2021) is the start of week 30 on the church calendar.

The “normal” calendar starts on a Sunday, and today is the beginning of week 25 (where the first Sunday (03 January) of the year was the start of the first week of the year).

Many churches in South Africa and around the world uses reading lectionaries to plan their Sunday and other services, sermons and messages. One of these lectionaries that are used by some in the Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) in South Africa, is the Revised Common Lectionary. I also use this lectionary’s Bible texts most of the time.

Week 30’s texts that are commonly used, is:

• 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49
• Psalm 9:9-20
• 2 Corinthians 6:1-13
• Mark 4:35-41

In the lectionary that is used, there are two alternative texts that might be used:

• 1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 18:10-16
• Psalm 133
• Job 38:1-11
• Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32

On the Christian calendar, today is the fourth Sunday during Ordinary time.

Today is Father’s Day

To all of you who have not heard yet. Today is Father’s Day.

A day on which some people celebrate, and others are sad.

To me, it is a day of remembrance.

I remember words that have been said to me.

“You are so good to (and for) our children. One day you would be a good dad.”

“You are like a father to me. Thank you for everything you taught me, for your good example.”

“Thank you for all the trouble you go through for our children.”

Recently (December 2020) I “celebrated” 21 years in ministry. I am in ministry for more than 21 years. Mostly youth ministry. I remember most of my big decision. Every time I chose to put other people’s needs before mine.

That is, after all, what ministry is about. To be the least, so others can be more. Not for your own sake, but for the kingdom of God!

I have always made my decisions so that I can serve others. I struggle with “putting myself first; thinking about myself for a change”. I have never done this ministry work to be seen, to get recognition, or even to be thanked.

But today is Father’s Day.

Today I am not giving one message. Not a good wish. Not one “happy Father’s Day”. No breakfast in bed.

Because I am not a father, after all. I am not such a “good dad” as everyone always said I would be – because I am not a dad! For all those “you are like I father to me” words, I can show today that I am most likely merely a memory. If I am a memory…

One other piece of wisdom someone shared to me years ago, when I had to decide whether I should study further – also in ministry.

One of my heroes and examples in life told me: “Do not put your life on hold for them. In three years time they won’t even think about you.”

In that specific time, there were a group of children I was working with… Children who meant everything to me. Today I am not even hearing anything from them. Most of them are married and have their own children. I am really happy for them.

I am really happy for each child I ever knew, in whose life I could have a positive influence. Everyone I could help in some way or another.

But today is Father’s Day.

And I am alone…

Church calendar Week 27 (30 May 2021)

The church, Christian calendar starts with Advent. The 2020-21 calendar started on 29 November 2020.

Today (30 May 2021) is the start of week 27 on the church calendar.

The “normal” calendar starts on a Sunday, and today is the beginning of week 22 (where the first Sunday (03 January) of the year was the start of the first week of the year).

Many churches in South Africa and around the world uses reading lectionaries to plan their Sunday and other services, sermons and messages. One of these lectionaries that are used by some in the Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) in South Africa, is the Revised Common Lectionary. I also use this lectionary’s Bible texts most of the time.

Week 27’s texts that are commonly used, is:

• John 3:1-17
• Isaiah 6:1-8
• Psalm 29
• Romans 8:12-17

On the Christian calendar, today is the first Sunday after Pentecost. In the Afrikaans church, it is called “eerste Sondag van Koninkrykstyd”, which is translated to “first Sunday of Kingdom time”. Today is also Trinity Sunday.

Church calendar Week 24 (09 May 2021)

The church, Christian calendar starts with Advent. The 2020-21 calendar started on 29 November 2020.

Today (09 May 2021) is the start of week 24 on the church calendar.

The “normal” calendar starts on a Sunday, and today is the beginning of week 19 (where the first Sunday (03 January) of the year was the start of the first week of the year).

Many churches in South Africa and around the world uses reading lectionaries to plan their Sunday and other services, sermons and messages. One of these lectionaries that are used by some in the Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) in South Africa, is the Revised Common Lectionary. I also use this lectionary’s Bible texts most of the time.

Week 24’s texts that are commonly used, is:

• Acts 10:44-48
• Psalm 98
• 1 John 5:1-6
• John 15:9-17

On the Christian calendar, today is the sixth Sunday in Easter time.

During week 24 on the Christian calendar, we also commemorate the day of the Ascension of the Lord, on Thursday, 13 May 2021. There are a few texts on the lectionary for this day as well. These texts are:

• Psalm 47
• Acts 1:1-11
• Ephesians 1:15-23
• Luke 24:44-53

Star Wars days: 04 & 05 May

I have never watched a full Star Wars movie. Parts of one or two Star Wars movies, but never a full one.

I know enough about Star Wars, to know that George Lucas created it. I know that some of the actors who have been involved in the franchise includes Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, James Earl Jones, Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman. I know that some of the characters include Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and of course Darth Vader. The main protagonists in Star Wars are the Jedi Knights, while the main antagonists are the Sith Order.

I am a Star Trek fan. Star Wars and Star Trek has a few things in common. Both have massive followings. Both consists of a few movies, a few series, many books and a few games that are part of the franchise.

One impact of Star Wars on the world, is the phrase “May the Force be with you”.

May the Fourth be with you [Source: Gadgets 360]

The fourth day of the month of May became Star Wars Day. The first celebration of Star Wars Day was organized in 2011. The phrase “May the Force be with you”, where easily adapted to become the well-known saying that is connected to Star Wars Day: “May the fourth be with you”.

The term “may the fourth be with you” where, however, first connected to the British politician Margaret Thatcher. On 3 May 1979 she was elected as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. She was congratulated by the Conservative Party (her party) in an advertisement in one of the newspapers, with the phrase: “May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations”.

The “may the fourth” phrase appeared at other times and places as well.

In the 1988 Count Duckula episode “The Vampire Strikes Back”, one of the superheroes (Tremendous Terrance) asks Duckula the date. The answer: “May the Fourth”. Terrance then tells everyone, “May the Fourth Be with You”, as he departs.

In her 1994 book “The Science of Star Wars”, Jeanne Cavelos, used the saying. In 2008, the first Facebook groups appeared, celebrating “Luke Skywalker Day”. This same phrase was used.

From there, we have the fourth of May as Star Wars Day, with everyone – mostly Star Wars fans, but even others – wishing people “May the Fourth be with you”.

Some people commemorate the fifth of May as “Revenge of the Fifth”. It is a play on the third Star Wars movie “Revenge of the Sith”. On this day, the Sith Lords and other villains in Star Wars, rather than the Jedi, are celebrated.

Revenge of the Fifth [Source: heavy.com]

For me, as a non-fan of Star Wars, all of this is merely interesting.

Maybe you are much more interested. For you, I wish you an awesome Star Wars Day, Part 2.

Church calendar Week 24 (03 May 2021)

The church, Christian calendar starts with Advent. The 2020-21 calendar started on Sunday, 29 November 2020.

Week 24 of the church calendar starts on 09 May 2021.

The “normal” calendar also starts on a Sunday, and 09 May 2021 are the start of week 19 (where the first Sunday (03 January) of the year was the start of the first week of the year.

Many churches in South Africa and around the world uses reading lectionaries to plan their Sunday and other services, sermons and messages. One of these lectionaries that are used by some in the Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) in South Africa, is the Revised Common Lectionary. I also use this lectionary’s Bible texts most of the time.

Week 20’s texts that are commonly used, are:

• Acts 10:44-48
• Psalm 98
• 1 John 5:1-6
• John 15:9-17

On the Christian calendar, 09 May 2021 will also be the sixth Sunday of Easter time.

During week 24, on Thursday, 13 May 2021, the Day of Ascension is commemorated.

Chruch calendar Week 23 (02 May 2021)

The church, Christian calendar starts with Advent. The 2020-21 calendar started on 29 November 2020.

Today (02 May 2021) is the start of week 23 on the church calendar.

The “normal” calendar starts on a Sunday, and today is the beginning of week 18 (where the first Sunday (03 January) of the year was the start of the first week of the year).

Many churches in South Africa and around the world uses reading lectionaries to plan their Sunday and other services, sermons and messages. One of these lectionaries that are used by some in the Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) in South Africa, is the Revised Common Lectionary. I also use this lectionary’s Bible texts most of the time.

Week 23’s texts that are commonly used, is:

• Acts 8:26-40
• Psalm 22:25-31
• 1 John 4:7-21
• John 15:1-8

On the Christian calendar, today is the fifth Sunday in Easter time.

Freedom day in South Africa

27 April 1994. In South Africa. The first time. That everyone in South Africa had the opportunity to choose the government. The first time that everyone could fully participate in the process of choosing political leaders of the country they were born in.

Happy Freedom day [Source: Active change drivers]

The first full democratic election was held today, 27 years ago, in South Africa. Any person from 18 years and older could vote on this day for the new government.

This was a big day on the South African calendar. Some people describe it as the day on which the racial separation between people where finally abolished.

It is viewed as such an important day, that this day are commemorated as “Freedom day”. It is also one of South Africa’s official public holidays.

If we listen to people’s lived experiences, however, we should also acknowledge that this freedom are unfortunately still only a political freedom, in the sense that everyone can vote for the government every few years.

There are a lot of inequalities – especially economical inequalities – that causes people to still feel as though they are not free. All of us can see this inequalities all around us.

On 27 April 1996, President Nelson Mandela, in a speech during Freedom day celebrations, said the following introductory word:

“For generations to come, the abiding image of a patient citizenry in long voting queues on 27 April 1994, will remain deeply etched in the collective memory of the nation.

“As the world held its breath, South Africans together made their mark to bring into being one of the truly remarkable events of this turbulent century. Once more, we affirmed a truism of human history: that the people are their own liberators.”

The people are their own liberators.

One question are often asked: What does Freedom day mean to you?

Many people say that it is the celebration of the abolition of Apartheid in South Africa. Others also describe it as the day on which their personal freedom are being celebrated or that it is the day on which the opportunity to choose the future of the country (by voting) can be celebrated.

Unfortunately, it is also true that many people sat that this day has no meaning to them. People who previously experienced no freedom, as well as people who feel as though there freedom has been taken away from them.

“The people are their own liberators.”

In spite of circumstances which seems as though not everyone has freedom, let us work towards making freedom becoming a reality for all. Freedom from oppression by other people. Freedom from poverty. Freedom from the feeling that some I am not free just because someone else is free. Freedom, where everyone can experience that freedom.

The faces of South Africa [Source: FinGlobal]