(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2010) Kloppers, E.
When seen as a gift – as God’s time – the careful shaping of the church year
strengthens the celebratory character of the worship service; contributes to the effective
proclamation of the Word; underlies the church’s confession; introduces new people
and young people to the faith; forms community; adds to comforting people; exerts
healing; anchors the church’s diaconal work; contributes to missionary proclamation to
“outsiders”; and reflects the ecumenical character of the church service. This article is a
plea for a greater consciousness for the structure and times of the church year, with a
view to the conveyance of the full truth of the Gospel and the formative effect in the life
of the community of faith.