Rural Life Sunday is celebrated on the third Sunday of May but in many regions, it’s observed on different days. The holiday, which falls on May 17 this year, is classified as a Special Sunday by the United Methodist Church and is one of four holidays observed throughout the year. It recognizes that this church was built by hard-working farmers and that their livelihood and existence were made possible only through God’s grace. Often, a harvest festival is celebrated in conjunction with Rural Life Sunday and it makes for a fun day that stays true to its history!
One Day Without Shoes
One Day Without Shoes is celebrated on May 10 every year. It’s to raise awareness about how shoes can affect a child’s life. For some people, shoes are not a big deal, just another basic that one can always afford. But, for other people, shoes can be a luxury, something they can hardly afford. Millions of children around the globe are not fortunate enough to have shoes to protect their feet. One Day Without Shoes is for us to join the experience of going through the day shoeless.
12th Day of Ridvan
12th Day of Ridvan is celebrated on May 2. In the Arabic language, Ridván is translated to ‘paradise.’ During Baha’u’llah’s stay in Baghdad’s Garden of Ridván in 1863, the 12th day of Ridván was the final day he spent there. The Prophetic Mission of Baha’u’llah was first announced to His followers during this period. Even though Ridván is a joyful occasion, the 12th day of the festival was a day of sorrow for those who had to remain in the garden after his departure. Baha’u’llah rode out of the garden on a horse at midday, 12 days after he arrived.