Images
2010
January - March
2010
Proclamation
Over the City
Steele Creek's
"One-New-Man"
Meeting
Israeli Folk
Dance in 2010
Coats
to
Vision For Israel
Steele Creek
Church
Zemer
Levav
PURIM
"The Feast of Esther"
Jewish-Roots
Teaching Series at
Cornerstone Church
Maiden, NC
Black Mountain
Weekend
at the
Vision For Israel
Lodge
Boone
Beit Midrash
Boone, NC
Jim & Linda's
Marriage Vow
Renewal
Boone, NC
Isaiah 62
6I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night:
ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,
7And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.Psalm 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: may they prosper who love you.
2010
The Lord has already revealed Himself to us saying that 2010 is going to be a wonderful year as He reveals more of Himself through His Word, opens doors of service, ministers to those in need and connects us with other like-minded Believers.
Let 2010 be the year that you more fully connect with Beit Yeshua and ask the Lord how you can serve Him through this Jewish-Roots Fellowship. Contact Curtis & Carolyn (828-241-2233), Doug & Lynda (704-735-4420), Paul & Susan (704-748-1997) or Chuck & Janice (704-732-1743). On January 1, 2010, nine men and women associated with Beit Yeshua gathered for the 2nd annual shofar sounding and proclamation over the city of Lincolnton. Shofarot were sounded at the Lincolnton Courthouse, the local high school, as well as at several area churches represented by the group, including Covenant Bible Church and Freedom Church. The morning also consisted of prayer requesting Yahweh to more freely and fully move during 2010 and pour our more of His Ruach Ha'Kodesh (Holy Spirit).
Chuck, Thunder, Doug, Paul, and Wayne blow their shofarot outside of Freedom Church
Because of our connection with Cathy Hargett of Highway to Zion, and through her invitation, Doug & Lynda, Paul & Susan, Chuck & Janice, Myrl, Iline, Carolyn and I attended the January 2nd One-New-Man Service at Steel Creek Church in Charlotte from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
(Below) Messianic Pastor Warren Marcus
What exactly is a "One-New-Man" Service?
Ephesians 2:14-16 (New American Standard Bible)
For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.The New Living Bible says it this way.
14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.
We enjoyed the warmth with which we were received from those in the Charlotte congregation. As usual, Chuck, Paul & Doug enjoyed sounding their shofarot as the service began and Cathy joined Beit Yeshua dancers during praise and worship.
After a wonderful teaching where Warren encouraged those in attendance to embrace God as our "Abba" (Hebrew for "Daddy), we received prayer from Warren concerning upcoming ministry opportunities in 2010.
Following the meeting, the Beit Yeshua group drove down the road just a few blocks to Panera Bread Company for a late lunch. Who was there but Cathy Hargett and her sweet cousin Jan. We ate, sat and talked, laughed about the Lord's goodness, and eventually headed for home around 5:30.
We dropped the Israeli Folk Dance class in November and December 2009, and were glad to come back together in 2010. Our first class was Tuesday, January 5th. There was a good mixture of men and women from a variety of ages. We had several beginner dancers, so we started easy and increased the difficulty as the evening progressed.
One of my greatest joys in dance is seeing people who have never danced before the Lord, lay aside their inhibitions and join in the celebration of dance. Even though our Israeli Folk Dance Class does work on performance pieces, our main focus is encouraging everyone to get out and dance. They then have opportunities to use what they learn when we come together for Shabbat, to celebrate the festivals, and when we attend conferences together.
Chasidic Hands for the dance "Zemer Atik"
"Right & Left & Right & Left & Right, Clap-Clap, Clap"
Another simple dance, yet favorite, is "Im Hupalnu"
Working on a more advanced dance to the song "Al Chomatayeech Yerushalayim (On Your Walls O Jerusalem)" by Barry & Batya Segal, from the CD "Elohim", produced by Galilee of the Nations
Working on a flag & dance performance piece to the song "Watchman" by Paul Wilbur
We'll have the opportunity to share this dance at our Pesach Seder in April
There's still time for you to come out and join us. Classes are free and meet the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month in the Family Life Center of Covenant Bible Church in Lincolnton.
In the fall of 2009, Beit Yeshua had the opportunity to give financially toward winter coats for needy kids in Jerusalem through the humanitarian aid organization My Brother's Keeper International. As a result of that situation, Doug Williams was approached by a member of our church family, Dale Lineberger, saying that he had coats that he'd be willing to donate to the needy in Israel. The coats were adult-sized and were manufactured in the USA by a textile company that had gone out of business.
Since these were adult-sized coats, we immediately thought about our friends at Vision For Israel. Doug emailed Batya Segal (co-founder of Vision for Israel in Jerusalem) and Steve Martin (US Direction for Vision For Israel in Charlotte) and was quickly informed that they would love to have the coats for distribution to the needy in Israel.
Doug, Paul Miles and Chuck Anthony inventoried the coats and found out that there were 600 coats ...
... 150 navy coats made from recycled wool, polyester filled with a nylon lining ... 240 solid color coats (red, blue, green ) with a black sleeve, 100% nylon with a polyester lining ... 30 red light wind-breakers with hood, 100% nylon, no lining ... 180 blue pullovers, polyester/fleece combed look, no lining When Barry & Batya Segal were in Charlotte in December 2009 for the VFI Hanukkah Celebration at the Charlotte location, Doug talked with Batya and Timmy Bryant (VFI Warehouse Manager in Charlotte) and Batya re-confirmed their desire for the coats.
Steve Martin & Timmy Bryant brought the VFI truck from Charlotte to Lincolnton, NC, where Paul, Chuck, Dale (& one of Dale's employees) helped load the coats. They were then taken to the Vision For Israel warehouse in Charlotte, where they'll be re-packaged and sent to Israel.
If the coats were to have been purchased for distribution in Israel at a minimal price of just $20, then 600 coats time $20 each is $12,000. What a wonderful opportunity the Lord brought to pass to bless the people of Israel.
Timmy shows two of the coats
Thanks to Steve Martin for the photos
Because of the extremely unusual North Carolina winter with more snow that I've even seen in this area during a season, sorting and packing of the coats was planned, rescheduled and rescheduled again. Finally during mid-February, Paul, Doug, Chuck and Barry were able to plan a day when they could join Timmy at the Vision For Israel warehouse for the shorting and packaging of the coats. The count for the day's work was 480 coats in 24 boxes weighing around 840 pounds. The next step, ship them off to Israel and the Vision For Israel & The Joseph's Storehouse in Jerusalem.
(Below) Paul, Timmy, Barry & Doug packing the coats in shipping boxes
Thanks to Chuck for the photos
Messianic Pastor Warren Marcus of Steele Creek Church in Charlotte invited Beit Yeshua to join him on Saturday, January 23, 2010, as he ministered in the church's 6:00 pm service. Doug & Lynda, Paul & Susan, Chuck & Janice, and Barry & Melba went to the evening service and were joined by friends, Bob & Cheryl Rushlow and Dale & Cathy Hargett. Chuck, Paul, Doug and Barry sounded shofarot as the evening service began. Warren's message for the evening was "God's Glory or a Golden Calf". We're thrilled with the connection the Lord has given us with this new group of friends at Steele Creek.
Paul, Chuck, Doug & Barry sound shofarot to begin the service at Steele Creek
Warren Marcus at Steele Creek Church
Chuck & Janice, Doug & Lynda, Paul & Susan, Barry & Melba, Dale & Cathy, Bob & Cheryl
get together afterwards for dinner and some fellowship
Thanks to Janice Anthony for the Steele Creek photos Warren Marcus leads a "One-New-Man" meeting the first Saturday of each month at Steele Creek Church in Charlotte from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Steele Creek Church
1929 West Arrowood Rd
Charlotte, NC 28217The Hanes Family, better known as Zemer Levav (Song of the Heart), was in concert Saturday, January 23rd at Beit Shofarot in Salisbury, NC. Mark & Shimnit Hanes and their 5 daughters compose the group, but with one daughter recently married, another one off at college, the singing & music in currently composed of Mark, Shimnit and their middle daughter, Kerah.
There ministry is described as an Israeli style worship experience grounded in Scripture with music & dance from the land. The Hanes sold their home in Florida several years ago and travel around the US ministering in song. They also travel around the world with numerous trips to Israel.
Zemer Levav - Mark, Shimnit & Kerah Hanes
Mark introduces daughter, Kerah, and wife, Shimnit
Shimnit and Kerah (age 22) write songs for the group and do the vocals
Shimnit accompanies with the large harp, while Keran plays the guitar and smaller harp
Keran describes her father, Mark, as the glue who holds the family together - who can do practically anything - frequently with "duct-tape". Mark accompanies the group on guitar, oud (pear-shaped guitar used with middle eastern music), bass, dumbek, djembe, tubano and hand percusssion. (Left to Right) Oud, Dumbek, Djembe and Tubano
One of my personal favorites by the group, "Don't Let Me Fall Away", was written by Kerah when she was only 16. She sings the lead vocal.
Don't Let Me Fall Away
by Kerah Hanes
"Don't Let Me Fall Away" on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIwp87lnCkgAbba Father, save me from this hopelessness,
God, my Father, help me fill this emptiness,
I ran away from what I knew was true,
I need to hear Your voice and be close to You.
Don’t let me fall away,
Just like the grass withers away,
And like the flower I will fade,
Don’t let me fall away.
Abba Father, save me from my enemies,
God, my Father, wickedness is all around me,
Open up my lips so I can speak,
Help me to stand for I am weak.
Don’t hide Your face from me,
When I am in distress,
Turn Your ear to me,
When I cry, answer me quickly.
Don’t let me, don’t let me,
Don’t let me fall away!
Don’t let me, don’t let me,
Don’t let me fall away!
Don’t let me, don’t let me,
Don’t let me fall away!
Abba Father, I cried and You delivered me,
God, my Father, You opened up my eyes to see,
I will lift my voice and praise Your Name,
I will shout for joy ‘til the heavens ring.Shimnit and Kerah show an Israeli Folk Dance
while Mark plays the Oud
For more information about Zemer Levav, check out their website at: http://www.zemerlevav.org
Zemer Levav on YouTube
"Mayim Chaim" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zzwygXYPKU&feature=related
"No More Will I Run" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lx3ias0H1os&feature=related
"Doorkeeper" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYOgOxLRht8&feature=related
"Lead Me" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtCkMYW1EAU&feature=related
"The Telling" (with all 5 sisters) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCPpl6ZKvD8&feature=related
"Master of Life" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVSfryFoGtY&feature=related
Esther & The Wonderful Kingdom of AZ
Beit Yeshua celebrated the Biblical Festival of Purim on Friday, February 26, 2010
in the Family Life Center of Covenant Bible Church
at 2168 Gastonia Hwy, Lincolnton, NC 28092The evening consisted of Praise, Worship and Israeli Folk Dance, a "Wizard of Oz" Purim Shpiel (Play),
prayer for Israel, food and fellowship.Purim costumes were encouraged, but not required.
(Left to Right) Duke & Myrl, Chuck & Janice, Doug & Lynda
Doug leads the group in a prayer for Israel & her people.
Susan & Paul say the blessings over Shabbat candles, bread & wine.
Praise, Worship & Israeli Folk Dance
Part of our festivities in celebrating Purim each year is to tell the story of Esther and how God used her to bring deliverance for her people, the Jews, from the evil Haman. For the past eigh years we've chosen to tell the story through a comedic Purim play or Shpiel. This year's play was a "Wizard of Oz" parody entitled "Esther and the Wonderful Kingdom of AZ". Rather than memorizing parts, Curtis leads those in attendance in an impromptu telling of the story. Cast for the play are frequently chosen spontaneously and without any preparation, costumed, handed a script, and directed through the telling of the story.
The heroine in our story is a lovely Jewish orphan girl by the name of Dorothy-Esther Hadassah Mordechai.
It doesn't look like those size 2 "Ruby-Red Slippers" are gonna fit Esther!
She may only be a size 7 but at least she can get her foot in those size 10s.
Dorothy-Esther lives with her Uncle Henry Mordechai and Auntie Em
The kingdom of Shushan is ruled by King Ahashuerus (called King AZ by his people)
and his beautiful Queen, Glenda Vashti
King AZ had an assistant in the palace - Pete the Munchkin
There was also living in Shushan a wicked man by the name of Haman and his wife Zeresh
When King AZ orders Queen Glenda Vashti to come to the palace to show off her beauty to the nobles, she refuses. Pete the Munchkin suggests that King AZ kick Vashti out of the palace so that the king can choose a new queen. AZ liked the idea. Queen Glenda Vashti was banished and all the beautiful girls in the kingdom were summoned to come to the palace of King AZ.
Queen Glenda Vashti refuses to come to the palace of King AZ
KING AZ: Pete, Bring Queen Glenda-Vashti to the banquet wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles. What’s the point of having a Queen of noble birth if you can’t show her off every now and then?
NARRATOR: So Pete the Munchkin went to Queen Glenda-Vashti and said…
Munchkin: King AZ desires your presence.
Queen Glenda-Vashti: A present? Did you say presents? Did he send me a present? Is it pink? Oh, I hope it’s pink! I love pink!
Munchkin: No! Not a present! The King desires your “Presence”!
QUEEN GLENDA-VASHTI: Oh! (pause) I’m busy. Tell him I’ve got to wash my hair. Who does he think he is? Just because he’s the King, and my husband, doesn’t give him any right to tell me what to do. Maybe I’ll go…and then…maybe I just won’t!
NARRATOR: So, Queen Glenda-Vashti refused to go before the King as he had requested.Uncle Henry Morcechai tells Dorothy-Esther that she must go to the palace of King AZ
But which way to go?
... Follow the Yellow Brick Road
On her way to the palace of King AZ, Dorothy-Esther came across three unusual characters - a scarecrow, a tinman, and a cowardly lion. The Scarecrow
Esther: Now which way do I go?
Scarecrow: Pardon me! That way is a very nice way! (Pointing toward King AZ’s palace)
Esther: Who said that?
Scarecrow: It’s pleasant down that way, too! (Pointing the other direction)
Esther: That’s funny! (Talking to herself) Wasn’t he pointing the other way?
Scarecrow: Of course, people do go both ways! (Pointing in both directions)
Dorothy-Esther invites the Scarecrow to accompany her to AZ to get a brain
Narrator: Dorothy walked up to the Tin-Man and started “knocking” on his chest.
Esther: Why, it’s a man! A man made out of tin! (leaning her ear up toward his mouth) Did you say something? Oil can?
Scarecrow: Oh, here it is. (Picks up oil can and hands it to Esther)
Esther: Where do you want the oil first?
Tin-Man: (grunting) …mouth!
Scarecrow: He said his mouth!The Tin Man
Narrator: At just a moment, Haman came walking along and saw Esther with the Scarecrow and Tin-Man. Not realizing she was on the way to the Palace of King AZ he said …
Haman: Helping the little lady along are you, my fine gentlemen? Visitors aren’t welcome around here! I’d advise you to head back to where you came from – or I’ll stuff a mattress with you (pointing to the Scarecrow) – and I’ll use you for a bee hive! (Pointing to the Tin-Man) And as for you, little lady (Pointing to Esther) ,don’t let me catch you in the Kingdom of AZ – or I’ll get you, my pretty – and your little dog, too!
Narrator: Just as quickly as he came, Haman departed.
Scarecrow: I’m not afraid of him. I’ll see that you get safely to the Palace of King AZ, whether I get a brain or not! Stuff a mattress with me! Heh!
Tin-Man: And I’ll see that you get to King AZ whether I get a heart or not!
Esther: Gee, You’re the best friends a girl could ever have!
Narrator: Suddenly from the midst of the forest, the trio was approached by a growling ferocious-looking lion.
Lion: Growl! (acting like he’s ready to start boxing) Put ‘em up! Put ‘em up! Which one of you first? I’ll fight you both together if you want. I’ll fight you with one paw tied behind my back! I’ll fight you standing on one foot! I’ll fight you with my eyes closed! Come on and fight you shivering junk yard! Put your hands up you lop-sided bag of hay!
SCARECROW: Now that’s getting personal!
TIN-MAN: Get up, Scarecrow, and teach him a lesson.
SCARECROW: W-w-what's wrong with y-y-you teaching him?
TIN-MAN: W-w-well, I hardly know him.
Esther: (hits lion & scolds him) Shame on you!
Lion: (crying voice) What’d you do that for? I didn’t bite ‘em!
Esther: But you tried to! Why don’t you pick on someone your own size?
Lion: (crying voice) Well you didn’t have to go and hit me, did you? Is my nose bleeding?
Esther: Well, of course not! (lion continues to cry) My goodness! What a fuss you’re making! Why, you’re nothing but a great big coward!
Lion: You’re right! I am a coward! I haven’t got any courage at all. I even scare myself!
Esther: Oh, you poor thing! (patting him on the back)The Cowardly Lion
The cowardly lion joins the trio and they all head off to see King AZ
KING AZ: I am AZ the great and powerful! Who are you and why have you come to my palace?
Esther: If you please, sir, I am Esther. I have come because the king has summoned all the young girls in the kingdom to come to his palace.
KING AZ: And you think you’re worthy to be the new Queen of AZ?
Esther: No, your majesty. I was just obeying your edict to come to the palace.
Narrator: Suddenly Dorothy notices something stirring behind the large curtain. King AZ sees that she has noticed him.
KING AZ: Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain! The great AZ has spoken!
(Dorothy approaches the curtain and looks behind it)
Esther: You’re the “great” King AZ?
Dorothy-Esther finds favor with King AZ and he makes her his Queen - placing a crown upon her head - promising to eventually help the Scarecrow get a brain, the Tin Man get a heart and the Cowardly Lion get some courage.
In the meantime, Haman (not realizing that Queen Dorothy-Esther was Jewish) convinces King AZ to allow all the Jews in Shushan to be killed on the 13th day of Adar.
HAMAN: King. There is a group of people scattered among the peoples in your kingdom whose customs are different from those of our people and who do not obey the king’s laws. These “Jews” are vermin – the very cause of every woe that has come upon us all! If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them. They’re worthless people … and they have UGLY daughters!
KING AZ: Ugly daughters? Really? We can’t have that in the kingdom! I try to be a good and noble king, but if they have ugly daughters, something has to be done! I’ll give you the signet ring from my finger. Do with these people as you please…especially the UGLY ones."There's some of them now!"
(A group of little girls sat at the front - "Booing" and "Hissing" at Haman - as he taunted them about being some of the "ugly daughters".)
(Left to Right) Bianca, Mary, Allie, Autumn, Ali, Hannah
ZERESH: A present for me? What’s this, my Persian Prince? Gold – and silver – necklaces? What have you been up to?
HAMAN: Guess who has been elevated to the number one seat of power in all the kingdom – just under the king, of course?
ZERESH: Really? You finally did it! You convinced that fool of a king to make you his number one nobleman! How wonderful! Oh, I see the good life just around the corner for me – I mean “us”. There’s nothing we can’t have! There’s nothing we can’t do! You just wait till I see my mother! She said you’d never amount to anything!
HAMAN: Queen Esther threw a party today - and that’s not all! I’m the only person she invited to accompany King AZ to the banquet she gave. She has invited me along with the king again tomorrow. All this gives me no satisfaction, however, as long as I see that Jew, Henry Mordechai, sitting at the king’s gate and refusing to bow to me.
ZERESH: Then just get rid of him! Have a gallows built and in the morning ask the king to have Henry Mordechai hanged on it. Then go with the king to Esther's dinner and be happy.
Uncle Henry Mordechai tells the Cowardly Lion that he has learned of Haman's plan to kill the Jews and says that Esther must go before King AZ and plead for her people.
When Dorothy-Esther informs King AZ that she is Jewish, the decision is made to hang Haman on the gallows that he had built for Uncle Henry Mordechai the Jew.
HAMAN: (Looking at Esther) Look what you’ve done! Who would have thought that a good little girl like you could destroy all of my beautiful wickedness!
Uncle Henry Mordechai is rewarded and elevated to become King AZ's Prime Rabbi and King AZ gives the Jews permission to defend themselves against anyone who would come against them.
Esther: My King, these three friends of mine have been so faithful to me – and to you. Is there anything you can do for them? The Scarecrow is looking for a brain - the kindly Tin-Man for a heart – and the cowardly lion is looking for courage. Is it possible that you can give them what they desire?
KING AZ: (Speaking to the Scarecrow) Why, anyone can have a brain. That’s a mediocre commodity that’s common to all creatures. Back where I come from, we have universities where men go to become great thinkers. And when they come out, they think deep thoughts. They have no more brains than you have – but – they have one thing that you don’t have. A diploma! Therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me - as King AZ - I confer on you this honorary degree! (Take diploma off of table and hands it to the Scarecrow)
Scarecrow: WOW! Who would have known it was that simple! Let's see ... Pi-R-Square ... the Square Root of 81 is 9 ... the Square Root of 9 is 3. (pause) I really do have a brain!
KING AZ: (Speaking to the Lion) As for you, my friend, you’re a victim of disorganized thinking. You simply think that because you run away from danger that you have no courage – confusing courage with wisdom. Back where I come from, we have men who are called heroes. Many of these have no more courage than you have, but they have one thing you do not have – a medal! Therefore, for extraordinary valor, I award you the Triple-Cross. (Take medal off of table and hands it to the Lion)
Lion: (timidly) Shucks folks, I’m speechless!
KING AZ: (Speaking to the Tin-Man) As for you, my galvanized friend, you don’t know how lucky you are not to have a heart. Hearts will never be practical until they can’t be broken. Back where I come from, there are men who do nothing all day long but good deeds and their hearts are no bigger than yours. But, they have one thing that you don’t have – a testimonial. Therefore, by the power vested in me and in consideration of your kindness, I present you with a small token of our esteem and affection (Takes Heart-Watch off of table and hands it to the Tin-Man) Just remember, a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.
Tin-Man: Oh, listen, It ticks! (holds it up to Esther's ear)The Jews established the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should observe these 2 days every year, in the way and time prescribed by Uncle Henry Mordechai. The 14th and 15th of Adar should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never cease to be celebrated by the Jews. Uncle Henry Mordechai the Jew was second in rank to King AZ, and was held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he honored God, worked for the good of the Jews, and spoke up for the welfare of all the people.
"Esther & the Wonderful Kingdom of AZ" Cast
(Left to Right)
Linda (Dorothy-Esther Mordechai), Andy (Uncle Henry Mordechai), Iline (Auntie Em)
(Left to Right)
Wayne (the Tin Man), Sam (the Cowardly Lion),
Linda (Dorothy-Esther Mordechai), Joe (the Scarecrow)
(Left to Right) Allison (Zeresh), Bill (Haman) & Anna (Queen Glenda Vahti),
(Left to Right) Jim (King AZ) & Peter (Pete the Munchkin)
Time for some food and fellowship
Thanks ... to all those who helped set-up before and clean-up afterwards
... to all those who participated in the 2010 Purim Shpiel
... to Janice & Myrl for helping with costuming
... to Duke & Paul for all the great photos
... to all those of you who come and continually support us at Beit Yeshua
... for all the great food
Cornerstone Church, Maiden, NC
Pastor Jonathan Foster of Cornerstone Church in Maiden, NC, invited the leadership of Beit Yeshua to come and teach a 9-week series on the Jewish-Roots of our Christian Faith. The series would run from March to May, 2010 as part of their Sunday evening activities.
(Left) Doug chats with Rob & Norma
(Right) Pastor Jonathan chats with Curtis & Paul before the evening started
Waiting for choir practice to end and others to arrive
The outline for the 9-week series looks like this:
Week 1 (March 7, 2010) led by Curtis: Israel - What scripture says about Israel and what our relationship, as Believers, should be with Israel & the Jews Week 2 (March 14, 2010) led by Doug: The Messianic Church Arising; What the "early" church looked like Week 3 (March 28, 2010) led by Doug: The Messianic Church Arising (continued) Week 4 (April 11, 2010) led by Curtis: The Biblical Feasts Week 5 (April 18, 2010) led by Paul: Shabbat - What is it? Why observe it? Week 6 (Mary 2, 2010) led by Curtis: The Spring Feasts - Pesach (Passover), Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Shavuot (Pentecost) Week 7 (May 9, 2010) led by Chuck: The Fall Festivals - Rosh Hashanah (Trumpets), Yom Kippur (Atonement), Sukkot (Tabernacles) Week 8 (May 16, 2010) led by Doug: The Minor Feasts - Purim & Hanukkah Week 9 (May 23, 2010) led by Paul & Chuck: Shofars, Tallits, Menorahs, Mezuzahs, etc. The series is set up with a lead teacher for each session, but everyone in attendance had the opportunity to ask questions and enrich the class with their comments. Curtis led the first session
about Israel & the what the church's relationship should be with Israel
Genesis 12:1-3
The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go the the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."Genesis 15:18
On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and siad, "To your descendants I give the land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates.(Left) In 1946, Palestine was divided.
Three-fourths of the land was used for a new Arab state that was called Trans-Jordan.
The remaining One-fourth became the nation of Israel in 1948.
(Right) The Biblical borders of Israel, according to Genesis 15:18, should look like this.
Genesis 17:7-8
"I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God."(Left to Right) Chuck, Doug, Paul & Curtis
Our casual format provided the opportunity for discussion & questions
Romans 11
1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I (Paul) also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which eh foreknew.11 I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid; but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
17 And if some of the braches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree. 18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
Ephesians 2:14-15
For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in His blesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.1 Corinthians 12:13
For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.ROLE OF THE CHURCH CONCERNING ISRAEL: 1. Show love to the Jewish people Romans 11:28b ...they are loved on account of the Patriarchs. 2. Show God's Mercy to the Jews Romans 11:31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you. Isaiah 14:1 For the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob. 3. Give material gifts to the Jews Romans 15:27b ...For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 4. Pray for them Psalm 122:6-7 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls and prosperity within thy palaces. 5. Be Watchmen on the Walls to protect them Isaiah 49:22 Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, "I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people, and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders." Zechariah 8:22-23 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; "In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying 'We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you'."
Chuck teaches about the Fall Festivals from Leviticus 23
To hear Chuck sounding the Shofar, CLICK HERE
Steve Martin of Vision For Israel and Love For His People invited the Executive Board of Beit Yeshua for a weekend at the Vision For Israel lodge in the Laurel Ridge Community of Black Mountain, NC. The trip was originally scheduled for January 2010, but due to a snowy winter was rescheduled for March 12 - 14th. Steve and his wife, Laurie, were joined by Curtis & Carolyn, Doug & Lynda and Paul & Susan.
The log house was at the top of the Laurel Ridge Community mountain
The front door with the mezuzah on the right doorpost
A look from the dining room toward the kitchen ...
... and the large family room
Carolyn starts unpacking ...
... while Curtis waits for the others to arrive
(Left to Right) Carolyn, Laurie, Steve, Lynda, Doug, Susan & Paul
It was decided that we'd go down into Black Mountain to eat dinner Friday evening. We ate at a cozy restaurant that specialized in German food. Arriving back at the lodge, preparation is made to welcome the Sabbath
Susan lights Shabbat candles and Paul says the blessings over bread & wine
Doug leads the group in a prayer for Israel
Everyone settles for some fellowship - including Steve, Laurie & Zoe
Saturday morning fellowship
A scenic look from the lodge down the mountain
A little sight-seeing and a pause to blow the shofars
The ladies watched from the top of the hill
The temperature was cool and we actually got 1/4 inch of snow Saturday night
The Last Supper - everyone enjoys dinner Saturday evening
Beautiful scenery from the weekend
Thanks to Steve for sharing his photos
On Saturday, March 27, 2010, ten of us from Beit Yeshua traveled to Boone, NC, to join friends Jim & Linda and meet the folks at Boone Beit Midrash. As it turned out, that was the day they had chosen to celebrate the feast of Passover corporately.
(Left to Right)
Carolyn, Janice, Lynda, Curtis, Wane, Carolee, Paul, Susan, Doug and Chuck
(Left to Right) Jim, Travis, Stephanie & Linda
Fellowship before the Seder began
Shofars are sounded at the beginning of the Seder
Boone Beit Midrash Leaders
Parsley dipped in salt water
Children look for the Afikomen
We've been so blessed to have gotten to know Jim & Linda over the past year. They've recently accepted an invitation to go to Jerusalem and work with Christian Friends of Israel there. Jim surprised Linda by providing an opportunity for them to renew their wedding vows at the beginning of the Boone Beit Midrash Passover Seder. She had no idea what was happening even when she walked into the parlor at the First Baptist Church and saw the Chuppah.
Does she look surprised?
They walk around each other three times
They come under the chuppah and the vows are repeated
The pronouncement is made
Sealed with a Kiss
The glass is broken
