Beit Yeshua
& Machol
History -
The Early Years
1999 - 2005
Home
1999
The Beginning
2000
Performance
& New
Costumes
2001
Young Women
of the WORD
New
Costumes
"Kadosh"
Performance
Resurrection
Family Church
Hickory, NC
Wednesday
Night Praise
& Dance
Seminar
"You Are Holy"
Performance
2002
"Kol Dodi"
Performance
Taking
Dance to
Children's Church
Men's
Israeli Folk
Dance Class
"On Your Walls"
Performance
THE WITNESS
Bar Mitzvah
Ben Berkowitz
"Latter Days"
Performance
2003
Moving to the
Family Life
Center
"I Am
Bending
My Knee"
Performance
Feast Of
Trumpets
Sar Shalom
Charlotte, NC
Dr. Howard
Morgan
2004
Dance Moves
to Crouse, NC
Hope of
Israel
Dancers
Charlotte, NC
Yom Kippur
At Sar Shalom
Charlotte, NC
2005
"O GiveThanks"
"Sing & Dance"
New Costumes
Evangel
Assembly
Of God
Gastonia, NC
The RIVER
Lincolnton, NC
Machol Dance Ministry
(Top Row) Janice, Mel, Carolyn, Sarah, Myrl
(Bottom Row) Nancy, Christi, Curtis and Beverly
Curtis & Carolyn Loftin had been teaching and performing Israeli Folk Dance for about 10 years when they joined Covenant Bible Church in Lincolnton, NC, in 1999. It wasn't too long after they started attending Covenant that they were asked to start an Israeli Folk Dance class at the church. Initially it was just Curtis and Carolyn with seven other ladies. Beit Yeshua was founded in 2001 and Israeli Folk Dance was a major part of their Shabbat and Festival Meetings. As time passed, in addition to dancing at Covenant and Beit Yeshua, the Machol Dancers were invited to dance at other churches and congregations as well as conferences. Curtis & Carolyn also taught Israeli Folk Dance at the Resurrection Lutheran Church International Dance Camp in Charlotte.
Curtis & Carolyn joined Covenant Bible Church in the Spring of 1999. Sometime shortly after that they noticed several ladies dancing in a circle in the back of the church and started a conversation. When the ladies learned that Curtis & Carolyn had taught Israeli Folk Dance, they asked them to teach a class at the church. Curtis approached Senior Pastor Charles Brown and asked him "if the church has a vision for dance". Charles said they did and encouraged Curtis to start the group. On October 6, 1999, Curtis and Carolyn met with the first group of dancers - all ladies - Carolyn, Myrl, Nancy, Mel, Deborah, Janice, Beverly and Christi.
In the beginning, the classes were taught in the foyer of the church
By the Fall of 2000, they had added costuming and were doing quarterly dance performances at
Covenant. The group continued to grow but only women dancers at this point.A Sunday morning dress rehearsal for a performance
(Left to Right) Janice, Beverly, Deborah, Christi, Mel, Curtis, Nancy, Mryl & Carolyn
In August of 2001, the dancers were invited to come teach
Israeli Folk Dance at Covenant's "Young Women of the Word" group.It was exciting to have such a large group to work with
The dancers came up with a second dance costume in 2001
utilizing black blouses and shirts with metallic-colored tunics.New costume for 2001
(Top Row) Janice, Mel, Carolyn, Sarah, Myrl
(Bottom Row) Nancy, Christi, Curtis and Beverly
"KADOSH"
Following the LORD's inspiration, the dancers performed an Israeli Folk Dance to the song "Kadosh" (Holy), by Paul Wilbur, in September 2001. Shabbat candles were lit at the beginning of the dance and the ladies dances around the candles in a dance of worship to the LORD.
Curtis shared with the congregation ...
"During previous dance you've probably noticed the tallit and kippah and wondered what they were. The kippah is a head-covering worn by many religious Jewish men. The Tallit, or prayer shawl, is a four-sided garment worn by Jewish men. Four-cornered garments were considered masculine and three-cornered garments were considered feminine. At each corner of the tallit is a tzitzit (Hebrew for "tassel"). Numbers 15:37-38, The LORD said to Moses, Speak to the Israelites and say to them, 'Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the LORD.'
It was these same tzitzit/tassels that the woman with the issue of blood would have touched when she pressed through the crowd to touch the hem of Yeshua's garment. Matthew 9:20 - 21, And behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind Him and touched the hem (Hebrew: "kraspedon", fringe or tassel) of His garment. For she said within herself, 'if I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole'.
Sometimes the tallit is worn on top of the garment, but often it is worn under clothing with the tassels hanging out like Tevia in "Fiddler On The Roof".
Often when scripture talks about the wings of GOD, it is referring to this four-cornered garment. Malachi 4:2 The Sun of Righteousness (a type of Christ) shall arise with healing in His wings.
GOD loved/loves the children of Israel, Genesis 12:3 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 17:19, I will establish my covenant with him (Abraham) for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
GOD commanded the Children of Israel to keep the Sabbath. Sabbath was a gift from the LORD - a time for rest, Torah/Bible study and prayer. Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday night and ends at sundown on Saturday. Since there were no electric lights, lighting the Sabbath candles/lamps became a Shabbat tradition in the Jewish home.
Listen to the Messianic/Jewish Blessing as Carolyn lights Shabbat Candles. Watch as the dancers dance to the song, "Kadosh", which speaks of the holiness of GOD. The lyrics to the song are, "Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh, Adonai Elohim tz'va'ot, Asher ha-yam, V'ho-veh b'ya-vo, Holy Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and Who is and Who is to come."Carolyn light Shabbat candles 
This candle represents CREATION. Blessed art Thou, O LORD our GOD, King of the Universe, who brings forth light out of darkness.
This candle represents REDEMPTION. Yeshua said, "I AM the Light of the world". Our LORD said, "You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven".
As we light these candles and set them to give light to all who are in this house, light our lives with the great love of Your Son, Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) in Whose name we pray.Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha'olam, Natan lanu Or Ha Olam v'Shabbat, B'Yeshua Ha Mashiach.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who's given us the Light of the world and Sabbath, through Jesus the Messiah.The Dancers dance to "Kadosh" around Shabbat Candles Practice before the morning worship service Covenant's Minsiter of Music, Charlie Tipton, later wrote in a card to Curtis, "Sunday was anointed. Thanks for all your hard work. I know that even the 'skeptics' had to have been touched by what was offered Sunday." Resurrection Family Church In October 2001 our dancers were invited to Resurrection Family Church in Hickory to teach Israeli Folk Dance. Resurrection's Minister of Music (and co-teacher at River Bend Middle School with Curtis) approached Curtis and said that he had heard that Curtis & Carolyn taught Israeli Folk Dance and asked if we'd be willing to come and teach a workshop. Curtis, Carolyn, Myrl, Janice S, Nancy, Mel, Beverly & Christi went to Hickory for the class. Resurrection had about 35 in attendance including 15 men. They were warm and receptive and everyone had a wonderful time. Israeli Folk Dance at Resurrection Family Church in Hickory, NC In November of 2001, Charlie Tipton called Curtis and left a message that Covenant leadership was going to change the focus and style of the Wednesday night service. The plans called for seminar-type classes, and they wanted Curtis to help. Doug Williams later asked Curtis and Gary Edison to help teach the 9-weeks Wednesday evening class on the Tabernacle of David. Gary would teach on the Tabernacle of David while Curtis' part would be to teach about praise, worship, dance, and the use of flags, banners and other typed of pageantry. Gary would teach the first four sessions and Curtis would have the last five. Doug would act as the facilitator and helper.
Curtis taught on the seven Hebrew words for praise: Tehillah (Sung Praise), Shabach (Shout), Barak (Kneel), Towdah (Lift the Hands), Yadah (Throw out the Hands), Zamar (Sing with Instruments) and Halal (To Act Clamorously Foolish) Part of the class included embracing all the form of praise 
The second of Curtis' classes was about banners - what scripture had to say about banners - their colors and significance. Psalm 60:4 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of truth. Isaiah 11:10 An in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles see; and his rest shall be glorious. (ENSIGN is anther word for banner) Reasons For Banners
(1) Tribal & Family Identity, (2) Proclamation, (3) Warfare, (4) Rallying Point for TroopsThere was a lot of interest in the use of banners
Curtis' third class was a practical application and use of banners. The entire group went into the Family Life Center and each person was given a flag, a banner, a silk, a prayer shawl or a tambourine. This was the larges group we'd had since we started the Wednesday night classes on Praise & Worship - with about 30 people in the group - and as many men as there were women.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should SHOW FORTH the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. We put on some praise & worship music by Paul Wilbur and everyone started to worship -
as first using flags, tabrets and tambourinesLarger flags, silks and tallits were added during our time of praise and worship Banners and streamers were added
Grant Mosteller asked that we repeat the class during his Sunday School Class in April of 2002 Psalm 20:5 We will rejoice in Thy salvation and in the Name of our GOD we will set up our banners. Curtis' last two sessions were about dance as a form of praise and worship. The first of these classes dealt with what scripture has to say about dance while the final class gave everyone a chance to learn some simple Israeli Folk Dance. A large group of dancers - surprisingly more men then women "YOU ARE HOLY" In November of 2001, the dancers started working on an Israeli Folk Dance to the song "You Are Holy" by Hillsong. Using battery-operated candle-lights, the group worshipped as they danced before the LORD. The dancers practice the dance for a performance later in the month 
The dancers wear new costumes for the performance (Left to Right) Mel, Nancy, Christi, Myrl, Beverly, Janice and Sarah A final practice before the Sunday morning performance 
"KOL DODI" In January of 2002, Curtis was impressed of the LORD to do a men's dance to the song "Kol Dodi" (The Voice of the Bridegroom) by Chuck King. Curtis approached 14 men about taking part in the dance performance. All but two said, "Yes". As a result of this simple dance for men, the door was opened at Covenant for men to move out and participate in Israeli Folk Dance.
The men process in from the back of the church 
Each man used a tallit as part of the dance With their heads covered, the men daven as if praying at the Western Wall Forming a circle and doing a simple mayim step The lady dancers dance in two small circles on the sides of the sanctuary 
The men wore black pants and white shirts for the performance ... (Top Row) Doug W, David S, Curtis L, Hal M, Chris H
(Middle & Bottom Rows) Brad S, Dennis H, Jeff C, Wayne S, Gary E, Greg L, Kenneth K... while the ladies wore the blue side of their ephod and carried the blue tabrets (Top Row) Beverly D, Jennifer K, Beth S, Janice S
(Bottom Row) Myrl P, Christi R, Mel M, Nancy MKenneth & Jennifer with Brad & Beth
Beth is Curtis & Carolyn's daughter
Chandler Curtis carried the Yeshua Banner Curtis introduces the dance...
What a wonderful expression of expectation for those eagerly awaiting the return of Yeshua, the Messiah.
The tallit, or prayer shawl, is frequently used as a cuppah or canopy in the Hebrew marriage.
Often a tallit is given to the bridegroom on the day of the wedding by his bride.The white tallit reminds us of the holiness and purity of Messiah. Ephesians 5:27 tells us that
He will return for a holy Bride - without spot, blemish or wrinkle.Matthew 25:1, 6-7, 10, 13
...ten virgins took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom,
And at midnight there was a cry mad, "Behold the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him."
Then all the (wise) virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.
And while the (foolish) virgins went to buy oil for their lamps, the Bridegroom came; and
they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage; and the door was shut.
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of Man cometh!!Join us as we "show forth" our anticipation of His return.
Based on Song of Solomon 2:8 which says...Kol Dodi
Hine ze ba, Hine ze ba,
Ani shomeach, et Kol Dodi.
M'daleg al he'harim,
Me'kapetz al hag'va'ot
Domech Dodi l'tsvi.Which means ...
The Voice of my Beloved, Behold He comes!
I hear my Beloved's voice,
Leaping upon the mountain, skipping upon the hills,
Behold He comes.... Saying ... Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
The Spirit and the Bride say come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:17)
Maranatha, Come quickly! (1 Corinthians 16:22)A final dress rehearsal on Sunday morning before service
The men process in carrying their tallits... and the dance begins 
The lady dancers 
Taking Israeli Folk Dance to Children's Church Children's Pastors Kim & Riley Casey invited the dancers to come to Children's Church in February of 2002 to teach the children some Israeli Folk Dance.
Curtis talks to the kids about dance before the dancing session begins
Did you know that God's Word, the Bible, commands us to dance? Psalm 150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance! Do you know anyone in the Bible who ever danced? Exodus 15:20 and Miriam ... went out ... with timbrel and with dances.
2 Samuel 6:14 And David dances before the Lord with all his might.
Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord thy God ... will joy/dance over theeThe sheer numbers were almost a little overwhelming
Each of the dancers had an age group to work withDoing a line dance is always the easiest place to start
Because of such large numbers the line twists and snakes around the Family Life Center
Prior to that, the dancers met and made about 100 tabrets, flags and streamers for the kids to use. The table with tabrets, streamers and flags for the kids
The kids loved the tabrets, streamers and flags
Eventually we got the kids in a circle and started teaching them some simple steps
Several circles were formed with various dancers taking different age levels and genders
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example to the believers ... Jeremiah 31:13 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together ... As a result of the success of the Men's dance, "Kol Dodi", we started a Beginners men's dance group that met prior to the ladies dance practice time. When the men came to dance, several of their wives came, too, and were encouraged to become part of the beginner's group. Lynda Williams joined her husband Doug - and Linda Lilge joined her husband Greg. The Beginner's Men's group ran from February to the end of May. In June, we combined the beginner and advanced groups to form one Israeli Folk Dance Group. Everyone faces the same direction for some basic instruction Into the center "Right Left Right Hop!" Learning to do the mayim step to the right and also to the left Danny & Connie Fox had visited Covenant when the Messianic singing group Liberated Wailing Wall (of Jews for Jesus) was there. They were invited to come and dance on the (then) Thursday night dance class. They took us up on the invitation and became part of the group. "On Your Walls, Jerusalem" In February 2002, After Winter Dance Camp at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Charlotte, Myrl, Veverly, Nancy and Mel choreographed a dance to the Chuck King song, "On Your Walls, Jerusalem". The warfare-style of dance incorporated some of the other styles of dance learned at Dance Camp and was different than anything we had done before. Considering the extremely large number of suicide bombers in Israel at the time, the dance was also of a prophetic nature. As Believers in Messiah Yeshua, we've all be called to be watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem - and all of Israel. Nancy, Beverly, Mel and Myrl practice the dance
Myrl had asked that Curtis read the scripture from Isaiah 62 before the performance.
Isaiah 62
Living BibleBecause I love Zion, because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I will not cease to pray for her or to cry out to GOD on her behalf until she shines forth in His righteousness and is glorious in His salvation.
The nations shall see your righteousness. Kings shall be blinded by your glory; and God will confer on you a new name. He will hold you aloft in his hands for all to see - a splendid crown for the King of kings. Never again shall you be called "The God-forsaken Land" or the "Land that God Forgot". Your new name will be "The Land of God's Delight" and "The Bride", for the Lord delights in you and will claim you as His own. Your children will care for you, O Jerusalem, with joy like that of a young man who marries a virgin; and God will rejoice over you as a bridegroom with his bride.
O Jerusalem, I have set intercessors on your walls who shall cry to God all day and all night for the fulfillment of His promises. Take no rest, all you who pray, and give God no rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her respected and admired throughout the earth. The Lord has sworn to Jerusalem with all His integrity: "I will never again give you to your enemies; never again shall foreign soldiers come and take away your grain and wine. You raised it; you shall keep it, praising God. Within the Temple courts you yourselves shall drink the wine you pressed. Go out! Gou out! Prepare the roadway for my people to return! Build the roads, pull out the boulders, raise the flag of Israel."
See, the Lord has sent His messengers to every land and said, "Tell my people, I, the Lord your God, am coming to save you and will bring you many gifts." And they shall be called "The Holy People" and "The Lord's Redeemed," and Jerusalem shall be called "The Land of Desire" and "The City God Has Blessed."On Your Walls, Jerusalem On your walls, Jerusalem, I have set my watchmen,
Through the night and all day long,
They will take no rest,
For my delight is in you, and I will marry you,
And I will rejoice over my bride.King of Kings, We Praise Your Name!
Behold the Lord, He has proclaimed,
“Judah’s Lion - He shall reign from Jerusalem!”Through, go through, go through the gates,
For His people clear the way,
Build, build up, the King’s highway
to Zion, Zion! Zion!To your sons and daughters say,
“Jerusalem is made a praise”,
The Lord, the Mighty One,
Will save, Zion! Zion! Zion!To Hear the Song
and See Another Dance for the Song
CLICK HEREAs the church moved toward its 2002 Resurrection Sunday Celebration, the dancers were invited to dance as the choir performed "The Witness", a musical by Jimmy & Carol Owens. The dances for the drama were choreographed by Janice Stroup.
Yeshua/Jesus turns the water into wine
The dancers dance as the choir sings Janice with Jennifer, Myrl ... ... Melody and Beth ... and Nancy The finale shows the joy that radiated from the dancers and the choir
The musical was anointed and the dancers added much to the presentationJanice, Beth and Myrl in another set of costumes worn during THE WITNESS To Hear the songs from the musical CLICK HERE Benjamin Berkowitz's Bar Mitzvah
In May of 2002, Bruce & Kathy Berkowitz invited the dancers as well as the Jewish-Roots Group to come and be a part of her son Ben's Bar Mitzvah. We had attended or been a part of the Bar & Bat Mitzvah of their other children as well. Bruce and Kathy led praise and worship and we enjoyed the opportunity to dance during and after the service. After the service, we taught dance and had many new participants.
"Latter Days" In the Fall of 2002, we began our largest dance undertaking since we started in 1999. With 24 dancers and 4 flag bearers, representing various countries around the world, we prepared a dance, "Latter Days" sung by Barry & Batya Segal, to honor the Biblical Festival of Sukkot (The Feast of Booths/Tabernacles) at Covenant. The song speaks of the Millennial Reign of Messiah Yeshua when all the nations will come up to Jerusalem from year-to-year to worship the LORD.
Covenant men and women came together for their second dance performance. This time there were 24 dancers including 8 dancers from other congregations and churches. Preparations for the dance presentation began in late September with a performance date of 17 November 2002.
Each dancer carried a flag during the musical interlude at the beginning of the song
and moved through a choreographed path through the various isles of the churchAs the stanza began, flags were stored and the ladies enter for the first verse 
As the ladies exited, the men moved to the front and danced for the second verse
The ladies return to join the men at the front
A spontaneous time of dance where each dancer represents the dance style
from the country they represent
And ... the Finale
Zechariah 14:16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against
Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts,
and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.A group photo of dancers and flag bearers with flags and costumes
Curtis gets everyone set up for some photos A final practice 
Curtis' son, Philip, takes photos and videos as the group practices "Going up, going up to the mountain, Going up to the House of the LORD" "In the Latter Days on the mountain of Zion, All nations will flow to the House of the Lord,
All people will bow down to the God of Jacob, Then His glory will appear,
He'll wash away the filth from the daughters of Zion, and purge all the blood of Jerusalem,
When He pours out the Spirit of Judgment & burning, The His glory will appear! Come up!Going up, Going up the the mountain, Going up to the House of the Lord,
Going up, Going up to the mountain, He will teach us all His ways.He will make a covering, A tabernacle of the Lord,
By night a shining flaming fire, A pillar of smoke and a cloud by day.
Come up!Those carrying flags and not dancing enter first
The dancers radiated as they "shewed forth" the love of the LORD
Many in the church stand at the end of the dance in worship of the LORD Yeshua
A special thanks to all those dancers who participated in that dance in November 2002 The DANCERS Leslie (Pacific Islands), Beverly (Puerto Rico), Gary (United States of America) 
Connie (Egypt), Danny (Russia), Alysa (China) 
Dennis (Israel), Kirk (Scotland) 
Becky (Afghanistan with Bahamas Flag), Bruce (England), Kate (Austria) 
Greg (Israel), Linda (Israel) 
Carolyn (Poland), Curtis (China), Sheryl (Laos) 
Hal (USA), Nancy (Spain), Mel (Australia with Ecuador Flag) 
Billie Jo (Native American), Myrl (Kenya), Janice (Japan) 
Christi (Germany), Robin (India), Chalmers (Canada), 
Vickie (Spain), Doug (Kenya), Lynda (Nigeria with Mexico Flag) 
The Machol Dancers "revisited" the dance "Latter Days" as part of
Beit Yeshua's Sukkot Celebration in 2009Moving the the Family Life Center
We started off using the church foyer for our Israeli dance classes, but when the men joined the group we had to move to the church sanctuary. With the addition of new dancers for the 2002 "Latter Days" dance presentation, our dance practice was moved to Covenant's Family Life Center to allow for Additional space.
The smiles on everyone's faces show just how much fun we had during the classes Bruce, Becky & Kate Jones joined the Israeli Folk Dance class in 2003
Sheryl, Leslie & Kirk had joined in 2002 as part of "Latter Days"Working on some of the more challenging steps
Lynda had carried a flag for "Latter Days" but joined the class in 2003
as did Barry & MelbaWe worked on our first couple's dance to the song "I Will Talk to My Brothers" by LAMB
One of our few performances for 2003, was to the song "I Am Bending My Knee" by Kirk Dearman. Curtis had seen the dance performed at the Resurrection Lutheran Church Dance Camp in Charlotte during the summer of 2003 when he and Carolyn were teaching Israeli Folk Dance there.
Because of the Children's Church annual consignment sale being set up in the Family Life Center
we're confined to a small corner of the building
There are no photos from this performance.
Feast Of Trumpets at Sar Shalom In September of 2003, Sar Shalom invited the Machol Dancers to join them for the Feast Of Trumpets. Sar Shalom was a Jewish-Roots group, led by Lynn Woodruff and Jim & Carolyn Angel, that met at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Charlotte. Their guest speaker for the evening was Dr. Howard Morgan, a Messianic-Jewish Believer. At the time the Jewish-Roots group in Lincolnton was called Gates Of Praise and the dancers were called the Gates Of Praise Dancers.
We performed several dances, including "Sing & Dance" and "O Give Thanks".
Dr. Howard Morgan at Gates Of Praise In addition to speaking at Sar Shalom in Charlotte, Dr. Howard Morgan was scheduled to speak at the Jewish-Roots group that had grown out of Covenant Bible Church in Lincolnton on September 27, 2003. The group was known as Gates Of Praise from 2003 to 2005.
The Lincolnton Jewish-Roots dropped the name "Gates Of Praise" and was simply called "The Lincolnton Jewish-Roots Group" from 2005 to 2008. In November of 2008 the group selected the name "Beit Yeshua".
Dr. Morgan speaks to a group of about 50 at Gates Of Praise/Beit Yeshua
Myrl, Nancy and Melody did a dance performance as part of the evening's activities
Crouse, NC By January of 2004, the dancers had moved to Greg & Linda's basement in Crouse, NC, for the Israeli Folk Dance classes.
January 2004 The group grows again by April 2004 Solomon & Madelyn Lopez danced with us for a short season 
Janice, Doug, Linda and Lynda - time for a little fellowship Becoming life-long friends - Sheryl, Tayler, Carolyn, Myrl & Janice Hope Of Israel Dancers Curtis met Debbie Bateman at the Resurrection Lutheran Church Dance Camp when she attended several of the Israeli Folk Dance classes that he taught. Debbie became the Dance Teacher & Leader at Hope of Israel in Charlotte and because of the friendship that had been formed, they decided to have a joint class including the dancers from both the Charlotte & Lincolnton groups in February of 2002. Curtis & Debbie both taught Israeli Folk Dances during the evening. Two circles are formed for the dancers of both groups Sheryl, Connie, Debbie and Danny Yom Kippur at Sar Shalom/Resurrection Lutheran The Machol Dancers were invited to participate in the Sar Shalom Yom Kippur service at Resurrection Lutheran Church in September 2004.
Lynn Woodruff lights Festival candles The sanctuary had been recently decorated for Dance Camp Paul & Marian Boyd provided praise and worship for the evening
Paul & Marian also led praise & worship at the CBU Conferences at RidgecrestThe Lincolnton Dancers danced as Paul & Marion led praise & worship (Left) Greg, Linda, Carolyn Angel and Leslie, (Middle) Pastor Herb Mirley, (Right) Lynn Woodruff 
"O Give Thanks" In January 2005 the dancers started working on two performance pieces for an upcoming dance opportunity at Evangel Assembly of God in Gastonia, NC. "O Give Thanks, to the Lord, Call upon His Name" "Seek the Lord and His strength, Glory to His Name" "Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah" "Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah" "Sing & Dance" The second performance dance we worked on was a song by Jonathan Settel, "Sing & Dance", that Curtis chorographed.
"Come let us praise the Lord, And sing Him a New Song" "Come let us sing His praise, Together with the saints" "Let them praise His name with dancing, Making music with the tambourine and harp" "For the Lord takes pleasure in His people, He will crown the humble with salvation" "Let the saints rejoice in this order, Sing and dance unto the Lord" New Costumes In planning to dance at Evangel Assembly of God, we decided to put-together some new colorful costumes. The 2005 Group Kate, Becky, Linda, Carolyn, Lynda, Christi, Janice, Myrl and Connie Bruce, Curtis, Doug, Greg and Kirk Curtis Evangel Assembly of God, Gastonia, NC Chriti, one of the lady Machol Dancers invited the group to perform at her church, Evangel Assembly of God in Gastonia, NC.
A last minute practice in the fellowship hall 
Gettin' ready to go The dancers move into place and are introduced - and the dance begins 
Posing for a few group photos after church Greg, Linda, Kirk, Connie, Kate, Doug, Linda, Bruce, Becky, Christi, Myrl and Janice A group shot outside of the church The River By the Fall of 2005, Greg & Linda had decided to move to Myrtle Beach and we were looking for a place for our dance classes. Becky approached Pastor Bill Shupp at The River, a store-front church in down-town Lincolnton, and we were invited to use their facilities for the Israeli Folk Dance classes.
The facility was very nice and we were thrilled to have a place to dance again (Above) Pastor Bill Shupp, Curtis, Myrl and Janice Every time a door is closed, another is opened and we always have opportunities to share and teach
History of the Machol Dancers - The Early Years (1999 - 2005) - CLICK HERE History of the Machol Dancers - The Middle Years (2006 - 2010) - CLICK HERE History of the Machol Dancers - The Latter Years (2011 - 2014) - CLICK HERE
