My journey to Shabbat…
One in Messiah Ministries started as an Internet newsletter. By the way, this was a real stretch for me since I was computer illiterate. I would travel to various conferences, and when I heard a teaching about Hebraic Roots, God’s Heart for Israel, or the Jewish people that I felt the message was important for the whole body, I would ask if we could publish it. That newsletter has evolved into a Mail Chimp release you can sign up for on this website. As time progressed we now have our website, a lot has happened since 2002.
My travels brought me to Tulsa to visit my son. He brought me to my first Shabbat fellowship. It was at those Shabbat groups my son courted his then-girlfriend. Sidebar: they are now married and the proud parents of two beautiful children. A blessing of Shabbat?
It was at that Shabbat group that God began to show me the picture of community that results as people are brought together to celebrate Shabbat. The group members took turns opening up their homes each Friday, and everyone brought food. The Feast would begin with the lighting of the candles and the blessing of the bread and wine, and then everybody would eat together. After dinner, all would settle in the living room or family room, on chairs or the floor, and dig into the Torah portion of that week. ‘All’ included the teens and youngsters old enough to participate with the adults. In unity, different denominations joined to honor the Lord’s Sabbath and each other. I was so blessed. The fellowship was genuine, and the discussion was so rich. I knew in my heart this was something I wanted others to experience.
Among those participating were Jewish Families from the community. It was clearly understood that they would bring their perspective and believers theirs. There was no compromise among the believers in mentioning Jesus, other than using the name Yeshua as Jesus. The name Jesus was connected in many minds of the Jewish people with the Holocaust. There was great respect amongst Jews and Gentiles and many seeds were sown in those attending.
My first thoughts were to share, in our internet newsletter, the joy of my experience. Little did I know that in several years God would be calling me to help communities of believers start their own Shabbat groups. In the early years in my state of residence, we had groups in five counties and more starting each month. We consistently saw representatives of three or more churches come to these gatherings–which is one of the beautiful things the Lord was doing to bring down denominational walls.
My state of residence has changed. I am happy to report some of the early participants continue to have either Shabbat or Rosh Chodesh gatherings. Here in my present location groups are meeting at God’s appointed times. I believe God continues to call believers to bring the body together in homes. I have calls from friends nationwide sharing what God is doing in their region. There is not only an understanding of the blessing of fellowship according to God’s calendar, there is the tangible presence of the Lord when they do.
Getting started… Celebrate your own Shabbat…
To help the host families get started, we produced a Shabbat booklet. It contains information and prayers and can be used as a guide in leading your Shabbat. However, it is only a guide; our desire is just to point you in a direction from which the Holy Spirit can lead you into the fullness He has for you as you keep your appointment with Him.
The booklet can be found on our website and is a free download for your use. In return please sign up for our monthly newsletter. Sign up can be found in the About section of the website.
The Shabbat fellowship groups are fluid. Some people come once, take what they have experienced, and make it part of their family structure. This is our great hope for all who come. Others come regularly to enjoy the richness of the fellowship. Still, others bring their experience back to their neighborhoods or churches and open their own homes to celebrate Shabbat.
A host family takes one Friday a month. Some choose a time of worship and intercession for Israel and the Nations followed by a Shabbat meal; or a Shabbat meal followed by a study of our Hebraic Roots through the Word of God. Those who prefer to study often follow the Torah, Haf Torah, and Brith Hadash portions for the week, praying that as our Jewish brothers read and discuss the same portions we do, the Holy Spirit will bring revelation to them as He brings revelation to us. Those with children may enjoy playing games or watching a movie as part of the evening’s activities.
As much as I have tried to encourage our Hostesses to keep it simple, many who open their homes enjoy bringing out their good dishes making fabulous home-cooked meals, all participants are encouraged to contribute to the meal to share the work load. However, Shabbat can be celebrated as easily with pizza on paper plates and veggies with dip already packaged at your local grocery store! The point is that Shabbat is primarily a time to fellowship with the Lord and each other. Whatever works best for the hostess is the best.
If we can help in any way to get you started, we are most willing. Feel free to e-mail us, or bring us to your home. Whatever you choose, do get started. The blessing is waiting for you, and so is the Lord.