Summer - 2009
Greetings to everyone!
Once again, thank you for letting us come into your home for this “visit”. We realize that you are busy, and so we are very grateful that you can spend a wee bit of time reading our newsletter, hopefully learning a little something new, and simply getting ‘caught up’ on our news.
I have to apologize for the extended delay in getting this update out to you, our friends and supporters. I will have more to say about the ‘hold-up’ in the teaching section. The difficulty around such a delay is that some of the news I share will seem “old” due to the passage of time since the event took place.
I don’t like to skip over things however, because … well, I just like to be complete. Here are a few general items to start with, and then later, some more recent items. I hope you enjoy this “summer” edition.
I can not believe how fast time has slipped by. Holy Week, way back in April, (Palm Sunday through the Sunday of the Resurrection) has come and gone long ago. Emmanuel had a great service on Palm Sunday, with a procession which began in the parking lot. Palm branches were waved on high as the people processed into the church, re-enacting the Triumphal entry of Yeshua as He came into Yerushalayim. On Maundy Thursday I was privileged to bring the message to the people of Emmanual and we included a form of washing to remind us all of our servant duties. On Good Friday a few members of the congregation reflected on some Bible passages they had been studying over the season of Lent. On Easter Sunday, the church was decorated with the traditional lilies and the service was a glorious reminder of Yeshua’s Rising from death, “the first fruits of those who are asleep.” (1 Cor 15:20)
Meanwhile, our little Chavarah Group had a wonderful Pesach Seder celebration which again brought new meaning and understanding to all that Elohim has done for His people, and what He continues to do today, redeeming those who come to faith from a life burdened with sin and guilt. (See below for more details about what the Chavarah has been doing so far this summer.)
SUMMER ENGAGEMENTS
Regular readers will remember that I was asked to cover the Sunday services at Emmanuel while the regular minister, the Reverend Dr. Peter Robinson, took some vacation and Sabbatical leave time. This means that every Sunday from May 3rd through August 30th I have been or will be presiding at the Eucharist (Holy Communion). It has been a long time since I did regular services, and it is both a challenge (to get back into the swing of things) and a joy (to ‘be in the saddle’ again). I am scheduled to bring the message as well on seven occasions during this period.
These Sundays have given me wonderful openings to fulfill the main mandate of BRT Ministries – to “help believers make the connection” between the Christian faith and our Jewish roots (within Peter’s direction, of course). We have looked at the time of the Counting of the Omer, the fifty days of growth between the Festivals of First Fruits (Resurrection) and Shavuot (Pentecost). We have learned together what would have been happening in Y’shua’s (Jesus’) life and in that of the talmudim, (disciples) as Jesus continued to teach them. We looked more deeply into the ascension, and made note of scriptural precedents in which Holy Servants of Elohim were taken into heaven before death, (or as with Moses whose burial place was never known, and whose body was fought over by Michael and Satan in a Heavenly skirmish), thus opening for them possibilities of later earthly visitations. We have seen how Pentecost was an ancient Festival of the Jewish people, who were under compulsion to celebrate first the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai (50 days after the departure from Egypt) and later the agricultural thanksgiving for a bountiful first harvest after the people settled in the Promised Land. What we have seen so far, is that nothing is coincidence in G_d’s plan, but that every Festival has a purpose, which has rolled over (if somewhat disguised) into Christian practices.
More recently, we have entered into the Letter to the Ephesians, and will be looking at some of the latter understandings of G_d’s plan as it is outlined there. This period between Pentecost and the Fall Festivals is an amazing period of time, filled with mystery, mourning and revelation, as well as growth and caveats. (See the teaching section for more about this).
Leading the services themselves has also provided an amazing opening to bring in some fuller understanding of the Jewish roots of the prayers we say each week. With a careful and “measured” insertion of Hebrew names or phrases, people are beginning to make connections on their own. Every other week, I have been able to use, for instance, the Blessing of Aaron, found in Numbers 6:22-27, using the original Hebrew for the blessing itself. The majority of the congregation are positive about this, and on the “off” weeks, comment that they miss it. I have explained that this “blessing” is the only one I have found in Scripture by which the leaders are instructed to bless the people.
What has been especially rewarding is the positive attitude of so many members of the congregation and, of course – as a teacher – I am deeply gratified by the number of people who say they are “learning so much” from the messages, etc. I am so thankful for the opportunity that Elohim has brought about this year, and hope and trust that you, as supporters and sojourners with BRT Ministries can also feel the elation I am experiencing.
THIS MONTH’S TEACHING: “The Growing Fields”
I mentioned above the delay in getting this newsletter completed and out. Part of the problem was that, for some reason, I just could not get inspired about the message for this edition. I had a skeleton, but no real “meat” for it. The reason for that came clear the other day, when I received an e-mail forwarded from one of our sojourners. It was a word of prophecy from a recent “Elijah List” contributor. Suddenly I realized that Elohim had been holding me back for a purpose. The prophetic word was about exactly this time through which we are journeying, and in particular the period from the “Fast” of Tammuz 17 through the “Fast” of Tisha B’Av, the 9th day of Av in the Jewish Calendar, (this year it is from the 9th to the 30th of July). This 3 week period is a time of mourning for the Jewish people, but more about that later.
My original (and still present) intent was to look more closely (than usual) at this whole time period, from Shavuot (Pentecost) to the beginning of the Fall Festivals initiated by Yom T’ruah (The Festival of Trumpets) known commonly as Rosh Hashanah (the “Head of the Year” or simply “New Years”). [This term is only on the secular Jewish calendar since Rosh Hashanah, is not a Biblical feast – but Yom T’ruah is Biblical and that is why we use that term in BRT].
As I first reflected on this idea for teaching, I was reminded of the motorcycle trip Joan and I took (along with my sister and brother-in-law) in the early 80’s. We went from Barrie to Victoria, travelling the whole way on the Trans-Canada Highway. It was a marvellous trip which took 6 days in all, 21/2 of which were spent getting out of Ontario. Of course, we have many wonderful memories, but one which is apropos to this teaching, involves the prairies, especially in Manitoba, west of Winnipeg. Picture if you will, fields as far as one can see, covered in various crops – first mustard or rapeseed (I never really knew which) to wheat and other grains. Photographs can’t do it justice, for it is the motion of the grain heads in the breeze which lasts in one’s mind. Like waves moving across a sea, the rippling, ever changing colours, and almost hypnotic motion still amazes me. And it was also the amount of grain growing. The land is virtually flat, so visibility was clear for miles and miles, with no prominent landmarks to interrupt one’s gaze. It was the most expansive ‘vision’ of growth I had ever witnessed.
In the Jewish year, at least as it is counted in Israel, there are two growing seasons. The first culminates with the early heads of barley grain which reveal themselves at about the time of Pesach (Passover or Easter). These are the grains which are waved in the Temple for “First Fruits”, and which mature around the time of Shavuot (Pentecost). The time between these two festivals is known as the time for the “Counting of the Omer”. [An omer is a measure of grain, like a bushel]. The second season seems to overlap, but basically extends from just prior to Pentecost and continues through the weeks of summer, ending with the harvest in the fall. These summer months collectively are important for the growth of food products of all kinds. During this season, the rainfall, the sunshine, the temperature and the work of the farmer, all cooperate [optimally] to produce a large bounty.
What strikes me as important for us today is the lesson that we are like those fields. We are [if we are being obedient to Elohim] involved in learning and growing. Sha’ul, (Paul) at one point, reminds his readers that while they have been saved by the selfless sacrifice of G_d in Messiah on the Tree (cross), it is up to the individual to “work out one’s salvation with fear and trembling, for it is Elohim who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Php 2:12,13)
This summer season then, is our time, to take to heart the call upon all believers to “read, mark, learn and inwardly digest” the Word of G_d, seeking His direction for us, ever-increasing the crop of knowledge and working for the increase of His Kingdom. Like a growing season in any agricultural setting, the time is limited, and there is so much to “take in” so that we, like fields of grain, are nourished, and ripened, and ready to be used to feed others.
Now, into this line of thought, and into this season, comes the prophetic word I received by e-mail. It was entitled “A Very Narrow Way Beginning this Week”, and was passed on to Elijah’s List ‘members’ from Chuck Pierce, and then through, as I mentioned above, one of our “sojourners”. It would seem that Chuck had prophesied that a narrow time was coming for believers. One lady who lives in Israel received his message and wrote back the following:
In traditional Judaism, the time period between the 17th of Tammuz and 9th of Av is called “Bein haMetzarim” which is translated “between the narrow places” or “dire straits”. It comes from Lamentations 1:3 [“Y’hudah {Judah} has fled into exile from oppression and endless slavery. She lives among the nations, but there she finds no rest. Her pursuers have all overtaken her in the midst of her distress.” From the Complete Jewish Bible.]
“This phrase, [the writer continues] “in the midst of her distress” can also be translated “between the straits or narrow places.” It is traditionally a 3-week mourning period in Judaism commemorating first: the breaching of the walls of Yerushalayim in the 17th of Tammuz and second: the destruction of the Temple on the 9th of Av.”
[The 9th of Av is historically a day of tragedy for the Jewish people. In addition to the above lamentable event, it is also remembered as the day on which the spies sent into the promised land returned to Moses and ‘filed their reports’. The people were told (by all but Caleb and Joshua) that the land was filled with giants whom they would not be able to defeat, sending the people into fear and making them regret having left Egypt – an act which caused Elohim to have the Israelites wander in the wilderness for 40 years, and to have that entire older generation die off because of their lack of faith and obedience. Ever since that time, the 9th of Av has been a time of sadness.]
Pierce then continues to point out that just as in Judaism, this is a time for us to be aware. During this time of “narrow passage”, we must be on guard that there are no breaches in the walls, and we must walk forever forward in faith, not in fear or grief. For all believers, this season will be not only a time for growth, but a time of challenge it seems, as Elohim “narrows our way”, testing us and refining us once again. It is a time, according to Pierce, that we should un-muddle our thinking. He points out that G_d has declared that “there is a clarion call being released into the earth… My desires for my people have been muddled with their own desires… I will begin to separate the desires of My people so that they can follow Me.” (italicized sentence is corrected for clarity by bdp).
I find it of great interest when Elohim works through the events of history to teach us more and more about how we should be living. North Americans, traditionally have considered the summer to be a time of relaxation, holidays and pursuing their own interests. Indeed, city churches generally notice a sharp decline in attendance as people go on vacation, or just “take a break”. Yet, if we are considering the example of G_d, we should be even more involved in our studies and our worship, looking deeper into our faith, seeking to grow personally, being vigilant against the breeches in the walls around that which we hold dear, namely our relationship with the true and living Elohim.
CHAVARAH NEWS & BIBLE STUDY NOTES
This summer we have been taking seriously the “call” to learn and grow both in stature and in favour with G_d. The chavarah (small group) has continued to meet each Wednesday evening to look at some of the finer details of the assigned weekly portions of Scripture – detail that is simply not possible on Shabbat. We have recently added a new person to the study group and we are very grateful to G_d for bringing her to us. So for this summer, we have learned so much about the books of Leviticus and Numbers – books which always stymied my study in the past. Now we are into Deuteronomy and learning about the importance of “Journeying” as followers of Messiah.
In addition to our weekly study gatherings, the Chavarah has continued to gather for worship on Shabbat. These are rewarding moments for all of us. Also, by agreement, we decided this summer to periodically attend, as a group, worship services in local synagogues – again to augment the growth G_d is providing. We have attended this summer both Holy Blossom Temple in Forest Hill, and Darchei Noam Synagogue on Sheppard Ave W. We have been striking up friendships with people particularly at Darchei, and even met with the Rabbi (at our suggestion) to discuss our attendance. She was most pleased to welcome us, and indeed the whole congregation have been very friendly and open to our being there.
There have been a number of good learning opportunities for us through Darchei this summer. One Shabbat afternoon following services, a visiting Rabbi from West Palm Beach spoke about the Ten Commandments (or Ten Words). It was an amazing time of learning for all of us. (For instance – did you know there are actually two sets of commandments - parts of which are quite different? And can you, without looking, repeat exactly what is the sixth commandment? Are you sure?).
Joan and I recently attended one of the Shabbat morning study sessions prior to the synagogue service. The discussion was lively and centred on G_d’s treatment of Pinchas. (There is more here than meets the eye. Check out Numbers chapter 25). I must confess to deep regret over years and years of poor teaching in the Church due to the lack of knowledge of the Jewish viewpoint and cultural background. This sadness within me drives me even more strongly to get into churches everywhere to share more about our “roots”.
A few of the members of Emmanuel Church have been meeting for years on Wednesday mornings to read and discuss the Bible lessons for the upcoming Sunday. During my time “covering” for Peter, I have sat in on these studies and led a few of them. (The summer student has led the others as part of her learning opportunities). I have enjoyed being a part of these sessions. At times, I am able to impart a few points derived from the Jewish background of the passage or setting, and the participants have expressed their enjoyment at seeing things from a new angle. Teaching opportunities such as this are what You support through your prayers and gifts, and I want to give you the feed-back that it is going well !!
This summer, I was asked to preside at a wedding for a couple who live in Alberta. The bride had a connection with Emmanuel, and they returned there for the service as their families were local. The photo of Joan and me at the top of this newsletter was taken by the ‘official’ photographer at the reception. It was a pleasure to get to know Caron and Alex and help them in this way. (see the last page for an advert for the photographer)
Of course, we extend a cordial invitation to anyone who would like to join us on Shabbat mornings, or Wednesday evenings for our “sessions”. Simply call or e-mail me for further information about how you can get involved. Contact information is at the bottom of the last page.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please continue to pray for Joan and me, and for the ministry of Beth Roay Tov in general. Because of my involvement at Emmanuel, we have not had a break for some time. Joan is suffering from a very sore back – caused by helping me lift some things. She is under the doctor’s care, but it is taking a long time to heal. While she has been able to get some holiday time from the store for herself, we haven’t gotten away anywhere to have a good rest because of my own workload. We hope to get a week in September, so please keep that in prayer as well.
Pray for the remaining weeks of my ministry to the people of Emmanuel, for the services, for the study group, and for more opportunities to share about the Jewish Roots of the faith with them.
At the same time, please pray for doors to open for speaking engagements in the fall to the wider church so as to share more about the Jewish Roots of Christianity, and about many of the topics and themes which we can provide for those who want to grow in their relationship with Elohim.
Pray for our ongoing and positive rapport with some of the Rabbanim with whom we have been meeting, and for our connections with local synagogue congregations. These are invaluable and important connections for the ministry.
Pray earnestly for the November tour. Things being tough financially for so many right now, we have not yet reached the quota for our trip, and if we don’t get a few more people, we will have to cancel or make other arrangements. Pray also for Abby who is working so hard to complete all the plans for us.
May I also ask each of you to pray for some people who are close to us, some sojourners with BRT ministries like you, and others who simply need G_d’s healing or strength. They include: Ev, injured in a bad fall; Peter, experiencing depression; Sean, on medication for a very serious illness; Reuben, a young man diagnosed with cancer; for Dawn, a young mother who is in the midst of tests regarding possible cancer, and Adele (not her real name) and her husband and family.
Joan and I join in expressing our pleasure that our daughter Amy has returned home from Vancouver. She had a great trip across country in her little Miata. (check out www.tofino2toronto.ca ).
We are grateful to God for her safe arrival earlier this month.
"Y'varehch'cha Adonai v'yeesh m'recha –
May the Lord Bless you and Keep you."
Once again, thank you for letting us come into your home for this “visit”. We realize that you are busy, and so we are very grateful that you can spend a wee bit of time reading our newsletter, hopefully learning a little something new, and simply getting ‘caught up’ on our news.
I have to apologize for the extended delay in getting this update out to you, our friends and supporters. I will have more to say about the ‘hold-up’ in the teaching section. The difficulty around such a delay is that some of the news I share will seem “old” due to the passage of time since the event took place.
I don’t like to skip over things however, because … well, I just like to be complete. Here are a few general items to start with, and then later, some more recent items. I hope you enjoy this “summer” edition.
I can not believe how fast time has slipped by. Holy Week, way back in April, (Palm Sunday through the Sunday of the Resurrection) has come and gone long ago. Emmanuel had a great service on Palm Sunday, with a procession which began in the parking lot. Palm branches were waved on high as the people processed into the church, re-enacting the Triumphal entry of Yeshua as He came into Yerushalayim. On Maundy Thursday I was privileged to bring the message to the people of Emmanual and we included a form of washing to remind us all of our servant duties. On Good Friday a few members of the congregation reflected on some Bible passages they had been studying over the season of Lent. On Easter Sunday, the church was decorated with the traditional lilies and the service was a glorious reminder of Yeshua’s Rising from death, “the first fruits of those who are asleep.” (1 Cor 15:20)
Meanwhile, our little Chavarah Group had a wonderful Pesach Seder celebration which again brought new meaning and understanding to all that Elohim has done for His people, and what He continues to do today, redeeming those who come to faith from a life burdened with sin and guilt. (See below for more details about what the Chavarah has been doing so far this summer.)
SUMMER ENGAGEMENTS
Regular readers will remember that I was asked to cover the Sunday services at Emmanuel while the regular minister, the Reverend Dr. Peter Robinson, took some vacation and Sabbatical leave time. This means that every Sunday from May 3rd through August 30th I have been or will be presiding at the Eucharist (Holy Communion). It has been a long time since I did regular services, and it is both a challenge (to get back into the swing of things) and a joy (to ‘be in the saddle’ again). I am scheduled to bring the message as well on seven occasions during this period.
These Sundays have given me wonderful openings to fulfill the main mandate of BRT Ministries – to “help believers make the connection” between the Christian faith and our Jewish roots (within Peter’s direction, of course). We have looked at the time of the Counting of the Omer, the fifty days of growth between the Festivals of First Fruits (Resurrection) and Shavuot (Pentecost). We have learned together what would have been happening in Y’shua’s (Jesus’) life and in that of the talmudim, (disciples) as Jesus continued to teach them. We looked more deeply into the ascension, and made note of scriptural precedents in which Holy Servants of Elohim were taken into heaven before death, (or as with Moses whose burial place was never known, and whose body was fought over by Michael and Satan in a Heavenly skirmish), thus opening for them possibilities of later earthly visitations. We have seen how Pentecost was an ancient Festival of the Jewish people, who were under compulsion to celebrate first the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai (50 days after the departure from Egypt) and later the agricultural thanksgiving for a bountiful first harvest after the people settled in the Promised Land. What we have seen so far, is that nothing is coincidence in G_d’s plan, but that every Festival has a purpose, which has rolled over (if somewhat disguised) into Christian practices.
More recently, we have entered into the Letter to the Ephesians, and will be looking at some of the latter understandings of G_d’s plan as it is outlined there. This period between Pentecost and the Fall Festivals is an amazing period of time, filled with mystery, mourning and revelation, as well as growth and caveats. (See the teaching section for more about this).
Leading the services themselves has also provided an amazing opening to bring in some fuller understanding of the Jewish roots of the prayers we say each week. With a careful and “measured” insertion of Hebrew names or phrases, people are beginning to make connections on their own. Every other week, I have been able to use, for instance, the Blessing of Aaron, found in Numbers 6:22-27, using the original Hebrew for the blessing itself. The majority of the congregation are positive about this, and on the “off” weeks, comment that they miss it. I have explained that this “blessing” is the only one I have found in Scripture by which the leaders are instructed to bless the people.
What has been especially rewarding is the positive attitude of so many members of the congregation and, of course – as a teacher – I am deeply gratified by the number of people who say they are “learning so much” from the messages, etc. I am so thankful for the opportunity that Elohim has brought about this year, and hope and trust that you, as supporters and sojourners with BRT Ministries can also feel the elation I am experiencing.
THIS MONTH’S TEACHING: “The Growing Fields”
I mentioned above the delay in getting this newsletter completed and out. Part of the problem was that, for some reason, I just could not get inspired about the message for this edition. I had a skeleton, but no real “meat” for it. The reason for that came clear the other day, when I received an e-mail forwarded from one of our sojourners. It was a word of prophecy from a recent “Elijah List” contributor. Suddenly I realized that Elohim had been holding me back for a purpose. The prophetic word was about exactly this time through which we are journeying, and in particular the period from the “Fast” of Tammuz 17 through the “Fast” of Tisha B’Av, the 9th day of Av in the Jewish Calendar, (this year it is from the 9th to the 30th of July). This 3 week period is a time of mourning for the Jewish people, but more about that later.
My original (and still present) intent was to look more closely (than usual) at this whole time period, from Shavuot (Pentecost) to the beginning of the Fall Festivals initiated by Yom T’ruah (The Festival of Trumpets) known commonly as Rosh Hashanah (the “Head of the Year” or simply “New Years”). [This term is only on the secular Jewish calendar since Rosh Hashanah, is not a Biblical feast – but Yom T’ruah is Biblical and that is why we use that term in BRT].
As I first reflected on this idea for teaching, I was reminded of the motorcycle trip Joan and I took (along with my sister and brother-in-law) in the early 80’s. We went from Barrie to Victoria, travelling the whole way on the Trans-Canada Highway. It was a marvellous trip which took 6 days in all, 21/2 of which were spent getting out of Ontario. Of course, we have many wonderful memories, but one which is apropos to this teaching, involves the prairies, especially in Manitoba, west of Winnipeg. Picture if you will, fields as far as one can see, covered in various crops – first mustard or rapeseed (I never really knew which) to wheat and other grains. Photographs can’t do it justice, for it is the motion of the grain heads in the breeze which lasts in one’s mind. Like waves moving across a sea, the rippling, ever changing colours, and almost hypnotic motion still amazes me. And it was also the amount of grain growing. The land is virtually flat, so visibility was clear for miles and miles, with no prominent landmarks to interrupt one’s gaze. It was the most expansive ‘vision’ of growth I had ever witnessed.
In the Jewish year, at least as it is counted in Israel, there are two growing seasons. The first culminates with the early heads of barley grain which reveal themselves at about the time of Pesach (Passover or Easter). These are the grains which are waved in the Temple for “First Fruits”, and which mature around the time of Shavuot (Pentecost). The time between these two festivals is known as the time for the “Counting of the Omer”. [An omer is a measure of grain, like a bushel]. The second season seems to overlap, but basically extends from just prior to Pentecost and continues through the weeks of summer, ending with the harvest in the fall. These summer months collectively are important for the growth of food products of all kinds. During this season, the rainfall, the sunshine, the temperature and the work of the farmer, all cooperate [optimally] to produce a large bounty.
What strikes me as important for us today is the lesson that we are like those fields. We are [if we are being obedient to Elohim] involved in learning and growing. Sha’ul, (Paul) at one point, reminds his readers that while they have been saved by the selfless sacrifice of G_d in Messiah on the Tree (cross), it is up to the individual to “work out one’s salvation with fear and trembling, for it is Elohim who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Php 2:12,13)
This summer season then, is our time, to take to heart the call upon all believers to “read, mark, learn and inwardly digest” the Word of G_d, seeking His direction for us, ever-increasing the crop of knowledge and working for the increase of His Kingdom. Like a growing season in any agricultural setting, the time is limited, and there is so much to “take in” so that we, like fields of grain, are nourished, and ripened, and ready to be used to feed others.
Now, into this line of thought, and into this season, comes the prophetic word I received by e-mail. It was entitled “A Very Narrow Way Beginning this Week”, and was passed on to Elijah’s List ‘members’ from Chuck Pierce, and then through, as I mentioned above, one of our “sojourners”. It would seem that Chuck had prophesied that a narrow time was coming for believers. One lady who lives in Israel received his message and wrote back the following:
In traditional Judaism, the time period between the 17th of Tammuz and 9th of Av is called “Bein haMetzarim” which is translated “between the narrow places” or “dire straits”. It comes from Lamentations 1:3 [“Y’hudah {Judah} has fled into exile from oppression and endless slavery. She lives among the nations, but there she finds no rest. Her pursuers have all overtaken her in the midst of her distress.” From the Complete Jewish Bible.]
“This phrase, [the writer continues] “in the midst of her distress” can also be translated “between the straits or narrow places.” It is traditionally a 3-week mourning period in Judaism commemorating first: the breaching of the walls of Yerushalayim in the 17th of Tammuz and second: the destruction of the Temple on the 9th of Av.”
[The 9th of Av is historically a day of tragedy for the Jewish people. In addition to the above lamentable event, it is also remembered as the day on which the spies sent into the promised land returned to Moses and ‘filed their reports’. The people were told (by all but Caleb and Joshua) that the land was filled with giants whom they would not be able to defeat, sending the people into fear and making them regret having left Egypt – an act which caused Elohim to have the Israelites wander in the wilderness for 40 years, and to have that entire older generation die off because of their lack of faith and obedience. Ever since that time, the 9th of Av has been a time of sadness.]
Pierce then continues to point out that just as in Judaism, this is a time for us to be aware. During this time of “narrow passage”, we must be on guard that there are no breaches in the walls, and we must walk forever forward in faith, not in fear or grief. For all believers, this season will be not only a time for growth, but a time of challenge it seems, as Elohim “narrows our way”, testing us and refining us once again. It is a time, according to Pierce, that we should un-muddle our thinking. He points out that G_d has declared that “there is a clarion call being released into the earth… My desires for my people have been muddled with their own desires… I will begin to separate the desires of My people so that they can follow Me.” (italicized sentence is corrected for clarity by bdp).
I find it of great interest when Elohim works through the events of history to teach us more and more about how we should be living. North Americans, traditionally have considered the summer to be a time of relaxation, holidays and pursuing their own interests. Indeed, city churches generally notice a sharp decline in attendance as people go on vacation, or just “take a break”. Yet, if we are considering the example of G_d, we should be even more involved in our studies and our worship, looking deeper into our faith, seeking to grow personally, being vigilant against the breeches in the walls around that which we hold dear, namely our relationship with the true and living Elohim.
CHAVARAH NEWS & BIBLE STUDY NOTES
This summer we have been taking seriously the “call” to learn and grow both in stature and in favour with G_d. The chavarah (small group) has continued to meet each Wednesday evening to look at some of the finer details of the assigned weekly portions of Scripture – detail that is simply not possible on Shabbat. We have recently added a new person to the study group and we are very grateful to G_d for bringing her to us. So for this summer, we have learned so much about the books of Leviticus and Numbers – books which always stymied my study in the past. Now we are into Deuteronomy and learning about the importance of “Journeying” as followers of Messiah.
In addition to our weekly study gatherings, the Chavarah has continued to gather for worship on Shabbat. These are rewarding moments for all of us. Also, by agreement, we decided this summer to periodically attend, as a group, worship services in local synagogues – again to augment the growth G_d is providing. We have attended this summer both Holy Blossom Temple in Forest Hill, and Darchei Noam Synagogue on Sheppard Ave W. We have been striking up friendships with people particularly at Darchei, and even met with the Rabbi (at our suggestion) to discuss our attendance. She was most pleased to welcome us, and indeed the whole congregation have been very friendly and open to our being there.
There have been a number of good learning opportunities for us through Darchei this summer. One Shabbat afternoon following services, a visiting Rabbi from West Palm Beach spoke about the Ten Commandments (or Ten Words). It was an amazing time of learning for all of us. (For instance – did you know there are actually two sets of commandments - parts of which are quite different? And can you, without looking, repeat exactly what is the sixth commandment? Are you sure?).
Joan and I recently attended one of the Shabbat morning study sessions prior to the synagogue service. The discussion was lively and centred on G_d’s treatment of Pinchas. (There is more here than meets the eye. Check out Numbers chapter 25). I must confess to deep regret over years and years of poor teaching in the Church due to the lack of knowledge of the Jewish viewpoint and cultural background. This sadness within me drives me even more strongly to get into churches everywhere to share more about our “roots”.
A few of the members of Emmanuel Church have been meeting for years on Wednesday mornings to read and discuss the Bible lessons for the upcoming Sunday. During my time “covering” for Peter, I have sat in on these studies and led a few of them. (The summer student has led the others as part of her learning opportunities). I have enjoyed being a part of these sessions. At times, I am able to impart a few points derived from the Jewish background of the passage or setting, and the participants have expressed their enjoyment at seeing things from a new angle. Teaching opportunities such as this are what You support through your prayers and gifts, and I want to give you the feed-back that it is going well !!
This summer, I was asked to preside at a wedding for a couple who live in Alberta. The bride had a connection with Emmanuel, and they returned there for the service as their families were local. The photo of Joan and me at the top of this newsletter was taken by the ‘official’ photographer at the reception. It was a pleasure to get to know Caron and Alex and help them in this way. (see the last page for an advert for the photographer)
Of course, we extend a cordial invitation to anyone who would like to join us on Shabbat mornings, or Wednesday evenings for our “sessions”. Simply call or e-mail me for further information about how you can get involved. Contact information is at the bottom of the last page.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please continue to pray for Joan and me, and for the ministry of Beth Roay Tov in general. Because of my involvement at Emmanuel, we have not had a break for some time. Joan is suffering from a very sore back – caused by helping me lift some things. She is under the doctor’s care, but it is taking a long time to heal. While she has been able to get some holiday time from the store for herself, we haven’t gotten away anywhere to have a good rest because of my own workload. We hope to get a week in September, so please keep that in prayer as well.
Pray for the remaining weeks of my ministry to the people of Emmanuel, for the services, for the study group, and for more opportunities to share about the Jewish Roots of the faith with them.
At the same time, please pray for doors to open for speaking engagements in the fall to the wider church so as to share more about the Jewish Roots of Christianity, and about many of the topics and themes which we can provide for those who want to grow in their relationship with Elohim.
Pray for our ongoing and positive rapport with some of the Rabbanim with whom we have been meeting, and for our connections with local synagogue congregations. These are invaluable and important connections for the ministry.
Pray earnestly for the November tour. Things being tough financially for so many right now, we have not yet reached the quota for our trip, and if we don’t get a few more people, we will have to cancel or make other arrangements. Pray also for Abby who is working so hard to complete all the plans for us.
May I also ask each of you to pray for some people who are close to us, some sojourners with BRT ministries like you, and others who simply need G_d’s healing or strength. They include: Ev, injured in a bad fall; Peter, experiencing depression; Sean, on medication for a very serious illness; Reuben, a young man diagnosed with cancer; for Dawn, a young mother who is in the midst of tests regarding possible cancer, and Adele (not her real name) and her husband and family.
Joan and I join in expressing our pleasure that our daughter Amy has returned home from Vancouver. She had a great trip across country in her little Miata. (check out www.tofino2toronto.ca ).
We are grateful to God for her safe arrival earlier this month.
"Y'varehch'cha Adonai v'yeesh m'recha –
May the Lord Bless you and Keep you."