Summer Edition 2010
Greetings to everyone!
It has been a long time since I prepared and posted a newsletter. My apologies! I can only say that this has been because I have been very, very busy. It has been a good busy however, and I am pleased to convey to you that the work of the ministry has been moving forward very resolutely.
As you read on, you will discover some of the opportunities which have come up and some of the efforts that have been made to get the name and purpose of the ministry up front in the minds of the greater faith community.
THIS MONTH’S TEACHING: *Something I Have Noticed More and More.*
Perhaps you can tell from the title, this isn’t so much about a ‘teaching’, as it is a reflection and maybe the motivation for further discussion. Of course, I hope it will give readers and sojourners something to think about (and maybe adjust) in one’s own life and life-style.
Let me begin by sharing the stories of a couple of encounters I had in late July. The first took place as I was sitting in the car waiting for Joan to get off work. I parked facing traffic in front of Joan’s store, which put me on the sidewalk side of the car. People were passing in droves, as usual, and I was listening to the radio and watching “life” go by. I noticed in my side mirror, an older man coming up from behind. I could see him looking at the car. He continued past me a little, then stopped, turned and came over to the window. He commented on the symbol on the side window. (It is the “Messianic Seal” which I placed there some time ago [refer to “Archives” on our website, “recent newsletters > 2009 > January]). He asked me where it came from, and after explaining briefly, I added that it is there because I am Messianic and the symbol combines the Menorah and the Fish to create the Mogen David. He instantly put it together in his mind, and voiced his approval and interest. We began an even more interesting and personal discussion.
It turns out that the man was – in his words – a “non-practicing Jew”. We talked about his family and their religious practices. He explained that they kept the Festivals, but that was about all. He no longer attended worship in a synagogue, nor did his children, he told me. He expressed concern over his grand-children and their welfare of course – as would most grand-parents in a similar situation. Then we talked about religion in general and the Messianic lifestyle specifically. He felt that the concept of the Messianic approach was a good one, and voiced that there should be more openness to learning about other faiths – specifically referring to Judaism and Christianity. “After all,” he declared, “Jesus himself was a Jew.” [His openness was not the usual holus bolus kind of thing – the “politically correct”, “all roads lead to God”, new age based tolerance stuff, but a genuine interest in the two major monotheistic faiths finding-a-common-starting-point-and-working-together kind of concept.] I smiled at his comment, thinking if only more Christians could admit this fact… what a different world, and faith, we might have.
I then asked him if he would like to accompany me on one of my speaking engagements. I explained a bit about my background and told him that now, in my retirement, I teach about the Jewish Roots of Christianity in the church. Together we lamented that fact that such a thing was necessary. We talked about history, and Paul’s early and later ministry, and the efforts of what would become the rising Roman Catholic church to move away from the Jewish influence, and how the teaching and the approach of Jesus’ ministry was altered over the ages. What impressed me was his general knowledge of the whole thing, and how we agreed on so many of the sad things that had occurred through the last eighteen or so centuries. As we talked, we discovered we had much in common.
As he left to continue his walk, he ended with a “thank you” to me, explaining that his day and his life for that moment had been ‘perked up’ by the short encounter. I was left to explain to Joan how I too felt somewhat moved and buoyed up by our chat.
The second encounter took place at a Tim Horton’s coffee shop on a Sunday afternoon. I had some time to fill before an appointment, so I went in for a coffee and a short read of my book. One of the staff noticed that I was wearing a kippa. She was a young woman and appeared to be new on staff. She served me my coffee, and I went to sit down. Later, she came over to my table, and started a conversation. She opened with – “I see you are Jewish, so I guess you don’t do church on Sunday.” (I was actually just coming from leading a service).
I explained that I wasn’t Jewish, but rather Messianic, and so I worship on both Saturday andSunday. She asked my why I wore the “hat”. I explained that it was a kippa, and that it helped me remember that I was “covered” by the grace of God. [For more info on this, see our website and go to Archives > 2009 > November-December.] She explained that her boyfriend was Jewish, but he didn’t wear a kippa. She had several other questions as well – so many that I was afraid she might get into trouble for spending so long talking to a customer. I noticed her nametag and commented on her name – which was Amy. I told her that it meant “beloved”. This fascinated her and then she asked “And what does Michael mean?”. I told her I wasn’t sure exactly but that there is an angel by that name mentioned in scripture. Again she was intrigued. Eventually she had to move on and do her work, but it was an interesting situation, stirred up by the fact that I was wearing my kippa. It was the “door-opener” so to speak.
These two events got me to thinking. Why is it that Jewish people and people of other faiths (or even of ‘no’ faith) seem to be more open to the Messianic lifestyle and witness than (at least in my early experience) many Christian believers? I began to reflect over past situations in which I have been confronted by members of the Christian church. In the early days of my involvement with the Messianic community, both Joan and I were confronted with anger, shunning, turning away, accusations of various sorts and comments which not only implied, but came right out and stated the person’s opinion, that we had slipped backwards into something other than Biblical faith and no longer fitted in with the “believing community”. In place of a natural and open interest and curiosity, we faced closed minds and what (in my opinion) can only be described as fear – like a fear of the unknown.
I can’t help but wonder if this fearful, negative reaction by some is not an outward manifestation of some sort of lingering “Anti-Judaism” frame of mind. Certainly that way of thinking is strong, though hopefully not prevalent, in the church even today. It has been present since the early centuries and it has affected so much of what the church has taught, or perhaps more succinctly has been “caught” by the community of faith over centuries.
Before I go any further with this, let me proclaim loud and clear that Joan and I have also found much support amongst other friends and those who have openly come alongside us in our personal choices, in our ministry and in our lives.
Furthermore, recently, I have encountered increasing support within the church community of the Messianic teachings and lifestyle. We value this friendship and find ourselves moved by those who are interested and supportive of what we are doing. If you are reading this, it stands to reason that you are most likely within this latter group. It is, however, important that those who stand by us, and others within the Messianic community, realize that it has not been an easy road to travel, nor will it be for a while yet.
I recently shared this ‘feeling’ with a friend who came into the Messianic community from a Jewish background. His point of view was quite different, although he does (I think) agree that Anti-Judaism has ‘flavoured’ centuries of faith development within the Body of Messiah in general.
My friend shared that he has had very strong negative reactions toward himself from the Jewish community. He told me that he too has experienced the anger, mistreatment and expulsion from friends and even some of his family since becoming Messianic. So this alters somewhat my point of view.
It seems there is an element of the ‘fear of the unknown’ aspect on both sides. The Christian community can turn against a Christian believer who becomes Messianic, while the Jewish community seems to be more accepting of this change. Meanwhile, the Jewish community can potentially turn against a fellow Jew who becomes Messianic, while (I suspect) the Christian community would have little or no trouble with this at all. It is an interesting phenomenon.
So let me leave you with these questions. Why do you think this phenomenon exists? Have you experienced anything like it in your own faith walk? Do you agree that there is a lot of ignorance about the Jewish Roots of our faith within the church and, if so, what do you think could be done to make it at least somewhat better? Perhaps you disagree completely. You can share that point of view as well.
I think fellow sojourners would be interested in hearing your P.O.V. You can register a comment by going to our website, and clicking on “Sign My Guestbook” then click on “comments” in the upper right corner. You can read what others have said, and leave a comment of your own. You can also send me an e-mail which I could share through future newsletters.
ENGAGEMENTS
Part of the busy-ness I mentioned above involves a string of engagements which began in late May. I have been taking services in a number of parishes around the York-Simcoe area of the diocese. I enjoyed two successive Sundays in Stayner & Wasaga Beach parish, and then two weeks in Tottenham. After a week off, I returned to Tottenham for two weeks, the last of which was a Messianic style service. In light of the comments above, I must say the people there were most welcoming and open to the new prayers and music we presented. [You can see some photos of these events in our photo gallery and news update pages on our website.]
I just finished a four week stretch of leading services at Emmanuel in Richmond Hill. I spoke last on the book of Hosea and the pain of being in an unfaithful relationship as he was - and as God is - with His bride, the community of faith. In mid-August I will be at All Saints church in King City for a couple of weeks, one week at St. John’s Oak Ridges, and then I will return to Tottenham for the rest of September.
Because I haven’t reported to you since January, sojourners may not be aware that I officiated at a Messianic wedding in late March for the daughter of some dear friends and fellow Messianic leaders. The young couple invited me to take the service so that her father would be free to be “father” in the ceremony. The service went very well and everyone had a great time. More recently, I was asked to assist at another Messianic wedding working alongside another Messianic leader for the service of other dear friends and sojourners of our ministry. I will be celebrating another wedding at the end of August for a young couple I met earlier this year. They too are very excited about their wedding and their future and I count it a great privilege to work with them and all who seek God’s blessing on their relationship.
These are busy times, and I do covet your prayers for stamina and for divine guidance in bringing His word to the people of the faith community. In each setting I take the opportunity to share what I can about the Jewish Roots. As I indicated above, there is a rising interest in the topic, and a lot of people have a lot of questions. Your prayers and your support make these opportunities possible.
CHAVARAH NEWS & BIBLE STUDY NOTES
Our little group continues through the summer to meet for worship and study. We have welcomed a couple of visitors recently who are taking some time to check out the Messianic groups in our area. Of course, we have taken some time off here and there for holiday periods but we remain true to our calling to meet, learn and worship together, and will – with the return of the autumn – pick up where we left off.
Some of this will include the observance of the Autumn Moedim (Festivals) which are coming up in the latter half of September, and will draw the Biblical year to a close at Simchat Torah – on October first, a day to be ‘marked’ by the shaving of my beard. No doubt you will want to watch for pictures.
FROM THE “IN” BOX
I am always interested in hearing form those who walk along with us in this ministry. Every weekday, I go to our mailbox to see what mail will have arrived that day. For this edition, however, I thought I would share a few comments from the website instead… first from a longtime sojourner: “I wish to thank you for your newsletters which I find very enlightening in learning or affirming teaching of our Jewish roots in the Christian Faith.”
Then from a person who just joined our sojourner’s list this summer after I visited the church where he and his wife worship: “Dear Rev. Brian, we enjoyed your visit last Sunday and we look forward to next week and what the Lord will do. I have always (since becoming a Christian) been interested in my Jewish roots. I look forward to learning more in the future…”
And finally, from someone who contacted by first by “snail” mail, and asked to be added to our mailing list: “ Rev. Brian, we met briefly at the Anglican church in **. I was quite taken by your openness to the whole Bible. I do not believe that only Anglicans (or Christians) are fit to go to Heaven. A loving G-d would not exclude the vast majority of the world.”
PRAYER REQUESTS
Thank you, as always, for your prayers. I am sure you know that this ministry relies on a solid foundation of prayer cover as supplied by you and others like you. The prayers see us through much more than the physical “costs” of such a calling as this. I do however, in this issue, want to express our deep gratitude to those who regularly support our work through financial gifts. The costs involved in this ministry are not huge in a material way – that is office supplies, equipment, postage, travel etc., but the gifts, offerings or tithes which we do receive cover these items, as well as other costs and of course pay my salary. Recently, my printer “gave up the ghost” and I had to purchase a new one. This is all part and parcel of trying to get the word out through “hard-copies” and of preparing booklets and service orders etc. Our thanks – heartfelt and sincere – to those who contribute even just a little on a regular basis. May the Lord bless you, and may your prayers be answered.
Please pray for a steady list of engagements for speaking, for teaching times around the Moedim, or for opportunities to lead services in communities of faith around the area.
Please continue to pray for Joan in her work situation. There has been some improvement but she has some decisions to make about the future which we are leaving before God for His direction. Pray that we will realize His answer.
Pray for guidance in big decisions for Joan and I in the near future. While I can’t share what it is about, I simply ask that we will know the mind of the Lord in this area. Thank you.
Please pray for another Joan, a dear friend, who is also facing big changes in her life. Pray that the Father will continue to lead her in His way and open the doors for her that need to be opened. We also give thanks to God for her son’s having found new employment. Hallelujah!
UNTIL NEXT TIME:
I am hoping to prepare and share with you some stories about our connections with a local synagogue in our next issue. I think you will find it all very interesting. In the meantime, if you can swing it at all, try to find a way to celebrate the Autumn Festivals with a Messianic or even a Jewish congregation. You will find that interesting as well I am sure.
In the meantime, and as always…
"Y'varehch'cha Adonai v'yeesh m'recha –
May the Lord Bless you and Keep you."
Post Script: The photo at the top of this page was taken at the Tottenham church where I was leading services in June / July. In the lower right hand corner of the window, you may be able to discern a "Mogen David".
Greetings to everyone!
It has been a long time since I prepared and posted a newsletter. My apologies! I can only say that this has been because I have been very, very busy. It has been a good busy however, and I am pleased to convey to you that the work of the ministry has been moving forward very resolutely.
As you read on, you will discover some of the opportunities which have come up and some of the efforts that have been made to get the name and purpose of the ministry up front in the minds of the greater faith community.
THIS MONTH’S TEACHING: *Something I Have Noticed More and More.*
Perhaps you can tell from the title, this isn’t so much about a ‘teaching’, as it is a reflection and maybe the motivation for further discussion. Of course, I hope it will give readers and sojourners something to think about (and maybe adjust) in one’s own life and life-style.
Let me begin by sharing the stories of a couple of encounters I had in late July. The first took place as I was sitting in the car waiting for Joan to get off work. I parked facing traffic in front of Joan’s store, which put me on the sidewalk side of the car. People were passing in droves, as usual, and I was listening to the radio and watching “life” go by. I noticed in my side mirror, an older man coming up from behind. I could see him looking at the car. He continued past me a little, then stopped, turned and came over to the window. He commented on the symbol on the side window. (It is the “Messianic Seal” which I placed there some time ago [refer to “Archives” on our website, “recent newsletters > 2009 > January]). He asked me where it came from, and after explaining briefly, I added that it is there because I am Messianic and the symbol combines the Menorah and the Fish to create the Mogen David. He instantly put it together in his mind, and voiced his approval and interest. We began an even more interesting and personal discussion.
It turns out that the man was – in his words – a “non-practicing Jew”. We talked about his family and their religious practices. He explained that they kept the Festivals, but that was about all. He no longer attended worship in a synagogue, nor did his children, he told me. He expressed concern over his grand-children and their welfare of course – as would most grand-parents in a similar situation. Then we talked about religion in general and the Messianic lifestyle specifically. He felt that the concept of the Messianic approach was a good one, and voiced that there should be more openness to learning about other faiths – specifically referring to Judaism and Christianity. “After all,” he declared, “Jesus himself was a Jew.” [His openness was not the usual holus bolus kind of thing – the “politically correct”, “all roads lead to God”, new age based tolerance stuff, but a genuine interest in the two major monotheistic faiths finding-a-common-starting-point-and-working-together kind of concept.] I smiled at his comment, thinking if only more Christians could admit this fact… what a different world, and faith, we might have.
I then asked him if he would like to accompany me on one of my speaking engagements. I explained a bit about my background and told him that now, in my retirement, I teach about the Jewish Roots of Christianity in the church. Together we lamented that fact that such a thing was necessary. We talked about history, and Paul’s early and later ministry, and the efforts of what would become the rising Roman Catholic church to move away from the Jewish influence, and how the teaching and the approach of Jesus’ ministry was altered over the ages. What impressed me was his general knowledge of the whole thing, and how we agreed on so many of the sad things that had occurred through the last eighteen or so centuries. As we talked, we discovered we had much in common.
As he left to continue his walk, he ended with a “thank you” to me, explaining that his day and his life for that moment had been ‘perked up’ by the short encounter. I was left to explain to Joan how I too felt somewhat moved and buoyed up by our chat.
The second encounter took place at a Tim Horton’s coffee shop on a Sunday afternoon. I had some time to fill before an appointment, so I went in for a coffee and a short read of my book. One of the staff noticed that I was wearing a kippa. She was a young woman and appeared to be new on staff. She served me my coffee, and I went to sit down. Later, she came over to my table, and started a conversation. She opened with – “I see you are Jewish, so I guess you don’t do church on Sunday.” (I was actually just coming from leading a service).
I explained that I wasn’t Jewish, but rather Messianic, and so I worship on both Saturday andSunday. She asked my why I wore the “hat”. I explained that it was a kippa, and that it helped me remember that I was “covered” by the grace of God. [For more info on this, see our website and go to Archives > 2009 > November-December.] She explained that her boyfriend was Jewish, but he didn’t wear a kippa. She had several other questions as well – so many that I was afraid she might get into trouble for spending so long talking to a customer. I noticed her nametag and commented on her name – which was Amy. I told her that it meant “beloved”. This fascinated her and then she asked “And what does Michael mean?”. I told her I wasn’t sure exactly but that there is an angel by that name mentioned in scripture. Again she was intrigued. Eventually she had to move on and do her work, but it was an interesting situation, stirred up by the fact that I was wearing my kippa. It was the “door-opener” so to speak.
These two events got me to thinking. Why is it that Jewish people and people of other faiths (or even of ‘no’ faith) seem to be more open to the Messianic lifestyle and witness than (at least in my early experience) many Christian believers? I began to reflect over past situations in which I have been confronted by members of the Christian church. In the early days of my involvement with the Messianic community, both Joan and I were confronted with anger, shunning, turning away, accusations of various sorts and comments which not only implied, but came right out and stated the person’s opinion, that we had slipped backwards into something other than Biblical faith and no longer fitted in with the “believing community”. In place of a natural and open interest and curiosity, we faced closed minds and what (in my opinion) can only be described as fear – like a fear of the unknown.
I can’t help but wonder if this fearful, negative reaction by some is not an outward manifestation of some sort of lingering “Anti-Judaism” frame of mind. Certainly that way of thinking is strong, though hopefully not prevalent, in the church even today. It has been present since the early centuries and it has affected so much of what the church has taught, or perhaps more succinctly has been “caught” by the community of faith over centuries.
Before I go any further with this, let me proclaim loud and clear that Joan and I have also found much support amongst other friends and those who have openly come alongside us in our personal choices, in our ministry and in our lives.
Furthermore, recently, I have encountered increasing support within the church community of the Messianic teachings and lifestyle. We value this friendship and find ourselves moved by those who are interested and supportive of what we are doing. If you are reading this, it stands to reason that you are most likely within this latter group. It is, however, important that those who stand by us, and others within the Messianic community, realize that it has not been an easy road to travel, nor will it be for a while yet.
I recently shared this ‘feeling’ with a friend who came into the Messianic community from a Jewish background. His point of view was quite different, although he does (I think) agree that Anti-Judaism has ‘flavoured’ centuries of faith development within the Body of Messiah in general.
My friend shared that he has had very strong negative reactions toward himself from the Jewish community. He told me that he too has experienced the anger, mistreatment and expulsion from friends and even some of his family since becoming Messianic. So this alters somewhat my point of view.
It seems there is an element of the ‘fear of the unknown’ aspect on both sides. The Christian community can turn against a Christian believer who becomes Messianic, while the Jewish community seems to be more accepting of this change. Meanwhile, the Jewish community can potentially turn against a fellow Jew who becomes Messianic, while (I suspect) the Christian community would have little or no trouble with this at all. It is an interesting phenomenon.
So let me leave you with these questions. Why do you think this phenomenon exists? Have you experienced anything like it in your own faith walk? Do you agree that there is a lot of ignorance about the Jewish Roots of our faith within the church and, if so, what do you think could be done to make it at least somewhat better? Perhaps you disagree completely. You can share that point of view as well.
I think fellow sojourners would be interested in hearing your P.O.V. You can register a comment by going to our website, and clicking on “Sign My Guestbook” then click on “comments” in the upper right corner. You can read what others have said, and leave a comment of your own. You can also send me an e-mail which I could share through future newsletters.
ENGAGEMENTS
Part of the busy-ness I mentioned above involves a string of engagements which began in late May. I have been taking services in a number of parishes around the York-Simcoe area of the diocese. I enjoyed two successive Sundays in Stayner & Wasaga Beach parish, and then two weeks in Tottenham. After a week off, I returned to Tottenham for two weeks, the last of which was a Messianic style service. In light of the comments above, I must say the people there were most welcoming and open to the new prayers and music we presented. [You can see some photos of these events in our photo gallery and news update pages on our website.]
I just finished a four week stretch of leading services at Emmanuel in Richmond Hill. I spoke last on the book of Hosea and the pain of being in an unfaithful relationship as he was - and as God is - with His bride, the community of faith. In mid-August I will be at All Saints church in King City for a couple of weeks, one week at St. John’s Oak Ridges, and then I will return to Tottenham for the rest of September.
Because I haven’t reported to you since January, sojourners may not be aware that I officiated at a Messianic wedding in late March for the daughter of some dear friends and fellow Messianic leaders. The young couple invited me to take the service so that her father would be free to be “father” in the ceremony. The service went very well and everyone had a great time. More recently, I was asked to assist at another Messianic wedding working alongside another Messianic leader for the service of other dear friends and sojourners of our ministry. I will be celebrating another wedding at the end of August for a young couple I met earlier this year. They too are very excited about their wedding and their future and I count it a great privilege to work with them and all who seek God’s blessing on their relationship.
These are busy times, and I do covet your prayers for stamina and for divine guidance in bringing His word to the people of the faith community. In each setting I take the opportunity to share what I can about the Jewish Roots. As I indicated above, there is a rising interest in the topic, and a lot of people have a lot of questions. Your prayers and your support make these opportunities possible.
CHAVARAH NEWS & BIBLE STUDY NOTES
Our little group continues through the summer to meet for worship and study. We have welcomed a couple of visitors recently who are taking some time to check out the Messianic groups in our area. Of course, we have taken some time off here and there for holiday periods but we remain true to our calling to meet, learn and worship together, and will – with the return of the autumn – pick up where we left off.
Some of this will include the observance of the Autumn Moedim (Festivals) which are coming up in the latter half of September, and will draw the Biblical year to a close at Simchat Torah – on October first, a day to be ‘marked’ by the shaving of my beard. No doubt you will want to watch for pictures.
FROM THE “IN” BOX
I am always interested in hearing form those who walk along with us in this ministry. Every weekday, I go to our mailbox to see what mail will have arrived that day. For this edition, however, I thought I would share a few comments from the website instead… first from a longtime sojourner: “I wish to thank you for your newsletters which I find very enlightening in learning or affirming teaching of our Jewish roots in the Christian Faith.”
Then from a person who just joined our sojourner’s list this summer after I visited the church where he and his wife worship: “Dear Rev. Brian, we enjoyed your visit last Sunday and we look forward to next week and what the Lord will do. I have always (since becoming a Christian) been interested in my Jewish roots. I look forward to learning more in the future…”
And finally, from someone who contacted by first by “snail” mail, and asked to be added to our mailing list: “ Rev. Brian, we met briefly at the Anglican church in **. I was quite taken by your openness to the whole Bible. I do not believe that only Anglicans (or Christians) are fit to go to Heaven. A loving G-d would not exclude the vast majority of the world.”
PRAYER REQUESTS
Thank you, as always, for your prayers. I am sure you know that this ministry relies on a solid foundation of prayer cover as supplied by you and others like you. The prayers see us through much more than the physical “costs” of such a calling as this. I do however, in this issue, want to express our deep gratitude to those who regularly support our work through financial gifts. The costs involved in this ministry are not huge in a material way – that is office supplies, equipment, postage, travel etc., but the gifts, offerings or tithes which we do receive cover these items, as well as other costs and of course pay my salary. Recently, my printer “gave up the ghost” and I had to purchase a new one. This is all part and parcel of trying to get the word out through “hard-copies” and of preparing booklets and service orders etc. Our thanks – heartfelt and sincere – to those who contribute even just a little on a regular basis. May the Lord bless you, and may your prayers be answered.
Please pray for a steady list of engagements for speaking, for teaching times around the Moedim, or for opportunities to lead services in communities of faith around the area.
Please continue to pray for Joan in her work situation. There has been some improvement but she has some decisions to make about the future which we are leaving before God for His direction. Pray that we will realize His answer.
Pray for guidance in big decisions for Joan and I in the near future. While I can’t share what it is about, I simply ask that we will know the mind of the Lord in this area. Thank you.
Please pray for another Joan, a dear friend, who is also facing big changes in her life. Pray that the Father will continue to lead her in His way and open the doors for her that need to be opened. We also give thanks to God for her son’s having found new employment. Hallelujah!
UNTIL NEXT TIME:
I am hoping to prepare and share with you some stories about our connections with a local synagogue in our next issue. I think you will find it all very interesting. In the meantime, if you can swing it at all, try to find a way to celebrate the Autumn Festivals with a Messianic or even a Jewish congregation. You will find that interesting as well I am sure.
In the meantime, and as always…
"Y'varehch'cha Adonai v'yeesh m'recha –
May the Lord Bless you and Keep you."
Post Script: The photo at the top of this page was taken at the Tottenham church where I was leading services in June / July. In the lower right hand corner of the window, you may be able to discern a "Mogen David".