My journey to Shabbat...
One in Messiah Ministries started out as an Internet newsletter. Which, by the way, was a real stretch for me since I was computer illiterate. (Thank God for my son!!!) I would travel to various conferences, and when I heard a teaching about Hebraic Roots, or God’s Heart for Israel, or the Jewish people that I felt was important for the whole body, I would ask if we could publish it.
My travels brought me to Tulsa to visit another son. He brought me to my first Shabbat fellowship. It was at those Shabbat groups my son courted his then-girlfriend. Side bar here: they are now married and the proud parents of a baby boy. 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 on the floor, and dig into the Torah portion of that week. ‘All’ included the teens and youngsters old enough to participate along with the adults. Different denominations joined in unity to honor the Lord’s Sabbath and each other. I was so blessed. The fellowship was genuine, the discussion so rich. I knew in my heart this was something I wanted others to experience.
My first thoughts were to share the joy of my experience in our Internet newsletter. Little did I know that in a number of years God would be calling me to help communities of believers start their own Shabbat groups. Currently, in my state of residence, we have groups in five counties and more starting each month. We have consistently seen representatives of three or more churches come to these gatherings--which is one of the beautiful things the Lord is doing to bring down denominational walls.
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 Sprit can lead you into the fullness He has for you as you keep appointment with Him.
The booklet can be found in this Shabbat section of our web site, and is downloadable for your use. We hope you will also take advantage of the other resources we offer you in this section.
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 take it back to their neighborhoods or churches and open their own homes to celebrate Shabbat.
A host family takes one Friday a month. We currently have two formats: 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. We follow the Torah, Haf Torah and Brith Hadash portions for the week, praying that as our Jewish brothers read and discuss the same portions as us, the Holy Spirit will bring revelation to them as He brings revelation to us.
Try as I may to encourage our Hostesses to keep it simple, it seems that many who open their homes enjoy bringing out the good china and making fabulous home cooked meals, to which all are encouraged to contribute. However, Shabbat can be celebrated 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 with 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. Call us, 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.
