WEEKLY GATHERINGS
Our basic weekly format will be consistent with traditional Shabbat gatherings. Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday evening and normally includes the extended family – parents, children, grandparents and aunts, uncles and cousins depending on the size of the family, proximity to each other and the traditions developed in the generations.
Each woman would prepare a dish to bring for all to share. Sometimes the evening begins with the lighting of the candles by the mother of the home signifying the setting apart of the day for the Lord. “For in six days, Adonai made heaven and Earth, the sea and everything in them; but on the seventh day He rested. This is why Adonai blessed the day, Shabbat, and separated it for Himself.” Ex 20:7 The Shabbat is a gift God has given to His chosen people for all who are willing to receive it, shalom comes.
Someone may lead us in communion requesting the Lord’s presence in our home and in our Shabbat; dedicating our hearts, minds, soul and strength to the Messiah of Israel. Wine and bread are freely received. Next is the dancing – one song, maybe two or three as the congregants desire, all to music adoring our heavenly Father. Participation is never mandatory but is always encouraged. We bring in the joy of the Lord by dancing together in His presence – free-style!
Finally we eat the bounty the Lord has provided us this week. Someone may want to talk about the weekly scripture readings to maintain our focus on the Lord, His word and His goodness; another may share a testimony. As we share our comments, our experiences, laugh and testify doors of ministry open and those who have gifting minister to those who have needs. When we’ve talked out all of our words, danced all we care to dance, and have laughed until we can’t laugh anymore we go to our individual homes resting in the presence of the Lord Most High.