Our First Shabbat, May 13

Shabbat with friends

In preparation for the evening meal, our children helped braid the challah bread (similar to paska!) At the end of the meal, there was a time for individuals to bless and honor other people. It was a warm, beautiful time of hearts turned toward God and each other. Love was vibrant during the blessings. The positive words spoken were refreshing.

Shabbat is about choosing to lay down your work, faith that God will help you do all the work that needs to be done on the other 6 days. It is a time for the mother to be honored, for children to receive a blessing, for families to spend time together. Dean Bye gave a lot of teaching regarding symbolism that reveals Jesus. Esther, an 83 year old former Return Ministries staff member, who accidentally fell down a flight of stairs in March, was able to join us with the help of a walker. Her love for God exuded her she is beautiful, sweet, honest about struggles was an obvious blessing to the rest of the staff.