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Dear Mishpacha (family),
As I am writing this newsletter it is officially the spring season (March 19th) and its 70 degrees outside. The sky is so blue with a few clouds and I can’t help but think of the verse that talks about God walking in the garden in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8). I am also reflecting on the celebration of life service we had on March 15th at Beit Tehila for Pastor Tikvah’s mother, Shirley Gatti. It was good to see family and friends come to honor her as the theme was “Leaving a Legacy.” At one time there were five generations living and that’s quite a testimony in itself. She was known to me as Grandma Shirley and she was always so kind to me. She was a good listener and really engaged when you spoke to her. She would often say, “Oh I Know!” in her own way and I’ll never forget it. I am so grateful for her because with out her there would be no Beit Tehila Congregation.
Pastors Randy and Tikvah started the congregation literally right out of their home in the early nineties with just a handful of people. As they practiced the Hebrew roots of the Christian faith it grew to what it is today and we are still growing. Grandma Shirley has truly left a legacy with eternal consequences. I can’t help but also mention her Pastor, Rob Scarallo with Grace and Faith Church located in Tampa, FL. He gave an inspiring eulogy and was even able; with the help of the Holy Spirit, to lead some attending Shirley’s Celebration of Life to Christ. I truly love Pastors; I made a new friend during that service and that inspired me. Every day is a gift so don’t forget that.
As you read this we would of already celebrated Purim and the great story found in the Book of Esther. We are fast moving towards our first feast day of “Passover” for this year and we will be celebrating it on April 27th. We will be celebrating Yeshua’s death, burial, and resurrection as we partake of communion as a community. The Feast of Passover falls on April 22nd in the eve which is on Monday night. I will be sharing in one of our services how to do a seder in your own home. In a Passover Seder, there are fifteen steps; communion being one of those steps. The word “seder” means order. We encourage you to host seders in your home and invite others in your community; this way it’s more intimate than hosting it at the church. Just think the very first Passover was in Egypt and it was a Family Passover done in the home. The theme for this year’s Feast of Passover is “My Savior.” This is to make the Passover more personal between you and Yeshua.
We currently live in an informational age; thanks to modern technology but we really need to be relational not only with God but with each other. I asked myself a question and it’s “How come our relationships were better before the internet and cell phones?” I believe that the latest technology has stolen our affection for one another and is reprogramming our minds. I’m sure there are plenty of other reasons for our lack in lasting relationships, but these are my two reasons.
Now is the time to renew your relationship with Yeshua and with others. Yeshua mentions that he called his disciples “friends” (John 15:15) and it’s the same for us. We have all been through the loss of personal friendships, but Yeshua will never leave us or forsake us. We all know that Yeshua had to face rejection, resentment, and bitterness and so do we. The Lord heals our wounds that are emotional so we can be free to live in wholeness and freedom. Holding grudges or taking revenge on those that hurt us is not pleasing to God so cast your cares upon Him because He cares for you. Don’t forget that old friendships can be renewed, so pray for God’s perfect will, learn to forgive, and move on. The Season of Redemption is here right now if you really want it, so go for it, and shout “Yeshua is My Savior.” I am looking forward to this brand new feast cycle and celebrating it with my Beit Tehila Family.
~Shalom, Pastor Nick
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