Feast of Trumpets celebrated in Norwich

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After taking Communion, the tradition of dipping pieces of apple in honey was observed, as we wished each other sweetness in the coming year, this festival of Rosh Hashanah being the start of a new year in the Jewish calendar.

 

Prayers were said and fascinating insights were given by Tania Barnett, local representative of Musalaha Reconciliation Ministry. A sumptuous buffet supper was enjoyed, before we settled down to hear teaching from Call to Prayer director, Jill Gower.

 

Having only the sketchiest idea about the significance of this and the other festivals or ‘appointed times’ ordained by God for His people in perpetuity – which includes us, being grafted into Israel – I found this really mind-blowing. Referring to a number of scriptures as well as Jewish traditions that continue to this day, many of which clearly point to Jesus, Jill helped pieces of the jigsaw of the drama of salvation fall into place, many of which have largely been obscured for most of us until quite recently. We can miss so much if we ignore the Hebraic roots of our faith, and digging deeper is so rewarding and faith-building.

 

The ten days following Trumpets are known in Jewish tradition as the Days of Awe – a time for examining hearts, recognising one’s sinfulness, getting right with God and doing our best to put right any wrongs done to others. This leads up to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) which will be observed at the House of Prayer on Saturday 8 October from 10.30am, with teaching and a time of prayer, as we give thanks that Jesus laid down his life as the once and for all sacrifice for the sins of mankind, doing away with the need for the sacrifice of animals.

 

The third autumn feast – Tabernacles or Sukkot – is a joyful event celebrating the ingathering of the harvest and the provision of God for his people as they wandered for 40 years in the wilderness. Again to be accompanied with a meal and teaching at the House of Prayer, this will take us into deeper revelation concerning the everlasting significance of all that God has ordained through these festivals. 

 

To book for the Feast of Tabernacles, on Thursday 13 October at 7pm, £12.50 per person, please send cheque payable to CALL TO PRAYER, addressed to Colin Bain, Hon Treasurer, at the House of Prayer, Fishergate, Norwich NR3 1SE, including your contact details and any dietary requirements. 

Enquiries to 01603 920074 or admin@call2prayer.co.uk. Parking in pay & display car park at the end of Blackfriars Street, directly opposite the House of Prayer.