passover seder...

Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Cor. 5:7-8

Greetings from Paris, Tn! As I write this it is snowing here. It was 80 deg. 2 days ago....(keeps us guessing). Yet, the buttercups are in bloom and there are signs of spring in the air. Spring always brings such promise. Gardeners begin to think about getting seed in the ground; the early adopters crank mowers and attack grass that really doesn't need mowing; people emerge from their winter cocoons and initiate those exterior projects that have laid dormant all winter; ahhh spring.....

I used to think Easter. In my continued paradigm shift I now favor Passover. It was in the Passover setting that Jesus began to unfold the significance of who He was to his followers. He used the elements of the ceremonial meal to paint a picture of His purpose. As He would lift each element He explained how it pointed to Him, the Lamb that was to be slain as a offering for the world He loved. (I have tears well in my eyes at simply typing that last sentence).

This year Passover begins at sundown on April 9th. Many Jews around the world will celebrate the Exodus from Egypt while many Christians simultaneously celebrate their exodus from their spiritual captivity in the worlds system. One is shadow, the other substance. If you are out of our region consider researching the Passover Seder and experiencing this with your family and friends.

If you are in our region:

Suzy & I (and all of our friends and family that help prepare) would like to extend you a invitation to celebrate Passover with us on Sat., April 11th. I know this is not the "correct" date (we don't do this out of some religious obligation... we are not Jews and are not compelled to live like Jews!) However we cherish the beauty and significance of a Passover Seder. If you have never experienced a Seder, your first may well be your best! It is full of symbolism that has often been lost to the gentile church.

Where: The cabin, 1645 Swor Rd. Springville, Tn 38256 (10 miles south of Paris via Hwy 641)

When: Sat. April 11th. 7:00pm - come anytime prior and hang out for the day. If you want to stay at the cabin (or camp out) that would be great! The cabin will be open Friday - Sunday for any that want to use it. There is plenty of space for tents, etc.

What: We will share a big feast! In the midst of the feast we will introduce the "Passover Seder" plate and live out the traditional ceremony. Afterwards, there will be plenty of time for conversation and "catching up".

We will need RSVPs in order to know how many to prepare for. Please email me ASAP so we can begin a head count. Also, let me know if you plan on staying either Fri. or Sat. night and if you plan to camp or use the cabin (there are motels within 10 -12 miles if preferred)

mickey & suzy mooney
www.networkvine.org