Class # 4

And so we begin to study our Jewish heritage.

When asked what the importance of a plants roots are, the kids quickly responded by saying it provides nutrients, it helps the plant to stand up, and it helps the plant to grow. The same can be said of our church roots. The church has long roots that extend back in time 4000 years. They are essential to who we are as United Methodist today.

Today was the beginning of studying these very important roots. We start with the Jewish heritage, will then study the Catholic Heritage, then the Episcopal heritage and final our Methodist heritage.

We had the very difficult task of putting "period cards" in order of the 2000 years of Jewish heritage. Scott and I were amazed at how some of the students were able to use their bible to figure out the correct order. Once the activity was done, we reminded everyone that the importance of this historic timeline does not lay in the ability to memorize it, but to realize that our faith is grounded in and born out of the Jewish faith and the journey they have walked.

I shared a story of how the Jewish faith and the Christian faith separated. See you kids remember which group won the battle led by apostle Paul in the book of Acts to decide if you had to be Jewish first in order to be Christian or if the Gentiles could also become Christians without ever having been Jewish.... The funniest point of the evening was when Porter gave us a great big "whoo whoo" with his hands held high when asked which church survived the fight against Rome? The "Gentile church."

We began as Jews who accepted Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of the Jewish Law. But within one lifetime, we became a worldwide religion in which most of its members knew almost nothing about Judaism. Next we will explore how this new faith grew...

The kids continue to do a great job on their weekly mission project to serve in their own church. Every week they set up the all of the tables, pads, music stands, and bells for our church bell choir. I know I can speak on behalf of the bell choir in saying how much this project has been appreciated Great job guys!