It often seems like we’re out of balance in our Scripture reading and heavily favor the New Testament and Psalms,” says Katie Roelofs, minister of music and worship for the Washington, D.C., Christian Reformed Church.
“The Old Testament, however, is important for our worship practices today. Reading about Israel’s worship practices helps us understand the context of God’s mighty acts, points to the promise and fulfillment between the Old and New Testaments, and illustrates how God has been faithful throughout history,” she explains.
So this year the congregation is observing the Jewish festivals prescribed in the Old Testament. They have celebrated Purim (the celebration of deliverance from Haman’s plot to kill the Jews), Passover (the celebration of the deliverance from Egypt), and Pentecost (the Feast of Weeks or Ingathering).
This fall they will celebrate Rosh Hashanah (the Feast of Trumpets), Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), and Sukkoth (the Feast of Booths).
For more information on celebrating the festivals, see www.reformedworship.org and search for “Jewish Festivals.”
