Our Faith Practice
In today's complex world where distinctions can become blurred, we recognize that there are Jewish people who believe Yeshua is the Messiah and do not cease to be Jewish (Romans 2:28-29). Non-Jews who place their faith in Yeshua, are "grafted into" the Jewish olive tree of faith (Romans 11:17-25) becoming spiritual sons and daughters of Abraham (Galatians 3:28-29).
We observe and celebrate God’s Holy Days (moedim) given to Israel, with their fulfillment in and through the Messiah Yeshua. We believe that they show God's plan of redemption and that they are to be observed forever.
We believe that true "Biblical Judaism," the faith of the first-century believers, which we seek to practice, acknowledges the continuity of faith in the one true of God, revealed throughout the Scriptures and ultimately manifested in Yeshua the Messiah. We are a body of believers, a fellowship.
We believe that salvation has always been "by faith," and that works of law, of righteous acts, have never saved anyone (Genesis 15:6; Romans 2-6; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 11:6, 39). However, it is because of our faith that we live it out in righteous acts and wanting to live out our faith (James 2:14-26, Matt. 5:19, John 14:15,21; John 15:10, 1 John 2:3-4, 1 John 3:24).
We acknowledge that the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31, Ezekiel 36) body of Believers is composed of both Jews and non-Jews who, by faith, believe Yeshua is the Messiah and the Promised Redeemer. The "middle wall of partition" has been broken down, and now we worship the GOD of Israel together (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 2:13-14).
What can you expect the first time
Our 10:00 am Shabbat service is the main worship gathering. We are aware that our first time visitors come from a variety of faith backgrounds, so we expect that you will have questions about our service. Here are some answers:
Dress
We encourage everyone who attends to dress both comfortably and modestly. For some, this may be more dressed up, and for others more casual.
How long is the Service
Our main Shabbat service begins at 10:00am and usually runs for 1.5 hours. Our service consists of traditional Jewish liturgy in Hebrew and English, modern praise and worship music, and the message.
How do I follow the service
We do our entire service via slides on a display screen. All
of our traditional Jewish liturgy (in Hebrew, transliterated Hebrew, which is Hebrew in English letters, and English), as well as our music lyrics and announcements, will be on the screen for everyone to follow along with and be on the same page. The liturgy is also available in a book called a Siddur.
of our traditional Jewish liturgy (in Hebrew, transliterated Hebrew, which is Hebrew in English letters, and English), as well as our music lyrics and announcements, will be on the screen for everyone to follow along with and be on the same page. The liturgy is also available in a book called a Siddur.
Singing and praying
Join in with Hebrew and English songs and prayers as much, or as little, as you feel comfortable.
Standing and bowing
We stand a lot during worship. There will be clear cues for you to rise during specific portions of the service (please do not feel obligated to stand, especially if you are medically unable to do so). You will notice many people bowing as an act of reverence before the Lord at different times during certain prayers. If this is unfamiliar to you, do not feel obligated to bow. You’ll get the hang of it over time!
Is this a synagogue or church?
We are not a Jewish synagogue, although you will find elements of a synagogue service. We're not exactly a church either. Our focus is leading lives that reflect God back into the world, being disciples of Messiah Yeshua. Our fellowship is made up of people from all walks of life, all levels of observance, and a variety of faith backgrounds.
What is your teaching perspective
We stress teach in context and culture, avoiding projecting the 21st Century onto the Bible text. We seek to draw out truths from Scripture and apply them to today. You'll see that we follow the 1-year Torah reading cycle and include appropriate Scripture from the apostolic (New Testament / New Covenant) writings.
Plan Your Visit
Thank you for considering a visit to the Messianic Fellowship of Rapid City. It's certainly exciting to consider checking out a new community, but it can also be a bit frustrating to figure out from a website whether or not it's a fit for you.
My hope is that you'll find enough here to feel comfortable making the step to visit.
The Messianic Fellowship is a great place to learn, connect, and grow in God and in relationship with others. You'll meet some new people, and with God's help, you'll leave inspired and excited to come back. I hope to meet you soon!
Chris Orr
My hope is that you'll find enough here to feel comfortable making the step to visit.
The Messianic Fellowship is a great place to learn, connect, and grow in God and in relationship with others. You'll meet some new people, and with God's help, you'll leave inspired and excited to come back. I hope to meet you soon!
Chris Orr
