^{Esther 9:2}7 the Jews took it on themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year, in the way prescribed and at the time appointed. 28 These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews—nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants.

Our church celebrates, as close as we can, the Holy days of God's calendar as written in Leviticus.

We will be celebrating Passover on God's timetable in April. Firstfruits/Resurrection Day should be in April however due to the Church calendar following it's own counting, "Easter" is this month. We do not recognize Palm Sunday as it is not a date commemorated in God's word as a day to mark. We have no issue with anyone celebrating or commemorating any day that focuses on God's plan, though. This is just the culture of our church: to focus on God's plan and teach how the Holy days direct us to see how God works.

This Sunday we celebrate the joy and incredible power of God on Purim.

We'll read the megillah: the Book of Esther. There will be a funny play. We'll stomp our feet, use our graggers and boo when Haman's name is spoken. We'll cheer for the victory. And Celebrate with a meal and hamantashen cookies for dessert! 

All this is to remember how God can intercede to protect people who trust Him, call on Him & do His will. He vanquished the enemies who sought to destroy them. He punished those who planned their genocide. All this and God's name is never mentioned! But He is known and acknowledged.

God is still the same today: all powerful, all knowing, and always present.

He wants to help you who seek Him. He can protect those who serve Him. He is our hedge of protection from evil. He is faithful to His faithful.

Keep looking up.

Keep trusting Him.

Keep close to Him whose love will sustain you in evil times. 

Grab a gragger, have a hamentashen and celebrate this Sunday!

Maranatha, y'all.