We (who attend Downtown Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Alexandria) were honored and delighted to be invited to Donna’s church (All Saints/Sharon Chapel in Alexandria, VA) on Wednesday evening for the Passover Haggadah with Douglas and Frannie (who are members of Tyson Corner’s McLean Bible Church).  

I had never before attended an authentic Seder with Maror (bitter herbs), Karpas (vegetable), Charoset (food mixture), Zeroa (bone), Baytza (egg), and Chazeret (vegetable).  My favorite part was the celebration of the Messianic Age with ancient Jewish tradition of the belief that someday Elijah would return to Earth.  The Cup of Elijah is filled and the door of the room is opened in symbolic anticipation of his arrival.  The ceremony was educational, uplifting, reflective and powerful.  Truth, justice, and loving-kindness are the enemies of slavery, tyranny, and oppression for all people.  

 In that same train of thought, we recently had a lovely lunch with the newly ordained Reverend Carolyn Jenkins of Downtown Baptist Church over at Overwood.  Carolyn is the Minister of Christian Education and is a powerful example of authentic living for all.  Congratulations – we couldn’t be more proud.