Etz Chayim Messianic Synagogue gathers in Lakeland, Florida, every Saturday at 11:00 a.m. for Shabbat services. Intercessory prayer begins at 10:15 beforehand. Worship draws on Jewish liturgy, Messianic music and Davidic dance, with teaching from both the Old and New Covenants. The Moedim, God's appointed times, are kept through the cycle of the Jewish calendar, including Passover and Sukkot.
The congregation describes Messianic Judaism as a faith begun 2,000 years ago by Yeshua, the promised Messiah of Israel. It teaches that Yeshua is God and is worshipped as God. Jewish people who trust in Yeshua remain Jewish, the community holds. Gentiles who believe are "grafted into" the Jewish olive tree of faith, becoming spiritual sons and daughters of Abraham. Jews and non-Jews worship together, and the middle wall of partition is understood as broken down. Salvation, the congregation affirms, has always been by faith, and works of law have never saved anyone. It also holds to the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel. The rebirth of the State of Israel is seen as fulfilled prophecy.
Rabbi Yossi Laster leads the synagogue with his wife, Rebbitzen Irene Laster. Born in Chicago in 1956 to Jewish parents, he was raised in a Reformed Jewish home. An adult Bible study meets Tuesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. Men's and women's Bible studies meet on some Saturdays at 2:30 p.m.
Not yet verified.
Is this your listing? Claim itSuggest a correction
