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Dear Friends,
This message has been given prior to the Passover period on several occasions, however it is always good to remind ourselves of the importance of this preparation time. It is especially necessary for any new members.

Traditionally the women spend a lot of time house cleaning and ensuring all leaven is removed from the premises before heading off to their assigned Feast site. Sometimes, so much time is spent cleaning that they do not make enough time to focus on their spiritual condition and cleansing the Temple, which we are.

We do not need to wait until 1 Nisan to commence the cleansing process. The removal of leaven is a must, being critical in the keeping of the Commandment, but the spiritual cleansing is equally important. There are many papers that deal with the spiritual meaning of the Passover period and there is a list of these below. Some of these may be part of the Feast Services or pre-Feast Services.

Take the time now to assess your situation and plan your activities accordingly. Ensure you take the time to pray and read your Bible and the papers. Most importantly: Is there anyone with whom you still need to make peace?  (Mat. 5:24) If so deal with it now. Don’t wait for a person to come to you – you take that first step. The day before the Feast is too late!

Look at your pantry and freezers now and assess what leaven you have that needs to be used before 14th Nisan. Organising these early will make the final de-leavening much quicker and easier and save a lot of waste.

Confirm your travel and accommodation arrangements and costs. If driving, don’t forget the safety check on your vehicle. If something needs fixing it might take time to do it or to get that spare part. Again, don’t leave it until the last moment.

Think about your offering and Feast expenses. Your Second Tithe is an ongoing matter and should be set aside all year to ensure you have the funds for each Feast period and that you also have the funds  to cover the Feasts in the Third year where the Second Tithe is given to the church for the welfare of those in need. Those who are financially able may wish to assist those who are in more difficult circumstances. Feast Coordinators and Caterers should provide an estimate of costs to those attending to assist them to assess and manage their finances for the period.

If the necessary physical activities are planned, prioritised and started early there will be less stress at the last minute and one’s spirituality will be better dealt with. It is good to arrive at the Feast ready to fellowship and enjoy meeting old friends and making new ones and ready to feast both physically and spiritually before God in joy and thanksgiving.

 From the New Moon/New Year the following papers will be publicised and are important:                           
                              

Passover Reading List
Preparing for the Passover  (No. 190)
Procedures for the Lord’s Supper  (No. 103B)
Preparation for the Passover Meal  (No. 093)
Passover Questions and the Reasons for our Faith  (No. 051)
Start of the Month and the Day (No. 203)
The Moon and the New Year (No. 213)
Sanctification of the Temple of God (No. 241)
Sanctification of the Simple and Erroneous (No. 291)
Sanctification of the Nations (No. 77)
The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (No. CB33)
The Passover (No. 98)
Summary: The Seven Great Passovers of the Bible (No. 107z)
The Quartodeciman Disputes (No. 277)
Summary: The Lord's Supper (No. 103z)
Significance of the Footwashing (No. 99)
Significance of the Bread and Wine (No. 100)
The Sign of Jonah and the History of the Reconstruction of the Temple
Timing of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection (No. 159)
The Death of the Lamb (No. 242)
The Night to be Much Observed (No. 101)
The Wave Sheaf Offering (No. 106b)
The Leaven of Pentecost (No. 65)
The Omer Count to Pentecost (No. 173)

Wade Cox
Coordinator General