Prospectus
How you can support and why!
Christian Unity Banquet & Seder Demonstration
One of the nation’s largest Christian Passover Celebrations,
conducted annually on Tuesday of Holy Week
Who We Are
Hi! I’m Pastor Director Robert Somerville. So glad
you have opened this prospectus to examine the
nature and purpose of Huntsville’s annual Christ
Our Passover celebration and what its spiritual
and practical significance has been to the great
city of Huntsville these 30+ years.
I have been honored to serve in Huntsville for the
past three decades as a pastor, Biblical expositor,
and teacher. Education is the heartbeat of this
ministry. Assisting Christians to a deeper understanding of the Bible through holistic
teaching of it’s Hebrew root system, thus binding together both Old and New Testaments
as one masterpiece.
The Feast of Passover introduced in Exodus 12:14 is a prime example for demonstrating
that truth! Jesus was actually observing the Passover with the traditional Hebrew Seder
meal when He introduced what is commonly referred to as Communion, Lord’s Supper,
or Eucharist. Holy Communion was not made out of “whole cloth.” It had a history!
There is overwhelming scriptural evidence that Jesus, our Passover Lamb, died on the
Passover day. That is why Paul could instruct the Church “For Christ, our Passover lamb,
has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Feast of Passover.” Should not Christians
therefore give this day it’s due recognition?
There are absolutely a myriad of definitive lessons yet to be learned from this festival.
One of those important lessons from the Passover is about Christian unity. Few Bible
readers are aware that the famous prayer of Jesus in John 17:23 “Father, may they be
brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me . . .” was prayed on
Passover week – the day before His death.
Please, read the rest of this prospectus and consider the helping hand that you or your
group may provide to this trans-denominational, city-wide effort for the advancement of
God’s Kingdom purposes in Huntsville. It convenes annually, on Tuesday of Holy Week.
Check your Calendar!
Christ Our Passover Prospectus • www.christourpassover.com
1
Christ Our Passover Objectives
� Honor – Jesus the lamb slain – Hebrews 2:9
“Honor because he (Christ) suffered death for us.”
� Unity – Join Jesus in His Passover unity prayer – John 17:21
“Make them one that the world may know you sent me!”
� Charity – Bless the city – Jeremiah 29:7
“Seek the peace and prosperity of your city.”
� Humility – The key to Unity – Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble serving one another in love.”
� Festivity – Banquet, symbol of acceptance – Revelation 3:29
“If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
HONOR
FESTIVITY
HUMILITY
Christ Our Passover Prospectus • www.christourpassover.com
UNITY
CHARITY
2
Major Response to 1 Corinthians 5:7-8
Our goal at Christ Our Passover is to respond to
Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8.
Christ, our Passover lamb has been
sacrificed. Therefore...Let us keep the Feast.
Jesus, at His last Seder
Huntsville, Christ Our Passover Seder
Endorsement from Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle
Huntsville is proud to be home of many faiths.
Celebrations like Awareness Ministry’s Christ
Our Passover provide a path for Christians to
learn more about the Jewish roots of their beliefs.
This annual ceremony, led by Pastor Robert
Somerville, has helped connect two important
religions, Judaism and Christianity, and
contributed to greater understanding and
respect in our society.
Having attended this Judeo-Christian Passover
on several occasions, I am inspired by the
message of unity and the emphasis on humanity
that transcends denominations. Participants
have the opportunity to open their hearts and
minds through this meaningful experience.
Huntsville is a better, stronger community, because of our diversity and our willingness
to embrace other cultures and faiths.
God Bless,
Tommy Battle
Mayor
Christ Our Passover Prospectus • www.christourpassover.com
3
Demonstrate
The Christ Our Passover has a unique history in Huntsville, Alabama, for practical and
public display of Biblical themes and directives. By that, we mean its posture is:
■
■
■
■
■
Interdenominational: It is attended by Christians from all streams of the Christian
Faith and open to the public at large.
Educational: Its content represents a holistic approach to Biblical understanding by
examining the Hebrew background and thinking of its writers.
Judeo-Christian: The Bible is one book — not two books having been glued
together. The storyline is a continuum, not a second act. The Passover lessons of
redemption and deliverance are eternal — not dispensational! While we have an Old
and New Testament, the Word of God is neither “old” nor “new," but eternal!
Christian Unity: Jesus specifically emphasized unity during the season of Passover
by stating that by unity through love, all men would recognize that we are his
disciples, and by it, the world would know that God had sent Him.
Practical Community Blessing: There is a Biblical principle for giving a special
offering at the feasts/Passover, and God's people should come before Him with gifts
(Deuteronomy 16:16-17). Our offering is primarily given to benefit prosperity in the
city, based on Jeremiah 29:7 (NIV).
Christ Our Passover Prospectus • www.christourpassover.com
4
Bless the City
Each year, monetary gifts are given to vital organizations in the Huntsville area from the
Christian Community through Christ Our Passover. Christ Our Passover has raised over
$110,000 since 2005’s event. Following are the organizations presented with a monetary
gift to date:
■
2005, Huntsville Police Department. Provided funds for protective vests for police.
■
2006, Huntsville/Madison County Library. “Ready to Read” program for the less fortunate.
■
2007, Downtown Rescue Mission. Provided provisions for the destitute.
■
■
■
■
■
2008, Nation of Israel and the Jewish Community. Provided backpacks for children in
bombed village in Israel and sponsored Madison County school teachers to attend Holocaust
workshop in Washington, DC.
2009, Operation Green Team. Provided money to construct large greenhouse needed to
“dress and keep” the earth in Huntsville.
2010, Huntsville Fire and Rescue. Provided Jaws of Life.
2011, “First Book” Mayor’s Project. Provided books for Dr. Seuss Readers Project for less
resourced families.
2012, Partnership for a Drug Free Community. Provided funds to increase education,
prevention, and rehabilitation for teens.
■
2013, Arts Council of Huntsville. Coordination for generational Arts Education in Huntsville.
■
2014, Manna House. Provided funds for ministry to the less privileged in the city.
■
■
2015, U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Provided funds for underpriviledged children to attend
Space Camp.
2016, Still Serving Veterans. Provided funds to local non-profit assisting Veterans and their
families in finding employment and receiving the benefits they have earned.
Christ Our Passover Prospectus • www.christourpassover.com
5
Sharing the bread of life.
Christ Our Passover Prospectus • www.christourpassover.com
6
Endorsements (National)
Your unique and innovative theological approach has no parallel in convention Christian
thought. In the many Hebrew and Christian communities that are interested in ecumenism
and conciliation, it will, no doubt, be received with interest and enthusiasm.
Dr. Edwin Harrell, Daniel F. Breeden Eminent Scholar in the Humanities
Department of History
Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Rev. Robert Somerville is a gift to the contemporary church. As a pastor, his creative,
ecumenical work extends far beyond most traditional categories. Through his annual
Christ Our Passover celebration in the city of Huntsville, Alabama, among very diverse
communities of faith, he has instilled such vital biblical themes as unity, deliverance,
social justice, and care of community. I celebrate Robert’s longtime influential voice in
calling for positive local Christian-Jewish relations and for strong support of Israel. A
skilled pastor-teacher, writer, and educational advocate, Robert has distinguished himself
through outstanding, devoted leadership. A seasoned pastor and humble servant, Robert
Somerville is worth of wide recognition for his many accomplishments in the ministry.
I commend Robert for modeling some of the most exciting and effective, biblically
balanced and innovative Christian leadership of our day.
Rev. Marvin R. Wilson, PhD
Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies
Gordon College, Wenham, MA
I have conversed and corresponded with Reverend Somerville, and I am convinced that
he is not only an orthodox, charismatic Christian in the truest sense of the word, but
that his understanding of grace as a doctrine is absolutely scriptural. With the scriptural
understanding of grace, he has added a new dimension of joy to Christian worship by
incorporating those elements of celebration which are scripturally Jewish.
Dr. Moishe Rosen, Founder (late)
Jews for Jesus Ministry
San Francisco, CA
Robert Somerville has been a leading teacher of truths about the Jewish roots of the
Christian faith for more than 40 years. Recently, he has coordinated some of the largest
celebrations of the festival of Passover in the world in city-wide, multi-congregational
efforts to promote Christian unity and to enlist believers of all communions to express
their solidarity with the Jewish community and with the nation of Israel. I heartily endorse
this balanced and effective ministry.
John D. Garr, PhD, ThD
Chancellor Hebraic Heritage Christian College
Founder & President, Restoration Foundation, Atlanta, GA
Christ Our Passover Prospectus • www.christourpassover.com
7
Endorsements (Local)
This event is one that crosses the barriers of Church denominations and allows us to
come as one through our Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ. I encourage the Body of Christ,
throughout the entire religion, to come and “keep the feast” together at the Christ Our
Passover Celebration.
Rusty Nelson, Pastor
Rock Family Worship Center
Huntsville, AL
I commend the Christ Our Passover event as a celebration of our spiritual and historical
heritage with the Jewish tradition of the Exodus. In the sharing of a meal, the proclamation
of the Word, and the unity of the church, you are reminded that, “Christ our Passover is
sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7
Dr. Rick Owen, Pastor
Trinity United Methodist Church
Huntsville, AL
The Christ Our Passover celebration affords an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the
unity of the Body of Christ in the Huntsville area. In the context of the Jewish Passover
Feast, participants gather to break bread, worship, and celebrate the prophetic fulfillment
of the Passover in our Lord Jesus Christ. This is truly a wonderful gathering.
Alan Weatherly, Senior Pastor
Asbury United Methodist Church
Madison, AL
I am delighted to enthusiastically endorse the Christ Our Passover celebration. In my
opinion, this activity has made a significant impact on the Christian community in helping
them gain a clearer understanding of the history of the Judeo-Christian roots of the
Christian faith. A number of former participants have commented to me how helpful this
event has been in enhancing their understanding of the faith.
Dr. John L. Herndon, Pastor
Fellowship Presbyterian Church (USA)
Huntsville, AL
I continue to marvel at the unique contribution the Christ Our Passover event brings to
our city – and region! It has a way of creatively uniting the Body of Christ while at the
same time linking Hebrew and Christian sensitivities and understandings of the world
God has created and continues to create! Who knows what “new thing” the Holy One
will bring about this year through this most meaningful celebration of unity! I want you to
know that I have valued your ministry over the years and will continue to do so. You have
a passion for ministry that has enriched the religious community of Huntsville. May God
continue to bless your ministry.
Rev. Frank Broyles
Faith Presbyterian Church
Huntsville, AL
Christ Our Passover Prospectus • www.christourpassover.com
8
How You Can Support
As a result of what has been presented in this prospectus, it is our hope that you are
inspired to become supportive of this local, biblically-based effort, which has now
become nationally reported and internationally referenced.
Financial contributions are tax deductible and are made to Awareness Ministry.
The funds are then distributed to the Christ Our Passover event. Contributions
should be made payable by check to Awareness Ministry or through our websites
(www.christourpassover.com or www.awarenessministry.org). When donating, please
note that it is for the Christ Our Passover event.
We can work with individuals, families, business, churches, or schools to find a giving
schedule that will fit your budget.
Sponsorships ($25 per person to attend Christ Our Passover)
Help someone attend who may not otherwise be able to:
■
Individuals
■
Families
■
Students
■
Veterans
Financial Contributions
■
Recurring monthly contributions
■
Recurring annual contributions
■
One-time gift
Spiritual Support
Pray for the Body of Christ for the following:
■
Understanding that the Passover is a lesson about the coming Messiah (Jesus)
■
Endorsing the holistic nature of the Bible
■
Embracing fellow Christians as true brothers and sisters
Other Contributions
■
■
Endorsing Christ Our Passover to others as an exceptional opportunity to
demonstrate Biblical Unity
Encouraging others to attend
Christ Our Passover Prospectus • www.christourpassover.com
9
Christ Our Passover Prospectus • www.christourpassover.com
10
Awareness Ministry
P.O. Box 364
Huntsville, AL 35804
Phone: (256) 776-2333
www.christourpassover.com