Ethel Chadwick hosts a radio show called "Bagels and Blessings" where she shares about her Jewish faith and belief in Jesus. She came to faith in 1976 after being inspired by a peaceful coworker. Ethel started the show in 1997 and it airs weekly, featuring messianic music and guests. The show aims to clearly share the Jewish roots of Christianity with both Jewish and non-Jewish listeners. Support from listeners helps keep the show on air.
Jewish Woman Hosts 'Bagels and Blessings' Radio Show
1. Ethel Chadwick Host of "Bagels and Blessings"
When I first met Ethel Chadwick, about six years ago, I could tell that she was a
woman on a mission. I remember that she described herself as "a nice Jewish girl who
loves Yeshua". Ethel has never been one to hide her affection for Jesus. She speaks of
him lovingly and often.
I asked Ethel how she came to know Jesus. "In 1976 I was working at Kodak.
There was a girl there that worked with me. She was very peaceful. She would sit and
read her bible during lunch. It was at a time where I really needed some peace in my life.
My personal life was a struggle and she had so much peace. I was drawn to her. When I
first read the New Testament, I was amazed to find out that the disciples were Jewish,
that Jesus had no plans to change his religion, and that the Last Supper was a Jewish
Seder! Who knew!?!"
At the time of this interview, we were sitting in the studio ofWDCZ radio, where
Ethel's show was birthed. "Bagels and Blessings" started when Ethel submitted an idea
to WDCZ to be "Host for a Day". Ethel did the show, got a great audience response, and
as they say, the rest is history. That was back on August 2, 1997. Since then Ethel has
been raising her own support for the show. A big support is Ethel's messianic
congregation "Shema Yisrael," who sponsors the program.
This is more than just a show to Ethel. Her objective is to be a crystal-clear
witness to those of Jewish heritage and it is a crystal-clear calling to anyone who has a
Jewish friend or relative to help them tell about the Messiah. This show is not just for
those who have a Jewish background. Ethel explains it this way, "It's important to spread
the Jewishness of the Gospel. More and more Jewish people are learning about Jesus. It is
up to all of us to tell our Jewish brothers and sisters about Messiah. I don't want to be
responsible for those who don't know about Messiah."
Ethel's show is broadcast on Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m. on WDCZ 102.7. Guests
include localmessianic believers, music celebrities such as Paul Wilbur, Marty Goetz,
Joel Chernoff, Jonathan Settel, and many Messianic leaders, such as Jack Farber,
Messianic Rabbi of Melech Yisrael in Toronto, Canada. Messianic Rabbi Jim Appel of
Shema Yisrael is a regular on the program, explaining many of the Jewish holidays.
"Bagels and Blessings" is a great mixture of messianic music, biblical trivia, and
encouraging guests. Be sure to tune in and see for yourself, the Jewishness of the Gospel.
We as Gentiles miss a lot when we don't study about Jesus' heritage. It can only help us
to grow in our relationship with Christ.
If you would like to support Ethel and her ministry, please send donations to:
Bagels and Blessings
P.O. Box 192
Scottsville, NY 14546-0192
Checks should be made out to "Shema Yisrael," and just mark the memo section with
"Bagels and Blessings."
How long will "Bagels and Blessings" stay on the air? That's pretty much up to
the listeners. Ethel's closing motto is ''Every Day of Your Life is an Opportunity to Be a
Blessing to Someone." Right now we have an opportunity to be a blessing to her. Be
sure to listen in this week!
2. Making Rochester A Better Place - Rochester Family Mission
by Dodie Greer
Have you been to the city lately? Walked down Main Street? For many of us, we visit the
city dally to go to work, but for some the city is just a place seen on the news. There is
much talk about ways of creating a better Rochester, a better downtown, by building new
buildings, making the city a better place to visit. What about those who already live
downtown? How are their lives being impacted on a daily basis? Many live not only from
paycheck to paycheck, but also from meal to meal. Some live on the streets, some in
shelters, and those fortunate enough, live in rundown homes with sparse furnishings and
inadequate amenities.
For one Ministry in the Tremont Street area, serving these needs is their main objective.
Rochester Family Mission was established to meet both material and spiritual needs of
families and has been doing just that for over 73 years. Barbara Thomas is the Mission's
Executive Director. "1 am excited by what the Lord is doing," she says. Thomas has been
with the mission for three years and would love to see it continue to grow. Barbara's key
phrase is, "I'm stepping out in faith!" RFM is supported solely by contributions from
individuals and Rochester area Churches, which means every day faith is what they must
live and work by. Barbara states that they need new carpeting. Anyone know any carpet
dealers in Rochester? "We just had eight new computers donated to our Computer
School anonymously," Barbara tells me, so the Lord does provide.
Inaddition to'the Mission, the Tremont Street building also houses RI.C.E. (Rochester
Institute of Christian Education). Classes will be starting again in the Fall and are held
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 12 noon, and Tuesday and Thursday
evenings from 7 to 9:30 pm. Studies include Old and New Testament as well as Doctrine
and Theology courses. Classes are $25 a semester hour plus the cost of textbooks.
Anyone is eligible to attend. For more information contact RFM at 436-7523
Rochester Family Mission provides many personal services such as food for families in
need, a clothing cupboard, Men and Women's Support Groups and Bible Studies, as well
as tutoring, computer, and Health classes. When asked what Barbara would like to see
most for the future ofRFM, she talks about her vision of a new campus for more space.
Currently every inch of the property is used "It would be great to have an area for the
Mission and for RIC.E. and a place for the kids," she states. '1want to create an
atmosphere fOTlearning, safety, and enjoyment."
Southwest FestlBack to School JAM will be held in collaboration with RFM, SWAN
(South West Area Neighborhood), and the Church of God by Faith and will be held at the
3. James Madison School Campus on Saturday, September 6 from 10 am to 4 pm. "It's a
back to school jam," Thomas says. There will be information on health issues, drug and
alcohol awareness, arts and crafts for the kids, and hot dogs. The goal is to give out 1000
backpacks tined with school supplies for our area kids. Donations of backpacks, school
supplies, or money will help to achieve this goal. For more information or to donate to
the cause contact RFM at 436-7523.
Rochester Family Mission is a light inan area of Rochester that is often left inthe dark.
The mission of making Rochester a better place to live will take all of our help and
support, whether we live inthe city or not. How about asking your church to collect some
backpacks, or have a food drive or perhaps find that carpet salesman? Who knows? We
could all be part of making Rochester a better place to live and we might be blessed in
return,
The Word August 2003