Revs to the Holy Land May 29-June 12, 2008

The End of The Road

2008-06-12T18:01:00.001-07:00

A few photos to share at the end of the journey. We shared a lot and learned a lot.

Bob Hope would say, "Thanks for the memories." Thanks LPTS, the CF Foundation, and all of you for your prayers and support as we made this faith journey we'll never forget.

Amariah McIntosh

Do You See What I See?

2008-06-11T01:59:00.002-07:00

We all have challenges in our group and during our time together we have learned to make allowances for one another. One of our group has difficulty seeing. We take turns spotting for her. "Step!" or "Bump!" we exclaim, not unlike the Turkish guard banging his staff to make a path for the priest. During my turn I was warning her not just of steps but patterns of contrasting shadows and light that look like steps but are not. "Flat!" I would warn. She said, "You are seeing like me!"

The conflicting claims of the peoples here and the tension even in the Church of the Holy Seplchure between denominations, pilgrims and tourists, natives and visitors could be much improved if we all learned to see how others see.

Welcoming Bells for Greek Orthodox

2008-06-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

Turn the volume to MAXIMUM to get a good taste of the bells. You could not talk and be heard in the courtyard when the bells were ringing.

The bells of Jerusalem churches ring at appropriate times in the services. (Except for one church, it always rings at 12 noon like clockwork: the Germans.) Here are the bells that usher in the Greek Orthodox delegation. The red capped one is a Turkish guard. Originally assigned by the Ottoman empire for protection of the church leaders, this office has been passed down to family members for generations. The guard bangs his staff on the floor to make a way through the crowd for the officials.

Bethlehem

2008-06-09T18:36:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Bethlehem, and it was a rich experience. We saw the WALL for the first time, and it was sobering. It's huge, and while we were able to pass through easily (the soldier talked to our driver and waved us on through), the Palestinians who live in Bethlehem have great difficulty going back and forth. We met with Mitri Rahab, who is a Lutheran pastor there, and does some really great ministry, a school, a college, a wellness center. He was wonderful, and we were all fed by his wisdom. We also went to the Church of the Nativity, where we went down into the place where Jesus was supposedly born. I reached into the middle of the star and touched the rock, and lit some candles for you guys.

Then tonight we walked around a bit, not in the Old City, but in the more modern part. Jews were streaming out of the Old City after celebrating Pentecost (Shavrot, I think they call it), and were very festive and happy. We also walked for a couple of hours last night, did I already tell you this? It was fun to walk through regular neighborhoods. I feel boring tonight, so will quit writing. I'm NOT bored, mind you, just being boring.

I guess, though, that the one other thing I want to write about is that I practiced Sabbath yesterday, and it was pretty special. Sue had asked me the night before if I was getting any rest. And after walking around the Jewish Quarter of the Old City the day before, on their Sabbath, I thought that I would take my own. So I didn't take my camera with me, or my map, or even my watch. I decided to travel light, as Jesus instructed his disciples to do, and depend on the kindnesses of others. We went out in the morning to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and then ate lunch, and then I went back to the hotel and slept and read all afternoon, which was very nice and very needed. Then that night, as I said earlier, I walked around the city with Bruce, Andy, and Trish. It was a lovely Sabbath, and has set me thinking about what Sabbath really ought to be.

Okay, now I'm warming up. I also want to write about the visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We went out at about 7:00, with Hannah for our guide. She is Jewish, and knows so much about those churches that it makes your head spin! She took us to five different worship services, four of them in the Church of the HS. Syrian, Copt, Greek Orthodox, Ethiopian, and Arab Greek Orthodox (the last one was not technically in the C of the HS, I don't think). Oh, it was so interesting. Basically, these churches have been sharing the church for hundreds and hundreds of years. And 200 years ago, roughly, they (The Turks? The British? I'm getting so much information that I can't take it all in, anyway, the PIC, People in Charge) passed what they call the Status Quo, which the PIC are really well versed in. So What that meant was that whatever space that particular church had been able to carve out for themselves became theirs. So the Copts (from Egypt) have this little space that is surrounded by what looks like Jesus shower curtains. And the priests and monks and people gather there in front of it, and since it was their worship time, they were able to move beyond it a little bit, to worship. Lots of incense, and interesting hats and robes. Then the Ethiopians have two chapels. One of the them has a big clock on the wall that is a watch, and the other has a clock that chimes really loudly about every thirty minutes, and it reminded me of that funeral home that we go to sometimes. Also a big pink throne. So the priests and the monks and a few other people gather there, and there's lots of singing, but not like you'd expect, rather singsong and hummy and droney. The monks and priests carry big walking sticks, and they stand and lean on the them, oh, and they and we, take off our shoes when we enter. It was all very interesting and moving in some ways.

THEN there was the Syrian service, which was my favorite. Partly because it was probably this group that is really the most ancient in terms of Christianity, but more so because the main priest's robe was brilliant pink. Not really, that's not the reason. It's because we'd been there the day before, and it's this ancient cave-like room with this old falling-apart wooden altar, and then on Sunday morning, it had been turned into this wonderful space with icons and flowers and incense and wall hangings, and carpet, and it was just lovely! And it was a parish church, meaning that it wasn't just the priests and the monks and the tourists, but that there were families there, too, and there was participation from the congregation (very small group, sitting on little plastic seats). Anyway, it reminded me of our little machine shop church, and how it's full of homeless men and women during the week and then becomes a different space on Sundays. It's holy in both instances, but different. Anyway, I could have stayed there for a very long time.

Hannah was delightful, and one thing that she pointed out was that even though all of these churches have had a hard history of working out their space issues (who gets to clean what, etc., which they haven't done very well, evidentally, because our guide won't let us use the bathrooms there because they are so dirty--if women were in charge, that particular issue would have been settled), that it more or less WORKS. For 200 or so years, they've (once again, more or less) all gotten along. She was quite emphatic about this, and helped us to see it as the miracle it is. Though she also told us about the fight that broke out between the Copts and the Ethiopians a few years ago that resulted in near blindness for the Coptic (I think) Bishop. Sheesh.

Oh, I forgot to tell you: when the Greek Orthodox priests walk into the church, these bells ring and ring and ring, and they hit their big walking sticks on the ground and the crowd parts. I could use a LITTLE MORE RESPECT in the future!

Gotta go! Love you all!

Hey Ho from Jerusalem

2008-06-09T18:32:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends! I've had so much to say, and haven't managed to get anything on the blog for the last few days. I just composed a wingdinger, then erased it, and now am out of time. But just know that this is such a rich experience, and I love so much to know that some of you are reading along with us. I just got back from an early morning trip to the Western Wall. It's Pentecost, and we were told that the Jews would be joyfully processing there if we got up at five o'clock in the morning. Some of did, and they were, and it was amazing.

Am headed off to Bethlehem today--can you imagine. "And it came to pass in those days..."

But now the little timer is flashing, so I will send this before it stops.

I love you, friends and family.

Cindy

Pentecost and Journey to Bethlehem

2008-06-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends:

Today I’m feeling inspired, renewed, and encouraged out of the richness of our journey.

Inspired: I’m excited about coming home to preach the stories of Jesus anew with the mind-stretching perceptions from this pilgrimage – from a new understanding of the geography (It would have taken 3-4 days on foot, in camel caravan, to go from Nazareth to Bethlehem.), of the architecture (“Courts of the LORD’s house” means something different once you’ve walked on a Roman courtyard at a palace or temple.), of Jewish worship practices… and the list could go on and on…

Renewed: Some of us rose early this morning to join observant Jews praying at the Western Wall as part of their celebration of Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks (Pentecost). They had been moving toward the wall long before we joined them at 5, but we made it in time to be in their midst, thousands (really!) thronging through the narrow streets of the Old City to pray at the wall. Cindy reminded us of the beginning of the Pentecost story in Acts 2 where “all the believers were gathered together in one place.” We were allowed to travel in their midst and to pray as they prayed.

I’ve felt a strong sense of the presence of Krister Stendahl since arriving in Jerusalem. He’s a mentor who died recently. Krister was a Lutheran Pastor, a New Testament scholar and member of the faculty of Harvard Divinity School. For a time he served as Bishop of Stockholm in his native Sweden. Here are his principles for interfaith dialogue: 1. Let each one define him or herself. 2. When you compare yourself with others, do not bear false witness: don’t compare the best of your own tradition with the worst of theirs. 3. Allow yourself the experience of “holy envy,” an experience of wonder and appreciation of something in the other’s tradition which you do not have – not to appropriate it for yourself, but to receive the other in their strength and fullness. For a more articulate rendering of the principles than my allows, check out the obituaries posted at Harvard.edu One of them quotes the principles. Giving thanks to God for your life and witness, Krister.

Encouraged: We met Pastor Mitri Raheb this afternoon. He’s pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, a long time resident of the city, a third generation Lutheran, with a family Christian history probably stretching back to the first Century. We loved our conversation with him and our visit to the ministries of the Diyar Consortium sponsored by the church. Diyar means “home” or “homeland” in Arabic. His work encourages me in my dream of somehow working to develop new and stronger leadership for Lutheran urban ministries in US cities. For he has been able to articulate a vision based on the ministry of Jesus for his place, challenging as the circumstances are that they face. They have been able to help others to see their part in a community of hope, and to live, Muslims and Christians together. We give thanks for the ministry of Pastor Raheb and for all the staff and people of the Diyar Corsortium ministries, and I personally give thanks that he is helping to keep my hope and dream alive.

We are wrapping up our pilgrimage and soon we turn our faces West toward home. We’re missing all of you!

Blessings, this day.

Pastor Janet Peterman

More Pictures from Bruce

2008-06-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

This is Dimitri Raheb. He is the pastor of the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. A major portion of his ministry has been developing a vision for the Palistinian people that makes for positive change in overall human relations. He is an Arab Christian, and his family has been a part of the Christian tradition for as long as he can remember. He directs the International Center in the city of Bethlehem. It is an amazing ministry and he is a gifted person working for peace in the midst of terribly difficult situation. He does this by creating opportunities for education, employment, and marketable skills (and creative expression) in an economy that has been devistated by a miriad of circumstances.

We visited Bethlehem today. Upon entering the city, we are reminded of the separation that exsists in this land of the Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel as well!) How one views this wall depends greatly upon your perspective. You can guess who sees it as protection and who views it as captivity.

Could these be the new weapons to wage peace?

One of the programs we learned about today is engaging the Palistinian People in using various forms of media, including art and documentary filmmaking as a way of telling their story and focusing the attention of the world on their situation. Paintings, glass work, and movies seem more conducive to peacemaking that guns and tanks...

This is the Traditional Site of the Nativity

it is in a cave below the main Altar in the Church.

The Church of the Nativity has been standing on this site, making it one of the oldest Christian shrines in the Holy Land. The Persians did not destroy the church when they conquered the land in the seventh century. Why? Because the mosaic representations included the "magi from the East". The Persians recognized themselves in the artwork, and spared the church.

This is the main Altar above the site of the Nativity

Sunday in Jerusalem

2008-06-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

We went to church today - incase anyone was worried what their pastor was up to. We went to more than one church all in one place...the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It was a bit of a Pentecostal feeling with all these different denominations and different languages worshiping throughout this ancient and sacred space...all at the same time. We had a wonderful guide who taught us more about Christian church history than any of us could remember from seminary - and she is Jewish. I see I need to crack open those seminary books - or dream about opening them...someday!! It was an insightful morning.
This whole trip has been beyond expectations. Now that we are here in Jerusalem - this place that contains so many sacred places for our faith - I find myself missing the more pastoral scenes of the Galilee where Jesus walked the fields from town to town. He was very much in touch with the land and the folks who worked the land and fished the waters. I am more at home in that setting...but Bonnie and I have learned how to double team the vendors in the streets of the old city in the haggling process - and make a good deal!!
We will be home before we know it - but we will never be the same. It is so nice to know that folks at home are praying for us and journeying with us through reading our blogs. See you all soon!

Christy in Jerusalem

2008-06-08T06:26:00.001-07:00

Great day Saturday and today. Yesterday, we got to see the stations of the cross. They are much better presented in any of the many catholic churches and monestaries I've attended. It was surprising how close they were, how close everything is!

The markets which surround some of the stations are amazing. We have a farmer's market in Hartville, Ohio. It is like 10 times the stuff in 1/2 of the space. And the merchants are the 3-d version of email spam, constantly after you to see their store, to take their card, to have a free gift. I wonder if these guys to mass emails.

We were also at the western wall with the orthodox Jews during their Sabbath. It was overwhelming to see the mass of religious folks praying alone together at the wall. There are chairs and small stands to read from. A scroll or three were present, I believe readers take turns reading from it continiously. There isn't any pictures, because it is a holy time. Writing is also forbidden (it is work I'm guessing)

Men and women are separated by a partition, men fill about 3/4 of the space and the women have the remainer. A young girl came over and nudged her brother(?) in the men's side. He was not ready to stop reading aloud and gave her the universal dismissal of an older sibling to a younger. Some things transcend language and religion.

Today (Sunday) we went early to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre the Crusaders name for the church of the resurrection, containing the traditional tomb of Jesus and the rock of Golgatha. If memroy serves, we started with the Ethiopian service (those guys can sing and chant!) , and went to the Coptic (Egyptian), Syrian, Armenian, and Greek Orthodox. We also went to the local Greek Orthodox. All of these meet in small chapels and go on about the same time. (The Greek Orthodox have a large room, at is the exception.) We couldn't understand the words, but we recognized the faith. Incense, candles, song, chants, readings, and procession (with accompany bells from the tower) were all included.

Thanks to the CF Foundation for this trip. Pray for the Holy Land!

Bruce's Blog - Reflections in Pictures!

2008-06-07T11:50:00.000-07:00

This is the view from near the church of the Holy Sepulchre looking back to the Mount of OlivesThe Temple Mount (Haram esh Sharif) is in the fore groundthe golden Dome of the Rock is the notable feature

We followed the steps of Jesus today

This is the altar over the Rock of Calvary

it is lighted only by candles and oil lamps

Come, see where they laid him!

The tomb is empty!!

(This is the site of the garden tomb)

View of the Greek Orthodox Chapel

The market place is colorful and full of life!

Shops are in abundance in the narrow passages of the Old City

Bruce

Birthday in the Holy Land

2008-06-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

What a birthday to spend it in the Holy Land! I didnt quite remember which day it was till I checked my watch. That day we headed to Jerusalem from Tiberias. What a great day to see the history of economics and politics in relation to the land at Megiddo. And then Caesarea by the Sea, amazing to have such ancient ruins and historical site next to a power plant and people doing water sports (jet skis, fishing, and windsurfing!). The ancient next to the modern. Strange and yet reminds me how new our country's history is.
And then there we were on the Mount of Olives looking at the old city and the Temple on the Mount. It's big! Really it is quite overwhelming. There is so much.
Today we started at the Western Wall during Sabbath. The spiritual presence was quite powerful. I managed to get close to the wall and touch it, standing between Jewish women. A few others from my group came by me and we stood there crying. At what, I am not fully sure. I would still need to make time to reflect upon what was going on. It was just the beginning of a full morning walking back and forth around the Old City seeing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (site of Jesus' crucifixion, anointing and tomb). The devotion of the crowds gathered, the praying, the closeness to a physical site and places of worship.
What a way to spend a birthday!!

Turning our Faces toward Jerusalem

2008-06-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

Oh, yes, and here I am.

On our way to Jerusalem,

we made our way to Caesarea on the Mediterranean Sea

ruins of an ancient Roman city

from where the apostle Paul set sail when he went to Rome.

You have turned my mourning into dancing

O God...

so that my soul may praise you

and not be silent. (Psalm 30:11-12)

Entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Today we noted where the stations of the cross are

the first ones

marking the places on Jesus' journey to the place of the skull.

We visited inside the Church of the Sepulcher

drawn to generations of prayer and devotion

where Jesus suffered in the last hours of his life,

was crucified, died and was raised.

I'm feeling disoriented

still

at all the building on that lonely place

that was once outside the city walls.

But then we walked past the place where Jesus put the paralyzed man

into the pool to be healed

or sang in the sanctuary of a crusader church

and heard our voices ring with an echo

long after we stopped

and I am moved beyond words.

Blessings to you this night!

Pastor Janet Peterman

P. S. Please excuse my mistake on my last entry -- It's Amariah McIntosh, not McDonald. We've been making too many jokes about the McDrives in all of the McDonald's. So sorry, Amariah!

Pictures at the Mediterranean before Arriving in Jerusalem

2008-06-07T05:41:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture of the whole group at the aqueduct at Caesarea Maritima--except I think Wayne must be invisible behind Toni! Immediately after this picture was shot, nearly all the group made a run to go splashing in the Mediterranean Sea (behind us) until it was time to slowly and reluctantly put shoes back on to go on to see the Roman city of Caesarea, and then to proceed on to Jerusalem. Below is another picture of the aqueduct and some of Herod's columns in front of the sea.

Friday Blog From Bruce

2008-06-06T20:04:00.000-07:00

As I write this entry today, we are on our way to Jerusalem. Galilee is beautiful and it has been meaningful for me to spend time in the place where Jesus’ ministry began and where the essential principals of what it means to be a disciple “of the way” were forged. Since my last writing we have enjoyed some time for reflection. Thursday was our “day off” and members of our group headed in different directions to visit places of interest and curiosity. Some took a bus to a nearby town for shopping and cultural immersion. Others sought out an archeological site with a massive reconstruction of a city that dates to the Roman era. A few stayed at Tiberius, to read and relax. Trisha, Linda and I rented a car and traveled about 75 kilometers north to the Hula Nature preserve. Here we had an opportunity to explore the wetlands and marshes that comprise one of the most significant stops for birds migrating from Northern Europe to South Africa. Those birds have already passed through (in March) and will not return until November. However, we did have the opportunity to view a number of resident species including the Palestinian sunbird, the Middle Eastern gold finch, pelicans (different from our pelicans on the East Coast) terns, herons, parakeets (more like parrots than our caged birds of the same name), and swallows as well as water buffalo, African catfish and turtles.

We viewed a film in “3 D” many parts of which were from the documentary “Winged Migration”). It was an “experience” as at times we found our seats moving, “wind” in our face, and water sprayed in our faces. It was a restful day that included a lunch at a kibbutz (a sort of commune) and a return to the cliffs of Arbel on the way back to the hotel. Cost of the car for the day 139 NIS; cost of a half a tank of gas 140 NIS! (Gas is about $8 per gallon).

I also want to make mention of Wednesday. We took a boat ride down the Sea of Galilee and it was not hard to imagine Jesus on these waters with the disciples. About midway, we stopped and read the scripture of Jesus coming to the disciples during the night as they “rowed hard against the wind”. It is in this story that Jesus walks on the water (no sign of any stones!) and invites Peter to walk to him on the stormy sea. This was a powerful experience.

At the conclusion of our sailing excursion, we arrived at a museum which contains a fantastic archeological find: A fishing boat, dated to the time of Jesus (1st century). It is hard to fathom Jesus in the boat with eleven others! I have included a picture of both the “modern” fisherman’s boat used currently on the sea, and the reconstructed boat that Peter and Andrew might have owned.

Wednesday afternoon also included a walk to the southern end of Tiberius and a look at ruins of the original city that was constructed here at the time of Jesus (about 22 CE). We could see the main road and the entrance to the city. Several other cities have been built on this site (right after the builders had razed the city that stood here at the time they came!) and their remains are also visible. This includes a bath house built in the Roman era that was utilized by various conquering civilizations for close to 800 years!

What does it mean to be a pilgrim in this place? It is still overwhelming! I am completing today’s entry to the blog as we arrive in Jerusalem. From the Mount of Olives we have viewed the Temple Mount. No words would come. This is Holy Ground.

Some pictures from Banias

2008-06-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday we all went up to Banias (Caesarea Phillipi) in the Golan Heights. Here are some pictures from that journey. In order: the remains of a temple to the Greek god Pan; the waterfall we hiked to; a jeep left as a memorial to a soldier who died in the 1967 war; a group picture from a Druse village where we stopped for lunch; the view across the border toward Syria.

Stranger in an Holy Land

2008-06-05T05:12:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be a lot more tolerant of non-native speakers when I get back to the USA. I'm one now. There are frequent misunderstandings. From numbers repeated in English after being called repeatedly in Hebrew, to the apparent absence of a Hebrew word for "washcloth" (small towel doesn't work) to how many minutes are available at the Internet cafe. (I didn't understand how I was going to be credited for the lack of minutes on my log in. The poor man must think I'm a dolt.) I'm going to remember that what is wrong is often just a misunderstanding instead of malice.

This is our day off of group travel. Some have gone bird watching, others to an archaeological dig, others like me, are just hanging around the hotel and the Tiberius business district preparing for our road trip to Jerusalem tomorrow. So we don't have our guide and leaders to help us navigate the culture and we are outside the English/dollar bubble of the tourist sites. (You know it is a tourist site when prices are in dollars instead of NIS (New Israeli Shekels)

A good woman in our church has a devotion she wrote that talked about the worship service in the church I serve last Sunday. I invited our "sister church" over. (OK--we rent space to their congregation, but we are working at being related in the Holy Lord instead of just landlord) Their congregation and ours don't speak the same worship language. Much understanding and patience was required on guest and host as music style, time, volume and energy levels was adjusted by both.

Maybe hospitality, understanding of non-native speakers, and patience is the best way approach God's work with us. We are strangers in God's holy land. We learn to be holy (and not all have the same teaching!) I hope this pilgrimage teaches me how to understand how to be more like a native as I visit the Holy Land now and the Kingdom of God the rest of my life.

Listening to Oboe and Piano: Hoity Toity

2008-06-04T11:55:00.000-07:00

Hey Sweet Friends! I did another post yesterday, but it hasn't been posted yet, as I put it on someone's computer. But it will get there eventually. Let's see, if you've read the other blogs, you've seen what we did today. Rode a boat on the Sea of Galilee, and then visited a museum where they have the well-preserved remains of a fishing boat that's TWO thousand years old. That was quite a find, I'd say. Then Janet, my roommate, and I walked down the sidewalk by the Sea of Galilee to the spa where they have hot mineral pools. It was hotter than blazes, but I'm glad we went. It wasn't much to write home about, but if we hadn't gone, I would have always thought, "I wish I would have gone to those mineral springs in Tiberias." We don't know what the mineral was, but it was green. That's why Tiberias was built in the first place, because of the hot springs, so it all felt very historical. We took a taxi back, which was the smartest move of the day.

Our discussion was really good tonight, and our worship, too. This is a good group of folks, and I am learning some good stuff about myself from being with them. I won't divulge here, but it's exciting when you are able to say, "I am learning about me." Which I did. Outloud. When I was alone in my room. Did a little dance, even.

Tomorrow is our "day off," and some of us are going to Safed, which is the hometown of the Kabbalistic Judiasm. Sounds like a really neat old city.

Well, someone is waiting for the computer, so I think that's all I need to say. Oh, about the piano and oboe, there's a concert going on here in the hotel. I sat in on it while I was waiting for the computer. No plastic Jesus bottle yet, which I am sure is what is uppermost on your minds.

Love, love, love,

Cindy

Chuck Queen's Reflections

2008-06-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

I recall a nationally known African American pastor reflecting on his sermon to a very somber, solemn congregation of mostly white Presbyterians in a poorly lit, warm, narrow sanctuary. He remarked that everything about that place cried, "Slow down, take it easy, nothing is going to happen here." He concluded his sermon feeling that the preaching event was a complete disaster. As people filed out and shook his hand, an elderly stately gentleman in a three piece suite shuffled up to him, looked him in the eyes with the utomost seriousness and said almost in a whisper: "That was a deeply moving religious experience."
Today we went on a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. Somewhere in the middle of the lake the engine was shut off, and the Scripture passage of Jesus coming to the disciples on the lake was read. Then we sang and echoed the Lord's prayer. The singing of the Lord's prayer in community on the stillness of the lake was for me a "deeply moving religious experience."
Last night in our "table talk" we reflected on prayer in light of Mark 9:14-29. The sharing stimulated my thinking on prayer.
A man asks Jesus if he is able to do anything about the condition of his demonized son. Jesus' disciples were ineffective in healing the boy. Jesus says, "All things can be done for the one who believes." All things can be done, but that doesn't mean they will be done. Two people of equal faith can pray for healing; in the one case it may be effective, in the other ineffective. Or is it? Who are we to judge what is effective or ineffective prayer? And how can we know what other factors are involved--from God's side, our side, and from the world's side? Prayer is a mystery.
Jesus said to his discples: "This kind comes out only through prayer." What kind of prayer? In all of Jesus' healings in the Gospels Jesus does not pray, he commands healing with a word or touch. Is Jesus prayed up, so to speak? Did he mean for the disciples to withdraw more often, as he did, in solitude to some desert place to pray at night or in the early morning? Would that have made a difference? Or is it the faith of Jesus that they lack? (Not faith in Jesus, but the faith of Jesus). Had they the faith of Jesus would they have been able to heal the boy? But how does one acquire the faith of Jesus? Is it a gift? Are there things we can do to ready ourselves to receive the gift? Is this something we should aspire for? Pray for? Work for?Prayer is a mystery.
I engage in intercessory prayer for the needs and hurts and suffering of the world. I pray for the healing--physically, socially, spiritually, relationally, and emotionally--of the world, the nations, communities, individuals, and creation. I pray for justice and peace and reconciliation. Do I know how it works? No. Nor do I believe that God will intervene and override the freedom of God's creation. Still I pray.Prayer is a mystery.
When the disciples asked Jesus about prayer in Luke 11 Jesus responded with a very simple, set pattern for praying that is rooted in the kingdom of God and the forgiveness of sins that we both receive and give to others. If our lives are oriented in God's justice, peace, and forgiveness then perhaps all we do is prayer.
Study is prayer.Silence and solitude is prayer.Gratitude and praise is prayer.The work of faith, the labor of love, and the endurance of hope is prayer.Service to others--contending for justice, forgiving the offender, offering a cup of cold water to one who is thirsty--is prayer.All--in God, with God, through God, and for God--it's all prayer.
And then maybe not.Prayer is a mystery.

The View from Rev. Hawkins

2008-06-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

I've been to the mountaintop, I've looked over and I've seen...well I'll tell you later what I saw.

Jordan River chilly and cold. Chilled my body not my soul. I've already been to the water, I've already been baptized so I just decided to step in the Jordan River for a refresher.

At the Sea of Galilee...I am not able to walk on water yet.

Rev. Altonnette D. Hawkins

Sailing on Faith

2008-06-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

Today we sailed on Faith on the Sea of Galilee. Being naturally drawn to water, | absolutely loved it. I could picture Jesus talking to the disciples, leading them out to the water. The water itself drew me in. About half way across the lake, the boat stopped and we read the story of Jesus walking on water to the disciples. We then sang the The Lord's Prayer as an echo and also sang several Hebrew songs. Our boat captain, Daniel, sang Amazing Grace in English and Hebrew. I could have stayed on the lake all day. I am totally amazed at how the scriptures have come alive for me here. I am reading them with fresh, exciting eyes, and have spent each day trying to drink in as much as possible and to seal it all in my memory. My prayers are also with my family and my congregation back home.

The Beauty of the Holy Land

2008-06-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

As I was leaving home, a friend described pilgrimage as a journey of the heart. I like that way of describing our trip. My heart is often full these days!

Today I'd also like to share some pictures. I'm having ahard time getting them lined up on the page, but here they are: First, I'd like to show you our group leaders: Trisha Tull and David Hester from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. They introduced themselves to you at the top of the blog, but here's what they look like, below. (David Hester is on the left, with David Lawrence, a trip participant.)

Then there's Bruce Barkhauer (top right) and Amariah McIntosh (on Arbel Cliff, above the Sea of Galilee). Lots of us have cameras, but they agreed to be our trip photographers.

I also wanted to show you some of the stunning beauty of this land -- just a sampling. When we visited the Hermon Springs Nature Resever yesterday, I kept finding myself singing the spiritual "Like a tree planted by the water, we shall not be moved..." It is hot and so dry here right now, and everywhere we are reminded of the need for water and our thirst both for water and for the Living God. We have been touring sites around the Sea of Galilee, including a boat ride today across the lake. Often we turn and find the water beckoning us to remember our thirst, and to come to the waters.

Many blessings as you travel with us and support our pilgrimage with prayer.

Pastor Janet S. Peterman

The Rev. Dr. Trisha Tull

and the Rev. Dr. David Hester

Pastor Mac, Rev.Amariah McIntosh

Come to the living waters!

waters of the Hermon Stream

Worship on a Boat

2008-06-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

We take turns leading worship at the beginning and end of our days together. We also have scripture readings while at the sites we visit that tie the place to the text. We had an extended time of worship today since we had the boat to ourselves. Two of our members, Linda and Bonnie led us in a sung and signed version of the Lord's Prayer while we were on the Sea of Galilee. Here is a snippet of their offering.

Put Your Hand in the Hand of the Man

2008-06-04T00:57:00.001-07:00

Shalom to all: Peace to you, Kim. Glad to know someone is keep track of me. Just finished a ride on a boat, Faith, on the Sea of Galilee. It was quite a beautiful and peaceful ride. You could see all of the lands around Galilee. The mountains of the Holy Land stretched out before us. Being on the water is such a peaceful experience but the knowing Jesus was once on the Sea of Gaililee make it all the more peaceful. This is a strange land. Full of peace, full of war. Full of life, full of killing. I can't get me mind wrapped around it Yet. More later.

Peace for now, Fran

A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim in Tiberias

2008-06-03T11:26:00.002-07:00

The renewal process is already taking place. It is so inspiring to be here; there are no words to express how great it is to walk in the places where Jesus walked, to go to his birthplace, Nazareth, worship at the Mount of Beatitudes, visit the location of the feeding of the 5000, to view the beautiful Sea of Galilee everyday right outside our hotel and throughout the region. We went to the ancient city on the hill, Zippori, and yes there are bushes and trees on the mountaintops where you would not expect any vegetation, and let me not forget the caves embedded in the mountians. We went to Mt. Tabor the place of the transfiguration and today we climbed Mt. Hermon. I have been running for Jesus a long time and I'm not tired yet until I climb Mt. Herman.

And did I mention the food, I can't say enough about the food. It is good eating, fresh vegetables, fruits and wonderful desserts. We do enough walking and climbing to burn the calories from our meals. I have taken lot of pictures and will share them upon my return. On Friday, we leave Tiberias to go to stay in Jerusalem for a week. Anticipation is making me wait! Until nest time, be blessed and live well.

Rev. Hawkins

2008-06-03T11:26:00.001-07:00

Today was a day of contrasts. Our trip to the nature preserve at Banias was filled with the striking beauty of the God of Creation. The Greeks once used this site for the veneration of the god Pan. Along the steep cliffs are niches which held ancient altars offering devotion to the divine beings we associate with mythology. This area was prized for its springs which form the head waters of the Jordan River. Clear, pure water cascades down from the mountain. Along the stream beds are centuries old flour mills and other vestiges of civilizations now past. We walked under a bridge built by the Romans – constructed well enough that modern traffic passes overhead! Herod’s son Philip had his palace here at the time of Jesus. It was in this region where Peter is recorded in scripture has first having made the “good confession” that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

This picturesque and pastoral setting is located in the territory that was seized by Israel in the 1967 war. Syrian land mines surround the park. Near the waterfall pictured today is also this memorial to an Israeli soldier who died during the war when his vehicle was forced off the precipice in fierce fighting.

Following a delightful lunch, that included a first taste of falafels for many in our group, we continued our trek passing through more land that was formally Syrian and is now a part of talks for peace. We stopped to observe another contradiction. Fertile orchards loaded with the ripening fruit of olives, cherries, citrus, and apples surround the ruins of a Syrian city laid waste in the 1967 war. Behind us on the hill was large military installation peering across the Syrian boarder, probing with electronic eyes to make certain they will not be caught unprepared, as they were in the Yom Kipper war in 1973. The United Nations maintains a presence at this location, supervising the “disengagement treaty” patrolling along a ½ mile wide strip of land that currently separates the two powers. It is the only passable border entry point between the two countries and only the Druze (a secret religious sect that has members in Syria, Lebanon and Israel) and members of the United Nations military can legally cross. We passed numerous military installations that were bustling with activity. The threat of war is a constant companion in daily life for people who live in the Land called Holy.

The tensions run high between the cultures. Neither has much trust, in many cases, much use for the other. At lunch today, a Jewish woman “cut into” our line while we where getting food and the person running the cash register said “Jews, I just can’t stand the Jews.” Yesterday, in a conversation with a young Jewish woman, she expressed to me her understanding that the obstacles to peace where that “the Palestinians don’t just want the land, they want all of us off of it.”

If there is to be peace here in the future, it appears to me to require more than simple human effort. It will have to be a “God thing” to be total and long lasting. Contrasts indeed – These are beautiful people in a beautiful land – and along side of them, centuries of ugly and violent feelings toward one another.

Some demons require much prayer to be exorcised, says Jesus.

musings from Barb

2008-06-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

Off to the Golan Heights today. The longest trip so far and for me one of the more interesting. We arrived at Cesarea Phillipi, now Banias, the town built before Jesus ministry, and the one mentioned in the Gospels. The place was carved out of a mountain and is stunning. A beautiful place with clear clean water and natural springs. A number of us had great fun walking a trail to the water falls, very picturesque.

Sobering though, and an indication that we were no longer on the Western side of the Sea of Galilee, were the barb wired areas on either side of the road with red triangle warning signs indicating mine fields. These mines were left by the Syrians when the Israelis took the Golan Heights in 1967. The mines have never been cleared. Our map to Banias shows mine fields all around the area.

I noticed an off-duty Israeli soldier in civilian clothing with his gun slung over his back, as he and his friends made a sightseeing trip to Banias. This is not an uncommon sight.
As we continued to travel further in the area, we saw many Israeli tanks and soldiers, and stopped to notice the Israeli/Syrian border. At the outlook over the border we met four Israeli soldiers on a break. One young man who spoke English fairly well expressed his skepticism about the current peace talks with Syria. He was certain that the prime minister was trying to distract from his current domestic problems by reaching seeking peace.
Continuing, on either side of our bus we could see villages that were destroyed in the 1967 war as well as blown up and empty Syrian army outposts.
We also pass several new Israeli settlements.
I want so much to be hopeful about peace here. But today was chilling.
In this land, disputed for centuries, praying for peace, and praying for the changing of hearts and minds seems the only answer.
I miss you all at home! But what an experience with my companions on this pilgrimage. We are getting along well in this very nice hotel right on the Sea of Galilee. Great food, nice rooms and a wonderful location.

Some More Pictures

2008-06-03T11:06:00.001-07:00

Here are some more pictures of the Reverend Revs visiting various sites and places in the Galilee region. Enjoy. Amariah

The Pictures I Promised

2008-06-02T20:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos I've taken during our trip. Please enjoy.

Amariah

2008-06-02T11:35:00.001-07:00

Hey all,
This is Amariah McIntosh, the other pastor from Ohio. I want to tell you about some of the foods available to us since we've been here. Green salad is a breakfast staple. I could get used to this. We've had pumpkin soup (yummy), lamb, goat, mushroom soup (with little tiny mushrooms and clear broth, olive bread, cabbage soup, spaghetti with meat sauce (for an appetizer), and coleslaw (made with vinegar and oil instead of mayo).
Rest assured we are not starving. The hotel and restaurant staff have been very friendly and hospitable.

Keep us in your prayers.

I'll post some photos tomorrow.

Amariah

Another day

2008-06-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is true, I am caught up in the pilgrimage. They are quick getting ready to close the internet cafe so I will sign off soon. I really don~t have too much to comment upon. I feel like I am on sensory overload with so many experiences and sights and new people...it is almost too much to take in. I feel like so many thoughts are chasing each other around in my head and I figure something has to come out of this. I don~t know when or how long, but I know something is going to come of it.

farewell until next time-David

From Chuck

2008-06-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

This is such a great privilege to be part of this pilgrimage, though it is not so much the holy places themselves that captures my excitement; it’s the whole idea of pilgrimage, being able to devote time and thought to the core stories of my faith. During this stage of our journey I am drawn frequently to the Sea of Galilee—being around the lake, seeing it from different places, taking in a panoramic view of the lake and countryside, drawing close to the water—pondering the ministry of Jesus that took place close to these shores and in some cases on the lake with the disciples. Here is where the stories and traditions of Jesus began as Jesus healed and taught and proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God in the towns and villages of Galilee. There is a rich memory that is part of the ground, the air, the water, the place. It is a place where faith and hope can be nurtured and born anew. This is a time for me to reflect on the course of my life and faith in light of the Jesus stories that come to life in fresh ways by pondering them in the very place where they originated. It is helpful to reflect on these experiences in community with a diverse group of Christian pastors. Our sharing prompts new insights and opportunities to grow.

Good Morning from Zippori

2008-06-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

Ever read about this place in the Bible? Me neither! So why would a group of pastors on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land visit there? That's what I wondered. It's not in the Bible and I can't say I've ever really heard the place before today. But the presence of God was found there too. Mosaics uncovered during a dig depicting the lives of those who lived in Jesus' day. Ruts worn into the stone road through the middle of town by the continuous passing of Roman chariots. Signs of the lives of those who lived in the holy land centuries ago. The ruins of a citadel from the times of the crusades overlooking the land all the way to the sea. The ruins of a synagogue containing a mosaic of the Jewish Madonna. Signs of our faith. The building of our faith through the years. Someone said earlier today that when one goes on a pilgrimage it isn't the traveler who finds God but it is God who finds us. It's good to know that God is still seeking us after all these centuries, through all these lives, through all this history, through all our unfaithfulness, in all the lands in which we now live.

Still trying to discern the meaning of holy places. Holding all in my prayers.

Peace, Fran

from Cindy

2008-06-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

This morning my roommate Janet asked me if I preach like I write. “Oh, no,” I exclaimed, realizing how much I do run on when I blog. Oh, well. Only people who love me will be reading this, and you guys have a lot of patience, right? Let’s see, today we went to Sepphoris, which is an ancient city, the biggest one in Galilee in Jesus’ day. It’s all in ruins, but there have been a number of archeological digs (including one by Dr. Strange, who taught me Old Testament at USF), and it was really fascinating. There’s this one house up on a mountain, and the mosaic floor has been redone, and it was just beautiful. And I was aware of the labor that would have gone into it, and of the, oh never mind, I’m getting too heavy here, but suffice it to say that I was thinking that maybe Jesus was thinking of the wealth of Sepphoris when he said, “Woe to you who are rich now…”

Then we went to Nazareth, and it’s the biggest Arab city in Israel, and it was neat to be in an Arab city. When we went up the hill we passed into the Jewish part, and it was all nice and pretty and perfect, and then when we went back down, it became more impoverished. The Arabs who live there are Israeli citizens, though, so have freedoms that the Arabs who live in the West Bank do not.

We went to several churches, and saw the cave where the angel supposedly appeared to Mary, and then also the little church that honors Joseph. There’s a dig under that church, and we could look down and see the actual ancient city of Nazareth from the time of Jesus, or pieces of it, rather, and that was neat. And we saw a baptismal font (hole in the ground, so Michael’s right when he tells us about baptism) that was actually used before the time of Constantine.

Oh, and we saw all these wonderful pieces of art depicting Mary: I just love her!
Then we drove by Mt. Tabor, which I inaccurately reported on yesterday, I think. I can’t see my blog, but the truth is that we don’t know where the transfiguration took place, but tradition says Mt. Tabor. THEN we went to the Jordan River, and I stuck my feet in there. It looks like the Hillsborough River in Tampa, so you know I liked it. It’s not where they say that Jesus was baptized—we can’t get there because it’s in Jordan, I think. Though that may be wrong. Trish told me that they used to sell these plastic Jesuses at the site where we were, and you could screw off their heads and then fill them with water. So you KNOW that that’s the ONLY thing that I want, and now they aren’t selling them, and now I’m miserable thinking that I’ll never have one. I’ve told all the other pastors, “If you find one, BUY IT, and I will pay you back.”

I have lots more to tell you, but need to stop now. I will just say that I am strongly feeling the disconnect between seeing all these holy places knowing that the Palestinians who live in the West Bank cannot come here.
Love,
Cindy

Is This for Real? -- From Linda M.

2008-06-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

I have to keep pinching myself to remember it is me and I am in this land across the sea where my Lord walked and talked and healed and challenged people to live as God’s people. I am so drawn to the land…the soil, the wild oats and the smell of them over-ripe in the fields under the scorching sun. I love seeing the goats and sheep, cattle and horses and even some camels grazing on the left-overs where the oats have been harvested. Most of all the realization that Jesus walked among these olive trees, snatched grain from the fields and figs from the trees on the way from here to there…and drew so many people to him…and touched them with the love of God. All of this is so holy…even as the particular sites are holy. I looked at the steps of the cave where tradition says Mary heard the news from the angel that she was to be a mother – of the Savior…and it was as though she was hearing it again…the story so clear in my head…and I felt like it was me hearing God’s call to trust in the new things God wants to bring about through even one such as me. This is just an amazing experience and I am ever so grateful to have it. Blessings to all of you who are journeying with us through prayer.

Jordan boundaries Christy Ramsey

2008-06-02T10:41:00.001-07:00

Today we went to a place set up to accomadate Pilgrims who wish to be baptized in the Jordan river. It is at the south end of the sea of Galliee where visitors to Israel can travel. To get to the river, warned our guide, you have to go through the gift shop. It was a serviceable place with several walks down into the river. One also had to exit through the gift shop.

The Jordan has always been a boundary. The crossing of the gift shop and the boundaries that it serves today for political divisions reminds me of the boundaries it served with Jesus - baptism accepting God's will, joining the church, becoming one with the movement and more ancient as the boundary into the promised land. To get to God you have to cross a boundary between self and God, between individual and community, between wandering in the desert and the promise land of God. I'll be thinking of what I have to do, to cross to get to where God wants me. What Jordans or gift shops I have to cross.

The Sea of Gallilee

2008-06-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

It is the second day of our journey. We are staying by the Sea of Gallilee in the city of Tiberias and it is a wonder to behold. David and I can see the sea from the window of our room with palm trees and bright pink flowers along the edge. It is something I cannot quite describe it nor can I describe the feeling I get when I think of the early apostles travels to the shores of this city or when I think that Jesus was in these very waters.

The first day we traveled to Capernaum. On the way we passed by the ruins of Magdala - the place from where Mary Magdalene came. It was terrible small. Just a square of rocks off the side of the road. It is hard to imagine this was a city. Capernaum, the place of so many of the stories in the Scriptures, is a small place. Maybe 15 families, 100 people lived there. The temple and the house of the mother-in-law of Peter. We went to the Church of the Multiplication where Jesus fed the 5000. There is a rock under the communion table said to have been the rock where Jesus multiplied the fish and loaves. We also went to the top of Mt. Arbel where we could look out and see all around.

The odd thing about all this was the feel of a tourist town - kind of like Gatlinburg and it was hard to get my mind around the spiritual aspects. Tiberias is small with a lot of tourists. There are old and crumbling buildings -- litter strewn around. The Holy Land. It was not a disappointing day but different than I imagined.

Today was different. Tiberias is still all the things today that it was yesterday but there is a sense of the past that must blend with the present and prepare for the future. We visited The Mount of the Beatitudes and it was a wonderful peaceful place. We shared communion and I could imagine Jesus walking down the mount to the shores of the sea as we did after our time of worship. God was surely present as we waded in the waters of the sea. God was present when David and I tried to feed the little rock hyrax some of our trail mix.

The most spiritual place for me this day was when we visited the archaelogical dig at Bethsaida. A city of several apostles. The thought of people digging in the dirt and rock searching for information about God -- the same way those of us on pilgrimage are searching for information about God. Searching for connection. Seeking relationship.

It is cool to imagine being near the places where our Savior walked trying to imagine who it is my Savior wants me to be.

Hope all is well with those back home. Everyone is remembered in prayer.

Much love and the peace of Christ,
Fran

The Power of Community

2008-06-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

This was another day following the footsteps of Jesus around the Sea of Gallilee. One difference to this day was how it started-communion at the Mount of the Beatitudes. It was incredibly moving to sit in the picturesque place and celebrate the Lords Supper. Our group read Scripture, shared the meal and then we sang. We sang and the group of Mexicans from Mexico City were on our right side singing and another group celebrated mass on our left side. A few yards from us a Canadian group sang praise songs. There was a sense of the whole world coming together around the communion celebration, the living and the departed, all the saints that were, are and are to come were brought together for a few moments this day.

It was also memorable to travel to Bethsaida where some archeological work was going on. There were no complete buildings, but the work had begun to reconstruct some of the houses and a rough idea of how the community was laid out could be seen. Just imagine, some of the early disciples likely came from this little town! On top of that, this little place is the third most mentioned place in the gospels. This visit served to re-establish the reality of the gospel accounts.

The food has been wonderful and plentiful. Please keep us in your prayers as Fran and I walk off some calories.

shalom and lila tov, David

Woo Hoo Number Three, I Think!--from Cindy

2008-06-01T09:11:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo Number Three, I Think!
Hey all—is anyone reading this? Doesn’t matter, I’ll have it to look at down the road. So today we went to the Mount of the Beatitudes. Now, I know what you are picturing. You are picturing a green-grass mountainside with flowers swaying in the wind. But it’s brown grass, mostly, and the flowers are kind of thistly, except for the bright oleander and bougainvilla, which I have no idea how to spell. There’s this lovely little church on the hillside surrounded by trees and little places where pilgrims from all over the place gather to have communion and to sing. Which is what we did. Bruce read the Sermon on the Mount, and it was fairly good as sermons go, just kidding! We sang “Welcome Table,” and I thought of you. Speaking of the bougainvilla, I am thinking that they are not native, because surely Jesus would have worked them into a story if they were. They are so vivid in this dry brown place, startling, even.
Okay, then we went to the Primacy of Peter Church, which I liked because it was small and dark with brilliant stained glass windows, simple. And you could walk down to the shore where they say that Jesus asked Peter, “Simon, Son of John, do you love me more than these?” as they walked along. I tried to imagine Jesus calling out to the disciples from the shore, grilling fish, etc. It was probably the one place so far that I felt like I could say, “Yes, this definitely could have happened right here where I’m standing.”
Oh, I just had a dream that they opened Shelby Park Pool, and all of the children were so happy! Is it true?
Back to Israel—then we went to BETHSAIDA, and you may be thinking, why does that get capital letters? Well, actually it’s the town that is mentioned more than any other than Capernaum and maybe Nazareth (?—I can’t remember what they said) in the gospels. And we saw this archeological dig. Andy, who dug there 19 years ago, showed us around, and it was SO interesting. He showed us the fisherman’s house, where someone dug up a big needle used by fisherfolks to mend nets, and told us that his dig boss held it up and said, “This is the needle that Jesus might have been holding when he said, “It’s harder for a rich man to climb through the eye of a needle…” Wait, I mean, it’s easier! I’m slipping.
Anyway, it was just so cool thinking that Bethsaida is where Peter and Andrew and Philip lived, and thinking about how far it is from Capernaum, and thinking about how after Andrew met Jesus he ran to tell Peter, and how much of the way did he run? Okay, I’m roaming here, but there is a LOT to think about. One thing that several of my fellow pilgrims have noted is just how different everything looks than how we’d imagined it. I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to see these places that I’ve read and preached about for so many years. Getting the geography in my head is just such a gift.

I’m enjoying getting to know my fellow pastors. It’s a really good group. We have discussions every afternoon, and then a worship service. Oh, and when we get to a site, Trisha or David reads a scripture passage that is set in that site, and that’s been really neat. I know that I am using a lot of words like neat and cool, but that’s what it is. I still haven’t found matches, so I’m not lighting a candle for you like I said I would. BUT I am thinking of you often, often, often, and lighting a candle for you in my heart everyday. Oh, guess what! I just realized that you are worshiping together RIGHT NOW! Peggy, you will be preaching in the next fifteen to thirty minutes or so, depending on how long Laura talks! Little Kelsey, or someone with little wonderful hands like her’s, will be taking up the offering, our beloved little children will be heading off to children’s church (Martin and Amos chattering as they go), and etc. The front row of the most handsome teen boys in the world will be sitting there looking handsome, Roger and Christy will be on the other front row with their sweet little angel girls, Jesse will be sitting with Diane, then the Trabues, the Westmoreland-Whites, Devin across the aisle, Walker in the back corner, I can see each one of you in my mind’s eye, you are all just so predictable, and I am so grateful to know you so well! Okay, that’s it for now…I’ll keep you posted when I have a chance. Robert, Dylan and Jesse, love, love, love.

Oh, one more thing: tomorrow we go to Nazareth and Sepphoris. Nazareth is, as you will recall, where Jesus grew up. And Sepphoris is the town where so many Jews were killed by the Romans when he was a boy. He probably would have had relatives there, and Donald Kraybill says that it would have made a huge impression on him. We’re also going up to Mt. Tabor, where according to Matthew, Jesus ascended into heaven. Oh, and have I told you that it’s hot as blazes here? I mean, HOT. And that the food is glorious? I ate Albanian cheese last night, and about four different kinds of eggplant. Okay, now I’m done.
Love, love, love,
Cindy

Starting the day with communion..a blog from the long-lost, but now found, Anne

2008-06-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

First, I am glad to be with the group! This is Anne, I was delayed making flight connections and spent a day in Atlanta. If you have a chance to go to the aquarium, it is really spectacular! God’s beauty in creation and wonderfully shared there.
We started the day with communion at the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus was believed to have offered the sermon on the mount. The sermon starting in Matthew 5 was read and we shared in communion and sang together. We then went to the beach area on the sea of Galilee where it is believed that Jesus cooked fish for the disciples and asked Peter if he loved him.
I was really struck by the beauty of both areas and the variety of groups having worship there. While there, you hear singing and praying in a variety of styles, ways, languages and voices. The devotion of Jesus’ followers is quite striking and powerful. All there to worship Jesus.

At the same time, these areas are very ordinary places. They could be anywhere. Jesus was incarnate and lived in very ordinary locations among ordinary situations like ours. It breaks my own misconceptions of something larger or more magical or something not like where we live.

We also went to Bethsaida to see the archaeological dig. Andy, one of our group, had been there for 3 weeks back in its early years. There is quite a bit more done now. It was great to hear his experience and have a better impression of the work and the size of cities. Capernaum was one of the larger cities and in the 100 range, perhaps 15 families. It changes my view of Jesus traveling among these “cities” and between.
I have been to the village area where my parents are from in China and those villages are much like these cities seem to have been. Gives a new picture in my mind of imagining where Jesus was.

Church of the Beatitudes--from Bruce

2008-06-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

Church the Primacy of Peter--from Bruce

2008-06-01T08:46:00.001-07:00

The rock inside the Church of the Primacy of Peter.

An Indescribable Day--Bonnie's Blog

2008-06-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

I do not believe that I can find words to adequately describe today! Twenty pastors from all over the USA, from all different denominations, sharing communion seated at the sight of the Sermon on the Mount. Listening to Jesus’ words overlooking the Sea of Galilee, the bread and the cup in the middle of all of us, brought us together in a way that nothing else could do. We are twenty strangers who have become family on the journey of a lifetime. As we shared the bread and the cup, the presence of Christ was very real to me. After we shared hymns in our group, as the sounds of songs in different languages drifted from the other groups worshipping nearby. The Mount of the Beatitudes was very special to me and I found myself not wanting to leave.

On the bus ride today, I was looking out over the countryside and I was struck by the words of Jesus about the seed that falls in the rocky soil. These words came very alive for me. The entire area was filled with huge rocks everywhere, all over the hills, in the valleys and on the side of the roads. This was not an easy area to farm or for that matter to even wander about. But also, the fields are peppered with beautiful purple thistle, perfectly placed by God adding to the incredible beauty everywhere.

We also went to the traditional sight of the Primacy of Peter where we were able to walk down to the Sea of Galilee and wade in. We found tiny shells and rock, perhaps thousands of years old and we could see the fish swimming about. You could almost picture our Lord telling Peter to feed His sheep and tend His lambs.
We had one last trip today to Bethsaida. Andy had been there twenty years ago on an archeological dig. He worked on the house of the fishermen and was able to give us a great explanation of the site and the work that he did while he was there. I was surprised by how large the site was and it was fascinating to be reminded of how important community was in the time of Jesus. We are so caught up in our individual lives in our society today, that we have forgotten how interdependent folks were and reminded us all of the importance of family.

It was a full morning, followed by an afternoon of rest and refreshment. I still cannot believe I am here and I am so grateful for this opportunity.

A Blog from Bruce

2008-06-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

Today was an amazing day! It was my great privilege to share leadership in worship this morning on the traditional site of the Mount of the Beatitudes. We gathered ourselves in a spot just above the Church that is lovingly maintained (and fiercely defended) by the Franciscan Sisters. Under the branches of palm and eucalyptus tress which sheltered us from the hot Galilean sun, we sat in a circle of chairs around a stone table, which became for us, the Welcome Table. The entire Sermon on the Mount was read (Matthew 5, 6, & 7). Even as I began the reading, I was deeply moved by the company of the One to whom these words are lovingly ascribed. At several places I found myself strangely emotional as the setting evoked a powerful recognition that these are the ideas around which Jesus sought to make his followers fit for the Reign of God. They are words that inspire, challenge, embrace, affirm, and equip disciples of every age.

As we worshipped, Christians from other lands gathered in similar fashion at arbor protected places near ours. They too, read from the Gospel of Matthew – in languages we could not understand, but which needed no translation. Their hymns of praise as they worshipped infolded us as moved to the breaking of the bread. As we served one another with these signs of Jesus’ presence with us yet, simple bread and wine, we were fed in body, spirit and soul. We were mysteriously bound to one another and to all who have broken bread and shared a cup in the name of Jesus Christ. Time stood still.

When the last one was served, and the bread and wine placed back upon the table of remembrance, we began to sing. Our voices joined others on the Mount offering our thanksgiving to a generous God. Hymns, gospel, praise choruses, vesper songs and music from the folk Masses of the 60’s came from us like the babbling of an uninterrupted steam of life giving water. It was sacred. It was joy-filled. It was awesome.

Our journey in this land of wonder continued with visits to the Primacy of Peter and to the archeological ruins of Bethsaida. The Primacy of Peter recalls the resurrection appearance told in the Gospel of John. It is held by tradition that Jesus appeared to Peter and the disciples in the early morning and served them a meal of fish on shore. There, Jesus inquired of Peter “do you love me?” Three times the question is asked of Peter, followed by the command to “feed my sheep.” In this moment, it is believed that Peter was “restored” to his place as first among the disciples (a place he had perhaps “lost” due to his three fold denial of Jesus in the courtyard of the High Priest). The “rock” is believed to be the “table” on which the breakfast was served!

Bethsaida was the home of Peter, Andrew and Phillip. Andy from our group had served at this on going archeological dig some twenty years ago. He told of the story of its discovery and the restoration here gave us a sense of life in this village which is referred to in both Testaments.

This experience is unfolding as a source of blessing for all of us, and our worship today heightened our awareness of the Holy in this Land. --- Shalom

Bruce Barkhauer's pictures from Tabgha (Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes)

2008-05-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

These are pictures from Tabgha--the rock that is traditionally thought to have been the place where Jesus divided the loaves and fishes. These and the pictures below were taken by Bruce today.

Pilgrim in a Hot Holy Land - Christy Ramsey

2008-05-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

We have been visiting, walking, talking and praying together. We visited traditional sites of the feeding of the 5,000 and Peters Home. We also went up on the cliffs to see the Sea of Galliee. Keep sending prayers and cool thoughts my way I need both. My group you see around me (I am in the back on the left of screen, right of the people) are pastors and their good humor, understanding, and insights make this trip more valuable than a tour.

We had St. Peter~s fish for lunch. It is very good, but Im not used to my food looking back at me. The land is a mixed of pilgrims. Visiting the church of the feeding of the 5,000, the same story was told by guides and leaders, parents and pilgrims in many varations and languages.

I prayed for Goodyear Heights Presbyterian church at the churches bringing them to mind with the mindfulness of the place of the Holy Land. I was struck by the churches being built again and again on the same site. Over the century, they were destroyed, but then rebuilt on the ruins. What a witness and an encouragement to churches facing challenges. I could see the various foundations, a moving symbol of the resurrection;

Internet is expensive and rare, but prayer is free, keep me in prayers as I travel. I return home June 12th

Pastor Janet Peterman--Capernaum

2008-05-31T10:26:00.000-07:00

Late this morning, we stood in Capernaum, in restored ruins of an old 4th Century synagogue, built on the foundation of an older synagogue; the one Jesus would have visited, as we hear in the gospels: “Again Jesus entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand…. ‘Stretch out your hand,’ Jesus said. He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.” (Mark 3:1, 5)

It was also in Capernaum, a village of about 100, maybe 15 families, in Jesus’ time, where Jesus healed a paralytic man after his friends lowered him down through the roof; and Simon Peter’s home town. John chapter 6 tells us it was in Capernaum where Jesus spoke these words, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry.” It’s an odd sensation to have read these words for so many years and now to be standing where Jesus was when he spoke them! They are coming anew as we read the stories here.

As our bodies adapt to traveling across time zones, I feel other long held assumptions shifting, too. The Sea of Galilee is much larger than I had imagined from reading the gospels; the geographical area where Jesus taught, preached and healed for most of his ministry is so much smaller. It’s an honor to be able to visit this holy land and to be given this time for reflection and renewal.
Pastor Janet S. Peterman

Cindy--Woo Hoo Again!

2008-05-31T10:23:00.000-07:00

Golly, Miss Molly, where to start? We landed in Tel Aviv yesterday, and rode our bus to Tiberias. One of the things that instantly struck me is how much Israel looks like Morocco! Who knew? We are staying in a hotel that looks out over the Sea of Galilee, which is VERY big, and blue, and pretty. No wonder Jesus and his buds spent so much time there! I sat there last night in a porch swing, and smelled the flowers wafting up from the garden and looked into the darkness across the Sea of Galilee to the far shore, and said every one of your names as my way of bringing you along with me. I thought of you again, though not individually, I admit, when I stuck my toes in the Sea of Galilee down by the town of Capernaum. It’s all ruins, now, but it was so cool to walk around and see where Jesus was,
Simon Peter’s mother-in-law’s house, the house of the paralytic, the ancient olive press, one of the milestones that he would have passed by coming and going. Of course, all of those specific sites are speculative, but the city itself isn’t, and I am pretty darn sure that I was at least one place where he would have been. I’m not sure what to do with that in my head, but as I write this, I am about to cry.

We also went to the place where the supposed rock that Jesus used to serve the five loaves and two fishes is. They’ve built a church around it, and as I was trying to take pictures, this whole group of pilgrims from India kept climbing under the “Do Not Climb Under Here” rope, and kissing the rock. So that in and of itself was pretty cool. Then this Romanian group came in and sang and sang and sang. Really catchy. I hummed along, and lit a candle for your sweet Dad, Sue, and all of your family. I am hoping that all that good holy energy has come your way, and given some strength to you and your loved ones today.

Then we ate what they call “St. Peter’s Fish,” and I’m not positive, but I’m PRETTY SURE that the actual fish that I ate was a descendant of the one that Jesus grilled on the seashore on that Eastery morning when Peter jumped out of the boat, “It is the Lord,” he hollered, stripping down to his scivies. How do you spell scivies?
Let’s see, then we came back to the hotel, and I went swimming in this pool that overlooks, what else? THE SEA OF GALILEE! I am carrying you with me in my heart, and am just so overwhelmed to think that I am here in this place. I think that if I started crying, I would never stop, so am just trying to act nonchalant. Tomorrow is the Mount of the Beatitudes (wish you were here, Roger, to quote the Sermon on the Mount) and some other great stuff.
Love, love, love,
Cindy Weber

We're Here!

2008-05-31T10:21:00.000-07:00

Sunrise over the Sea of Galilee

2008-05-31T10:19:00.000-07:00

My First Day in the Holy Land

2008-05-31T10:16:00.000-07:00

This is a shout out to my Plymouth family and dear mother. I am having the most spiritually enlightening experience of my life. Today we began the day with morning worship, ate breakfast and then went to Capernum to visit the home of St. Peter, the synagogue where Jesus taught and the Church of Multiplication of the fishes and loaves (Tabgha) where Jesus fed the five thousand people. We are staying at the Scots Hotel, a beautiful hotel in Tiberius overlooking the Sea of Galilee. This is a journey that all believers should take. Although this is only the first day, I already I know I will never be the same. Stay tuned for more exciting news from the Holy Land.
Rev. Hawkins

new York

2008-05-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

well, Fran and I have been sitting in JFK for hours the group is all here and all we are waiting for is to get on the plane. We are all excited and filled with promise for the days in front of us.

Well, the Time is Nigh!

2008-05-28T22:20:00.000-07:00

Urla Eversley, the one who was once temporarily lame, but now can walk. Hallelujah! Many thanks to all my colleagues who pushed me around in my steel chariot at the retreat. Thanks David and Trisha for the dooor-to-door service.

Oh yes, Urla is the pastor of the Germantown Community Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA. If another person asks me about the itinerary or if i'm quite excited yet, i will scream. No i'm not excited yet, don't know why. But i'm ready to walk in Jerusalem, just like John. Of course, i had to pack the church directory because everyone wants their name put in the 'Wailing Wall."

Will someone please show me how to use my brand new digital camera? i don't have a clue, but at least the battery is currently charging.

See y'all in the evening at JFK!

Agape
Urla

Woo Hoo!

2008-05-28T17:53:00.000-07:00

Cindy Weber here! But not for long--I'm headed off to Israel tomorrow, which just sounds better every time I say it. I'm from Louisville, and pastor the sweetest little church that you could ever imagine. I'm just saying that because several of my church members have told me that they are going to read this. But it's true, actually. Sweet, and tough, too. Wise as serpents and innocent as doves both. Okay, I'm rambling. But I'll tell you that they did this blessing of me on Sunday, and they asked the children to gather around and touch me, and then the adults touched a child, and it was just the best thing ever, all those holy little hands reaching out to bless me. Earnest little eyes looking up at me. It was just after we did a blessing of our new deacons, and then they served communion to the church, and then to each other, and it was so fun watching those salt of the earth people standing there in the middle of our circle, grinning and tearing up, too, as they broke the bread and passed the juice. I will miss you guys, and as I said, light a candle everyday if I can find some matches. (After being fined $500 by the FAA for carrying flammable camping gear last year--long story--I'm sure not going to pack any!) I will also say your names to myself as I stand by the Sea of Galilee, wind whipping in my face, Jesus-water on my toes. By the way, did you know that there's this whole syndrome that people get when they get to Israel, and they are just so overcome that they don't even know who they are? They will think that they are John the Baptist or someone, and they will eventually end up in the emergency room, and the doctor will say, "Oh, that's the whatever it's called syndrome," and then they will call home and have the person talk to their mother or their son or whatever, and it will bring them to their senses. So I talked to Beth Hedges today about this, and we were trying to figure out who I would be if I get that syndrome, and she suggested Jesus (I mean, you might as well go the whole nine yards, right?), but I was thinking the Queen of Sheba. So if you get a collect call from the Queen of Sheba, answer it by all means, and tell me who the heck I am. I will appreciate it, and so will all my traveling companions.

Love,

Cindy

Getting Ready

2008-05-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

Peace. I'm Fran Lane-Lawrence and I've been trying for days to get onto the blog and write a few words. So much to do to get ready but I know it's going to worth the effort. I serve as Executive Director/CEO of Laughlin Community Chapel in Wheeling, WV. The Chapel is 130 yr old ministry that began at First Presbyterian Wheeling. I have been there a whole 2 months now. Prior to this call I served as pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Charleroi in southwestern PA for 7 year. I just hired 2 new staff members who began working last Monday. We're getting ready for our summer programming which starts full force in 3 weeks. Not the perfect time be leaving but everyone is very supportive so it's all good. I love the people at the Chapel. The staff, volunteers and students are wonderful and it is great to be in a place where I feel a sense of peace about where God has called me in my life.

I'm married to the perfect man, David - perfect for me that is. I tell him all the time that I think God made him just for me. I am really excited to be going on this adventure to the holy land with my partner in life. How much more can a person be blessed?! We have 5 children. Phillip-24, Jonathan-20, Donna-18, Sallie-17 and Ross-7. I am a little anxious because I've never been so far away from the children before but I'm sure everything will be fine.

I've wondered all my life what it might be like to be in the same place where Jesus was when he on earth. I am ready to drink in the sights, to pray in places that were close to where Jesus prayed, to seek a closer relationship with God in places near to where Jesus sought closeness with his father. I am excited to be sharing this experience with my closest spiritual partner and best friend. I am looking forward to a time of peace and renewal. I'm looking forward to having fun and seeing new sights. I'm looking forward to places in the Scriptures coming alive and having new meaning. I'm looking forward. . . you get the picture!

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and beginning this great faith adventure.

Filled with Anticipation

2008-05-27T06:22:00.000-07:00

And Jesus went about all Galilee...

All these years I have been studying scripture, my eyes glazed over when I came to many of the place names -- Capernaum, the Kidron Valley, Galilee, the land of the Gerasenes. I haven't been able to hold onto them, nor understand the relationship of these places to each other. I am thrilled to have been chosen to make this pilgrimage, to walk where Jesus walked, to be given the time for prayer, study, reflection and renewal in this holy land. And I look forward to being able to discover real places for these biblical place names, and so find greater depth for the re-telling of these biblical stories.

I am Janet Peterman, a Lutheran pastor in my 28th year of ministry. For most of those years I've served in urban congregations, first in Baltimore, then for many years in the Mt. Airy/Germantown neighborhoods of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 2006 I began intentional interim work, serving a congregation in nearby New Jersey. My second interim begins July 1st.

Greetings from North Carolina

2008-05-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

Hi. I am Kevin Matthews, the chaplain of St. Mary's House which is many things, but first is a campus ministry to the colleges and universities of Greensboro, NC. We operate out of an unusual model in that we have an ongoing congregation of students, faculty and community members that meets on Sunday morning in addition to our student group that meets in the evening for worship and a fellowship meal.

I am one of the few on the trip who have been to Israel before, having spent time there while in seminary, back in 1983. I look forward to seeing what has changed in the way people respond to the current political situation, but also to how my perspective has changed now that I have been an Episcopal priest for over 20 years.

Greetings from the Prairie!

2008-05-24T18:36:00.001-07:00

Barbara Gaddis from Ames Iowa checking in. I am the Associate Pastor of Collegiate Presbyterian Church, where I have been ministering for a wonderful five and a half years. I am graced by God to be in this call, and am delighted to be traveling to the Holy Land. I am the mother of two college age daughters, Anne and Clara, and am happily married to my best friend Paul. I'm still pinching myself at my great fortune in being afforded this opportunity. I've been packed for the past two weeks in anticipation!

"Leavin' on a jet plane..."

2008-05-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

I'm Linda Martin, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Broadalbin, NY. I'm also a wife, mom, grandma and farmer. I can't believe I have this wonderful opportunity to travel to the Holy Land!! What a gift! My congregation has been so supportive of this opportunity - my family, too. I just know God has amazing lessons to teach us as we experience this place and its people. I look forward to spending time praying and meditating on scripture while in the very land from which the stories come. May God grant us safe travel and open hearts.

A Different Bethlehem

2008-05-23T03:45:00.001-07:00

I am David Lawrence and I am pastor of a Presbyterian church in Bethlehem....West Virginia. I have served this congregation for a little over seven years and I am really looking forward to this opportunity to visit the Holy Land.

Something that adds to the allure of this trip are my traveling companions. First, my wife (also a minister) is traveling with us. Secondly, we are a group of pastors and so have a different perspective things than the usual person in the pew. This trip is an chance to share with colleagues and view this land with an eye to its impact on our call both individually and collectively.

I am overwhelmed by this trip and very grateful to all the people who have worked to make it possible. I hope that whoever reads this blog will benefit from our impressions.

From California

2008-05-22T18:19:00.000-07:00

I am Anne Lau Choy, one of the Methodists! I am married to Lance with 2 boys, Bryan and Thomas who can all cook and feed themselves. I have been at Asbury United Methodist in Livermore CA (east of Oakland and SF) for 2 years and in Oakland Chinatown prior to that.

My husband was able to go to the Holy Land last year for work and came back raving about what an amazing trip it was. This is my turn and we never imagined it would come so soon! I look forward to time retreating and with other pastors in the land of our Lord!

Bonnie Orth

2008-05-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

I am Bonnie Orth, precious child of God, wife of Jay, mother of Bob, John Henry, Evan and Olivia as well as Molly, our English Springer Spaniel. I have also been blessed for the past six years to be the pastor of Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church, located on the Great Sacandaga Lake in Upstate New York.

I feel like my entire congregation will be making this journey with me. We have been having fun with Bible studies on the Middle East and I have shared my itinerary so that everyone will know where I am each day. My congregation has two candlesticks from Israel and will be lighting them and praying for me while I am gone.

Like so many of the other pastors going on this pilgrimage, I never expected to be making this journey, I tried to go twice before and both times the trip was cancelled due to unrest. God has decided that this is the time I should go.

I am feeling so blessed and I am very excited. I am open to what God would have me learn while I am there. I will be celebrating my birthday in Israel which will be the best present I could have received.

Christ with a "Y"

2008-05-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

I'm John Christy Ramsey. "Christy" is a rare name for a male. I use my middle name Christy to remind me to be a "Christ bearer" (meaning of Christy) instead of "royalty" (origin of John) It is a family name which was also my grandfather's! first name, so it connects me to my father's father as well as my Lord. More than you want to know is on my web site at www.christyramsey.com. My writings are on my blog at www.extrachristy.com

I am the husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:2) and two children (Psalm 127:3) I married my trophy wife first, Bette Lynn. Our children are young adults. Rachel, 24, in California, and Robert, 19, at the University of Cincinnati.

For nearly three years, I have been the installed pastor of Goodyear Heights Presbyterian Church in Akron, Ohio. It is less than one mile from my first home. So in 50 years I've traveled about a mile, and downhill at that! In between I've been a pastor in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, a student in Louisville, KY and Grove City, PA, a volunteer firefighter in Ohio, and a computer tech, teacher and salesperson in Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

I have never been to the Holy Land and never thought I would be able to go. It is a blessing for me. I confess that I was pouting about not having a party for the 25th anniversary of my ordination, (June 12th) As it turns out. I will be returning from the trip on my ordination anniversary. What a great present! God is good. All the time.