Worship
I was able to worship at Baraka Presbyterian Church. It is just a short walk from House of Hope where I am staying. Families from this church have Michigan connections. One blessing is that the service is translated into English.
Methodist Office in Jerusalem and Beyond
As is true in most offices, there is more to do than time to do it in. I am keeping an ever growing list of "want to dos."
Even though two days a week I am involved with Rev. Kristen at the office, we did leave this week in time to enjoy a dinner party put on by the EAPPI. It was my joy to meet the current and new Bethlehem group, and see many of the people I interacted with last year.
Walking the Via Dolorosa with Palestinian Christians.
Old Town, Jerusalem, is busy this time of year with many events scheduled. I participated in a liturgical journey walking with Palestinian Christians, some who have genological information back to Pentecost, in old town, Jerusalem. As we walked the stations of the cross, prayers, hymns, Scripture, reflections and testimonies were given and read. The contemporary stations reflect the issues of these Christian's current struggles.
Filling a Need
Al Malath is a wonderful example of people working together to fill a need. It is a center for young adults with special needs. They provide physical, speech and occupational therapy. There is prevocational training as well as many other activities for participants who come on a daily basis. They work together in the kitchen, do handicrafts and gardening, for example.
The Second Annual Right to Movement Marathon
What a thrill to be a part of this race, a statement about one of the human right issues caused by the occupation. Over 2000 registered runners. I helped out by being part of the crew for late registrations. I had a unique view of the crowd at the start of the race.
I "worked" the finish line collecting the timing chips and handing out the completion metals.
Rev. Kristen, my coordinator, ran in the race. The race passes the wall. The nonviolent resistance statements are depicted in vivid colors on the wall.
Because of the restrictions, the runners do not have a long enough space to run a complete marathon and must turn around.
I "worked" the finish line collecting the timing chips and handing out the completion metals.
I think it would be fun if some of us started training for next year's Right to Movement Marathon.
Enjoying and Encouraging Local Culture
In a very old building in Biet Sahour, a small village close to Bethlehem, we attended the event put on by AICafe discribed in the announcement below.
Come to listen and enjoy Folk Alternative Oriental Palestinian Music with
Hanin & Friends
Hanin, Shafeeq, Fares and Usama are four young musician from Beit Sahour which in common they have the passion for the Palestinian- Algerian and Iraqi folk music.
The enchanting voice of Hanin will be accompanied by Shafeeq on the 'Qanoon, Fares on the Nai and Usama on the Guitar.
It was an amazing performance!
Life continues in extraordinary ways as the stedfast Palestinians struggle for justice.
Let's answer the call to act for justice!
