Worship at St Andrews Scot's Memorial Church
Rev. Kristen Brown is an ecumenical partner at St Andrews. Kristen is with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. She is the Methodist liaison to Palestine Israel.
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After worship Helen, a member at St Andrews who is also Kristen's neigbor, and I had lunch together. We celebrated Kristen's birthday later at Kristen's apartment.
Acts of Service
Two days a week, while I have been here and as schedules allowed, I spent doing office work at the Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem, see Methodist Liaison on facebook.
Kristen has been a kind "boss", as she facilitated my time here. We both put energy into the Advance Projects. For more information about the advance go to the following site, www.umcmission.org/advance. You will hear more about the Middle East Advance Projects upon my return to the US.
Kristen has been a kind "boss", as she facilitated my time here. We both put energy into the Advance Projects. For more information about the advance go to the following site, www.umcmission.org/advance. You will hear more about the Middle East Advance Projects upon my return to the US.
It was a joy to do service at Bethlehem Bible College, www.bethbc.org
I am comfortable doing office work, and because of my love for books, helping at the library was a joy.
Last year I met an artist who serves God here in many ways. She is manager at the guesthouse where I am staying. I thank God for her friendship and knowledge. She was at the library this past week putting the final touches on a "story wall" for the children's section at the college's library.
This week I gave morning devotions at House of Hope. The lesson was a story Jesus told so his listeners could understand the Kingdom of Heaven. The residents celebrated the joy of those who were ready, knowing that God loves the world and provided the way to be ready.
I am so glad that Rev. Dianne Doten-Morrison has an all ages Sunday at Crist UMC, my home church. I used some of her ideas from one of those services in my presentation. See the joy as we sang Hosanna to the King of Kings!
The story was completed after lunch when the wedding cake was served.
Another place I had the joy of serving was the Al Malath Center. This is a day center where special needs young adults receive the services they need. Previously I had done some office work, this week I spent time with everyone. Physical therapy, speech therapy, cooking together, learning activities of daily living and enjoying music and dance.
Lunch included stuffed grapr leaves. They had picked them. from vines in their garden and the chef had helped them make them the day before.
It was my joy to share in the fun!
Hospitality and Food
When I attended church at the House of Bread, Elva, a Palestinian Christinian in her 80's, wanted me to come to her house for lunch. The Pastor and his wife helped with the arrangements. I was relieved when I arrived, Elva's English speaking daughter was there. We had a wonderful lunch of traditional Palestinian food.
In addition, while we talked, Elva got busy making me an olive wood necklace and earring set.
The photos were in a tent, I took pictures of the pictures.
Elva's love and hospitality is a treasure in my heart.
I also took a cooking class in Aida Refugee Camp. The tour of the camp showed the crowded conditions that refugees live in and the key their symbol of their hope and will to return to their homes.
Our teachers are giving cooking lessons to internationals to earn money for a school for their special needs children. We got busy cooking and with their help cooked and enjoyed a wonderful lunch.
Remembering Together
May 15th is a day set aside to remember the losses of the Palestinian people caused by the loss of their homes and lands.
I decided to attend an event where families could remember their losses from 1948 and the ongoing disasters they are experiencing. It was a photo exhibitation event being held over looking a beautiful wadi at a near by village.
I "spoke" to some of the women my age. I used two of the few Arabic words I know, pray and God. By these two words and hand gestures we understood each other, we were praying to God for peace.
My heart aches seeing the rest of the story.
A Statements from the Wall's Painting
