From the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem

The day's journey took us from the top of the hill above the Kidron Valley where the traditional site of the Garden of Gethsemene is located. As we stood among the budding olive trees we learned that their pattern of growth include a life cycle during which the tree, after several hundred years, will split forth from the trunk. While the old tree falls away, an "upshoot" or "nazaret" emerges from the ancient tree and a new tree's life begins from the old roots. We prayed in the Garden, remembering Jesus' invitation to stay awake and to watch.

As we walked from the Garden, the view of Old City Jerusalem, surrounded by the graves of thousands of both Jewish and Muslim peoples, could be seen. We learned from our Guide that the Jewish graves all faced toward Jerusalem, so that when the Messiah came their ressurrected bodies would be able to rise to ready attention in homage before him. The journey to the city, which we took by foot as Jesus would have at his arrest, led us by Dominus Flevit Church, which, shaped like a jar of tears, commemorates the moment when Jesus wept for Jerusalem saying: "Jerusalem, Jerusalem...how often would I have gathered you under my wings as a hen gathers her young and you would not..."

We entered the city at the Lions Gate and proceeded along the Via Dolorosa, or the "The Way of Sorrow." This 14 station devotion, initiated by the Cursaders, leads the pilgrim through the various trials of Jesus as he went from his arrest, his humiliation, his carrying of the cross, and his death on the cross. Along the way, one station allows the pilgrim to lean against the stone where Jesus is said to have placed his hand to balance himself as he carried the burden of the cross.

Old City Jerusalem bustles with 100,000 people a day and is home to some 35,000 Muslims, Christians, Jews and Armenians who have lived for generations in connected quarters of the city. Everywhere indicators of the multitude destructions and reconstructions of the City can be evidenced. Here and there the foundations of the Biblical memories stand out as symbols of the One Story of the Gospel and bid the pilgrim not only to remember the Good News but to walk in its way. One such location, the Bethseda pool reminds of Jesus' question to the crippled man who waited beside there for healing some 38 years. "Do you want to be healed?" Jesus asked the man, insisting that he have the courage to hunger for the life that Jesus could give to him. The pools are now essentially dry because of shifts in the bedrock which over the centuries have closed the springs that fed the pool. Nonetheless, Jesus' question echoes in that place. "Do you want to be healed?" Indeed, do you?

From Galilee to Jerusalem

An early morning worship on a blossomed lawn overlooking the Sea of Galilee marked the turning of our group from the slow pace of Tiberius to the unknown of Jerusalem. It is difficult to explain how comfortable one can become with seaside living, its pace and intimate tie to nature. And, there is something ominous about the thought of going to Jerusalem. Did Jesus also feel the discomfort of a departure from his days of teaching, preaching, and healing? Did he feel the tick of the days and the threat to life that comes with taking a stand in association with God and humanity?

A bus delay left us all feeling just a bit of relief in some ways. It was nice to have an extra couple of hours by the sea. When we did depart, Meggido, an ancient and elaborate tell was our first destination today. Meggido or Armageddon represents 27 layers of civilization in ancient Israel that continues to produce treasures of clay and other fragments that reveal the secrets of life as from times before King Solomon. Meggido, now a national park of Israel, was located at a significant juncture on trade route of the Via de Mars. A military outpost, Meggido was a defense station and the "customs center" of the ancient world. At level 17 of the tell, archeologists have found a ancient circle of rocks which served as place of worship for generation after generation of people who sought a place of prayer.

From Meggiddo we traveled to a kebutz, a secular Jewish community where all things are shared in common. This community orignated from the immigration of Chezkloslavakian survivors of the haulocaust. The hospitality and abundance of the meal was filled our bellies while we also pondered the deep costs to the Palestinian natives of the settlement of these dislocated peoples.

Our next stop was Caeserea Maritima, where Herod Antipas had created a luxurious dwelling on the very shores of the Mediteranean Sea. A colleseum, horse track and fresh water pool were only some of the results of Herod's voracious appetite for building and the enslavement of the Jewish people in the century around the life of Christ. The sea was spectacular in its beauty and peacefulness, while the presence of the Israeli Navy off the coast was a reminder to us of a small nation that lives unresolved conflict every day.

The evening of a long day found us at last at our new hotel, the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center, a beautiful pilgrim house just outside the walls of Old Jerusalem. For you at home who need contact information, the hotel's phone number is 972-2-627 9111 and it's website may be found at www.notredamecenter.org.

Tonight we'll add pictures to the blog again...I apologize for their absence these last couple of days!

Keep us in your prayers as we do surely keep you in ours.

`Suzan Hawkinson

Sabbath Day Adventures

Today's blog "report" comes from Suzanne Schafer-Coates, Pastor of the Meadow Lakes Congregationof the First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown, NJ...

"O Sabbath rest by Galilee, O Calm of hills above, Where Jesus knelt to share with Thee The silence of eternity,Interpreted by love."by John Greenleaf Whittier, from the hymn "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind"We've journeyed for six days, and on the seventh, we observed Sabbath.Sabbath means different things to different members of our pilgrim band. To some it means to do something they've wanted to do but haven't had time to do; to others, it means rest and repair. To all it means to take time for self and God.Seven hardy souls hiked from the Cliffs of Arbel down to the Valley of the Doves (where the sort of doves that were acceptable for Temple sacrifice could be obtained in Jesus' day) to Magdala. This is the valley that Jesus walked when he came from Nazareth to the villages along the Sea of Galilee to begin his ministry. (He also walked it every time he went back and forth between Nazareth to the Lake (Sea) shore.) Three hours after beginning, the group arrived in Magdala, some came back to Tiberius from there, two others hiked on to Capernum, stopping at the Primacy of Peter to bathe their hot, aching feet in the Sea of Galilee.Four of us rented a car and drove to Sephhoris, and spent the day exploring the fascinating ruins of this ancient Roman City (it is close to Nazareth, and Joseph and Jesus would have doubtlessly gone there to work). Getting lost along the way just added to the excitement of driving in Israel.Two more rented a car and explored Galilee, including visiting an artists' colony and bathing in the hot springs at a Roman spa.The rest of us stayed in Tiberius, resting in our rooms or in the lovely gardens overlooking the Sea of Galilee, swimming in the hotel swimming pool, catching up on our journals, reading, talking, and praying. Many of the stay-behinds explored Tiberius on foot, some with maps, others letting the Spirit lead them. Some went to the street market, others down to the shore to eat lunch lake/sea side. Two went out in a boat, three swam in the Sea of Galilee while three others waded, and one stayed at the hotel and had a message.We met up at dinner, each content with our day, to share experiences and to think of the morrow.We'll be up early: breakfast at 7, worship at 7.45, then load the bus and of we go - up to Jerusalem!Shalom.Suzanne Schafer-Coates

Nazareth & Ibillin

Today's blog has been written by the Reverend Roy Knight who serves Romney First United Methodist Church in Romney, West Virginia.

From Roy:

For me, the day starts with quiet reflection in the hotel garden.

"And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of by the prophets, "He shall be called a Nazarene." and "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?"

I wonder how different a city Nazareth will be from these other Galilean lakeshore villages. We associate Bethlehem with the birthplace of Jesus. We might remember that Capernaum was the dwelling place (mostly) for the adult Jesus. But Nazareth? It turns out that Nazareth was crucial in Jesus' young, formative years. Then, Nazareth was a very small out-of-the-way village of maybe 500-700. Today Nazareth has a population of 75,000!

With Nazareth on a rocky hillside, many a renovated cave formed these early homes. The one and only spring is to be found a short distance away. It would have been to this spring that Mary would have daily traveled to get needed water. More than likely on many a day the young Jesus would have accompanied her.

While many a holy sight we've seen is "traditional," this one is "the real McCoy." If that even matters. To the Eastern Orthodox, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary here and therefore they have built a church around this well. The Western Church maintains that Gabriel visited her at her home. Here, they built a church over what presumably would have been her and Joseph's home. The first is known as the Church of St. Gabriel. The latter is the Church of the Annuciation.

But the feel of Jesus being a child at play in a small dwelling with perhaps relatives living with or beside him, makes him more identifiable. In other words, in what ways have my family nurtured me? What friends, what relatives with whom I once lived contributed to who I am now and to who I am becoming?

And, speaking of childhood and the man from Galilee, there are other children, and another man from Galilee whom I was priveleged to meet this afternon. Fr. Elias Chacour (affectionately known as Abuna "our father") has for many years founded and maintained a school for all children: Christian, Muslim, Jews and Drues. Founded on the New Testament teachings of hte Sermon on the Mount, Abuna envisions an Israel that lives in peace. Our small group felt that we were truly honored to meet a man who truly is another man "from Galilee."

It seems that it is possible to live a Christ-like life in a culture of hatred, bitterness, and division. How our group can thank God for allowing us to catch a glimpse of the Kingdom today: children of all backgrounds excited to meet and greet Americans, multicultural staff committed to teaching and living together--and a man who loves and embodies grace.

I end my day once more thankful for this generous gift that I have been given, that we have been given.

This pilgrim band blessed each other for another day, with another day---and now a sabbath day of rest for each of us begins tomorrows. God is good

All the time.

All the time

God is good!

With You on the Way,

Roy Knight

Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee- Plus

Once again, today's blog has been composed by the Reverend Ron Stone, who had promised his congregation back home that he would lift prayers for them from the Sea of Galilee....

We crossed the Sea of Galilee a day later than scheduled. Why? We had to visit Banias yesterday because the Israeli army was performing "exercises" in the area today, and travel was not permitted there. Thus, the boat ride today. While we floated on the water there were "booms" aplenty in the distance. Doesn't the world need the Prince of Peace as much as we ever have?

A pastor, as promised, prayed for members of his congregation, family and friends. He became painfully aware that there are a few on his roster about whom he knows little. Still he prayed that the Lord would draw them near him, and that they will discover his full acceptance when he does so in love.

Two native Arkansans, Fairfax and me, had planned a "hog call" as our boat neared Kursi, the location where Jesus transferred the evil spirit possessing the demoniac into a herd of swine which turned, stampeded toward the water, and drowned. The boat's crew looked at the Razorback fans as if we, like the demoniac, had lost our minds. As for casting nets into the sea? The crew was experienced, obviously, but drew in empty nets. Oh, how we wished Jesus had come along today to tell us to cast our nets on the other side! John 21 and the rest of the Gospel rightly proclaim that Jesus has unequaled ideas and action. It's always good to follow his lead!

Real worship began after "pagan worship" was over. Debbie, Dave & Glen reminded their fellow pilgrims that Jesus, with the words from Mark 4:35-41, tells us that "on the sea trouble will come, but Jesus is always with us!" It felt so right to follow with the singing of "Lord, you have come to the lakeshore looking neither for wealthy nor wise ones. You only asked me to follow humbly."

Ancient Magdala's synagogue is a brand new discovery to biblical archaelogists. Fransicscan monks, care-takers of the site, believe Jesus likely taught there. Why? He taught all around Galilee. Magdala during Jesus' time had around 40,000 inhabitants. The synagogue would have held 200 listeners who would have likely been drawn to hear a very personable rabbi who knew God, the scriptures, and people better than any other!

Claudia, our Palestinian guide, born in Nazareth, but who now resides in modern Magdala, gave us a different take on Mary Magdalene. Most westerners think she was a prostitute, although the Word never mentions she was. Claudia, a Christian sees, Mary as a prosperous woman because of what she spent on the perfume with which she annointed Jesus' feet. Our guide conjectured that Mary was a cosmetologist.

We were glad to have access to more authenticity when we went to a 21st century museum which housed a 2000 year old fishing boat excavated in 1986. There had been a severe drought that year and the waters of Galilee lowered, and there was the boast which had been protected by the seabed's sediments. The boat, when hit by air, became amazingly fragile, but 11 days later the boat was successfully lifted, conserved, and eventually placed in an atmosphere-controlled museum environment. Now, when people come to this government-owned center, the story of Jesus is told.

Just outside the museum there were sycamore trees, so perfect for sawed-off social disasters like Zaccheus and Ron Stone to climb! Isn't it something to learn that the Zaccheus story in Luke 19 encapsulates the message of the gospel: forgiveness of the past, transformation of the present and re-direction for the future made possible when we know Jesus!

Energetic Bea motivated 18 of the 26 of us to see an unplanned side-trip to Mt. Tabor, the site of Jesus' transfiguration. Jesus along with Peter, James and John also were quite energetic, even athletic, to climb 5 miles up a very steep trek. Several of us followed suit and hiked up half of the mountain. The rest, incuding me, took a cab to the top and imagined and prayed about the meaning of that mountain-top experience. It's so mystical! Do we carry his grace back down the mountain or do we remain and "build shrines" so that we can be above the needs of our brothers and sisters? Jesus had the right idea: go back down the mountian where life is complicated so that we can love God and our neighbor with all our our heart, soul, mind, and strength!

~~~Ron Stone

Sunday, April 26, 2010

Today's journey began with at the headwaters of the river Jordan, Banias Falls. A short hike through the woods led us from visible wilderness into a tree splendored haven of rushing water. Sparkling, rushing, granting cool spray, the river also gave a reminder of baptism to all of us who ventured. The sound of the current rushing over bolders remindes us of the praises that creation joyfully lifts to its Creator. And, the signs that warned against the dangers of entering the water reminded that what is life giving can also be risk to life.

The Jordan River. The waters of this river have nurtured the people of God for centuries and provided what it meant to "fulfill righteousness" as our Lord received baptism from John the Baptist.

From the headwaters we traveled in the region of Ceasarea Philippi to an ancient pagan religious sight called Banias. A remarkable ruins of a Roman temple site, Banias was the religious gathering site for the worshippiers of the Roman god Pan. A remarkable system of ducts and resevoirs create a beautiful scene as well as a deep history of sacrifice to the gods. We were told that when the blood of the sacrifice appeared in the water system it was an indication that the god was not pleased with the sacrifice, a disappointment to the worshipper who had hoped that the gift would secure the god's benevolence.

Banias is the location where the early Christian community identified Peter's confession of Jesus. Here among his culture's competition for religious loyality, our Lord asked of Peter? "Who do you say that I am?" Among the stone statues and rituals, Peter's words continue to echo the proclamation: "You are the Christ, son of the living God."

Here at Banias we were moved by a service of the renewal of baptism. One by one we drew from the water enough for the symbol of the cross on our fellow pilgrim's forehead saying "You are beloved of God, remember you baptism and be thankful!" Our service concluded with the following prayer:

I am no longer my own, but Yours.

Put me to what You will, rank me with whom You will.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed for You or brought low for You.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things to Your pleasure nd disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

You are mine, and I am Yours. So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

Let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.

Saturday, April 25, 2010

Today our group took a journey through some of the places where Jesus taught the people. Our morning stop was at the Church of the Beatitudes. This church was built in 1920 on the spot where Christians believe that Christ may have given his Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5-6. A beautiful spot on a hill overlooking the lake, it is an ideal location for literally thousands to sit in the natural ampitheatre made by the hill and listen to this itinerant preacher from Nazereth. "Blessed are the pour in spirit, for thers is the kingdom of heaven," Jesus began.

A short walk down the hill led us to Tagbha, the place where a church has been built around the stone that Jesus may have used to prepare the loaves and fishes to feed the thousands. We were reminded today that no good Jewish man would have prepared the bread on the ground, as it would have rendered the bread unclean. Inside the church, ancient tile work shows the five loaves and two fish, while the presumed stone protrudes through the chancel floor just beneath the communion table. Many pligrims go to thier knees just to touch the stone.

Just down the road from Tagbha is The Primacy of Peter, a chapel that is graced by stone stairs from early centuries, marks the spot where it is believed that Jesus met the disciples after the resurrection. They had been fishing all night long, catching nothing and somehow he was on the beach with a fish breakfast already prepared. From this place Jesus asked Peter the question of his life: "Peter, do you love me?" Peter answered "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you!" Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep!"

A full day of walking and seeing and remembering...the group is growing more and more aware that our Lord not only walked this way centuries ago, he walks here still.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Where we Traveled Today

Underneath a pristine blue sky, in 70 degree weather and sun our group climbed the Cliff of Arbel in Galilee. Around us the wild flowers--a variety of Wedding Veil, purple thistle, and equally amazing butterflies whispered a greeting that was both immediately present and somehow ancient. Surely these native varieties were part of Jesus' walks too!

From the top of the cliff the panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee and it's shoreline was astounding. Across the Sea, the Golan Heights, the mountains of modern Syria, are scarcely altered by modernity. Patches of farm and the homes of Jewish, Muslim and Christian Israeli/Palestinian peoples. Surveying this peaceful scene from the heights, it is difficult to realize the conflicts that disturb below.

From Arbel our group traveled to Capernaum, the ruins of the ancient city and a site unearthed by a Franciscan group. We stood in the synagogue, now built upon by later generations, where Jesus would likely have spent many Sabbaths.

Our group shared communion at the side of the sea, lifting bread and cup into the air that Jesus breathed. We broke, we blessed, we received. We received!

+++++++

Reflections:

A reflection on today's experience has been contributed by the Rev. Ron Stone of Selma, AL. He has graciously agreed to help to "fill the pages" and to help you at home to feel as though you are on the journey with us!

From Ron:

The Call of Discipleship Began Here!

We were at Peter's home in Capernaum today. AFter we reflected and prayed in teh Church which stands above where the big fisherman lived, we sat contemplatively near the shore of a remarkable holy body of water: The Sea of Galilee.

Borrowing from a lityurgy Joan MacPherson heard in Iona, she issued theLord's invitation to the sacremtn: "Come, not because you must but because you man!" Those words blew me away.

Sitting there I tried to imagine what things looked like on this very spot where Andrew and Peter were "called." Were they compelled by their call from Jesus or did they have a choice?

Regardless of what we think, this is the very place where discipleship in the name of Jesus began! We--26 pilgrims from 9 different denominations--were here together because we have responded to his call, too! It takes my breath away!

Think about it: Peter's house is here, his boat is here, his call came here, our call brought us here to the very spot where the history the experience of discipleship finds its origin.

Jesus told Simon and Andrew: "Follow me!" They left everything behind to "follow him!" Will I? Will you?

After the sacrament I walked over to the sea becuse I wanted to put my hands in the water. I don't know why. However, it was no easy feat. Teh rocks upon which I stepped were tricky to negotiate; indicatevo of m life. I put my hands in the wake lapping toward me. I prayed: "lord, wash me and make me clean!!" As I did I flet smooth and clean like hte old piece of pottery I leande down to pick up.

Today, Jesus has come close. I hope you feel him , too. He loves you. He loves me. We respond by following him.

Do you feel his love? I pray that you do. I feel his love as I feel his presnece. For me it's one and the same. I can't put it into words. However, I do describe it as "a shimmering moment!"

~Ron Stone

April 22, 2010

Hi All!
The pilgrims of Journey of Faith 2010 have all arrived safe and sound at the Scots Hotel, Tiberius, Israel! Travel here has taken nearly 24 hours including and 8 hour flight from Atlanta to Franfurt, then 4 hours from Frankfurt to Tel Aviv, then 2.4 hours on bus to Tiberius.

We are all so glad to be able to tuck into bed for the night and anticipate an early morning departure for the Cliff of Arbel, a beautiful point from which to take in a panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee and its surrounds.

The phone number for the hotel is 972-4-6710710. Please use the "country code" for Israel. You can ask for guests by name.

More soon! We'll say goodnight for now!



The website for the hotel is www.scotshotels.co.il

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

The Journey of Faith group, made up of 26 pastors from 9 denominations, and even more states in the nation have just spent the last two days in "orientaion." Through worship, story, shared meals and endurance we are preparing for a two week pilgrimage to Israel. Today's flights managed to find a "window" for save flight and we are also prayerful for on time take-off at 6:30PM EST on Wednesday.

You may watch this blog for daily entries of our progress. AND...once we figure it out, we'll be sharing pictures!