Final day

I can't tell you how hard the last 3 days has been for me. Words, images, ideas, sounds, and visions are still swirling in my head. My heart is broken by the security walls that Israeli government has chosen to put up against the Palestinians. My faith is challenged by the humiliating suffering of Christ as we walk through the stations of the cross. My mind is inundated with images, and visions of cruelty, injustice, disgust, division, and finally together with hope. My body is exhausted by the overwhelming  heat and travel. Yet, over all, I am so grateful for Trish and David (our professors on this trip) and every single saint on this 2009 Holy Land Pilgrimage. I am inspired by the 3 speakers that have imparted their wisdom, passion, and activism with us. I am delighted by the tour guides and tour bus drivers for their knowledge, humor, and generous hospitality. Thank you all. I look forward to slowly peel back each layers of this incredible and transformative experience. I await eagerly to continue this path of change with my fellow pilgrims and to see what God has in stored for the next phase of my walk with the Living and Holy God. 

For now, allow me to share the picture of the my fellow pilgrim on today's trip to Masada (the picture is without one saint, Charles, but we remember him and save the column for him).

Going Up to Jerusalem

Today was truly an amazing day. Today we began the trip to Jerusalem, like thousands of people before us we began the trip up to Jerusalem. But before we left the Sea of Galilee, Richard, Susan, and Ruth took a morning dip in the lake. Others of us, joined them on the shore for cherries and to watch the most beautiful and amazing sunrise. "The heavens declared the glory of God" Hopefully Susan might put the photo I took on the blog.

Then we were off. Stopped at many interesting places along the way, but one of the highlights for all of us was the Mediterranian Sea! I wasn't planning on going in, but when the waves came crashing up and I got my shoes and socks wet I figured, "Oh well!" and went in! It was so much fun and what a sight to see us all jumping in and splashing around in the warm waters of the sea.

We arived in the late afternoon at the Notre Dame Center of Jerusalem - basically an old castle like building. I never thought I would stay in such a place! We also had a chance to attend a service at a synagogue on the Sabbath! It was all in Hebrew, but it didn't matter. You could feel the Spirit moving as EVERYONE participated. What a day and we are just beginning. Blessing to all from Jerusalem.

True Sabbath

Today was a day of sabbath. That means we did not travel anywhere, but received the gift of the day - to do whatever we wanted to do. It was a wonderful way to prepare ourselves for our journey tomorrow to the city - to Jerusalem.

We have such as diverse group of pastors. Each has their own idea of rest and sabbath. To David it is running 15 miles, to Richard it is riding a bike around the lake and stopping to swim when the waters call to him. For others like Dwight it is reading, eating, and sleeping and for Kilen it is doing absolutely nothing. For Nancy it was taking a break from the computer and her camera, for Ruth H. it was playing on her computer. Some joined others to witness everyday life here in Israel. For many of us, like myself, it was revisiting sites we've missed and doing it slowly this time - spending time reflecting and seeing the other pilgrims from all around the world joining us to find our connection to God, to each other, and to ourselves. (My favorite experience is Jack's at Mt.Tabor - a true shepherd who prayed for each of his people and his church - Mt.Tabor on Mt.Tabor.)

For me, one of the things I did was to do something out of character. I put down my book and put on my swimming suit and went swimming in the Sea of Galilee. It was an incredible experience - especially when it is 105 degrees outside. It was amazing to be swimming in the same waters that Jesus walked on, Jesus commanded to be still, and where Jesus "fished" in his own special way.

Tomorrow we go up to Jerusalem. After all that we have seen and experienced here, we are preparing our hearts for a new place and new adventures. Join us this day as we continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem - Psalm 122

Mt. Tabor Israel

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Hi folks. This is my first blog since being here in Galilee. It is a beautiful and restful place. I am continually amazed at how close the events in Jesus’ life mentioned in the Bible geographically are to one another. The place we are staying is truly wonderful, right on the Sea of Galilee. We are very close is to the celebrated location of the Church of the Multiplication – where Jesus blessed the 5 loves and the 2 fish for the feeding of the 5,000. If that same event happened we would be in the audience. A very special place.

I am the pastor of the Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church in New Albany, IN and today I rented a car and with two other pilgrims, drove to the top of Mt. Tabor and visited the beautiful church. It is run by the Franciscan order who have done a spectacular job of celebrating the Transfiguration. The church building is open to the public and Mass is celebrated regularly. I was able to sit, undisturbed, in the chancel area and pray for all the saint of Mt. Tabor back home. It was a profoundly, humbling and spiritually uplifting experience. This is a blessed experience in more ways than I can begin to articulate. Please know that you are in my constant thoughts and prayers. You are a blessed and holy people, Mt. Tabor.

Peace,

Rev. Jack Cormack

A Day of Rest

Since we have arrived here in Tabgha, we have been on the move everyday. We begin the day with worship, go out in the mornings and by mid-day we are back. In the evening we close out the day with reflections and then dinner. However, today is a rest day. A day to reflect on our travels, what is saying to us individually and collectively by God.

Like most of the group, I wanted to go and visit the first two places that we visited when we first arrived, but a sore ankle has keep my foot elevated and me sitting. I could lament that I could not go out and "play," or I can rejoice at the fact that God is calling me to be still and listen. I chose the later. We are surrounded by the beauty of nature, which is God's handiwork. We are staying in a place, where God's people make sure that our care is excellent. We are traveling with people who preach and teach God's word, as best each of us knows now. So how could I lament? God has called each of us to slow down, to taste, see, hear, and touch, God in everything and everyone around us. Had I been in the States. I would not be reflecting on the silence and comfort of God, I would be doing., instead of what God calls us all to do, "Just be."

Contrasts

Thanks to all my fellow pilgrims who like me can be guilted into things! Today was a day of contrasts. We saw a beautiful waterfall next to a memorial that reminded us the true cost of the water we saw and touched. We saw pagan altars of worship next to living acts of worship. We experienced green trees and agriculture in the middle of a land laced with landmines, military presence and conflict. We experienced as a group tears and lament, but joy and blessings came in the morning. What a complex and beautiful land that we are in.

They are kicking me out of the reception area - closing for the night. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Day 5 Blog by David Shinn

“Are you shopping for a new god?” I said to my two professors as they walked up to the ancient promenade of Caesarea Philippi.
“Why? Is your god not doing anything good for you?” My professors said to me.

Today we traveled to the Golan Height. Now, you know I will make my share of political analysis, but hold on, let me share a spiritual reflection first. Historically, it was called Paneas, naming after the god Pan because of the natural spring that flourished the valley below. Then for a short period of time, it was called Caesarea Philippi during Jesus time when the son of Herod, Philip, made the city his headquarter. The Arabic name for this beautiful spring is Banias. At the height of this city under Philip during Jesus time, this was the supposed location where Peter professed the Lordship of Jesus in Matthew 16:13. In a time when a person can walk down the main promenade and literally shop for a new god or go worship one god to the next, Jesus asked his disciples “who do you all say I am?”

When we have many gods, god of wealth, god of comfort, god of health, god of fame, god of victory, god of relationship, god of ____ (you can fill in the blank), how many gods do we worship? How many gods do we follow? And if the god we worship is not working to our liking, would we go shopping for a new god? What would you and I say to Jesus if He asks you or me “who would you say I am?”

Switch the gear a bit…as we traveled upward to the Israeli “controlled” territory of Golan Height from the Sea of Galilee, nearly all of us started to ask, “How is this related to the Israeli Palestinian situation?” As you know, through the 6 days war of 1967, Israel took back the Golan Height from Syria and thus completed the biblical territory under King David’s rule from “Dan to Beershiba.” Dan was one of the 12 tribes of Israel and its territory was in the Golan Height. Furthermore, by taking this land (back or not), Israel also gained control of the main water spring of the Jordan River, thus gave Israel control of 2 out of 3 water springs to the Jordan River. Land and water are once again the cause for warfare.

In this “controlled” territory, we witnessed a land rich with agricultural growth and potential. One can easily understand why this is indeed the disputed land between Syria and Israel. As a foreigner to this land, I am learning to be slow to judgment and quick to learn and understand. Yet I find it very hard to agree to the hostile take over of this land of one nation from the other nation. Yet, we from the west, while enjoying the privilege and power, must not forget our contribution to this conflict. After all, see below the picture of the Israeli solider guarding the boarder with all the arms we have supplied them with. By the way, we also made money from selling those arms to them.

My Lord, What a Morning!

[From Susan Zencka]....Karen has succeeded in shaming a couple of us into posting to the blog at long last. And I have to correct her -- not all of us are posting to our own blogs! I am blogless. But a have been spending a lot of my free time trying to keep my photos in order. And I have to admit that I have napped most afternoons...and the naps have been lovely.

But the mornings have been one gift after another. I find that for me, the time we spend in the natural surroundings is what really connects most with me. Two days ago, having a boat ride in the Sea of Galilee, and then wading in the Jordan River (even though it was surrounded by buildings, gift shop, the pay-a-sheckel toilet, etc. -- that was a wonderful day.

Today, we went to the Golan Heights, and we spent our time near the Banias Falls, which end up feeding the Jordan River -- snow melts on Mt. Hermonn and then flows into the falls, which are beautiful...and then the water continues toward the river. It was an amazing walk through the woods, with not only the falls, but rocky rapids just downstream from the falls as well. The path to the falls has steps, and many of the trees and shrubs are identified with small signage in both Hebrew and English. So we saw pistachio shrubs, a couple of varieties of oak, myrtle, and many others. The woods were so peaceful -- by the falls there was a sense of power and beauty (not uncommon with waterfalls), and it was darker than on the hilltop, and MUCH cooler.

After the falls, we went to the Temple of Pan at Caesarea Philippi -- and Jackie read the passage from Matthew 16:13-20 where Jesus asks "Who do people say that I am....and who do you say that I am?" And Peter responds "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God...." And the passage was so much more powerful realizing that this had happened in this place with altars to many different gods (we saw remains of altars to Zeus, Pan, Augustus, Nemesis and others)....it was a reminder of the kind of religious environment that the Roman Empire was.

And then some of us walked through the woods again -- I was by myself for most of that walk, and came to this place (in the picture) where I could just see a small waterfall in the distance throught the trees, and it was so beautiful and peaceful.

After leaving there, we hurtled into the present as we stopped to observe the demilitarized zone between Israel and Syria, where there is a United Nations outpost -- there is also a row of wind turbines on a ridge overlooking the UN outpost, so that was encouraging. And we met a Druze man there who was selling spices, cherries, olive oil, and such.

We had a marvelous lunch at the place we had eaten one day earlier, and enjoyed falafel or schwarma (turkey, cabbage, etc on a pita) or schnitzel...a delicious lunch. And back to the Pilgerhaus where we relaxed, and several of us swam in the Sea of Galilee. It was such a lovely time -- we could see egrets, and yellow wagtails (yes, I bought a "Birds of Israel" book) along the shore, the hills surrounding the lake were lovely, it was 100 degrees, and the water felt so wonderful.

And now we will meet for afternoon prayers and share our reflections for the day -- these times are rich too. It's all a John 1:16 experience: "From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace...." Yes we have, and we still are.

Thanks to the CF Foundation, Trisha and David, and all the pilgrims who make this such a wonderful experience.

Shalom, salaam, peace.....

Here are the Pilgrims

Okay, Karen, here is my blog entry. First, let's share the picture of the team from Nazareth.

Wow, what a team! What a pilgrimage it has been so far. I am so grateful for Trish and David and the entire team of pastors, colleagues, and friends. Thank you for your openness. Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for your laughter. Thank you for your tears. Thank you.

Now we are nearly half way through our pilgrimage. I am already thinking what will I will bring back. There are many things, but I will bring back friendship.

Okay, enough from me for now.

David

still missing

Just a note for prayer - we are still missing one suitcase. However, Ruth has shown such grace and patience. Please pray that it will arrive SOON!

God is still speaking

Despite my efforts to guilt my fellow travellers, I am still the only one blogging.... well, maybe tomorrow....

One of the places we visited today was the Church of the Annunciation - it is the home of Mary, the place where God sent Gabriel to meet Mary and to extend to her an invitation or a call that would forever change her life. Our guide, Claudia, shared with us a tremendous amount of information today about the everyday life of people living and worshipping during the time of Jesus. Mary's house was not like I imagined, but it was a cave, with rooms carved into the rock. Animals lived along side them inside the caves, and the entrance way became their sleeping area. From the information I learned today, I have a whole new perspective on the stories I have read over and over. There is a church built around the particular cave that belonged to Mary. We know it is her home because of some graffiti found - (gives a whole new perspective to urban art). There were so many people and so much going on - mass was being held right next to her home, people were videotaping and taking photographs of the beautiful murals and mosaics, tour guides were giving out information in a variety of languages, and throughout, in corners in and around the church, people were finding places to gather to worship and to praise God. Finally, near the end of my time there, I put down my camera and began to look around - this time seeing more than just the murals and mosaics on the walls. I became aware that this holy site, this place visited by God, continues to be holy. Not just because of what happened over 2000 years ago, but because of what was happening at that moment. People from all over the world were coming to worship. And just as God spoke to a young girl so long ago about bearing the privilege and scandal, the joy and the pain, the love and the loss that sometimes comes with following God, God was speaking again today to those who had come to worship and to those who would be still enough to listen. It is a holy place, and God continues to speak, continues to call, continues to invite us to be part of God's plan.

Peace Be Still

So why am I the only one blogging?!?! Many of my other fellow travellers have their own personal sites; however, I am not so technologically capable, so I am just using this one. Also, I am the keeper of the community computer so I can be up at 1:00 in the morning blogging....
Today the theme seemed to be water. We saw an ancient boat from the first century, (the only one preserved from that time period), we took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, and we visited the Jordan River (or should I say stream, or dam portion - but that is another story in itself). Anyway, while we were on the boat we learned much about water and the conflict over water. While we were on the Sea of Galilee we stopped and turned off the engine and listened to the story of Jesus calming the sea. As I stood there in silence, with only the sound of the water gently rocking the boat, I was in awe that this was the very body of water that Jesus spoke these words to. On that day, the wind and the waves knew the authority of Jesus and they obeyed. As I stood there on "Holy Water" I had to ask myself, "Do I know and obey the authority of Jesus in my life?" For I know that God is asking, no commanding me, to trust and obey as well. And the message to me is the same as the message to the wind and the waves. "Peace, be still."

holy vs special

Think I like this blogging thing.... Yesterday we went to Mount Beatitudes, the traditional site of the sermon on the mount, where we had a worship service and had communion together. It was a holy time. However, what made it holy was not where we were, but that we were all together, binded by and truly led by the Holy Spirit. As we read together the Word of God we were all reminded of the power of the Living Word - to change, convict, and restore. It was a holy moment. What makes any of these places holy is that they are places that Christians throughout the centuries have come to remember, to observe and to strengthen their faith. However, it was a special place as well. It was special because we were able to imagine that on a place like that mountain, Jesus spoke words that would change the world. He spoke and instructed using things and examples that he saw all around him, things we too could see and experience at that moment. For all to hear, Jesus probably didn't stand on the top of the mountain, but sat and taught near the bottom speaking up to the people that gathered on the hillside to hear him speak. This was the only way that all could hear without the need for Jesus to yell or to use a microphone. They were all able to hear, but did they want to hear the challenging words spoken that day on the mount. They could hear, but did they want to hear things that would turn the world and their lives upside down. The same question is for us today. We too can hear, but do we want to hear and will we love our enemies and fully trust God for all our needs. Will we really hear and live a life that enables us to be truly the salt and light to the world.
Saw and experienced many others things and through it all trying to be quiet and still enough to hear God speaking.
BTW - Happy Father's Day!

Seek and Find

Growing up we all played a game called hide and seek. During the next few days and hopefully throughout the rest of my life I will play and live by a new way, "Seek and Find". We are all here to seek and find God to a variety of places and with a variety of people. But will we always want what we find? Today I heard some information from our guide Claudia that really challenged me. Sometimes the escavation projects that were done long ago here were done to find or prove a certain point. However, when they began to dig and find things that were contrary, sometimes they ignored it or even "reburied" their findings. I hope that as I seek and find I will be willing to accept and not cover up or rebury whatever God reveals to me - even when I don't seem to like it every much. Believing that my God's everlasting love is so great that though I may not want it or like it - God has a plan for me.

The Word of God came to life as I saw and touched things that I had only read about. I touched the Sea of Galilee, I touched the mensa or table that Jesus might have used to prepare breakfast for his disciples when he returned from the grave, I heard praises lifted up in song by pilgrims from Fiji in the church of the loaves and fishes, I climbed a hill to see an overview of the land that Jesus walked, I stood under a carob tree with fellow travelers telling and listening to stories like people in the past used to do with Jesus, I listened to an Arab Christian sharing her story of how so few original Christians like herself are still here in this holy land, and I saw a whole country honoring the Sabbath by closing down stores, preparing their meals ahead of time, and spending time with family and friends in reverence to God. How different would our lives be if we truly honored the sabbath in our lives? To take time to rest and to reflect, to appreciate and be grateful, to play and delight in creation, in our relationships, and in God.

So much to seek and so much to find. I pray that I will have the eyes to see and the grace and strength to accept and live out what I find.

PS. Paul has arrived, but only one suitcase so far.... keep praying!

What a terrific day! We visited the church of the Multiplication (Jesus feeding 5,000 men plus women and children with 5 loaves and 2 small fish) and the Church of the Primacy of Peter (Peter asked by Jesus 3 times, "do you love me?" followed by Jesus' statement "Feed my sheep.")

It would have been enough for us -- but God is the God of so much more! We had the blessing of going to the Cliff of Arbel. As we looked over Migdal, Tiberius, Tabgha, the Sea of Galilee, and the plain of Genneseret on this incredibly clear day I was reminded of how miniscule we are -- yeyt God knows not only our name, but the number of hairs on our head!!!! What an awesome God we serve.

It seems that many of us have gone from tourist to pilgrim today. At the racetrack there are spectators and participants. Today we all became participants! We cannot hear the Biblical accounts in the same way ever again. We are no longer just listeners -- while listening to the account while in the very place we become part of the story. Lord -- thank you for being the God of so much more!

Amazing Day One

This has been an amazing day here in Israel. We are staying in Tabgha, a village along the Sea of Galilee (which is really a lake, fresh water), just south of Capernaum (which is where Jesus did a good bit of his ministry).

We visited two churches today - the Church of the Heptapegon - Seven Springs - which is the traditional site of the Feeding of the 5000. I plan to go back there as soon as I can (we only had a short visit there today). There was a wonderful group of men, from Fiji, singing as song about "King Jesus." What harmony. And I thought -Here is the whole world, gathered to remember where Jesus walked, where Christians have lived since the time of Christ.

Then we visited the Church of the Primacy of Peter - tradional site for Jesus, post resurrection, appearance to the disciples, where Jesus asked Peter, three times, "Do you love me?" Here we saw rock hewn steps, going down into the water (except that the lake level is very low). When I looked closer to these large steps, I saw little pieces of lined papers - which contained prayers which people have folded and placed into the rocks (just like the Western Wall in Jerusalem).

We finished the morning traveling up to Arbel Cliff - which offered an amazing view of the entire valley. As roomie Ken B told me, "it gives a real perspective on disciples' words, when they told Jesus to "send the people into surrounding villages to get food for themselves." There are lots of small surrounding villages. The view was really breathtaking - Capernaum, Tabgha, Tiberas (city), other towns - plus the Lake, and the path that many would have taken, in the valley, on their way to Jerusalem for the Passover.

Great night sleep last night - and a long nap today - and food is great! And the group is just amazing. So - all is good.

You all at home - take good care.

Ken H.

The place were are staying is Pilgerhaus - a German retreat house - "Pilgrim House." Peaceful and pastoral, right on the water,

Second day (from Susan Z)

What a beautiful day!

We went to the Church of the Loaves and Fishes, the Church of the Primacy of Peter, and then walked up the Cliffs of Arbel -- amazing views of the Sea of Galilee at each site. One photo is atop the Cliffs of Arbel, with many of our group huddled under the one shade tree, a carob tree. There were beautiful panoramic views

Our Psalm for morning prayers was Psalm 103, and we were charged with looking for signs of God's steadfast love today. During evening prayers, it was clear that we had seen God's love in so many ways --

At dinner time, finally our last person joined us - Paul Min arrived. Also, one of the 5 suitcases showed up, too.

We really enjoyed the afternoon off, folks napped, read, swam, and shared conversation. Others are blogging, too so I'll end now.

First Nite

It's the first nite and we are all beat! Been up since Thursday at 3:30am. It's beautiful here. We are living next to the Sea of Galilee. Saw so many interesting things - a guy with a rifle outside the airport, a wall that divides the land, blooming flowers, water as blue as Lake Tahoe, and Chinese food for dinner.....

Part of a cool group of pastors - 5 without luggage but with a great attitude about it. One still missing - who we will continue to pray for his safe arrival. We are all so different, but this land connects us all - the land where our faith finds its roots, a faith that we have been called to live, to teach, and to share. Can't wait to begin to explore and see all that this land will show us and teach us about our faith and about ourselves.

We're here - mostly

Hello!
It's about 9:15 pm, Friday, at the Sea of Galilee which our guesthouse overlooks. We have traveled to Atlanta (Thursday), to Frankfurt (arriving Friday), and then on to Tel Aviv. Then two hours by bus and here we are! Well, most of us are here -- it was very stormy on the East Coast yesterday and many flights were delayed or canceled. Trisha Tull (left) spent lots of time of the phone keeping in touch with all of our strays until it was time to board the plane, and most of us got to Atlanta in time for our flight, but we are still waiting for our brother Paul Min, who will join us tomorrow -- we hope that the luggage for the 5 of us who are still waiting for suitcases (not me).

On the bus ride here, we already saw beautiful flowers (maybe bougainvilleas?), and olive orchards, cherry orchards, banana plantations...and many towns. Seeing the first glimpses of the Sea of Galilee was so inspiring to us all. In the photo is the Sea of Galilee, with the Golan Heights beyond. It is quite beautiful! Tomorrow we will get a closer look. But first will be some very welcome sleep. We are giving thanks for our arrival, and praying traveling mercies for Paul, whom we miss.

The Pilgerhaus, where we are staying, is air-conditioned, and quite lovely. So now that we have broken bread together, and logged into our computers, most of us are pretty ready for a night of good rest.

And off we go...

We will all be flying today to Atlanta, where we will depart this evening for Frankfurt, Germany, and on to Tel Aviv by tomorrow afternoon. In Tel Aviv we will board a bus to travel to Tabgha on the Sea of Galilee, where we will be staying for the first week.

Ken H (the other Ken)

Greetings all.

Thanks to Ken B I was able to figure out how to post on this blog! (I should have read Trisha's email a bit more closely).

It was great to meet all of you fellow pilgrims at our retreat some weeks back now, and as of today we have 12 days remaining until we head east to the Holy Land.

Just yesterday a nice package arrived from Academy Travel - with tickets and luggage tags -which makes this trip all the more of a reality.

Prayers for Dwight and his recent ordination at Annual Conference of the UMC.

And I learned another connection with Richard P - through Rev. Philip Krause (a retired UCC pastor who worships at Faith UCC) - his daughters Kim and Kathy are active here at Beulah Presbyterian. While visiting Phil this past week after his surgery, he told me that his pastor, Richard, was also going on this trip to the Holy Land.

On a person note, I did get my mom moved here to Louisville from NJ, but her furniture has not yet arrived - now 3 days late - but hopefully soon (like Sunday 6/7).

I trust a number of us are taking the same flight to Atlanta on the 18th - so we will see some of you at the Louisville airport -and then to our time in Atlanta, then across the big pond.

Grace and Peace,
Ken Hockenberry