Skip to main content

The light of experience – first reflections on a pilgrimage to Israel/Palestine

Image
By
Sharon and Sarah having just climbed Mount Tabor

Question: What’s the connection between a Bingley coffee shop and a late night   conversation by the Sea of Galilee?
Answer: Sharon and Sarah!

It was on an early summer sunny day that we decided to make this unforgettable journey to the Holy Land.

So strange, there, to see the motorway signs to Biblical places: Tiberius, Nazareth, Mount Tabor, Bethlehem, Jericho and Jerusalem and to reflect on the stories, events and people of faith; from a boat on the Sea of Galilee watch the sun’s rays penetrate the morning haze. For a moment, the water and my life, calm and still – soon to be storm-tossed like Jesus’s fearful friends in their sinking ship.

So many beautiful churches built to mark the places of God’s presence in some special way. We saw in construction, beside the archaeological site of Magdala, yet another church with the communion table, looking through a boat shaped window over the Sea of Galilee to the hills, the Golan Heights, beyond. The past and present inextricably connected.

As we travelled through the Jordon Valley, on the West Bank, I tried to imagine Jesus and his motley crowd of followers, on his last journey from familiar farms and fishing boats to the cosmopolitan city with Jewish Temple and Roman Palace. I wonder if Jesus saw then, as we did, people oppressed and ill-treated.

This Holy Land for Christians, Jews and Muslims is torn apart. We might despair as did Mary and Martha at the death of their brother, Lazarus. In the tomb, we remembered Jesus’s commandment, ‘Unbind him and let him go free!’  These are words of hope and new life for individuals and countries alike.

In Advent, we prepare to meet the child of hope. I want to share a message of hope from Bethlehem. Many young Palestinian Christians are leaving their homeland because life is so difficult.  In conversation with one such young woman, training to be a teacher, we asked if she too would leave her native Bethlehem, getting away from the restrictions of living beyond the separation wall. Her response was simple and clear, ‘This is my home and I want to help children growing up here.’ No church will be built to mark this sign of hope, God’s presence. Yet we can pray and act for those who strive in dark times to bring hope, light and justice to a troubled Holy Land, so that the Prince of Peace may reign.

Shalom,
Sarah




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Share the joy of Christmas with older people

By
The most important Christmas Card you’ll send this year Methodist Homes (MHA) are asking YOUR CHURCH to share the joy of Christmas with older people this year.  Could you take the time to write just one extra Christmas card which will be passed to an older person cared for by MHA?  To take part, please refer to the further  details and an order form . Instructions of how to take part, as well as special Christmas cards designed by an MHA resident for your church members to write their own messages of goodwill and friendship, are included in the Christmas Friendship Appeal pack. “May I express my gratitude for your lovely idea of asking folk (including children) to send Christmas cards. We appreciate the warmth and concern of the whole idea.”  MHA Resident
Post a Comment
Read more

Holiday at Home 2016

By
July the 4 th is Independence Day in the USA. It was also Independence day for the people of Bradford North Circuit. Holiday at Home descended once again on St. Andrew’s Church. This year, we had more guests than ever before. We had new guests from Baildon, Saltaire and St. Andrew’s. Monday 4 th July The day began with everyone getting to know one another. The Agape area was soon buzzing with conversation. Vast amounts of cakes, buns etc. along with gallons of tea were consumed. Shortly after we moved into the church for lunch. Once again our food providers at St Christopher's did us proud. The word DIET was banned for these three days. The fresh cream trifle was to die for. We also care for our helpers! After Lunch we enjoyed games. Believe it or not, Snakes & Ladders was popula...
Post a Comment
Read more

Swishing Party

By
Swishing Party 7.00 - 9.00 pm Tuesday 7 August 2012 Thackley Methodist Church BD10 0RH Never heard of it??? This is how it works ... you bring good quality items of clothing/accessories/shoes etc from your wardrobe and for each item of clothing you will bet 1 ticket - this/these ticket(s) can be used then to purchase any item of clothing you decide on at the Swish. These items can be brought to Thackley Church on Monday 6 August between 6.00 and 7.00 pm. There will be a 'look and trying on' session from 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm and you will be able to have refreshments. Absolutely NO-ONE is allowed to claim items before the swish opens at 8pm. You can leave with as many items as you want - but each additional item will cost £2 Entry to the event is £5 and this will include refreshments.
Post a Comment
Read more