elcjhl e-pistle Page 1 News from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land

Salaam and grace to you from , City of Peace March-April 2009 Living Witness – Creative Diakonia ELCJHL prepares for anniversary commemorations “Living Witness – Creative Diakonia” is the theme for the Inside: • Waste into fertilizer upcoming ELCJHL an- at the EEC niversary celebration. • Students explore As well as its own 50th vocation anniversary, the synod • U.S. rabbis visit will observe the 30th an- ELCJHL niversary of the • ECLJHL delegation bishopric and 170 years in Sweden of evangelical mission • Women’s desk staff in Palestine. added Festivities kick off May 16 at the campus of the Lutheran school and church in Beit Sahour. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a variety of activities. ELCJHL school children will present dabka dancing, singing and drama per- Calendar: formances. Items made The ELCJHL Lutheran Church of the in celebrated • March 10: Purim at the schools, such as its 125th anniversary last October. The congregation is pictured here in 1883, the year it was formed. • April 8-16 Seder candles and ceramics, • April 12: Easter will be for sale. A book fair will feature books by annual meeting of its international partners, the (Western) church pastors and laypeople. There will be chil- Coordination Committee for Cooperation, better • April 18: Organ dren’s games and snacks available. known as COCOP, who will also be in attendance. recital, Redeemer The celebration moves to the International Cen- A small reception and an exhibition will follow. • April 19: Easter ter of at 4 p.m., where there will be • a special commemorative edition of Kanisatuk, (Orthodox) interviews about the church’s past, present and vi- the ELCJHL’s quarterly Arabic magazine. The is- • May 8 & 9: Reem sion for the future. sue will include articles about the church’s theol- Banna concerts Among other plans for commemorating the an- ogy and witness, its ecumenical and interreligious • May 10-15: COCOP niversary are: work, its social • May 16-17: ELCJHL • a special Anniversary schedule of events work and mission 50th anniversary worship service Saturday, May 16: and biographies • May 30: Choir con- the afternoon of 2-4 p.m. Lutheran Church and School of Beit Sahour of past personnel. cert, Redeemer May 17 at the Festival featuring entertainment, food, book fair and games Pastors and lay Lutheran Church people alike are 4 p.m. International Center of Bethlehem of the Redeemer writing the ar- Interviews on the ELCJHL’s past, present and future in Jerusalem. ticles, which will be in Arabic. It is ELCJHL Sunday, May 17: 3 p.m. Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem hoped that it will will preach in Worship service, Bishop Munib Younan preacher be translated into Arabic, with an other languages After Reception and ELCJHL history exhibit English transla- at a later time. service tion provided on • an exhibition paper. The ser- on the church’s vice is open to everyone. Invitations are also be- history, which will include items such as photos, ing extended to the heads of all Christian churches books and magazines. The plan is to open the ex- in Jerusalem. ELCJHL staff will seek permits for hibition at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer church members outside Jerusalem who wish to at- on May 17. Inger Jonasson, ICB art coordinator, is tend. The celebration coincides with the church’s heading up the project. X Page 2 Students make fertilizer from food waste at EEC by Kendra Kintzi fertilizer. set up the compost bins ate a complete waste The Environmental Mr. Odeh, a represen- and gained the neces- management system. Education Center im- tative from the Palestin- sary tools to teach other The fertilizer produced plemented a unique new ian Ministry of Agricul- students as well as their from the compost will composting program ture, worked with the families and friends be used to fortify school with multiple schools EEC to deliver a three- about composting. gardens and green ar- ELCJHL students are throughout the Beth- part series to students The EEC conducted eas, which the students turning food waste, pa- lehem area to enable covering the theoretical the project with envi- can then enjoy. per and other natural these schools to more and practical aspects of ronmental club students The simple process of material into fertilizer effi ciently manage the creating compost. from the schools of the creating organic fertil- with the help of the wastes they produce Through lectures the ELCJHL, numerous izer from useless scraps EEC. and to demonstrate a students learned about other private schools, has been around for sustainable, educational the importance of com- UNRWA (refugee centuries, and may just model of reuse and con- post, how it can help camp) schools and local be one of the most im- servation. reduce waste and create government schools. portant ways to move Using these new com- better agriculture, and Many of these clubs forward into a sustain- post facilities, students how they can play a key already have paper-re- able future. Requiring will be able to turn food role in improving their cycling and glass-reuse very little space and la- waste, used paper and school environments. centers in place, so the bor, compost provides other natural material In hands-on demonstra- addition of compost- an excellent way to turn into valuable organic tions, students helped ing facilities will cre- yesterday’s lunch into an enjoyable garden. As with all of the edu- cational programs of the STUDENTS FROM Dar EEC, this new project al-Kalima School in is designed to empower Bethlehem presented their third concert of Palestinian youth to en- the season on Jan. gage with their environ- 29, 2009. Students ment and model strate- from third grade and gies that can be widely up sang songs and adopted in the greater played a variety of in- community. struments at the con- Kendra Kintzi is a cert, which was held volunteer at the EEC at the International through the ELCA’s Center of Bethlehem. “Young Adults in Global Mission” program. She is a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Santa Maria, Calif.

Awad represents ELCJHL at Interfaith Climate Summit in Sweden Many of the world’s religions gathered to discuss ers of our home, planet Earth.” the world’s climate at a conference in Sweden last The conference included pioneering seminars on November. Among participants was Simon Awad, ecumenical approaches to the environment, the lat- executive director of the Environmental Educa- est scientifi c discoveries, the effects of climate on tion Center of Beit Jala. Around 1,000 delegates different peoples around the world and much more. attended the Interfaith Climate Summit in Uppsala, The message of the conference was one of creative Sweden, held Nov. 28-29, 2008. response, resilience and cooperation, underscoring At the invitation of the Archbishop of Sweden a vital belief that “The world religions are a source elcjhl e-pistle Anders Wejryd, the conference gathered individu- of empowerment for change in lifestyles and pat- is a publication of the als from faith-based organizations around the world terns of consumption. Religious faith remains Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the to build new ways to integrate environmental con- a powerful force for good among a considerable Holy Land. cerns into religious discussions, and to address the number of the human family.” PO Box 14076 pressing need for action on climate change through Awad attended the ground-breaking conference Muristan Road the vibrant diversity of the world’s religions. Faith at the request of ELCJHL Bishop Munib Younan Jersalem 91140 leaders came together to sign the Interfaith Climate as a demonstration of the church’s commitment to Your comments, critiques Manifesto, declaring that “From religious tradi- environmental education and interfaith dialogue in and questions are welcome tions with different approaches to religious life, we working toward globally sustainable solutions to at: [email protected]. come together at this time in human history to as- environmental issues. X sure the world of what we have in common. We all The manifesto signed by 30 religious leaders is share the responsibility of being conscious caretak- available in English at http://tiny.cc/DvTgP Dar al Kalima hosts tennis tournament, parents day Page 3 ELCJHL students ma’s fi rst through 11th check on the academic party for students in recently gathered for grade students were progress and conduct of grades 7-12. The young a little friendly com- invited to the school. their children. people had a good time petition. A table tennis “Parents Day” gives On Feb. 14, Dar al Ka- dancing, singing and tournament was held at them the opportunity to lima’s student council spending time together Dar al Kalima School meet with teachers to threw a Valentine’s Day in the school hall. X in Bethlehem on March 13. Afterwards, direc- tor of education Dr. Charlie Haddad, Dar Al GOOD SPORTS – Stu- Kalima principal Naila dents, teachers and Kharroub and Christ- others gathered for a photo after a table ten- mas Lutheran Church nis tournament at Dar pastor Dr. Rev. Mitri al-Kalima Lutheran Raheb handed out tro- School in Bethlehem. phies – shields, cups and medals – to tour- nament winners. They thanked the students for their participation and urged them to keep up their sportsmanship. The following day, parents of Dar al Kali- Students explore vocation; future leadership to be trained by Sylvia Countess who participated evalu- The program, to be versity, will offer class- The tenth graders in ated the fi rst year’s ac- implemented by an es to students in Grades the Lutheran schools tivities and made sug- American educational 6-9 and two workshops are concluding this gestions for improve- agency, “Infi nite Ex- for teachers based on a month a long-term re- ments for next year. cellence,” will begin in program outline she is ELCJHL 10th graders considered their search project on career Students were asked to June 2009 and be com- developing with Sister interests and aptitudes choices. It was initiated explain how the project pleted in phases through Sylvia Countess. While as well as market needs by ELCJHL Director helped them to learn special modules by June teachers of English will during a recent long- of Education Dr. Char- not only about possible 2011. Participants will study with her meth- term research project lie Haddad to help stu- future careers but also partake in the program ods to improve writing on careers. dents make realistic vo- about themselves. Par- through online distance skills, she will also lead cational goals based on ents and students com- learning, on site face- a workshop on class- their interests, aptitudes mented favorably upon to-face workshops and room management in and the market needs in the value of the project, individual coaching. English. Dr. Haddad a challenged economy. which promoted a cross- The plan is to prepare became acquainted with Activities incorporated curricular and student- a total of 18 candidates Ms. Galle at the 2009 personal interest and centered approach to as future administrators TESOL conference in aptitude surveys, prac- education, a hallmark and subject coordina- D.C. where he was a tical guidance in future of the ELCJHL’S edu- tors for curriculum and keynote speaker. career choices, fi eld cational ministry. instruction in eight dif- The teachers and experience, interviews, Students are not the ferent subjects for all administrators of the visits, hosting guest only members of the Lutheran schools. schools and educational speakers at schools school community Another summer programs of the EL- and Internet research. planning for future ca- project will benefi t both CJHL look forward to Some members of the The project will soon reers. A new leadership students and teachers the opportunity to learn ELCJHL faculty will conclude with student training program to be- when another Ameri- and share in such pro- soon take part in a presentations to their gin this year, organized can volunteer will offer grams and appreciate training leadership peers, parents and other and monitored by Dr. special English instruc- greatly the generosity program. English guests. Haddad and sponsored tion and workshops for of our supporters and teachers will be offered The team of educators by the Norwegian Min- teachers. In July, Ju- volunteers. workshops on writing at each school included istry of Foreign Affairs lie Galle, a teacher of Sylvia Countess, EL- skills and classroom the principal, school through Norwegian English for speakers of CJHL assistant to the management. social worker and se- Church Aid, will pre- other languages in the Director of Educa- lected faculty across the pare a group of poten- Washington, D.C., area tion, is a member of St. curriculum. Students, tial leaders for the Lu- and a Ph. D. candidate John’s Lutheran Church teachers and parents theran schools. at George Mason Uni- in Knoxville, Tenn. Page 4 170 years of ministry Pastor visits church’s long- time partner in Germany When ELCJHL Pas- was an active partici- tor Ibrahim Azar visited pant in the Feb. 20-23 Germany in February, celebration. In addition he was taking part in a to fulfi lling his duties Jerusalemsverein 170-year-old relation- as a Jerusalemsverein brought the Lutheran ship. Azar, pastor of the board member, he gave witness to the Holy Lutheran Church of the one of three lectures. Land early in the 19th Redeemer in Jerusalem, Viola Raheb, sister of century. attended the annual ELCJHL Rev. Dr. Mi- mission festival of Je- tri Raheb, spoke on rusalemsverein, the or- the Christian diaspora. ganization that brought Dr. Georg Dürr, princi- the Lutheran witness to pal of ELCJHL Talitha the Holy Land early in Kumi School in Beit the 19th century. Jala, spoke on the work Nearly two centu- of the school. ries later, the organiza- Azar’s lecture in- tion is still supporting cluded three sections: in the region spiritual life in congre- through their participa- gations, schools and tion in Berliner Mis- leadership development sionswerk, an associa- in the ELCJHL. LIGHTS IN THE DARKNESS - EAPPI volunteers tion of mission organi- He emphasized posi- watch quietly as a new team is welcomed into zations in Germany that tive developments in service on Feb. 18 at Redeemer Luth. Church. Azar told the Ger- provide fi nancial and the church during the man organization about other support to Chris- year, such as the ordina- plans. He talked about ing role in the youth many recent positive tian projects around the tion of two pastors and the many partnerships work and women’s developments in the world. the gift of land at the ELCJHL schools have work,” he said. ELCJHL, such as the “These meetings are baptism site in Jordan. in Europe and the Unit- ELCJHL leadership ordination of two pas- important to remain in He also talked about ed States. He also dis- has identifi ed training tors and property at the contact with our part- the need to encourage cussed how exchanges the next generation of baptism site in Jordan. ners in Germany, that Christians to stay in the of students and teachers leaders as one of its top they have exact infor- Holy Land, especially “give a new vision” to priorities. mation about the Chris- after the recent Israeli those involved. In other festival tians and the political bombardment of Gaza. Finally, he talked events, about 500 peo- situation and the church “People get more in- about the ELCJHL’s ple attended a worship work and the schools,” secure,” he said. leadership development service the morning of he said. ELCJHL schools, he efforts. Feb. 22, with Bishop Azar, who did his uni- reported, are making “It is now the time to Dr. Johannes Friedrich versity and seminary progress on fulfi lling educate church mem- preaching and Azar as- studies in Germany, long-range strategic bers … (to take) a lead- sisting. X Finnish Kuopio Diocese is new partner with ELCJHL, FELM In an effort to “express and promote their com- individual members to engage in closer fellowship mon witness, service and solidarity,” the ELCJHL with one another in order that they … might grow has entered into a new agreement with two Finnish in partnership.” It is an “expression of mutual sup- The ELCJHL’s Finn- partners. The trio includes the Finnish Evangelical port and encouragement” in fulfi lling the mission ish partner, the Finnish Lutheran Mission, with which the ELCJHL has a of witness and service. Evangelical Lutheran long relationship. The new partner is the Kuopio The agreement calls for specifi c cooperation: Mission, celebrated its Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of • increased interaction and communication 150th anniversary in . The ELCJHL previously partnered with • theological exchanges January. the Lapua Diocese. • experimentation with new methods of coop- “We hope this will really be important, for this eration accompaniment will strengthen our relations with • and fi nancial support of the ELCJHL. the whole church in Finland,” ELCJHL Bishop The new agreement was signed during one of Munib Younan said, noting that the Kuopio bishop, Bishop Younan’s recent trips to Finland, on Feb. Wille Riekkinen, is active in justice efforts. 17, and will remain in effect until 2013. In its own words, the agreement is founded on Younan was also in Finland in January for the “mutual respect, reciprocity, equality and solidari- 150th anniversary of FELM, where he delivered a ty.” Its goal is to “encourage the churches and their speech in commemoration of the event. X Heal the whole world Page 5 ELCJHL pastor, delegation participate in Swedish diocese conference

As God sowed his word in us, we are to sow seeds of justice, hope and love for the healing of the whole world. This was the message ELCJHL Rev. Imad Haddad preached recently at the inter- national conference of the Church of Sweden’s Luleå diocese. Traveling to Sweden along with Haddad, pastor of the Lutheran Church of Beit Sahour, were Maha Khamis Abu Ghannam, manag- er of “The Cave” Arts WINTER WONDERLAND enjoying the crisp weather in Sweden are, from left, Inger and Crafts Center at the Jonasson, Rev. Imad Haddad and Maha Khamis Abu Ghannam. International Center in He used examples of ELCJHL ministry in recon- Bethlehem; Inger Jonasson, ICB art coordinator; ciliation, interfaith dialogue, education and the like and Rev. Kjell Jonasson, ELCJHL assistant for to convey a sense of hope. Ecumenical Affairs and International Relations. Haddad said he was pleased with the outcome of In keeping with the Swedish church’s larger the seminar, which was offered twice to a total of theme of “Heal the whole world,” the Feb. 14-16, about 45 people. Giving a different picture of Pal- 2009, conference took place in the coastal town of estine than is available in the media “was my main “It (is) much easier Haparanda, Sweden. purpose,” he said, adding, “and they got something to tell people to build In addition to preaching at the Sunday workshop Christian as well.” walls than to tell people service, Haddad, along with Kjell Jonasson, partici- While he wanted to make clear the realities of life to build bridges.” pated in a panel discussion that addressed the ques- here, that was not the sum total of his message. – Imad Haddad tion of whether the church is building or breaking “We have the opportunity to keep on crying and walls. Haddad said he spoke about the importance cursing the situation, or we can go on working with of preaching life when the world is preaching death people and giving them hope,” he said. You can’t (that is, hatred and war). escape being “political” when discussing the Mid- “It (is) much easier to tell people to build walls dle East, but you also need to communicate how than to tell people to build bridges,” he said. we live and preach through the situation, he said. Haddad and Jonasson also teamed up to lead a One thing that impressed Haddad in his fi rst trip seminar on the situation of Christians in the Middle to Sweden is that “we are part of the creation and East. Haddad used his own biography as a Pales- we have a message to convey to people. It’s not tinian, Arab, Christian and evangelical Lutheran to only a message that’s only far up there, but down to frame the discussion. He used pictures and words earth with issues of life,” he said. For this reason, to describe the ELCJHL and the political, economic “We can’t separate church from society. We need and demographic issues that Christians face here. to have this prophetic voice in society,” he said. X Swedish church, ELCJHL call for Sweden to aid in pursuit of peace In the wake of the statement issued in absolute prerequisite,” of the Church of Swe- bombardment of Gaza February. it says. den visited Gaza in the and in light of Swe- Calling conditions in The church lead- wake of Israel’s recent Church of Sweden den’s upcoming Euro- Gaza “incomprehensi- ers issued their state- bombing campaign leaders hope their coun- pean Union presidency, ble,” the statement says ment after Swedish there. try will use their Euro- the Church of Sweden that Swedish taxpapers Foreign Minister Carl Sweden will hold the pean Union presidency is calling on its govern- have offered funds for Bildt presented that presidency of the Coun- to promote a just peace ment to take an active rebuilding Gaza for a country’s parliament a cil of the European in the . role in seeking peace in third time. But such declaration stating that Union in July through the Holy Land. aid is just a “band-aid peace between Israel December of 2009. The church’s Arch- on bleeding wounds” and Palestine will be a You can read the bishop Anders Wejryd if the primary causes top agenda item for his statement http://www. and ELCJHL Bishop of the confl ict are not government this year. elcjhl.org/Common Munib Younan made addressed; thus, an end The declaration came Statement with Swe- this request in a joint to the occupation is “an after a representative den.doc. X PagBishope 6 Munib You- nan (center of photo at right) joined Christian and Muslim leaders at a press conference on Feb. 26, 2009, de- nouncing an Israeli TV program that insulted Jesus, his mother Mary and the prophet Mo- hammad. The Lutheran magazine reported in its April 2009 that Lior Shlien, the comedian responsible for the of- fenses, sent a letter of apology. Extremism is greatest threat, Younan tells Norwegian delegation For all their differences, and Israelis agree eration of leaders for the church. on the importance of the Christian presence in the He said the main social problems facing the Holy Land. Bishop Munib Younan told the Chris- church include mixed marriages, property rights, tian Council of Norway their presence in Jerusalem the occupation and the anti-mission law move- was “very essential” to encourage local Christians ment. to maintain their presence. The group of about a He said the church remains committed to non- dozen Norwegian church leaders met with Younan violence but cannot be quiet about injustice. While “Christians must stay on Feb. 5, asking about extremism and prospects both Israeli and Palestinian societies seem to be where they are and con- for peace. moving to the right politically, Younan said the tinue to witness.” Led by Church of Norway bishop Ole Christian church must continue to promote moderate initia- – Bishop Younan Kvarme, Oslo diocese, and council general secre- tives such as the two-state solution, a shared Je- tary Ornulf Steen, the CCN has had a relationship rusalem, the discontinuation of settlement growth, with the ELCJHL since the 1990s. equitable sharing of resources and the right of re- Younan told them that it is not persecution or cen- turn for refugees. sorship but extremism among the three Abrahamic “We cannot sleep until politicians agree – we faiths that poses a threat to Christians here. must continue interfaith dialogue,” he said. X He told the group of his recent visit with His Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan, in which the Younan attends LWF executive meeting king told the bishop, “Christians must stay where ELCJHL Bishop Munib Younan attended the they are and continue to witness.” It was, after latest Lutheran World Federation executive com- all, Christians who convinced Jewish and Muslim mittee meeting, held Feb. 20-22, in Geneva, Swit- leaders to enter into dialogue, Younan said, refer- zerland. Among agenda items was preparation for ring to the Council of Religious Institutions in the the October election of a new general secretary. Holy Land in Jerusalem. The executive committee is also involved in the Younan told the visitors about the council’s ef- LWF “renewal process,” which the LWF website forts to monitor derogatory speech and to accurate- describes as “develop(ing) ways to organize the ly educate their congregations about one another. common life and work of the Lutheran commu- They also discuss the prospects for a shared Jeru- nion so that all churches and related organizations salem. of mission and diakonia take responsibility for Younan also spoke about the ELCJHL’s priorities these functions.” As LWF vice president for the of strengthening evangelical spirituality, providing Asia region, Younan is one of fi ve vice presidents “womb to tomb” education and training a new gen- who sit on the LWF executive committee.

Gaza update: enter on 3rd attempt; WCC issues statement After three attempts their pastoral visit to were the only two of a Israel and Gaza on Feb. in fi ve weeks, three area Gaza on March 10. delegation of fi ve bish- 4. Later, the three bish- Three local bishops bishops were fi nally al- Earlier, bishops ops denied entry at the ops applied for permis- were among a delega- lowed to enter Gaza Dawani and Younan Erez Crossing between sion to enter Gaza on tion of people to visit to visit churches and Feb. 24 but were denied Gaza in March, visit- humanitarian projects. WCC statement on Gaza War for undisclosed rea- ing churches and other Anglican Bishop Rt. The World Council of Churches decried sons. Christian humanitarian Rev. Suheil Dawani, the loss of human life and called for greater The ELCJHL’s press projects. ELCJHL Bishop Mu- church engagement in joint efforts for peace release on the bish- nib Younan and Greek in its Feb. 20, 2009, statement on the Gaza ops’ visit is available Catholic Archbishop war. You can read the statement in full at at http://www.elcjhl. made http://tiny.cc/ZnD2h. org/3-10-09 Gaza.doc. U.S. rabbis visit ELCJHL, discuss interfaith conditions Page 7 Which is worse? On really surprised of our Christian-Jewish dia- Shirvian said Arme- one hand, religious ignorance,” he said. logue group. Younan nians have lived in Is- groups peacefully co- Armenian Ortho- called this group, the rael-Palestine for 1,700 exist but are ignorant dox Archbishop Aris only one of its kind in years and so have seen of one another. On the Shirvian said that or- Israel-Palestine, a “mir- many occupiers come It is “this spirit of other, they desecrate thodox Jews spat on acle.” and go. He personally intolerance that we and each other’s symbols the ground in front of “We () witnessed pre-1967 you have to fi ght.” and harass their adher- him when he attended think we are the only Jerusalem, which was – Aris Shirvian ents. a reception for Jeru- ones who have pain,” psychologically and Neither is acceptable, salem’s newly elected he said. “We succeed- physically divided. The according to Christian mayor. It is “this spirit ed because we started greater the barriers, and Jewish faith leaders of intolerance that we to understand the pain “the more animosity who spoke to a group and you have to fi ght,” of the other.” Younan will continue to prevail of U.S. rabbis visiting Shirvian told his audi- went on to say that his between the two sides,” the ELCJHL Lutheran ence of some 40 rab- people “must under- he said. Church of the Redeem- bis. Leading the group stand the deep trauma He hopes that broth- er in February. was Dr. Ron Kronish, a of the Jewish people erly relations between ELCJHL Bishop Mu- rabbi himself and direc- from the holocaust.” its residents will pre- nib Younan was in his tor of the Interreligious Jews must likewise un- vent the city from being late teens when he fi rst Coordinating Council derstand the trauma of divided again. All be- met a Jew. When he in Israel. Kronish and the occupation, he said, lievers should have the fi rst began dialoguing Younan are co-leaders adding that the two are right to visit their holy with Jews, “We were of Jonah Group, ICCI’s not equivalent. places, he said. X Rabbi with deep Lutheran, interfaith ties visits ELCJHL With the growth of interfaith dialogue, it’s not of the Abiding Presence, in Burke, Va., to inquire unusual to fi nd a Jewish rabbi familiar with Luther- about renting their facilities. For the next nine years, anism. But Rabbi Amy Perlin knows the church’s B’nai Shalom worshipped in the Lutheran church, liturgical seasons and colors – thanks to worship- which, Perlin said, helped Abiding Presence fund a When Perlin was hos- ping in a Lutheran sanctuary for nine years. building addition. When B’nai Shalom’s sanctuary pitalized, a Lutheran Perlin, senior rabbi at underwent refurbish- clergyman was her Temple B’nai Shalom ing in 2005 and more “pastor of choice.” in Fairfax Station, Vir- recently needed repairs ginia, U.S.A., was with after a pipe burst, the a group of U.S. rabbis congregation returned who recently met with to their Lutheran home. ELCJHL Bishop Munib Now, after their days Younan to hear about of worshipping sepa- the church’s Christian- rately in the same sanc- Jewish dialogue efforts. tuary, the congregations There, Perlin eagerly have joint Thanksgiv- shared her story of how ing services. When the her congregation was service is at the church, “born” in a Lutheran Perlin preaches, and church. vice versa. The congregation Bishop Munib Younan and Rabbi Amy Perlin But the friendship goes formed with three families in 1986 but lacked a deeper than shared facilities. When Perlin was hos- sanctuary. So they contacted The Lutheran Church pitalized, the Lutheran pastor, Thomas Bailey, was her “pastor of choice,” she said, “much to the con- Bishop welcomes granddaughter fusion of all the nurses!” Calling him a “dear friend You can learn more Katharina Nazeeh Khoury was born on Friday, and role model,” Perlin said she was privileged to about Rabbi Amy Per- Feb. 20, 2009, at 8:25 am. She is the daughter be the only non-Lutheran to speak at Bailey’s re- lin’s congregation at of Anna Younan Khoury and Nazeeh Khoury tirement dinner last year. www.tbs-online.org. and Perlin said she had long thought the relationship grand- was divinely ordained in order for her congregation daughter to be born. But then Bailey and his wife, Carol, lost of Suad their son David in 2006. Perlin “stood with them in and prayer at his bedside.” She concluded, “That’s why Bishop God brought us together.” Munib B’nai Shalom’s interfaith relationships extend to Younan. other Lutheran churches and look likely to contin- ue. “Blessings abound in dialogue and friendship,” Perlin said. X Page 8 Younan attends meetings, visits Women’s desk facilitator hired leaders in in March There is a new face in the ELCJHL offi ce these ELCJHL Bishop Munib Younan spent March 5-9 days. She is Bassima Jaraiseh, who joined the staff in Lebanon attending meetings and, at the invita- on March 17 as facili- tion of Pastor George Kopfi , preaching in the An- tator of the women’s glican All Saints Church. He met with a number of desk. Although new to church dignitaries and Christian leaders including: the Jerusalem offi ce, • Metropolitan Elias Audi of the Greek Orthodox she is familiar to mem- Church for the Archdiocese of ; bers of the Lutheran Bishop Younan is • Catholicos Aram I, catholicos of the Holy See Church of Hope in Ra- president of the Fellow- of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church; mallah, where she has ship of the Middle East • Near East School of Theology President Dr. attended church since Evangelical Churches. Mary Mikhael; her baptism and had • Haigazian University President Dr. Paul Haid- served as the leader of ostian; the women’s group. The Bassima Jaraiseh • Fellowship of the Middle East Evangelical part-time position was Churches (FMEEC) General Secretary Rosan- created to elevate the women’s desk from a volun- gela Jarjour and her husband, Rev. Dr. Riad Jar- tary to a professional level, Bishop Younan said. jour, the former general secretary of the Middle “It’s to empower women’s work, women in the East Council of Churches; church, spirituality,” Jaraiseh said. She is supported • and MECC General Secretary Dr. Guirgis Ibra- in her work by a committee of about nine people, him Saleh. which has established an ambitious agenda. It in- Younan chaired a meeting of the executive com- cludes promoting evangelical identity, study mittee of FMEEC, which will hold an assembly in and self-empowerment, as well as discussing meet- Beirut next year. ing planning and women’s duties and responsibili- The FMEEC is an association of mainline evan- ties as equal members of church and society. You gelical churches of the Middle East. The fellow- can contact Jaraiseh at [email protected]. ship exists to strengthen, unite and train Protestant Watch the newsletter for further information X churches in their mission and ministry. about Jaraiseh and her work. Ecumenical forum works to mobilize world churches for Middle East peace Members of the Pal- conference in Amman, be a grassroots move- document, The Amman and Jew alike and calls estine Israel Ecumeni- Jordan. The interna- ment of Christians to Call, acknowledges the churches to “heal and cal Forum met at the tional, inter-church ad- strengthen their pres- “violence, humiliation to bring all sides to rec- International Center of vocacy initiative was ence in the Holy Land. and despair” endured onciliation.” Read it at Bethlehem on Feb. 12. formed to “catalyze and The forum’s founding by Christian, Muslim http://tiny.cc/GHWQi. In its efforts to mobilize co-ordinate” new and churches around the existing church advoca- Church of Hope spotlights its women world for peace with cy for peace and “(end) The women of the Lutheran Church of Hope in were in the justice in the Middle the illegal occupation spotlight in March. On Friday, March 20, the night before Mother’s Day East, the World Council in accordance with in Palestine, mothers of the congregation were treated to a special eve- of Churches launched UN resolutions.” The ning of food, fl owers, music and dancing. The following Sunday the PIEF at a 2007 peace forum is intended to women were responsible for the church service, taking charge of every- thing, from liturgy to the sermon. Church member David Tannous said of Good Shepherd hosts cultural, the service, “Our ladies did a very nice job, as they always do.” In other business, the congregation is making preparations for renovat- fi tness and other events ing the church’s front vestibule. Plans include replacing windows as well Al Khei-me-h (The people. as interior and exterior doors beginning some time after Easter. Tent), the ecumeni- • welcomed 19 women Tannous also reported that the congregation has appreciated the work cal community center to aerobics sessions of vicar Ashraf Tannous, who has handled various parish duties during that is a ministry of the during January. Since the nine months during which the church has been without a pastor. ELCJHL Church of the women of all religions Good Shepherd in Am- are welcomed, the mance by the Lebanese challenges and societal operation” that enhance man, Jordan, has been thrice-weekly sessions drama group, “Just for issues – not debating justice toward God’s the location for several provide Muslim and Kids,” in February, co- dogma. The aim should people and all creation. events and activities re- Christian women the sponsored by the Jor- be to promote the value Al Khei-me-h spon- cently. opportunity to exercise, dan Bible Society. of individuals regard- sors lectures on topics Among its recent ac- socialize and exchange • hosted a lecture about less of religion, in or- such as politics, reli- tivities, the center: views. This, says Good interfaith dialogue by der to promote mutual gion and civic life. • hosted Jordanian poet Shepherd Pastor Samer Muslim scholar Dr. respect and see God in The congregation also Sliman al Mashinin, Azar, illustrates the in- Odatallah Mani’ Al Qa- the other. Appreciat- treated its children to a who read selections terfaith harmony that issi. Dialogue, he said, ing the truth claims and carnival party, in coop- from his works to an exists in Jordan. is about discussing status of other believers eration with the Amman audience of about 25 • presented a perfor- common values, joint creates “channels of co- German congregation.