Phone: 972-2-626-6800 FAX: 972-2-628-5764 ADDRESS: Muristan Road P.O. Box 14076 Jerusalem 91140 via Israel
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Some say the meaning of Beit Sahour comes from the Aramaic, meaning house of the ones who watch during the night, named for the nearby shepherd's fields where the angels appeared with tidings of great joy. Others say the meaning comes from the Arabic, meaning house of the magicians, for the wise men who came through the area in search of the Newborn King.
Pastor Imad Haddad was installed as pastor in March of 2008, marking the first time an ordained Pastor has served the church. Before that, Evangelist Hani Odeh had served the church from 1984.
The congregation actually grew out of a mission school around 1900, during the Ottoman Empire. Christians suffered under the Ottomans, and their numbers dwindled. The aim of this mission was to teach the Christian faith in the simple, understandable Lutheran ways, to complement the more elaborate orthodox religious practices. Bible studies and devotions grew, and, in 1956, the church building was built.
The leaders of the churches in Beit Sahour have recently formed a new ecumenical network which works together to support the Christian community and the whole community regardless of religion, race or creed. They have met with local Muslim leaders to support one another and to promote common values of human rights, dignity, justice and peace.
The scouting program reaches out to area youth to include them in the church
community. The program began in 1995 to offer youth activities such as camping,
workshops and band performances. They participate with the ecumenical youth
network in all community events.
The church has always focused on service to the community and help wherever they can. Today, the church is focusing on building up the community's spiritual life, through a new program of weekly prayer, music, Bible study and fellowship. Other ministries include the choir, folk-dancers, the Women's Group and a ministry to married couples.
The church and the school hold a central place in Beit Sahour because many of the town's people graduated from the school.
Mailing Address: The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Beit Sahour P.O.Box 35 Beit Sahour, Palestine via Israel Office: 972-2-277-3710 Fax: 972-2-277-3710 Pastor Imad Haddad Home: 972-2-274-8954 Cell: Palestinian Jawwal 0598907382 Cell: Israel Orange 0547963110 Email: ihaddad@elcjhl.org