Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return. While Ash Wednesday is a tradition not as widely marked here in the ELCJHL as in other countries, two of our pastors imposed ashes for Ash Wednesday, and each pastor held a service, meal, bible study, or a combination of the three to discuss … [Read more…]
We love our students’ love of learning! On February 26th, students from ELS Beit Sahour demonstrated a very impressive science fair. Projects included the effects of cigarette smoking, “underwater fire” and conducting electricity! Way to go Beit Sahour!
February 22nd was a historic night here in the Holy Land. Dayroyo Boulus Khano, a monk at the St. Mark’s Syriac Orthodox Monastery in Jerusalem and an important friend to the ELCJHL, has launched his four gospels handwritten in ancient Syriac Aramaic. Dayroyo Boulus has studied this language since the young age of twelve, when … [Read more…]
As part of the democratic process of the ELCJHL, we are pleased to announce a successful conclusion to our church’s elections for the Synod Council (legislative body), and the Church Council (executive body) elections. For the Synod Council elections, Reverend Imad Haddad will continue to serve as the synod president. Mr. Bassam Mussalam was elected … [Read more…]
January 22-30 of 2022 was Unity Week here in Jerusalem, where Christian churches from a multitude of different denominations came together to pray, each night hosted by a different church in Jerusalem, for the unity of our church, our nation, and our world. Tuesday of this Week of Prayer was held at Redeemer, with a … [Read more…]
On January 10th, Bishop Ibrahim Azar, accompanied by Reverend Fursan Ayed Zumot, Reverend Gabi Aelabouni, Reverend Doctor Meghan Aelabouni, Reverend Carrie Ballenger, and Probst Joachim Lenz, were welcomed to the Greek Orthodox Patriarch in the Old City of Jerusalem to celebrate the Christmas holiday together. Each Head of Church spoke to those gathered, reflecting on … [Read more…]
On January 7th, members of our Ramallah, Jerusalem, Beit Jala, Bethlehem, and Beit Sahour congregations each boarded a bus and headed north. Our Gender Justice Program Coordinator, Ranan Issa, worked hard to create a wonderful experience for all our interested participants, including many who were able to receive special permission to pass the checkpoint just … [Read more…]
The ELCJHL had a jam-packed Christmas season filled with caroling, worship, candle-lighting, and fellowship. We rejoiced in school Christmas programs, a multitude of Christmas bazaars, eco-Christmas creations through our Environmental Education Center, local musicians, parades, and everything in between! If you’re interested in learning about more details from our 2021 Christmas season, we invite you … [Read more…]
Yesterday was Palestinian Teacher’s Day! Our schools celebrated our amazing staff at all of our schools with food, speeches from our principals, and gifts for each staff member. Though yesterday was the national holiday, we thank God every day for our amazing teaching staff at each of our schools. Without them, our educational ministry is … [Read more…]