Church of the Reformation in Beit Jala Consecrates New Bells

BEIT JALA – On the first Sunday in Advent, November 30th, 2014, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Beit Jala dedicated their new bells, as well as bless a new part of their cemetery. The bells, from Italy, were provided through funds from the European Union transferred through the Palestinian Authority. The construction completed in the cemetery was completed through donations from the congregation.

Palestinian media was present to help celebrate, as well as the Talitha Kumi Scouts and Brass for Peace.

All of our churches in Jordan and the Holy Land are looking for partner churches around the world. If you would like to partner with The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Beit Jala, please send an e-mail to Rev. Saliba Rishmawi at srishmawi@elcjhl.org.

: Three of the bells came from Italy and one of the bells was dedicated with the church.

: A fifth bell was damaged – part of the reason for the new bells – and has been put in a place of honor in front of the sanctuary.

: This roofed structure, built by donations from the congregation in the church’s cemetery, will be used to shield congregations from the elements during funerals, as well as hold services for the deceased.

: Bishop Younan blessed the structure with the help of the congregation’s elders.

: The sanctuary was decorated to celebrate Advent and Christmas.

: The Talitha Kumi Scouts performed before the service. To hear a part of their performance, you can listen here: https://soundcloud.com/elcjhl/the-talitha-kumi-scouts