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
The church elders, as well as the mayor of Beit Jala, helped Bishop Munib Younan dedicate the bells.
Bishop Younan explained to those present and those watching live at home the meaning of Advent and the lighting of the wreath.
Brass for Peace also performed during the service.
To learn more about Brass for Peace, you can visit their website: http://www.brass-for-peace.de/en/index.html
Congratulations to the Church of the Reformation in Beit Jala!
BEIT JALA – On October 21st, 2014, the work of installing the new bells received by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Reformation began. Three of the four bells to be installed are new, with one bell being an original bell, dedicated in 1902. The dedication of the new bells will take place on November 2nd, 2014, along with the dedication of the new garden planted by the Beit Jala church to help feed their congregation.
A panoramic view of Beit Jala from the rooftop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Reformation.
From the church’s roof, you can see two landmarks on the skyline – one is our own Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church and on the left and the one on the right is Herodion, a palace and burial site built by Herod the Great.
