The Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Beit Jala was filled to overflowing on April 4, Palm Sunday 2004. The Sunday School children processed into the sanctuary with flowers and palm branches, and sang their praises to God. Flutes, guitar and organ accompanied the singing of the children and a young adult choir as well as the congregational singing.
Bishop Younan and Pastor Jadallah Shihadeh confirmed twelve young people and gave them their first Holy Communion in both elements. (The bread of Holy Communion is given to children but the wine is reserved until after confirmation in the ELCJ.) Following the worship service people greeted the newly-confirmed young people in a receiving line with the bishop and pastor, and a special reception was held.